Trace Zacur

Berklee Scholarship Renewal

Summary
Since entering Berklee in the Fall of 2016, I feel that I have grown as a musician and an
artist. The biggest area of growth for me is in my confidence as a player and my skillset. Even
though I have performed many times as a professional, I used my instincts as much as my
teachings, not always sure that the result would be positive. Berklee faculty has shown me that
the two are compatible and to get the most out of a performance both are necessary. In this
respect I have become more engaged and focused with the result of improved performance. I
spend more quality time practicing based on the guidance I have received, which has made me a
more disciplined player. I am more efficient and can reach for my vision with fewer distractions.
Another way that I have grown is through the interaction with so many varied and gifted
musicians. The jam sessions that I have participated in and often organized have broadened my
scope of what is possible and what can be achieved. I have always felt that there was no ceiling
in music and being at Berklee has strengthened this belief.
My top three goals for the coming year are to continue working on some of the same
things and also to explore new territory. First, I plan to raise my rating once again and to reach
Berklee’s highest expectation of an 8. I am currently a 6. Second, I want to compose and perform
more original music. I was privileged to have an original song selected in the Afro Pop ensemble
that I participated in and it has inspired me to do more. Third, I plan to continue to develop the
relationships I have with my current instructors to maximize my potential while expanding my
network both inside and outside of the school. I want to learn as much as possible from as many
people as possible. It is also a goal to collaborate with fellow students in the hope of putting
together a group with the intention of creating a special sound all our own. In addition, I hope to
play in the community as a performer who represents the best that is Berklee. I have a positive
outlook that I plan to build on in the coming year with a clear idea of what I want to achieve. I
am proud of making the Dean’s List Fall 2017 and will do my best to maintain this progress.