Zen Waqavonovono has become the first Fijian to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.
Zen was among students from 75 countries who graduated during the college’s 2024 commencement ceremony held on Saturday, May 10.
He was the only graduate from Fiji and one of just two from the Pacific region, the other being from the Federated States of Micronesia.
Proud mother Sharyne Fong said Zen first applied to Berklee in 2018 and was accepted to commence studies in January 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 29-year-old to return home just two months later, completing his studies online as the campus shut down.
“He took 2021 off as they had hybrid classes where part face to face and part online and commuting up and down from Fiji to Boston for that and with COVID protocols and quarantine procedures in place was not practical for us,” Ms Fong said.
“Zen returned to Berklee College of Music to continue his studies in 2022, and what we witnessed today is an accomplishment of sheer hard work, dedication and passion to serve and help those in need through music therapy.
“Zen secured an internship with the Community Music Centre of Boston to do his six months internship, following which he will then receive his license to practice as a music therapist.”
During his studies, Zen gained practical experience working in clinical settings with children and adults, dealing with autism, trauma, and speech challenges using music as a therapeutic tool.
Berklee College of Music is regarded as one of the world’s leading institutions for contemporary music education.
Its list of honorary degree recipients includes notable musicians such as Roberta Flack, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones, and this year, Andre 3000 and Sara Bareilles.
