BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
From Varun’ s seat, Berklee doesn’ t view technology as separate from music education. Instead, the two are completely integrated, preparing students for realworld professional environments where technical proficiency is essential.
“ Music and tech are completely integrated in this day and age and it’ ll only continue to grow,” Varun notes.“ Technology means everything, from capturing yourself on camera to recording yourself. Berklee is huge on that. Every part of Berklee’ s curriculum is based on technology – it’ s an integral part of what we do.”
Armed with a mission to equip students with knowledge that translates directly into professional situations Berklee’ s philosophy stems from its own contemporary approach to music education. As students learn jazz theory and harmony, they’ re also taught these principles across any musical style – meaning metal players, pop singers, classical musicians and even producers who use computers as their primary instrument have access to industry-leading tech-fuelled music education.
Varun’ s experience as student-turnedstaff embodies this integration, too. On returning to Berklee, Varun turned to supporting Music Technology Labs with a focus on audio hardware and software technology before his transition to classroom technology leadership, which positioned him to influence the institution’ s technological direction. Having experienced Berklee as student, work-study employee, staff member and now director, he understands stakeholder needs across the organisation.
“ Berklee doesn’ t look at tech as a different thing to music. Music and tech is completely integrated in this day and age and it’ ll only continue to grow”
Varun Nayyar, Director of Classroom and Conference Technology, Berklee College of Music
“ What better way of being able to make technology decisions when you’ ve actually seen the entire process from the bottom up?” Varun shares.
Creativity and technology design For Varun, the transformation he oversees extends beyond basic functionality. His team’ s objective involves understanding faculty and student use cases, then designing solutions that actively push creativity forward – distinguishing educational technology implementation from purely operational upgrades.
“ After understanding the use cases of the students and the faculty, I have to design something that not just enables them to hold a class, but ensures their creativity can be pushed forward,” Varun explains.“ Not only do I get to contribute via AV technology, but I also get to contribute, in my own way, to the creative side of things.”
88 December 2025