The Berklee Global Jazz Institute is a creative music institute with a progressive vision to develop the artist of the new millennium The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) is a performance program designed to foster creativity and musicianship through various musical disciplines, with pianist and composer Danilo Pérez as its artistic director.

The BGJI provides a comprehensive contemporary music environment where students are given opportunities to explore their creativity to the highest level possible, advance the power of music as a tool for the betterment of society, and connect musical creative thinking with the natural environment. Service learning will be integral to the program. “Our students have been given great musical talent,” says Marco Pignataro, BGJI managing director. “We’ll teach that, as artists, they are responsible to positively affect their communities.” BGJI students will give back to the community by working with children, teaching music in the Boston area through Berklee City Music programs and in other cities during performance trips. The program will also provide opportunities to connect creative thinking in music with the restoration of nature.

In general, students will develop the skills needed to become role models for a new generation of musicians and to inspire leadership in others.