Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Boston, Massachusetts – Hometown boy makes an impact at Berklee School of Music in Boston.  Many of our readers will remember Joseph Greer, 2013 graduate of Dexter Senior High School and talented musician.  He was selected among thousands to attend Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and what an impression he has made in his first year at college.

"I have friends from all over the world now and they are the best of the best of the musicians in the world," stated Joseph.

Greer began playing piano at the age of nine under the direction of his piano teacher, Pete Paryseck.  While studying jazz and pop tunes, he also learned about Gospel music at the church he attended since the age of three, Mt. Calvary Power House Church in Poplar Bluff.

Gospel music has definitely had a strong impact on his life and how he composes music. "I was able to perform two Gospel concerts with the best Gospel musicians I have ever seen," commented Greer. 

Joseph was selected by the Berklee Piano Department to perform in a student composer competition and he won.  He was later featured in a recital with the other winners of the competition who performed their original pieces in jazz, piano, small ensemble and gospel organ settings.

"I wrote a song for the Hammond b3 organ and it was picked along with six others to be performed at the Berklee Piano Department/Student Composer Show.  I was even chosen to play for a slide show for Henry Diltz.  He was the photographer on stage at Woodstock!"

In his first year of college it’s not surprising that Joseph would walk away with an outstanding musicianship award.  He received the Multi-Keyboard Award.  This award is given to a student who embodies musical and academic qualities that Berklee seeks to promote within the three instructional divisions of the college – Professional Performance, Professional Writing, and Music Technology, and Professional Education.   This award is one of the most prestigious the college offers, given that nominations are made by faculty within the student’s area of specialization.  The award was presented at the Berklee College of Music Spring Awards ceremony. 

One of the most exciting endeavors of his freshman year of college was performing in the Prince & Janet – The Tribute, a Jevie pop series concert.  He played the Prince of course and what a fantastic performer he has become.

 "I got to be Prince who is definitely one of my music heroes.  I love his wild and craziness, his ideals, and how he dresses.  Plus he's pretty short just like me!  I sang 'I Wanna Be Your Lover', 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore', and 'Kiss'.

Joseph also stated that the show was so successful that the school would like to have a repeat performance again in the fall!

As far as his summer plans go, he's home in Dexter to visit and will return to Berklee in the fall.  "My first year at Berklee was absolutely amazing! It's been an awesome ride," stated Joseph Greer.

I imagine we will see more accomplishments from this Dexter native!  Good luck Joseph we wish you well in life's journey!