This book is a beautiful, deeply personal tribute to a man who forever changed music education. LEE BERK: LEADING THE BERKLEE WAY tells the story of Lee Berk, the longtime president of Berklee College of Music, and how he transformed what was once a small family-run school into one of the most respected music institutions in the world.
Written by Mark Small—a Berklee alumnus and former editor of Berklee Today—this book feels less like a formal biography and more like sitting down with someone who knew and admired Lee both professionally and personally. It’s filled with stories, insights, and heartfelt reflections not just from colleagues and faculty, but also from Lee’s family, including his wife Susan, who was a driving force behind the project.
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What makes this book special is how it balances Berk’s public achievements with his private life. You get to see the visionary who pushed Berklee into new territory—introducing groundbreaking majors like music production, film scoring, music therapy, and songwriting—but you also get to know the generous, humble man who inspired so many around him. His leadership wasn’t about ego—it was about building a place where musicians of all kinds could thrive.
The book also touches on his deep roots: his family’s immigrant story, his father Lawrence Berk’s early music career, and how both generations pushed against traditional norms to legitimize contemporary music in higher education. Lee took his father’s dream and turned it into something lasting.
After Lee’s unexpected passing in 2023, this book became more than just a tribute—it became a way to preserve his legacy for future generations. Whether you’re a Berklee alum, a music lover, or someone who simply appreciates stories of quiet, powerful leadership, this book will leave you inspired.