The immersive learning experience, presented by TikTok, debuts abroad guiding aspiring
music creators through production, songwriting, stage performance techniques
and music business
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Credit: Ángel Delgado/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation
MEXICO CITY (MAY 23, 2025) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Berklee Global, hosted the second Emerging Talent Intensive Program, marking its international debut, at Rec Música in Mexico City. The immersive learning experience, presented by TikTok, took place over two days guiding 100 aspiring music creators through workshops focused on production, the essentials of songwriting including lyric and harmony analysis, song structure, stage performance and marketing music from conception to completion.
The curriculum was led by Berklee College of Music’s faculty professor Enrique González Müller and vocalist and educator, Kaimy Masse, alongside instructors from Rec Música including producer, arranger and pianist José Miguel Quijano Toledo, and producer and Jazz bassist Juan Carlos Sardaneta Cesari. Additionally, Latin music industry leaders joined the program, including Latin GRAMMY®-winning composer Mónica Vélez and Latin GRAMMY nominees Horacio Palencia, León Leiden and Paty Cantú, who also served as an official sponsor, as did Fiesta Americana and Kaiser.
"Berklee Global, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, and Rec Música have collaborated to create a program designed to equip today’s musicians with integrated skills across songwriting, production, performance and music business—all essential areas in the contemporary music industry,” said González Müller. “Educators from Berklee and Rec Música worked closely to develop custom, symbiotic teaching content with a focus on highlighting and engaging local Mexican artists’ music. The program—made possible through the generous support of TikTok—exemplifies music education excellence, uplifts local culture, and fosters ongoing collaboration within a transformative global network."
"For TikTok, music is part of our DNA," said Laura Reyna, Public Policy Manager for Latin America. "We have proudly taken our musical passion to concrete actions that have revolutionized music. Today, we are not only an ally of established artists, we are a catalyst for new talent and have established extraordinary partnerships with institutions such as The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. Intensive programs like this help us continue to democratize the industry, remove barriers and professionalize those who have something to tell the world with their voice, an instrument and a melody that we will never forget."
"We are grateful to our partners for their support in bringing the second Emerging Talent Intensive Program to Mexico, marking its international debut thanks to the generous support of TikTok, Fiesta Americana, Kaiser and Paty Cantú," said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. "Together, we are empowering communities through Latin music and culture. "
The Emerging Talent Intensive Program was launched earlier this year, and creates engaging, accessible experiences for aspiring performing artists. The program offers students the opportunity to participate in hands-on training through classes and jam sessions based on the broad and dynamic curriculum offered by Berklee College of Music professors and Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation guest panelists.
For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.
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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $12.5 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.
ABOUT BERKLEE GLOBAL:
The Berklee Global division (BG) leads Berklee’s global engagement strategy with the goal of bringing a global perspective to Berklee’s overall institutional direction and creating new models for artistic, educational, and cultural exchange. BG oversees several key initiatives, including Berklee on the Road, a hallmark program that began with the launch of the Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics in 1985 and exemplifies Berklee’s commitment to bringing the classroom to the world—and the world into our classroom. Berklee on the Road programs have been delivered on six continents in 20 countries. BG also oversees the Berklee Global Partners Network—established in 1993 as a collective of independent music institutions, now comprising 24 partners across 22 countries. In 2020, Berklee launched Berklee Abu Dhabi, the institution’s first center in the MENA region, playing a key role in shaping the creative and artistic landscape of Abu Dhabi and the region by offering world-class educational programs, industry-focused initiatives, and the production of regional and international award-winning artists. Berklee’s reputation as a premier destination for the study of contemporary music and the performing arts is strengthened by this dynamic global presence and its leadership in delivering transformative learning experiences worldwide.
ABOUT TIKTOK:
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include Mexico City, New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul and Tokyo.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
The Latin Recording Academy
Nathalie Alberto
TikTok
Alexia De la Rosa