In this full-length version of an interview filmed in October 2007, Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, introduces the history, mission and future plans of his college and shares his thoughts about music and music education. Along the way he discusses a wide range of topics, from the importance of music to human cultures worldwide and his experiences playing music in Cambodia, to the benefits of a music education and the specific attributes that make Berklee’s faculty and students among the best in the world.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, tells why it’s valuable for most musicians to understand the basics of the business - such as how music publishing works, what record companies do and don’t do, and what the major money-making activities are in the music industry.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, shares his thoughts on whether a career in music is advisable in today’s job market, and offers some hints on finding your way into the field if you decide that it’s the life for you.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, offers his advice and reassurance to parents whose child is considering attending a music school, including his thoughts on why a music education prepares students for much, much more than they might think.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, discusses the college’s primary goals for the near future, from new buildings, more performance spaces and innovative learning technologies, to new recruiting initiatives, courses and support networks for current and prospective students.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, puts into context the problems that confront musicians and music companies today, by comparing them to the issues that musicians faced in previous eras.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, talks about his early career and activities before entering the world of academic administration, including his time spent doing relief work in Southeast Asia and east Africa, teaching music to very young children, and playing in a number of bands.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, discusses the time he spent doing relief work in Cambodia after the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime, and the flowering of traditional musical culture he witnessed in the wake of its passing.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, discusses the importance of music as a form of communication throughout history for families, groups and civilizations, and ties this to the ways in which music is central to the social and mental development of very young children.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, gives a passionate defense of music education and the importance of encouraging every possible student to participate in a music-related school activity.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, discusses the college’s history and mission, as well as what sets it apart from other music programs around the world.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, lists the qualities that the school looks for in prospective students, including both the concrete skills and intangibles that might help a student excel there.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, discusses what the school values most in the faculty they hire, and the skills and qualities that their ideal teachers possess.

Roger H. Brown, President of Berklee College of Music, discusses how the school achieves a balance between theory and practice in their curriculum: that is, emphasizing a grounding in music theory and related fields versus letting students play their instruments in a less constructed environment.