Zen Waqavonovono, a 29-year-old from Fiji, has made history as the first Fijian to earn a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. His graduation in 2024 marks a significant achievement not only for himself but also for the Pacific region, as he was the only graduate from Fiji and one of two from the Pacific Islands.
Zen’s journey into music began after he returned to Fiji in 2015, when he and his friends formed the local band 4 Quarters, helping him cultivate his love and skill for music. Encouraged by his bandmates and family, he applied to Berklee in 2019 and was accepted, despite the initial challenges posed by the pandemic.
During his time at Berklee, Zen excelled academically, achieving eight consecutive Dean’s List awards and earning accolades for his clinical and performance work. His training included valuable hands-on experience working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and stroke recovery patients. Currently, he is interning at the Community Music Center of Boston, where he aims to gain certification as a music therapist.
Zen’s aspirations go beyond his personal achievements; he dreams of returning to Fiji to introduce music therapy and inspire others to follow their paths, even if they challenge conventional norms. His commitment to using music as a therapeutic tool echoes through the growing recognition of music therapy within mental health and well-being, emphasizing the important role it can play in the community.
This inspirational story of perseverance highlights the potential of music education to transform lives. As more individuals like Zen step into roles in music therapy, there is a hopeful outlook for enhanced mental health support in the Pacific, paving the way for future Fijians to follow in his footsteps.
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