Corrado Botto

Corrado Botto is a new addition to the City Music Boston High School Academy program and has just completed his second Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive on a City Music Summer Scholarship. This ambitious saxophonist first picked up the instrument in fifth grade and, since then, he’s made waves as a member of the Jazz-Fusion ensemble, taught at the Panama Jazz Festival, and even mastered his family’s Ragu recipe.

These accomplishments are no small feat, but Botto doesn’t consider himself naturally gifted. He attributes his progress to determination and a relentless work ethic. “I've always felt that the more I practice, the more I learn,” says Botto. “When I practice a little, I learn a little, and when I practice a lot, I learn a lot.”

Like many musicians, Botto’s journey began with piano lessons. But once high school started, his focus shifted to the saxophone.

His newfound passion consumed him. Two- and three-hour practice sessions became a daily ritual, with constant refinement, whether in technique or genre-specific nuances. As he grew more comfortable with his instrument, Botto’s playing style evolved, a change he credits to the insights he’s gained from Berklee’s young teaching staff.

Nowadays, Botto has moved beyond hours of repetitive practice. He actively seeks new musical experiences and challenges himself to develop a sound that is authentically his own, something Botto says is easier said than done for saxophonists. He also enjoys transcribing music for other instruments, like guitar and his favorite, the drums.

Botto believes that critical thinking is essential for any musician. He says it’s all about balance. “You go to school to develop your brain, so even in a math class, I feel like I’m learning things that I apply to music.” His thirst for knowledge and challenge is evident in his plans to pursue a dual degree in either music education or performance, along with physics.

Though performance remains a passion, Botto sees his future in education. His current volunteer work teaching middle school band has sparked a desire to one day teach at the collegiate level. He envisions himself as a professor at a small school, where he can mentor students one-on-one. At 17, he’s got a long way to go, but he hopes to teach at Berklee's Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive on his way to his dream. 

Written by: Jacob Garcia