Carol gao

Carol Gao was named the recipient of the fall 2023 Electronic Arts/Berklee Charting Change Scholarship in an announcement made at the World Soundtrack Awards in Ghent, Belgium. The news was delivered by Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music for Electronic Arts (EA), and Katie Rupinski B.M. ’23, who was awarded the inaugural scholarship last spring, during a panel on mentorship held at the event.

Gao, a native of Toronto, Canada, double majoring in game and interactive media scoring and electronic production and design, will receive $15,000 and professional mentorship opportunities with a team of world-class video game composers at EA after she graduates this spring. Gao is a pianist and member of the leadership board of Berklee's Video Game Music Club.

“Receiving this award has been so overwhelming. It’s hard to put into words how honored and grateful I am,” said Gao. “I came to Berklee after a long break from music, so making the choice to pivot back to it felt like a huge risk at the time. Now, to be given such recognition for something I’m deeply passionate about is absolutely surreal. I’m so excited and hopeful for what the future holds!”