Interview with Hajrudin (Hari) Muhić
Ajla Dizdarevic
Hajrudin (Hari) Muhić is a Bosnian composer and pianist who received a BAPA scholarship in 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in composition and piano performance from the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka and later graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Muhić has received numerous accolades for his musical achievements, including the Michael Kamen Award. He has also lectured on musical technology at MIT. Currently, he works on AAA Hollywood projects and serves as a teaching assistant in Berklee Online’s film scoring master’s program.
How did you find out about BAPA and its scholarship offerings?
Moving from Bosnia to attend college in the United States presented significant challenges. After being accepted to Berklee, I started looking up ways to receive additional support to help me financially manage my studies in the US. I came across BAPA and its scholarship program through my online searches.
How did the BAPA scholarship support you?
Beyond generous financial support at a crucial time in my life, the BAPA community has continued to follow my career and support me. They regularly share my achievements with their community and stay in touch with me, which means a lot for an artist.
What was your experience like at BAPA’s 2022 Annual Forum?
As a researcher of Bosnian music history, I presented on the history of keyboard music in Bosnia and Herzegovina, spanning from the 16th century to today. While creating my presentation, BAPA’s support went far beyond my expectations. They organized the rental of a piano and allocated time for me to perform the music I was presenting. They genuinely assisted with everything I needed to make the experience comfortable and impactful. Additionally, that was only my second year living in the US, so the forum gave me the opportunity to learn so much about the Bosnian community here. Networking and meeting people proved invaluable; I stayed in touch with many BAPA forum attendees and continue to see them at conferences around the country.
How did your experience with BAPA shape your academic and career goals?
The excitement and support I received during my performance at BAPA’s 2022 forum motivated me to continue presenting Bosnian music to American audiences, including a show at the prestigious Berklee Performance Center. Titled The Sounds of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this show spotlighted the history and diversity of Bosnian musical traditions through performances by some of the best musicians in the country.
What advice do you have for Bosnian students who are interested in applying for the scholarship?
Be who you are and follow the path that truly inspires you. Find a genuine area of interest you want to build your career around. BAPA is a sincere and caring organization that wants to support people who believe in themselves, their careers, and their dreams.
