From Kentucky State to Berklee, Terrence Moore Jr. Finds His Voice on an International Stage
The 2021 Kentucky State graduate credits faculty mentorship and his University experience with preparing him to grow as a musician, performer, producer, and creative leader
Terrence Moore Jr. arrived at Kentucky State University with eight years of experience playing the viola. By the time he graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, he had discovered new possibilities at the piano, found confidence in his creative voice, and developed a foundation that would carry him across the Atlantic.
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, Moore continued his education at Berklee College of
Music’s campus in Valencia, Spain. He earned a master’s degree in music production,
technology, and innovation in July 2025. He then completed Berklee Valencia’s “Post-Masters”
program in July 2026, expanding his creative work and emerging as a performer, producer,
and leader within an international music community.
None of it, Moore said, would have happened without Kentucky State.
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, Moore continued his education at Berklee College of Music’s campus in Valencia, Spain. He earned a master’s degree in music production, technology, and innovation in July 2025. He then completed Berklee Valencia’s “Post-Masters” program in July 2026, expanding his creative work and emerging as a performer, producer, and leader within an international music community.
None of it, Moore said, would have happened without Kentucky State.
“The education, mentorship, and unwavering belief that Kentucky State invested in
me prepared me to compete on an international stage while remaining grounded in who
I am,” he said.
Moore began playing piano after enrolling at Kentucky State. At Kentucky’s only public historically Black university, he found an academic and creative community that inspired him to envision possibilities beyond what he had previously imagined.
Among the most influential was Donald Lee III, a music faculty member and Moore’s piano instructor.
“His mentorship challenged me to push beyond the mental limitations I had placed on myself,” Moore said. “His guidance and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to dream beyond what I thought was possible.”
That confidence proved essential when Moore moved to Spain. Adjusting to another country and navigating language barriers presented challenges, but music offered a common language. The perseverance, discipline, and commitment to excellence he developed at Kentucky State helped him find his footing.
For his culminating experience project, Moore created “SOUNDS OF THE KINGDOM,” a cinematic EP combining orchestral, gospel, and hip-hop influences. Using layered strings, choral and brass arrangements, sampled hip-hop drums, and vocal loops, Moore sought to create what he describes as “freedom music”: an intense, triumphant sound that ultimately gives listeners a positive experience.
“When the project felt overwhelming, the confidence and resilience I gained at Kentucky
State reminded me that I was capable of accomplishing more than I imagined,” he said.
Moore also developed his identity as a live performer. In 2025, he presented his first live rap show under the artist name PropheT. He later headlined Berklee Valencia’s Lagos music festival and performed during the campus’s commencement concert.
After earning his master’s degree, Moore remained at Berklee Valencia for the “Post-Masters” program. During the next year, he again headlined Lagos, performed at a gospel summit featuring acclaimed musician Damien Sneed, and presented his first full-length solo concert. Backed by a live band, Moore performed an entirely original program.
His work extended beyond the stage. Moore served as executive producer for INOCON, a 10-hour showcase in which music production students shared performances, research, and immersive technologies with more than 400 people from the Valencia community.
He also created and produced Berklee Valencia’s first Global Hip Hop Summit. The event featured hip-hop artist and producer International Show and included lectures, individual mentoring sessions, and live performances designed to connect students with music-industry professionals.
During the same year, Moore completed his debut album and two additional EPs, returned to Berklee’s commencement concert, and received his post-master’s certificate.
Now based in Valencia, Moore continues his work as an artist and producer. He also founded 100 Productions LLC, a business providing music and media production and creative arts consultation services.
For Moore, those accomplishments demonstrate what can happen when talent meets mentorship, opportunity, and a community willing to believe in a student’s potential.
“It was at Kentucky State that I truly learned what it meant to make music with heart, soul, and purpose,” Moore said. “The lessons I learned on campus continue to guide me wherever music takes me, and I will always be proud to call myself a Thorobred.”
Photo Captions
Lead Photo: From left to right, Brittany Kurgat, Auriyan Tillman, Terrence Moore Jr., Gavin Rushing, Khalil Abdul-Wakeel. Photo by Berklee College of Music Valencia Campus
Graduation photo: Terrence Moore Jr. receives his post-master’s certificate alongside Dr. Simone Pilon, executive director of Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, during the July 2026 commencement ceremony. Photo by Berklee College of Music Valencia Campus
Performance photo: PropheT performs his first “SOUNDS OF THE KINGDOM” concert. Photo by Miriam
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
