Paris Pineyro

Paris Pineyro, who goes by the stage name Paris Dior, is a second-year student at Berklee College of Music and a recipient of the Inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship Award. Made up of a $75,000 fund, it is in honor of Natalie Cole, who would have turned 75 this year, and her father, the well-known, talented jazz vocalist and actor from the 1950s. Natalie’s sisters, Casey and Timolin Cole, point out that “by supporting Berklee students, the scholarship is investing in the next generation of teachers and leaders who will keep their legacy alive”.

Natalie Cole, who died in 2015, was a Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor who upheld her father’s legacy with her contributions to music in the realm of pop and R&B. Her father, Nat King Cole, was a successful African American artist who played a crucial role in shaping popular American music into what it is today.

Majoring in music business/management and performance, Pineyro is the first to receive the scholarship. Established through a partnership with the Cole family, the scholarship supports students pursuing musical careers at Berklee.

Pineyro is originally from Cranston, R.I., and is a first-generation student from an immigrant family. With a lifelong passion for music and dance, having been a dancer for 16 years, she is deeply connected to music and the arts.

According to a recent article published by the college, Pineyro described the scholarship as a representation of her hard work throughout the years, and “Every late night, every struggle, and every moment I pushed through my doubts,” referencing her own foibles and perseverance.

She is also very ambitious, with future aspirations, making decisions, and taking advantage of opportunities put in front of her as early as high school, including roles that would further propel her into her desired career field, such as serving on the Rhode Island Music Education Association board.

As she continues her educational journey at Berklee, there is no doubt that Pineyro will motivate herself to go above and beyond her present goals as she continues to flourish as a performer. Phil Lima, assistant chair of the college’s voice department, explains, “The scholarship opens more doors for Paris to further advance her education and career.”