Attending College with a ball in one hand and a bow in the other

Typically, Bradford Dickson wears a Speedo in preparation for competitions. However, on this occasion, he opted for a tuxedo. 

Head coach Ted Minnis, along with a few teammates, encouraged Dickson, a talented cellist, to deliver the national anthem during the women’s team senior recognition match against Princeton. This sophomore attacker on the men’s water polo team is among the 53 students engaged in the Harvard-Berklee College of Music dual studies scheme.

“Those performances stand out as some of my favorites,” Dickson remarked about the previous spring’s event. “I’m playing for all my closest friends, and it brings together everything I cherish: the individuals I love, the sport I enjoy, and the music I appreciate — all in one moment. That’s deeply meaningful to me.”

“It was incredible to see Bradford merge his two passions in the same space,” Minnis stated. “He performed exceptionally, showcasing his well-rounded nature as a scholar, athlete, and individual.”

Bradford’s musical path commenced in third grade. He picked up the cello after briefly attempting to learn the violin as part of an elementary school curriculum.

“I started playing the cello in third grade, and I really enjoyed it,” Dickson shared. “The cello closely resembles the human voice in its range. With time, I discovered the cello’s incredible versatility; it can serve as percussion, bass — it can adopt any role. There’s no limit to what the cello can accomplish.”

Alongside his undergraduate classes at Harvard, the economics major participates in courses and engages in private sessions and public recitals at Berklee, all of which will prepare him for a graduate education there.

“All the courses revolve around music and cater to my interests,” Dickson noted. “I have the chance to explore an extensive range of classes, leading to a broad and diverse music education.”

Finding an institution where he could advance his musical studies at a high caliber significantly influenced Dickson’s choice of college. Harvard offered him an optimal blend of music, academics, and athletics, enabling him to practice cello, work towards his undergraduate degree, and compete in NCAA Division I water polo.

“Harvard was the sole institution where I could attain an exceptional education, play a Division I sport, and pursue music at the preeminent contemporary music school globally,” Dickson explained. “The alignment of all three components at Harvard was ideal.”

Whether in the water alongside teammates or performing on stage with the cello, Dickson attributes his achievements to a solid work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, both of which facilitate his ongoing improvement.

“Bradford has shown great development in his role as a defender on our team due to his immense dedication to honing his skills, and I’m eager to see how he continues to evolve,” Minnis expressed. “Outside the water, witnessing Bradford step out of his comfort zone and blossom into a leader for this team has been remarkable. He plays a crucial role in our Boys and Girls Club volunteer program for Greater Boston and is a fantastic friend and mentor to all of his teammates.”

“Once you reach a certain level, the effort you invest and the finer details make a substantial impact,” Dickson said. “It involves making that additional pass, fine-tuning that shift on the cello a few more times. Those small aspects allow us to outshine our rivals. The cello similarly requires that. Everyone at Berklee can play, but with a bit more passion and the drive to excel, you truly stand out.”