Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive

Boston
Ages 15+
College Credit-Eligible
The world's most comprehensive summer music performance program, Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive draws musicians from more than 70 countries to Boston for the summer of a lifetime. From one-on-one instruction with Berklee’s renowned faculty to a rigorous curriculum offering college credit, this immersive program will enhance your instrumental or vocal performance mastery. Learn how to groove in a band, develop improvisational and reading skills, and improve your technique in weekly private lessons. You will also have the chance to explore areas of the music industry such as songwriting, music production, music business, music therapy, and more through elective coursework.
Dates
July 8-August 11
Check-in Time
Coming Soon
Move-out
Coming Soon
Tuition
Housing
$3,720
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by June 1.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
  3. Request housing. If you will be age 15 or older by the start of your program and require on-campus accommodations, complete the Residence Hall Contract in the Next Steps tab of your registration portal .

*Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

Curriculum

The intensive is meant to replicate a true Berklee College of Music undergraduate experience. You will select one principal instrument (voice included) to study during the program. You may choose an electronic digital instrument (EDI) as your principal instrument. Your instructors for Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive are members of Berklee's world-class faculty and include a mix of private instruction, instrumental labs, ensembles, theory, performance, and musicianship training. While classes are designed to challenge and expand your musical skill set, your course load will be appropriate for your abilities.

Classes generally take place between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and are tailored to your musical interest and experience level. The program culminates with a final week of concerts where you will perform for faculty, fellow students, family, and friends. Browse course descriptions below

Core Curriculum

Electives

Electives give students the opportunity to learn more about an area that interests them in a class that meets once a week for two hours. Students will receive one elective from the list of required electives below. You may also choose to receive one additional, optional elective. You will rank your preference of electives while taking your online placement assessment before the program begins.

Required Electives

Optional Electives

General Curriculum Information

Schedule

Each participant's schedule is entirely customized to their interests and abilities. The schedule below serves as an example of the expected course load along with the breadth of additional opportunities throughout the intensive.

Monday Activities
10 AM–12 PM Mandatory Elective
12 PM–1 PM Survey of Instrumental/Vocal Styles
1 PM–2 PM Faculty Artist Clinic*
3 PM–5 PM Visiting Artist: Performance Perspectives Master Class
7 PM–9 PM Open Mic*
9 PM–10 PM Homework in the Dorm Lounge *
Tuesday Activities
9 AM–10:30 AM Music Theory
12 PM–1 PM Musicianship
1 PM–2 PM Faculty Artist Clinic*
3 PM–4 PM Musicianship Teacher Office Hour*
4 PM–6 PM Additional Elective*
7 PM–9 PM Tuesday Night Jams*
9 PM–10 PM Study Group at Cafe 939*
Wednesday Activities
11 AM–12 PM Musicianship
12 PM–1 PM Live at 160 Caf Show*
2 PM–3 PM Reading Lab
4 PM–6 PM Ensemble
8 PM–10 PM Movie Night in the Residence Halls*
Thursday Activities
9 AM–10:30 AM Music Theory
12 PM–1 PM Musicianship
1 PM–2 PM Performing Songwriter Sidewalk Series*
2 PM–3 PM Theory Teacher Office Hour*
4 PM–5 PM Styles Lab
7 PM–9 PM Thursday Night Jams*
Friday Activities
9:30 AM–10 AM Private Lesson
11 AM–12 PM Musicianship
12 PM–1 PM Live at 160 Caf Show*
2 PM–3 PM Instrument or Vocal Lab
3 PM–4 PM Practice Room Session*
Saturday Activities
10 AM–11 AM Yoga for Musicians*
12 PM–4 PM Extra Ensemble Rehearsal*
10 PM–11 PM Caf Show*
Sunday Activities
1:35 PM–5:30 PM Red Sox Game at Fenway Park*
6 PM–7 PM Practice Room Session*
7 PM–8 PM Homework in the Media Center*

*These activities are optional to attend. This schedule is subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

At Aspire, performance opportunities are available to you almost every day. Recurring performance opportunities include the following:

  • Monday evening open mics in Cafe 939
  • Tuesday evening jam sessions in David Friend Recital Hall
  • Wednesday and Friday afternoon open mics in the Berklee Dining Hall
  • Thursday afternoon open mics at the Berklee Bookstore
  • Thursday evening jam sessions in Oliver Colvin Recital Hall

In addition, the final week of the program hosts over 200 ensemble performances. You will participate in at least one performance, though you may perform in multiple shows if you take more than one ensemble. You have the option to audition for additional ensembles on the first Sunday of the program.

Requirements

All students 15 and older with six months of playing or singing experience are welcome to attend. Most students who attend this program are of high school or college age.

The US Department of Homeland Security requires that any participating student who is not a US citizen apply for an F-1 student visa. Students may not attend the program with a B-1 visa, B-2 visa, or ESTA visa waiver. Learn more about the F-1 Visa process by reading the articles within our F-1 Visa Help Center category.

Program-Specific Details

Scholarships Available

Berklee offers a variety of full and partial merit-based scholarships for students attending Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive. Learn more about scholarships.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to audition for a scholarship to Berklee College of Music’s undergraduate program while attending Aspire: Five-Week, with approximately $10 million in scholarships awarded during the final week of the program.

Earn College Credit

Students who receive a grade of B or higher in their core classes will receive three college credits upon completion of the program.

Notable Alumni

Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, and Betty Who are among the many Aspire alumni who have gone on to have successful music careers.

Once You've Enrolled

Once you're enrolled visit our Next Steps for Enrolled Students to make sure you have everything you need for your program.

Check your email for important information

  • You should continue to check the email that you used to enroll in the program for important information.
  • You will receive a detailed check-in email with information regarding your assigned arrival location, housing assignment, and a link to view your program schedule one to two weeks prior to the start date of your program.
  • When you arrive on campus, you will receive additional program information to guide you through your program.

What to pack

  • If you are staying on campus, you can reference this packing list with any additional items you’ll need while attending your program.
  • With the exception of pianists and drummers, students are expected to bring their instruments to all summer programs. Review our list of instruments and gear to bring to your program in this Help Center article.