Day Sessions: Music

How to Enroll

Submit your registration by June 1.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
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.

*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.

Curriculum

Students in this program will participate in several core classes throughout the week.

Group lessons: Take group lessons with other students who have similar abilities on your chosen instrument (including voice) each day.
Mixed ensembles: Perform with a group of students in a variety of styles.
Music theory: Enhance your understanding of music theory and how it applies to your instrument.
Elective: Take an elective in songwriting, improvisation, or music technology.
Clinics: Attend clinics and Masterclasses conducted by Berklee faculty and visiting artists.

Schedule

Below is a sample schedule.

Time	Event
7:30 AM–8 AM	Drop-off/Welcome
8 AM–9 AM	Ensembles
9 AM–11 AM	Music Theory or electives
11 AM–12 PM	Ensembles
12 PM–1 PM	Lunch (included in program cost)
1 PM–2 PM	Lessons or labs
2 PM–3 PM	Clinics

Schedule is subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

Each week will culminate in a final ensemble performance on Friday. You will be assigned one of Berklee's many performance venues at the beginning of the week.

Requirements

General Requirements

All students age 12 to 14 with six months of playing or singing experience are welcome to attend. This program accommodates all levels, styles, and backgrounds.

Participants must possess a proficient level of English to enroll in this program. We do not require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) as part of the enrollment or application process; however, you are expected to have a sufficient command of the English language to understand class material and assignments.

Required Materials

Notebook
Highlighter
Pen
Pencil
Money for snacks (optional)

Except for pianists and drummers, students are expected to bring their instruments to all Summer Programs. Additionally, note the following:

Drummers should come prepared with sticks and brushes. While students are welcome to bring their own cymbals, hi-hat, and clutch, these items are also provided during the program.
Guitarists and electric bassists should bring any necessary cables and foot pedals. Amplifiers will be supplied during instruction. Consider bringing a small practice amplifier (with headphones) for individual practice rooms.
Keyboardists intending to bring a synthesizer for ensemble purposes or private practice may do so.
Electronic Digital Instrumentalists (EDI) must bring a computer with Ableton Live and a MIDI keyboard.
Only acoustic bassists may use storage lockers on campus. Unfortunately, Berklee cannot provide storage for any other type of instrument.

Program-Specific Details

Placement

You will have a brief audition at registration to determine what level of classes and ensembles best suit your needs. It is not required that you read music; however, if you do, we would like to determine your reading level. You will be grouped into classes with students who share your stylistic preferences (rock, jazz, funk/fusion, or R&B) and who match your current level of ability.

Program Director

Sarah Barlow

Dominick Ferrara

Professor

"I try to be very prepared going into class, but also very flexible to the needs of the students throughout the course. Being really attuned to the students and what's really going on in the class is one of my strengths."

Once You've Enrolled

The Berklee Summer Programs Team is excited that you've taken the first step! Now that you've enrolled, here's what to know, to be sure you're prepared before and after you check in for the experience of a lifetime.

What to do first?

Important: continually check the email you used to enroll

Please regularly check the email you used to enroll in your program for important updates. A detailed check-in email, containing information about your assigned arrival location, housing assignment (if applicable), and program schedule, will be sent one to two weeks before your program's start date.

Request accessibility accommodations (if needed)

Accommodations are provided for students with documented medical needs, offering services such as academic accommodations, academic coaching, special housing arrangements, dietary adjustments, and referrals to on-campus support, including adaptive technology and tutoring.

Accommodations are determined through an interactive process involving the student, faculty, the Office of Housing and Residential Education, a dietitian, and Accessibility Resources for Students staff. Requests for academic, housing, and dietary accommodations can be made by following the steps outlined in this Help Center article.

Complete These Tasks by June

Complete the items in your Magnus Health account by June 1

We require up-to-date health information, documentation for the required immunizations mandated by Massachusetts law, as well as conduct and consent forms for all students. Instructions on accessing your Magnus Health account will be sent via email to all registered students in mid-spring.

If you have more questions you can review our help center. Here are some articles that might be helpful:

Submit a photo for your ID by June 1

Students participating in a Boston-based Summer Program will receive an ID card upon arrival at Berklee. This card provides access to campus facilities and, if you have chosen to reside in our residence halls, it also allows entry to the dining hall. Please submit a photo for your ID by June 1. If you do not upload a photo, one will be taken upon your arrival on campus.

Prepare to Arrive and Check In

Getting to campus, parking, and hotels nearby

Drop Off Protocol

Students are expected to attend check-in with a parent. Parents and/or guardians should should remain with the student until they are taken to placement tests with their program counselor. If a student is expected to be absent any day of the program, parents should contact the Program Director to alert them.

Access the Summer Programs Help Center

Explore some of these top articles from the Summer Programs Help Center.