About the Program

It’s never too early to get a taste of Berklee. For middle school students of all levels, styles, and backgrounds, Berklee offers a flexible day-session format available in one-, two-, three-, and four-week programs. Start to develop your performance skills, explore various musical styles, and learn from members of the Berklee community and leaders in the music industry.

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

Check out a typical day in the program. Schedules are subject to change.

Each Day

7:30 AM–8 AMDrop-off/Welcome
8 AM–9 AMEnsembles
9 AM–11 AMMusic Theory or electives
11 AM–12 PMEnsembles
12 PM–1 PMLunch (included in program cost)
1 PM–2 PMLessons or labs
2 PM–3 PMClinics

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

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.
- 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:
- Vocalists are required to bring their own low-impedance microphone and cord. You can find microphone recommendations on this page from the Voice Department.
- 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 Director

Dominick Ferrara
"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."
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Once You’ve Enrolled

The Berklee Summer Programs Team is excited that you’ve taken the first step! Now that you’re enrolled, here’s what you need to know to be prepared before check-in, and what to expect afterward.

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.
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.