About the Program

Take your playing further in this program for drum set, percussion, and mallet players. This program will enrich your repertoire as you discover different techniques for improvisation, performing, and instrument proficiency. Improve your overall musicianship while expanding your knowledge of musical styles.

How to Enroll

This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation. You will secure your spot by paying in full.

Step 1Submit your registration
Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
Step 2Make your tuition payment
All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
Step 3Request housing
If you will be age 15 or older by the start of your Boston-based program and require on-campus accommodations, complete the Residence Hall Agreement in the Next Steps tab of your registration portal.
Step 4Complete your next steps
Visit the Next Steps section of your account to view and complete any additional requirements. Review the checklist to make sure you are on track.

Curriculum

The Drums and Percussion Workshop offers principal instrument classes, ensembles, master classes, faculty concerts, and jam sessions. Classes will be led by faculty in Berklee's Percussion Department and esteemed visiting artists.

Every participant's schedule will include a class in each of the following:

Principal Instrument class: In this smaller class setting, you'll work with a faculty member to improve technique on your instrument.
Ensemble: Rehearse with other instrumentalists and explore a variety of styles.
Master classes: Attend master classes led by faculty on different practice, technique, and performance methods.
Faculty concerts: Explore new styles as you take in performances by our renowned Percussion Department faculty.
Jam sessions: Play with other students and faculty members in various styles in this informal performance opportunity.

Schedule

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

Each Day

8 AM–9 AMBreakfast
9 AM–10:50 AMMaster class
11 AM–12:50 PMPrincipal instrument class
1 PM–1:50 PMLunch
2 PM–3:50 PMEnsemble
4 PM–5:30 PMMaster class
5:30 PM–6:20 PMDinner
6:30 PM–7:30 PMFaculty concert
8 PM–9:15 PMFaculty concert
9:30 PM–10:15 PMJam sessions

Performance Opportunities

The program will feature several jam sessions where students can perform with other students and faculty.

Requirements

All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience are welcome to attend.
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.
Upon arrival to the program, participants are required to perform a placement audition. Be prepared to play a short piece of music no more than two minutes long. Your audition piece will help the audition team measure your ability and place you in the appropriate classes. You do not need to read music, but if you do, you will be asked to demonstrate your skills in this area.
- All instruments, except steelpan, will be provided in classes.
- Please come prepared with sticks and brushes.
- While you are welcome to bring your own cymbals, hi-hat, and clutch, these items are also provided during the program.

Program Directors

Yoron Israel
"As a lifelong learner of the music, the instruments I play, and the industry in which I work, I am forever growing; therefore, the students I interact with daily inspire me, particularly in having the opportunity to witness their development, growth, and evolution."
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Class of 1982
Mark Kohler
"I believe that everyone has a calling, a special talent, their own individual contribution to make that no one else can duplicate. It's that voice inside that keeps pushing us to learn, grow, and discover."
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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.
On-campus housing is limited, and spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis based on the completion of the following steps:
1. Read, sign, and submit the residence hall agreement on the registration portal.
2. The Summer Programs team will review your signed residence hall agreement within 3-5 business days. After review, we will send you an email inviting you to return to the registration portal to view your on-campus housing decision letter.
3. If your request has been approved, secure your spot by accepting your offer and paying the housing fee in full.
Important Considerations
- For students enrolled in multiple programs, please complete a separate residence hall agreement (along with the accompanying housing fee payment) for each program.
- To be eligible to request on-campus housing, a student must be 15 years of age before the start of their program.
- If a student is under the age of 18, the request for on-campus housing must be filled out by a parent/guardian, and both the student and parent/guardian must agree to all the terms and conditions.
- Applicants for Musical Theater Acting Intensive (MTAI) and Vocal/Choral Intensive (VCI) must first be offered admission and accept their offer before their residence hall agreement submission will be considered.
- Since space in our residence halls is limited, a spot in our residence halls will only be guaranteed once a student has fully registered for their chosen program and paid the program tuition in full. Any housing requests or payments made before the completion of both these steps do not ensure a guaranteed place in on-campus housing.
Learn more about housing and campus life by exploring the Help Center.
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.

Access the Summer Programs Help Center

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Drums and Percussion Workshop