About the Program

Learn from some of the world’s leading string virtuosos and educators. Under the direction of David Wallace, chair of Berklee’s String Department, you’ll explore a wide variety of string styles which may include folk, jazz, bluegrass, classical, Pop, R&B, old-time, Celtic, World Music and more. Master your technique on violin, viola, cello, mandolin, harp, banjo, and more. Discover new musical styles and techniques under close guidance.

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- or Los Angeles-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 program to view and complete any additional requirements. Review the checklist to make sure you are on track.

Curriculum

As a participant in the Global String Program, you’ll become a part of Berklee’s thriving and creative string community for a full week. Experience the same Berklee that fostered musicians like Sierra Hull, Casey Driessen, and national fiddle champions Luke Price and Alex Hargreaves. The curriculum will include the following:

Styles lab: You will rotate through multiple styles, receiving coaching from various faculty each day.
Theory-in-action labs: You will receive hands-on instruction in ear training and applying theory through your instrument. To build knowledge sequentially, you will have the same group and faculty instructor each day.
Small ensemble: You will play in a small ensemble coached by a Berklee faculty member who is an expert in the specific style the ensemble will study (e.g., Arabic, bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, pop, etc.).
Large ensemble: You will participate in a large ensemble, performing varied repertoire in the Berklee Performance Center.
Faculty clinics: Berklee faculty will host clinics focusing on career skills, performance techniques, and a diverse array of styles.
Jam sessions: Each night, current Berklee students, faculty, and summer program students get together for jam sessions organized to focus on different styles (e.g., old-time, swing, free improvisation, pop, rock, R&B, etc.).

Schedule

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

Each Day

9 AM–1 PMEnsembles, Theory, and Style Labs
1 PM–2 PMLunch
2 PM–6 PMEnsembles
6 PM–7 PMDinner
7 PM–7:50 PMMaster Class
8 PM–8:30 PMFaculty Concert or Presentation
8:35 PM–9:20 PMJam Sessions

Performance Opportunities

Students have the ability to participate in open jam sessions in various styles each evening.

The program will culminate in final performances on the last day of the program. Students will perform the repertoire they rehearse in their ensembles.

Requirements

Students who meet the program’s minimum age requirement and have a background in its subject area are welcome to apply.
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.
- Your instrument, rosin, bow, and any necessary accessories
- Tuner, metronome, and portable recording device (possibly on your phone)
- Notebook
- Staff paper
- Pencil
- Spare strings
- Any effect pedals you wish to use in jam sessions

Program Director

David "Doc" Wallace
"Part of my job is to make sure that students have not only the freedom to pursue their creative dreams, but also the structure for becoming technically and musically grounded. In addition to emphasizing healthy, ergonomic approaches to our instruments, I teach how music theory applies to arranging, improvisation, and composition. You will arrange. You will compose. You will improvise!"

"I've been teaching private lessons since 1987 and performing publicly since 1982. My experience with learning, performing, and teaching many genres helps me to meet students where they are and assist them in achieving their own goals."

"What makes the String Department unique? Our doors are wide open, and our entire faculty supports each student’s education. You can graduate having studied with most of our faculty, either privately or in labs and ensembles. At many institutions, you get only one primary teacher. That can be limiting; it can stunt your growth."

"Berklee and its String Department are built on fostering creativity and independent thought. We develop your analytical ability that is so linked to your ears and fingers. We give you a solid grounding in traditional musical languages, as well as contemporary ones. And Berklee is a very supportive community! We're all about the joy of music-making and celebrating musical individuality."
Read Full Bio

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

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

Explore Help Center

Global String Program