Guitar Sessions

Register by January 31, 2025 to Save $200!
Boston
Ages 15+
Experience a week in the life of a Berklee guitar student in this musically diverse program. Designed to provide you with inspiring performance opportunities and technical training, this program will place you in ensembles with guitarists of similar experience, stylistic interest, and ability. Your faculty comprises 35 internationally recognized players from Berklee's Guitar Department who are experts in a diverse range of styles.
Dates
August 11-August 15
Check-in Time
Coming Soon
Move-out
Friday, August 15, 7 PM
Tuition
$1,295
$1,095 Register by Jan. 31, 2025 to save!
Housing
$895
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration by July 1.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by July 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 by July 1. Students who are 15 years of age or older by the start of their Boston-based program are eligible to stay in on-campus housing. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have indicated that you would like to request on-campus housing, please revisit your registration portal and submit a Residence Hall Agreement.

*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

Guitar Sessions offers ensembles, classes, and clinics in the styles of blues, metal, classical, jam band, funk/fusion, classic rock, contemporary rock, jazz, fingerstyle, and performing songwriter. You'll select one style to study in your ensemble, with the ability to branch out in different styles through clinics and jams. 

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

  • Fretboard Harmony: Learn music theory and how it applies to the guitar. The class includes scales, modes, chord voicings, and chord inversions.
  • Style: Focus on the specifics in the style of your choosing, and explore related concepts and applied theory. 
  • Ensemble: Rehearse with other instrumentalists and perform in concert with your group on the last day of the program. Friends and family will not want to miss these performances.
  • Visiting Artist Clinics: Guitar Sessions will host several visiting artists and clinicians during the week. Past programs have included John Abercrombie, Wayne Krantz, John Petrucci, Vernon Reid, and Tommy Emmanuel.
Schedule

Below is a sample of a typical day in the program. 

TimeEvent
9 AM–10 AMBreakfast
10 AM–12 PMFretboard Harmony and Styles, or Ensemble
12 PM–1 PMClinic
1 PM– 2 PMLunch
2 PM–4 PM Fretboard Harmony and Styles, or Ensemble
4 PM–5:30 PMClinic
5:30 PM–7:30 PMDinner
7:30 PM–9 PMConcert
9 PM–10:15 PMJam Sessions

Schedule subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

You will have the ability to participate in open jam sessions each evening. Multiple jam sessions will often be happening simultaneously, focusing on different styles.

The program will culminate with masterclass performances on Friday. You will perform the repertoire you have been rehearsing in your ensembles and will receive feedback from faculty.

Requirements

General Requirements

All students 15 and older with at least six months of playing experience are welcome to attend. The program curriculum focuses on guitar technique and proficiency.

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

Students should bring their guitars, quarter-inch cable, and tuners. We supply amplifiers for all participants to use in our ensembles during rehearsals and final performances. No amplifiers are provided for use in practice rooms, so you may choose to bring a set of practice headphones and a small practice amplifier. Additionally, students should bring a notebook and pens/pencils.

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?

Complete These Tasks by June

Prepare to Arrive and Check In

Access the Summer Programs Help Center

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