High School Composition Intensive (HSCI)

Age 15–192 weeksBoston

Develop a portfolio of works and hear them performed by the program’s professional ensemble.

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About the Program

Boston Conservatory at Berklee High School Composition Intensive is a two-week program designed to challenge and engage students who are serious about music composition. Young composers will receive individualized lessons and coachings from acclaimed faculty and guest artists who will help them build a toolbox of techniques essential to developing a compositional voice. 

By the end of the program, you will have developed a portfolio of three works that includes properly notated scores and accompanying audio recordings, performed by the program’s professional ensembles in residence. You will leave the program with greater confidence in your skills and creativity as a composer.

Dates
Coming soon
Check-in / Move-in
Coming soon
Move-out
Coming soon
Tuition
$2,132
Housing
$1,560
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)

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.

  1. Step 1Submit your registration

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

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

Over the course of the two-week program, you’ll compose three pieces which will be workshopped and recorded by professional musicians and ensembles. You’ll leave the program with a strong portfolio of new works that you can share with friends and family and use for college applications, if you wish. We’re very proud to maintain a 5 to 1 student to faculty ratio, meaning you’ll receive ample support and individual attention during the composition and rehearsal process.

We’ll assist you in working efficiently by giving you prompts for inspiration. We’ll also have daily studio lessons where you’ll get feedback on your work, get your questions answered, and receive encouragement. It’s good training as a composer to be able to write quickly when you don’t have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike; we’ll help you build proactive ways of expressing your musical ideas. 

You’ll receive individualized lessons and coaching from acclaimed faculty and guest artists who will help you build a toolbox of techniques essential to developing a compositional voice. This includes:

  • Learning how to write quickly and effectively

  • Acquiring rehearsal techniques

  • Developing communication skills for collaborating with professional musicians and colleagues

  • Receiving feedback on revising scores

Schedule

Below is a sample schedule.

Performance Opportunities

A final concert will also be broadcast online so friends and family can tune in from anywhere.

Performance Opportunities

Program Directors

  • Mischa Salkind-Pearl

    Mischa Salkind-Pearl

    Mischa Salkind-Pearl joined the Conservatory as a faculty member in 2010 and became chair of composition, contemporary music, and core studies in June 2023.

    Read Full Bio
  • Victoria Cheah

    Victoria Cheah

    Victoria Cheah is a composer and electronic musician interested in boundaries, sustained effort, and social-performance rituals.

    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.

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