INSIDER'S GUIDE:

SUMMER
PROGRAMS
 2

Table of Contents

4 THE BERKLEE PULSE

5 INSPIRED PROGRAMS

7 YOUR MENTORS

9 WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

10 GET TO KNOW CAMPUS

13 BERKLEE AROUND THE WORLD

14 YOUR BERKLEE

20 CAMPUS DIRECTORY

22 FIND YOUR PROGRAM

24 CONTACT US
 3

THE SUMMER PROGRAMS MISSION

“Summer programs are a microcosm of the
renowned learning and experiential opportunities
available at Berklee, a place where you can
immerse yourself in and develop your craft, under
the expert guidance of faculty, and collaborate and
make friends with students from around the world
as passionate about music and the arts as you are.”
–Carin Nuernberg, Vice President of
Academic Strategy
 4

The Berklee Pulse

Each summer, over 3,000 musicians

ages 12 and older travel to Berklee to
explore their creativity and expand their
musical abilities. Summer programs at
Berklee College of Music are designed
for students who wish to learn more about
a variety of music-related topics, such as
contemporary performance, production,
business, sound design, and songwriting,
to name a few.

These programs provide unique

opportunities for students to expand upon
their current ability by practicing new
techniques, connecting with like-minded
musicians, and learning from dedicated
faculty members. With programs for
beginner to advanced students that range
from two days to 12 weeks, you may
choose to spend a weekend or the entire
summer learning at your level.

There’s a place for all types of musicians

at Berklee Summer Programs. So, whether
you’re into rock, classical, musical theater,
EDM, pop, jazz, or any other genre of
music, you’ll find a group of people who
are into the same things as you.
 5

What is your favorite memory from Students join us from

summer at Berklee? over 70 countries and
have at least one thing
“My favorite memories from in common: a deep
Berklee were filled with new love for music. Whether
friendships, new knowledge, and
you join us in Boston,
new perspectives. One of my
Massachusetts; Los
favorites was at Vocal Summit in
Angeles, California; or
2018. At our group lesson, where
we each sang our chosen songs, I
Valencia, Spain, you’ll be
performed “Sharp Dressed Man” immersed in a unique
by ZZ Top. The band had so much artistic culture with
fun soloing over it and I felt like I plenty of inspiration
was on top of the world.” around every corner.
–Caroline Reilly

“I’d say my favorite memory from

Five-Week was creating a band
for my audition and leading them
as they played my arrangement
of “Take Five.” Back home I did
not have many friends who were
as passionate about music as
I was; because of that I never
had anybody to dive deeper into
music with. So when I was able
to present my arrangement to my
friends and have it come out even
better than expected, I was thrilled
beyond belief and I knew that
Berklee was the place for me.”
–Emanuel Lewis

“Meeting so many phenomenal

musicians that were my age and
being able to establish networks
with all of them.”
–Collin Fitzgerald
 6

Inspired Programs

Modeled after our majors and taught What’s something you didn’t know
by the same professors who teach our before that you learned during your
undergraduate courses, each summer Berklee summer program?
program offers insight into what it’s like
“There were many aspects
to study at Berklee College of Music as a
surrounding leading a band and
full-time student. You’ll practice, perform,
communicating with them as
and learn in the same spaces as our
a vocalist that I did not know
current students—and you may even see about prior to Five-Week, and
them on campus throughout the summer. my performance classes helped
me so much with that.”

We waive the undergraduate –Melina KB

application fee for Berklee “Music is just as much of an

art as it is science. No matter
Summer Programs alumni. how technical you get, it is still
entirely subjective at the end of
the day. However, no matter your
interpretation of the music, you
can still find explanations and
reasons for why elements work
together in the way they do.”
–Collin Fitzgerald

“I have learned so many things

at Berklee. I was able to meet
musicians from all around the
world and learned about music
within different cultures.”
–Caroline Reilly
 7

Your Mentors

You’ll explore all aspects of music

while learning from mentors who
care about your growth:

ENGAGED PROGRAM
DIRECTORS
Each summer program is led by a
director who oversees programming
and curriculum. They are often a
chair or assistant chair of a Berklee
instrument department.

WORLD-RENOWNED
FACULTY
Study with the same faculty who
teach Berklee’s undergraduate
programs, including many who
have won Grammys, Oscars,
Emmys, and Tonys.
 8

PROFESSIONAL VISITING ARTISTS

Respected artists from all corners of the
What was one thing you learned from
industry travel to Berklee during the
a visiting artist?
summer to work with students. Many
programs, such as Aspire: Five-Week Music
“One thing I learned from a
Performance Intensive, offer master classes, visiting artist was the importance
clinics, and discussion panels for students of precision. When Terri Lyne
to engage with some of their favorite artists Carrington performed at the
in person. Here is a small sampling of Berklee Performance Center, every
recent visiting artists: note she played on the drums was
done with excellence. Because of
this, she so greatly supported the
CRISSY COLLINS
band, and everyone was able to feel
Background vocalist for Beyoncé more comfortable improvising and
creating their own sound.”

DAVE ELLEFSON –Emanuel Lewis

Bassist for Megadeth
“Charlie Puth performed at the
Red Room. He told us to never stop
HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS pushing, no matter how many times
Film composer for Shrek and the you get rejected. Never give up.”
live-action Mulan –Jessica Fletcher

“I learned from Victor Wooten that

COREY HENRY
music is all around us. He taught
Organist for Snarky Puppy me about the different perspectives
within mastering music. Berklee
also had some fantastic, strong
LORI MCKENNA
female visiting artists who shared
Grammy-winning songwriter
their stories about how they paved
their way in the music industry. It
was so inspiring to hear the advice
KHIYON HURSEY B.M. '14
that these artists had to give.”
Music assistant on Hamilton
–Caroline Reilly

CHARLIE PUTH B.M. ‘13 “I loved seeing Jackie Foster

Chart-topping songwriter and performer perform live! She absolutely killed
it and I took so much from her
charisma while performing!”
ESPERANZA SPALDING B.M. ‘05
–Melina KB
Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist

VICTOR WOOTEN
Grammy-winning bassist
 9

World-Class Facilities

Our campuses each feature world-class

performance and rehearsal spaces equipped
with modern technology used in today’s music
and performing arts industry. Students in our
music production summer programs are also
granted access to Berklee’s professional-grade
recording studios and live sound booths.
Whichever program you attend, you’ll expand
your knowledge in the same spaces that
inspired past Berklee summer students such as
Jon Batiste, Meghan Trainor, and Robert Glasper.
 10

Get to Know Campus

Where was your favorite spot to hang

out on campus?

“I loved hanging out at the

cafeteria and at the library!
I also loved attending live
performances at the Berklee
Performance Center.”
–Caroline Reilly

“I loved the dining halls

because it was cool to see
students perform there. I also
enjoyed performing at the
David Friend Recital Hall.”
–Smriti Sankar

“My favorite spot to hang out

on campus was certainly the
Located on the corner of Boylston Caf. In the Caf, everybody who
Street and Massachusetts Avenue, was on campus would be there
Berklee's main campus sits in the and that’s where I could find
heart of Boston. Wherever you people who I wanted to jam
turn, you’re sure to find something with, catch up with my friends,
to inspire your music, such as a and eat some fantastic food.”
beautiful garden, a lively café, or –Emanuel Lewis
a funky local art market. Between
classes, you’ll find students “I loved open mics at the Red
commonly hanging out around Room and hanging out in the
campus in courtyards and lounges, dorm common areas.”
at the Berklee Dining Hall (“the Caf”), –Cameron Woody
or at nearby coffee shops. The local
businesses are well-acquainted with “I loved hanging out in the
Berklee students and provide plenty halls of 160 with my friends!”
of spaces to plug in and stretch out –Melina KB
while working on assignments.
 11

ABOUT BOSTON
What’s your favorite part about living A historic city, Boston is home to
in Boston? America’s first subway system, first
public park, and first public
“Everything is at your fingertips. school. A short walk from campus
Shopping, public transportation, you'll find iconic performance
good food, sports, sightseeing, and,
venues, including Symphony Hall,
believe it or not, nature. Traveling
where the Boston Symphony
is easy and inexpensive with the
Orchestra performs, and famous
T being so close by. I love the fact
that I can walk everywhere too.
sports stadiums, such as Fenway
There’s so much to do, and despite Park and TD Garden, which
being a city, Boston has multiple double as music venues. Day or
quiet places to sit and study. night, Boston has something for
The city is filled to the brim with everyone to enjoy.
history. There’s even a few beaches
that are a short T ride away if the
weather is warm.”
–Emanuel Lewis
PRO TIP
“My favorite part about Boston Check out these nearby
is the parks and gardens. Nearby all-ages music venues:
you will find the Boston Public Club Passim, City Winery,
Gardens, and the scenery is and Berklee’s own Red
breathtaking. The flowers, the Room at Cafe 939.
pond, and the animals all help in
creating a memorable experience
that I have truly come to love.”
–Smriti Sankar

“I absolutely love all of the history

and art within Boston. The city is
flowing with culture and diversity.
My time in Boston was an
absolute dream and I can’t wait to
go back one day!”
–Caroline Reilly

“There was this one part next to

the Berklee campus with this
water fountain that makes a criss
cross pattern, and it is absolutely
beautiful to me.”
–Cameron Woody
 12

PRO TIP
Download the Transit app
GETTING AROUND BOSTON before you arrive to the city.
Boston’s public transit system, the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority—more commonly known
as the MBTA, or simply the T—
operates the city’s four main subway
lines: Green, Orange, Red, and Blue.
Finding your way around town can
be tricky at first, but once you check
out a map and read this beginner’s
guide, you’ll start to get a better
feel for it. The two closest stops to
Berklee are Hynes Convention
Center station on the Green Line
and Massachusetts Avenue station
on the Orange Line.

STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Your Berklee ID gets you free or
discounted entry into many area
museums:

• Institute of
Contemporary Art (ICA)

• Isabella Stewart
Gardner Museum

• Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

• Museum of Science
 13

Berklee Around the World

In addition to the numerous LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

summer programs available at
Refine your skills in topics such
Berklee’s campus in Boston, you
as film scoring, songwriting, and
can also attend a program at our
music production while learning
campus in Valencia, Spain, or in
from some of today’s top industry
Los Angeles, California.
professionals in Los Angeles.
Hosted at the Colburn School,
VALENCIA, SPAIN students learn from Berklee
Our campus in Valencia, Spain, professors and alumni.
features a state-of-the-art
music technology complex and
access to the world-class Palau
de les Arts opera house. You’ll
find summer programs that
cover topics including music
performance, theory, production,
and technology.
 14

Your Berklee
What is another program you want to do next?

Berklee is a place to collaborate,

“Undergraduate”
discover, and expand your musical
horizons. Whether you attend a
weekend program or stay for the
entire summer, you’ll connect with Trinity Drummond Amal Irgashev Liam Garcia
a community of creatives from
across the globe who will become
your new friends and potential “Aspire: Five-Week Summer
future Berklee classmates. Performance Intensive”

LIVING ON CAMPUS
Students aged 15 years or older
are welcome to apply for on- Avigayil Valman Smriti Sankar Collin Fitzgerald
campus housing at our Boston
campus. Our residence halls are
located on campus or just a few “Valencia Study Abroad”
blocks away, so you’ll always be
around the corner from rehearsal
spaces, support resources, and
community events.
Grace Lau Sandra Asmar

“Berklee Summer Semester”

Pooja Tiwari

“Electronic Music Production and

Sound Design Workshop”

Chase Everett
 15

What was your favorite part about

living on campus?

“My favorite part was the

access I had to practice rooms
and collaboration with other
students!”
–Caroline Reilly

“My favorite part about living

on campus would have to be the
practice rooms. Just knowing
that I could go and practice for
however long I want, whenever
I want, was quite frankly the
greatest thing ever.”
–Emanuel Lewis

“I was 17 then and the first

time I was living away from my
parents, so it taught me a lot
about what I would/wouldn't
do without them around
(laundry, clean room, etc).”
–Brandon Jackson

“Jamming out to upcoming

talented artists and performing
original songs in Live at 160
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES caf shows were absolutely a
Staff resident directors and student highlight of living on campus.”
resident assistants (RAs) live in the –Melina KB
residence halls during the summer
to assist and guide you throughout “Everyone was so friendly and
your program. They are available cooperative that I never felt
to answer your questions and help like I was away from home. We
ensure the residence halls provide had jams in the practice rooms,
space for a safe, healthy, and fun which was the best time.”
community. –Pooja Tiwari
 16

DAYS AT BERKLEE
During the day, you’ll mostly be in
classes, at rehearsals, or practicing
on your own. Once you receive your
program schedule, you’ll have a
clearer idea of how to break up your
day between studying and relaxing
with your friends.

NIGHTS AT BERKLEE
There will be plenty of events for you
to explore in the evening, including
live performances, open mics, movie
nights, jam sessions, and more. Be
sure to keep in mind there is a 10:30
p.m. curfew for summer program
students who live on campus.
 17

BUILDING YOUR
MUSICAL COMMUNITY
Attending a Berklee summer
program is not just about improving
your skills as a musician. It’s also a
great opportunity to learn from new
mentors, collaborate with your peers,
and develop lifelong friendships.
You’ll find that these connections
will continue to inspire your musical
development long after summer ends.

Meet our mascot, Mingus

the Jazz Cat. Mingus is
commonly found at big
campus events.
 18

GET A PRACTICE ROOM

There are a number of practice What was it like to collaborate with
rooms across campus where you other students from your program?
can hone your skills privately.
Many of these rooms are outfitted “It was incredible! We became
with instruments, such as upright such great friends that once we
all went back home we continued
and grand pianos or full and
to support each other in our
partial drum kits, while others
music remotely. Most of us came
are empty to allow space for
back to attend the college, and
musicians who play upright bass, began working together again as
harp, or other larger instruments. if nothing had changed.”
–Brandon Jackson
Our large and small ensemble
rooms are designed for band “Collaborating with people was
rehearsals and come fully amazing! Everyone is so kind,
equipped with a complete drum talented, and always willing to
set, amplifiers, a PA system, work with you. We all have a
microphones, and a piano or shared gift and passion for music
keyboard. You’ll just need to bring that binds us together.”
your own cables or drum sticks. –Caroline Reilly

“It was truly a dream come

true. Being alongside so many
BERKLEE CAREER CENTER talented musicians pushed me
Our Career Center offers to become a better musician
comprehensive resources for and I loved how we would grow
researching and planning a career together as a band.”
in the music and performing arts –Emanuel Lewis
industries. As a Summer Programs
student, you’ll have access to “It was so fun. Since I am from
career advisors who are available such a small town, I never get
to help you discover career paths to collaborate with people from
for musicians of all kinds. here, so it was fun to make music
with such talented people.”
–Sarah Rodriguez
 19

What do you want to do

with music in the future?
“I want to connect with people and heal the
world through music. I want my music to
inspire people to be kind and loving towards
each other. I hope to become a professional
singer-songwriter and producer so that I can
release my music and even tour the world.”
–Smriti Sankar

“I want to write songs that strongly resonate

with people. If listening to my songs can make
someone forget about their problems, even just
for a few minutes, I will have accomplished my
goal as a musician.”
–Jessica Fletcher

“I want to continue developing as a musician,

and ultimately change (for the better) the
musical standards worldwide, teach music,
teach the value and importance of music
therapy to heal, and incorporate more music
in every day individual lives, in schools, and
everywhere.”
–Carolina Perez

“I want to produce and write for other artists,

as well as write, produce, and perform my own
music and become an artist.”
–Grace Lau

“Becoming a well-known artist and touring

has always been a dream of mine. I also love
to write songs and would definitely love to
become a professional songwriter. I want to
make a change in this world and inspire young
girls and boys to reach for the stars. I want
to be the best I can be, but I also want to turn
back around and help others do the same.”
–Caroline Reilly

“I plan to start a company that creates

arrangements/orchestrations for TV, film,
stage, and theater, producing physical sheet
music and professionally recorded demos or
fully produced music for clients.”
–Brandon Jackson
 20

Campus Directory

We refer to most of our buildings by 150 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE

their street number. For example,
Residence Hall: a place for you to live,
the oldest building on campus is
practice, and lounge
located at 1140 Boylston Street,
but we just call it “1140.” Here’s a Classrooms, Practice Rooms, and
summary of common services, what Ensemble Rooms: where you’ll learn
they are, and where to find them and build your skills
around our Boston campus:
Stan Getz Library: a place to read, study,
and find music scores, academic research,
921 BOYLSTON STREET audio and video recordings, and more

David Friend Recital Hall:

performance space where you’ll see 1140 BOYLSTON STREET
concerts and events from students,
Berk and Oliver Colvin Hall Recital
faculty, and visiting artists
Halls: smaller venues where many
students present recitals (also known,
160 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE respectively, as 1A and 1W)

Berklee Dining Hall: our large campus Archie’s Café: a place to grab a quick
dining hall that turns into a performance bite in between classes
venue after 10:00 p.m. Steve Heck Room: a lounging space
Residence Hall: a place for you to live, regularly used for studying, relaxing,
practice, and lounge and meeting up with friends

Production Suites: professional studios

and scoring labs used for classes and 7 HAVILAND STREET
projects
Home to the Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Music Business/Management, and
Music Therapy departments, with an
art gallery on the second floor and
a courtyard that’s great for relaxing
between classes
 21

What advice would you give to

someone thinking about doing
a summer program?
“I would tell them to be themselves! Being at Berklee is
all about personality and thriving as yourself. I would
also encourage them to make friends and collaborate as
much as possible. They will fall in love with the campus,
the teachers, and all of the other students they will come
across. Soak every bit of it in!”
–Caroline Reilly

“Do not ever think that you’re not good enough. Don’t
assume that you’re bad at something right away—every
experience is a good opportunity to grow. If you don’t grab
the opportunities that come your way, you may miss out
on some amazing memories and experiences.”
–Smriti Sankar

“Don't be worried how others will perceive you or compare

yourself to others. Everyone is at a different level, and you
are all there to learn.”
–Sarah Rodriguez

“It’s worth it, trust me. Don’t hesitate on taking a course,

because no matter what you expect, Berklee always comes
through and gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience,
along with many unique opportunities to make music.”
–Chase Everett

“Absolutely do it. This program not only taught me so

much about music theory and performance skills, but it
gave me the opportunity to make incredible international
lifelong connections with people just as passionate about
music as me. I knew I wanted to go into music as my
career after this program and Berklee Summer Programs
helped me prepare for college so much too!”
– Melina KB

“Absolutely go for it if you can afford to. I learned so much

and it prepared me for applying to and going to Berklee
for undergrad.”
–Grace Lau
 22

Find Your Program

You can choose from over 20 distinct Berklee

College of Music summer programs in topics
such as:

SONGWRITING MUSIC BUSINESS

MUSIC PRODUCTION COMPOSITION

FILM SCORING MUSICAL THEATER

MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND MORE

Explore our website to learn more and find

the perfect program for you this summer.
 23

Which summer program did you attend?

“Aspire: Five-Week Music “Aspire: Five-Week Music

Performance Intensive” Performance Intensive 2016”
–Amal Irgashev –Grace Lau

“Aspire: Five-Week Music

“Songwriting Workshop 2020” Performance Intensive
–Avigayil Valman 2017 and 2018”
–Jessica Fletcher

“Aspire: Five-Week Music “Aspire: Five-Week Music

Performance Intensive 2016” Performance Intensive 2018–2020”
–Brandon Cohen –Liam Garcia

“Songwriting Workshop 2019

and 2020, Music Production “Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance
Workshop 2020” Intensive 2018 and 2019”
–Melina KB
–Cameron Woody

“Aspire: Five-Week Music “Aspire: Five-Week Music

Performance Intensive 2020” Performance Intensive 2019”
–Carolina Perez –Pooja Tiwari

“Aspire Five Week 2020,

Vocal Summit 2018, “Vocal Summit 2019”
Songwriting Workshop 2018” –Sandra Asmar
–Caroline Reilly

“Songwriting Workshop 2019, “Songwriting Workshop 2019,

Twelve-Week 2020” Songwriting Sessions 2020”
–Chase Everett –Sarah Rodriguez

“Day Sessions Program 2019,

“Guitar Sessions 2019”
Vocal Summit 2020”
–Collin Fitzgerald
–Smriti Sankar

“Aspire: Five-Week Music “Aspire: Five-Week Music

Performance Intensive 2018” Performance Intensive 2019”
–Emanuel Lewis –Trinity Drummond
 24

The moment you attend a Berklee

summer program you will be welcomed
into a community of inspired musicians.
Our faculty and staff will help you access
your musical potential and encourage you
to explore the depths of your creativity.
Over the course of your program, you’ll
connect with like-minded musicians and
expand upon your knowledge of musical
arts, opening up a world of opportunity.

CONTACT US
We are here to support you.
If you have questions about
what to expect during your
summer with Berklee, contact
us at [email protected]
or +1 617-747-2245.