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The world's most comprehensive summer music performance program, Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive draws musicians from more than 70 countries to Boston for the summer of a lifetime.
Credit
Non-credit
Residential
Commuter
Accepts International Students
Financial Aid
Final project
From one-on-one instruction with Berklee’s renowned faculty to a rigorous curriculum offering college credit, this immersive program will enhance your instrumental or vocal performance mastery. Learn how to groove in a band, develop improvisational and reading skills, and improve your technique in weekly private lessons. You will also have the chance to explore areas of the music industry such as songwriting, music production, music business, music therapy, and more through elective coursework.
In-Person classes (residential housing available)
The intensive is meant to replicate a true Berklee College of Music undergraduate experience. You will select one principal instrument (voice included) to study during the program. You may choose an electronic digital instrument (EDI) as your principal instrument. Your instructors for Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive are members of Berklee's world-class faculty and include a mix of private instruction, instrumental labs, ensembles, theory, performance, and musicianship training. While classes are designed to challenge and expand your musical skill set, your course load will be appropriate for your abilities.
Classes generally take place between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and are tailored to your musical interest and experience level. The program culminates with a final week of concerts where you will perform for faculty, fellow students, family, and friends.
Electives
Electives give students the opportunity to learn more about an area that interests them in a class that meets once a week for two hours. Students will receive one elective from the list of required electives below. You may also choose to receive one additional, optional elective. You will rank your preference of electives while taking your online placement assessment before the program begins.
Required Electives:
- Producing Music with Ableton Live
- Jazz Composition and Arranging
- Music Business
- Music Therapy Basics
- Scoring for Visual Media
- Songwriting Techniques
- Survey of Production Styles
Optional Electives:
- Musical Theater Workshop
- Open Drum Circle
- Singer/Songwriter Workshop
- Yoga for Musicians
- Social Media Marketing: Mapping and Mastering Your Online Identity
- Mobile Recording Techniques
Performance Opportunities
At Aspire, performance opportunities are available to you almost every day. Recurring performance opportunities include the following:
- Monday evening open mics in Cafe 939
- Tuesday evening jam sessions in David Friend Recital Hall
- Wednesday and Friday afternoon open mics in the Berklee Dining Hall
- Thursday afternoon open mics at the Berklee Bookstore
- Thursday evening jam sessions in Oliver Colvin Recital Hall
In addition, the final week of the program hosts over 200 ensemble performances. You will participate in at least one performance, though you may perform in multiple shows if you take more than one ensemble. You have the option to audition for additional ensembles on the first Sunday of the program.
Earn College Credit
Students who receive a grade of B or higher in their core classes will receive three college credits upon completion of the program.
All students 15 and older with six months of playing or singing experience are welcome to attend. Most students who attend this program are of high school or college age.
The US Department of Homeland Security requires that any participating student who is not a US citizen apply for an F-1 student visa. Students may not attend the program with a B-1 visa, B-2 visa, or ESTA visa waiver. Learn more about the F-1 Visa process by reading the articles within our F-1 Visa Help Center category.
English Test
Additional Requirements
Online Application From
Application Fee
Parent/Guardian Consent
Video Assignment *
1 - Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
2 - Make 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 - Request on-campus housing:
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 require on-campus housing, complete the Residence Hall Contract in the Next Steps tab of the registration portal, then complete your housing payment when prompted.
If you require on-campus housing for more than one summer program, please fill out a separate Residence Hall Contract and payment for each program. Residence hall capacity is limited, so apply and pay in full early to reserve your spot.
4 - Complete the items in your Magnus Health account.
We require up-to-date health information, documentation for required immunizations as mandated by Massachusetts law, as well as, conduct and consent forms for all students.
Signed consent by a parent/guardian to give medication
Signed medication order.
5 - Submit a photo for your ID.
Boston-based Summer Program students will be issued an ID card when they arrive at Berklee. This card gives you access to campus facilities, and if you've elected to stay in our residence halls, also grants you access to the dining hall. If you do not upload a photo, your photo will be taken once you arrive on campus.
6 - Choose your ensembles and electives.
7 - The US Department of Homeland Security requires that any participating student who is not a US citizen apply for an F-1 student visa. Students may not attend the program with a B-1 visa, B-2 visa, or ESTA visa waiver.
Deadline
Registration opens annually in autumn and remains open until the corresponding payment deadline or until the program reaches capacity. Payment deadlines are as follows:
May 1: Payment deadline for June programs
June 1: Payment deadline for July programs
July 1: Payment deadline for August program
Jul 05 - Aug 09
5 weeks
Commuter
Jul 05 - Aug 09
5 weeks
Residential
Tuition - $5,430 (scholarships available)
Housing - $4,200
Registration fee - $50 (nonrefundable)
Financial Aid
Berklee offers a variety of full and partial merit-based scholarships for students attending Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive, with most awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.A limited number of full-tuition scholarships are available (housing is not included).
Priority Scholarship Submission Deadline: March 1, 11:59 PM ET
Regular Scholarship Submission Deadline: April 1, 11:59 PM ET
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to audition for a scholarship to Berklee College of Music’s undergraduate program while attending Aspire: Five-Week, with approximately $10 million in scholarships awarded during the final week of the program.
English Test
Additional Requirements
Online Application From
Application Fee
Parent/Guardian Consent
Video Assignment *
Application is closed
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