Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive is the world's most comprehensive summer music performance program. 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.
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. Your instructors are Berklee's world-class faculty and visiting artists, supporting you through a combination of private instruction, instrumental/vocal labs, ensembles, theory in performance, musicianship training, and electives. While classes are designed to challenge and expand your musical skill set, your course load will be appropriate for your abilities. Each participant's schedule is entirely customized to their interests and abilities.
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.
Students who do well in their core classes will receive three college credits upon completion of the program.
Location(s)
- Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Schedule
- Five weeks from early July to mid August
Cost/Compensation
- Registration Deposit: $55
- Tuition: $5,430
- Housing: $3,720
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be at least age 15
- Students must must have a minimum of six months singing or playing experience
- Any student who is not a U.S. citizen must apply for an F-1 visa
Deadline
- Early December
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application, including additional supporting materials where applicable.
- A $55 non-refundable fee to cover the costs of application processing (payment does not reserve space in program)
- Full payment of $5,430 tuition fee (full payment reserves a space in the program)
- If housing accommodations are needed, completion of a housing agreement form in the application portal.
Notifications of Decisions
- Early March
Financial Aid Details
- A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available; scholarship applications can be found within the regular application and have additional requirements.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- Registration may be completed up to two weeks before program start date if spots are still available.
Have other questions?
Berklee College of Music is a private music college located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1945 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of music, including performance, composition, music education, and music therapy. Known for its diverse student body, with over 100 countries represented among its students, Berklee has a unique curriculum that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with a focus on performance and collaboration. Berklee students benefit from the college’s strong connection to the music industry, including partnerships and collaborations with record labels, music publishers, and other industry professionals. The college has a vibrant campus culture featuring over 700 performances and events each year, such as concerts, master classes, and workshops. Berklee has produced many notable alumni, including musicians John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Steve Vai, and Charlie Puth.
