Table of Contents

3 AUDITIONING AND INTERVIEWING

5 STUDENT SERVICES

7 YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC

9 PAYING FOR BERKLEE

11 YOUR FIRST YEAR AT BERKLEE

13 BERKLEE ONLINE

15 APPLICATION NEXT STEPS


AUDITIONING AND
INTERVIEWING
Your breakthrough begins at your
audition and interview. This is
your opportunity to be seen, to be
heard, and to show us everything
you’ve got. It’s also our chance
to see if you have what it takes
to thrive here. You’ll audition in
front of accomplished musicians
who share your love for music and
understand your drive to succeed.
Visit our website to see upcoming
dates and locations in your area,
learn about instrument-specific
guidelines, and view practice
questions to help you get ready.
berklee.edu/audition-interview
4 5
PREPARE TO SHINE
Your audition is your first chance to work directly with a
Berklee faculty member who will help you to get the most
out of your performance. The audition is just 15-minutes
long, but it covers a lot of ground, including:
• A prepared piece
• Improvisation
• Sight-reading
• Ear training
Afterward, your 15-minute interview will cover topics
ranging from what led you to music in the first place to
where you’re hoping your Berklee education will take you.
This is our opportunity to get to know the real you, so
don’t hold back.
LOCATIONS
NEAR YOU
We enrich our community by
finding the most diverse and skilled
musicians, which is why we hold
audition tours across the globe.
Auditioning at our main campus
in Boston offers a unique Berklee
experience, including campus
tours and student performances.
But if you can’t make it, don’t
worry–we’ll see you at another site,
or even online. Visit our website to
see where you can find us next.
berklee.edu/admissions/
undergraduate/dates
CONTACT US
We want you to be as
prepared as you can be for
your audition and interview.
Questions? Contact the
Office of Admissions
at 617-747-2222 or
admissions@berklee.edu.
BRING IT
Our audition rooms are equipped with a piano, a drum
set, guitar and bass amps, a PA system, chairs, and music
stands. Anything else that you might need, like your
instrument, cables, or any sheet music, should be brought
with you, so err on the side of a simple set-up.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Your interview with an admissions representative will
discuss your goals and aspirations, and what you will
bring to Berklee. Things that might be covered include:
• What is your practice routine?
• What is your favorite part about being a musician?
• What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
If you have supplemental materials to submit as part of
your interview, you can provide a link to your YouTube
channel, online portfolio, or personal website when you
submit your application.
DON’T STRESS
You’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time.
We get it. But honestly, this is nothing you aren’t ready for.
Just breathe and show us the passionate musician you are.

STUDENT SERVICES
From ensuring you’re set up
for success upon graduation to
helping you manage day-to-day
life as a Berklee student, we have
staff members across the college
who make your success their focus.
WE ARE HERE FOR
YOUR SUCCESS
The Student Advising and Success
team offers numerous resources
to ensure you are supported while
on-campus, including one-on-one
tutoring and new student mentorship.
berklee.edu/student-advising-success
6 7
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Berklee approaches diversity as a philosophy and as an
objective. We are committed to attracting the widest array
of music innovators into our community and providing an
environment that supports their creative process. From
providing Equity and Title IX resources to support for trans*
members of the community, Berklee seeks to be a safe and
inclusive campus community for all students, faculty, and staff.
berklee.edu/diversity
COUNSELING SERVICES AT THE READY
Free, confidential consultations with professionally trained
and licensed clinicians are available to every Berklee
student. If you or a classmate need help with stress
management, mental health, substance abuse, crisis
intervention, relationship concerns, or sexual assault or
harassment, a member of our team is ready to help.
berklee.edu/counseling
YOUR CAREER IS
OUR PRIORITY AT CAREER JAM
Berklee wants to help you build a
career that is artistically, financially, and
personally fulfilling. Our Career Center
is one of the ways we do that. The
doors are open—and appointments are
available—for students to get one-on-
one expert assistance.
If you attend Berklee, you’ll be able
to take advantage of this valuable
resource by attending résumé and
cover letter workshops, learning
about internships and jobs, getting
guidance, and more.
berklee.edu/careers
CONTACT US
Berklee is committed to
student success, which means
there are far more services
available than we can feature
here. For guidance about which
department in Student Affairs,
Diversity and Inclusion can
best assist you, contact us at
studentaffairs@berklee.edu.
PLAN YOUR BREAKTHROUGH
This annual day-long event can introduce you to exceptional
career options. Attend discussions by artists and industry
leaders such as Pharrell Williams, and have conversations with
executives from companies such as Snapchat and Red Bull.
Or maybe have your song screened by pros such as the
executive director of A&R and music publishing at Disney
Music Group. This unique event will help you envision how
your future will take shape.
berklee.edu/career-jam
A HEALTHY YOU IS A BETTER YOU
As a Berklee student, you’ll have a lot on your plate. From
classes to gigs (and everything in between), finding time
to take care of yourself can be challenging. That’s why the
Office of Health and Wellness Programs is committed to
programming and services such as:
• Mindfulness Classes—including yoga, tai chi,
meditation, and more
• Wellness Services—one-on-one physical/massage
therapy, nutrition counseling, Reiki, Alexander
Technique sessions, and assessments and screenings
for hearing, repetitive-use injuries, and alcohol and
other drug use
• Health Promotion Events—campus-wide programs
on a variety of health topics
berklee.edu/health-education

YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC
There are many paths to a future in
music, and Berklee has everything you
need to find yours. The moment you
join our community, you’ll gain access
to personalized career advising and a
multitude of resources designed to set
you up for a thriving career in the arts.
EXPLORE CAREER
COMMUNITIES
On Berklee’s Career Communities
website, you can explore career
paths by industry, program, and
location to learn about career roles
designed for musicians, and how
Berklee can help get you there.
8 9
BUSINESS
Forge the future of the
ever-changing arts and
entertainment industries.
COMPOSITION
Craft creative works for film,
television, video games,
and theater.
DESIGN
Craft experiences through
sound design, stage artistry,
and live show design.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Harness the positive effects
of music to promote healing.
EDUCATION
Use your music expertise to
mentor students and develop
innovative curriculum.
PERFORMANCE
Use your skills to develop
a successful career
onstage or in the studio.
PRODUCTION
Combine art and
technology to shape how
we experience music.
Check out more at:
berklee.edu/careers
GET PRO
EXPERIENCE
Through Berklee’s internship
program, you’ll gain professional
skills by interning at record
labels, nonprofit organizations,
tech startups, and more. Both
for-credit and paid opportunities
are available, as well as a
Berklee fellowship to help
fund your related moving
and living expenses.
berklee.edu/internships
CONNECT WITH US
If you have questions or
want to learn more about
how Berklee can help you
achieve your career goals,
contact your Admissions
advisor at 617-747-2222
or admissions@berklee.edu.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Connect with industry professionals during guided
trips to Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and
greater Silicon Valley. Spend your spring break touring
studios, meeting artists, and connecting with the very
people who might one day sign your paychecks.
berklee.edu/student-trips
LEARN FROM EXPERTS
Berklee’s annual Career Jam event brings over 50 industry
leaders, innovators, and employers to campus to share their
expertise. Past speakers include influencers such as Pharrell
Williams, Yoko Shimomura, Sylvia Rhone, and Kimbra.
berklee.edu/career-jam
BERKLEE FOR LIFE
Once you’re a member of the Berklee community, you are
connected for life. Throughout your career, you’ll maintain
access to Berklee Connect, our online networking platform
comprising students and alumni from across Berklee. With
a global arts community at your fingertips, you’ll be able to
step into your career right when you get here.

PAYING FOR BERKLEE
Attending Berklee is a
long-term commitment, so
it’s important to develop
a sound financial plan to
support your goals.
We view all sources of
financial aid as supplemental
to your family’s resources for
college, and many students
utilize a combination of
funding sources, including
college savings plans,
federal aid, scholarships,
grants, student employment,
payment plans, and more.
10
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
All students are automatically considered for scholarships as
part of the campus undergraduate admissions process.
To be considered for need-based aid, we encourage all U.S.
citizens and permanent residents to fill out the FAFSA and CSS
Profile. International students should fill out the CSS Profile.
Fill Out the FAFSA Application Online
fafsa.ed.gov
Note: The FAFSA is available after October 1
of each year. Berklee’s FAFSA code is 002126.
Fill Out the CSS Profile Application Online
cssprofile.collegeboard.org
Note: Berklee’s school code is 3107.
SUBMIT BY THE DEADLINE
Fall Early Action November 1 gain professional experience.
Summer December 1
Fall Regular Action January 15
Spring July 1
FEDERAL STUDENT AID ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The following funds are available to U.S. citizens and • Private Scholarships—We encourage
permanent residents with the submission of a FAFSA. you to seek local and national private
scholarship opportunities.
• Federal Direct Stafford Loan—Long-term, fixed
interest rate federal student loan.
• Payment Plans—Berklee partners with
Tuition Management Systems (TMS) to
• Federal Pell Grant—Need-based grant, determined
offer installment-based payment plans.
by the financial information provided on your FAFSA.
• Parent PLUS Loans—Federal loan
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
available to parents of dependent
Grant (SEOG)—Need-based grant awarded to
recipients of the Federal Pell Grant.
students.
• Private Student Loans—Many
• State Aid—Many states offer financial aid for residents.
lenders offer private educational
Full details and deadlines per state are available at
loans for supplemental financing.
fafsa.ed.gov.
• Veterans Education Benefits—
Berklee certifies all Veteran Affairs
(VA) educational benefit chapters
and participates in the Yellow
BERKLEE RESOURCES Ribbon Program.
Financial aid from Berklee is available in the form of
scholarships, grants, and on-campus jobs.
• Berklee Scholarships—Applicants are automatically QUESTIONS?
considered for scholarships, which are awarded to JUST ASK.
nearly 40 percent of entering students, averaging
40 percent of tuition. We know this process can
• Berklee Grants—We award grants to some raise many questions—and
scholarship recipients demonstrating financial need. we are here to help. Connect
• Student Employment—You may apply to work part with us at financialaid@
time on campus, allowing you to earn money and berklee.edu or
800-BERKLEE (237-5533).
11

YOUR FIRST YEAR
Your first year at Berklee will
be filled with self-exploration,
new friendships, and connecting
with a community of passionate
musicians who can’t wait to
create with you.
ADJUSTING TO
COLLEGE LIFE
In your first semester, after being
assigned a dedicated academic
advisor, you’ll take a seminar-style
class to help you develop your
community, navigate Berklee, and
learn the skills necessary to succeed
as both a student and an artist.
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CREATE WITH
YOUR PEERS
Berklee offers over 350
ensembles including the String
Metal Ensemble, Contemporary
Symphony Orchestra, Latin
Ensemble, and Turntable
Ensemble, to list a few. For
your first semester, we’ll place
DEVELOP YOUR MUSICALITY you into one ensemble based
on your preferred genre and
All first-year students take Berklee’s core music audition rating. After that, the
curriculum, which is designed to solidify your musical decision of which ensembles to
understanding and technique to prepare you for whatever join is all on you.
major you declare upon completing your first year. You’ll
be placed into classes based on your individual level of berklee.edu/ensembles
musicianship and will study the following topics:
ARRANGING EAR TRAINING MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
GET CONNECTED
PERFORMANCE HARMONY PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
We are here to help you. If you
have more questions about
what to expect during your
TONAL HARMONY AND COUNTERPOINT
first year, please contact us at
admissions@berklee.edu or
617-747-2222.
berklee.edu/core
GET INVOLVED OUTSIDE OF CLASS
While music remains the primary focus, it is far from the
only experience available on campus starting your first
year. Here are just a few:
BERKLEE REVELATION THE BIRN
RECORDS Berklee’s internet radio station
Student-managed record label
BERKLEE WOMEN IN ACTION
FUSION Empowering and raising
Berklee’s global arts magazine awareness for women in music
MUSIC BUSINESS JOURNAL NCAA DIVISION III SPORTS
Student publication for Offered by partner school
aspiring music professionals Emerson College
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Check out more at:
ASSOCIATION
berklee.edu/campus-life
Representing the voice of your peers
THE BIG MOMENT: DECLARING
YOUR MAJOR
You’ll have a full year to explore your degree options and
identify your interests before declaring your major. A few of
our majors require an application. You may change your major
after declaring, but this often adds extra time to your degree.
berklee.edu/majors
13

BERKLEE ONLINE
Berklee Online is the online
school of Berklee College of
Music, offering access to Berklee’s
renowned faculty, acclaimed
curriculum, and unparalleled
networking opportunities from
anywhere in the world.
Our award-winning online
courses, multi-course certificate
programs, and undergraduate
and graduate degree programs
are accredited and provide
lifelong learning opportunities to
people interested in music and
working in the music industry.
online.berklee.edu
14
JUMPSTART YOUR EDUCATION
Prepare for Berklee by taking for-credit classes with
Berklee Online. With over 200 12-week interactive
courses covering topics such as music theory,
performance, songwriting, music business, and music
production, Berklee Online is an affordable and
flexible way to get ready for our on-campus programs.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Many of Berklee Online’s faculty members also teach
on the Boston campus, so you can connect with
future mentors before arriving on campus. Some of
our instructors include producers who have made
albums with Radiohead, Prince, and Notorious B.I.G.,
songwriters who have won multiple Grammys, and
composers who have scored major blockbuster films.
BUILD A
COMMUNITY
Our student body includes
seasoned music industry
professionals and those aspiring
for careers in music. With students
from over 140 countries, you’ll
make connections around the
world with professional artists,
touring musicians, entrepreneurs,
executives at industry-leading
technology firms, and producers
running major recording studios, all
while gaining valuable insight into
the diverse global music industry.
CONTACT US
We’d love to chat with you
and answer your questions
about Berklee Online,
including course selection
and transferring credits.
Connect with an advisor
at +1 617-747-2146 or
advisors@online.berklee.edu.
GET STARTED ONLINE
We’ve selected a few for-credit online courses that are
best for preparing you for your on-campus studies. These
courses will help you prepare for your audition and
Berklee’s core music curriculum, and any credits earned will
transfer to your on-campus program as a general elective.
DEVELOPING YOUR ARTISTRY CRITICAL LISTENING
EAR TRAINING 1 & 2 BERKLEE KEYBOARD METHOD
MUSIC PRODUCTION ANALYSIS MUSIC FOUNDATIONS
HARMONIC EAR TRAINING: MUSIC THEORY
RECOGNIZING CHORD PROGRESSIONS 101 & 201
berklee.edu/online-course-equivalencies
TRY IT FOR FREE
If you’d like to explore what it’s like in the Berklee Online course
environment, check out our free Sample Lessons, which include
content from 12 popular courses. Each sample lesson features
video and audio clips, discussion topics, and weekly assignments
for you to try for free. Berklee Online also offers free four- to six-
week courses through Coursera and Kadenze, covering subjects
like music business, production, theory, and more.
online.berklee.edu/sample-a-lesson
15

APPLICATION NEXT STEPS
Congratulations! You just had
your first breakthrough at Berklee.
This is a big moment, and we
know you showed us everything
you’ve got, so take a breath while
we lay out what happens next in
your application process.
CONFIRM YOUR
APPLICATION FILE IS
COMPLETE
If you have outstanding items in
your checklist, we need them. Log
into apply.berklee.edu and check
your application file to make sure
you don’t owe us anything.
16
GET YOUR DECISION
Once we have your supporting
materials, you’ll receive a decision
through the application portal at
apply.berklee.edu. Decisions are
sent based on the following dates:
Fall Semester
Early Action: January 31
SUBMIT SUPPORTING MATERIALS (August–December auditions)
Regular Action: March 31
If you still owe us any checklist items, drop them in the mail as
(January–March auditions)
soon as possible. We can’t give you a decision without them.
The documents you need to submit are based on what kind of
Spring Semester
applicant you are:
September 15
Domestic Applicants International Applicants Summer Semester
• High school transcripts • Official transcripts or March 1
or homeschool portfolio credential evaluation report
• College transcripts, • TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE
if applicable Academic Scores
ASK QUESTIONS
Everything should be mailed to:
We know you’re excited to get
Berklee College of Music your decision. We are too! So
Office of Admissions if you have questions, need
1140 Boylston Street even more info about the
Boston, Massachusetts 02215 application process, or want
to learn about the many ways
If you have questions about supporting materials, email your to break through at Berklee,
enrollment officer at eo@berklee.edu. simply contact your enrollment
officer at eo@berklee.edu.
EXPLORE FINANCIAL AID
AND SCHOLARSHIPS
We want to ensure you and your family have a sound
financial plan to pay for your Berklee education. From
merit-based scholarships (for which you’re automatically
considered) and transferable credits to state, federal, and
institutional aid, there’s a lot to consider.
As you begin your research, the Student Financial
Services team is ready and available to answer your
questions. Contact them by phone at 617-747-2274 or
1-800-538-3844 or by email at financialaid@berklee.edu.
START EARNING COLLEGE CREDIT
Taking classes with Berklee Online, Berklee’s award-
winning online school, is a great way to sharpen your
foundational music skills while sampling the Berklee
educational experience. Credits from up to two Berklee
Online courses may also transfer toward Berklee College
of Music’s general elective requirement (a grade of “C”
or better is required). Visit online.berklee.edu/courses.
Recommended Online Preparatory Courses:
• Music Foundations
• Harmonic Ear Training: Recognizing Chord Progressions
• Ear Training for Live Performance
• Developing Your Artistry
• Critical Listening
• Music Production Analysis
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