Whether you’re interested in classical or contemporary, the Brass Workshop is for you. With instructors from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, you will study with diverse, world-class faculty comprising some of the East Coast's most renowned musicians. You'll have the perfect opportunity to improve all aspects of your musical ability, taking your skills to new levels by exploring the world of brass performance.

Non-credit

Residential

Commuter

Accepts International Students

Final project

For all classes and ensembles, you will be placed with participants of similar abilities and interests. As part of the registration, you can choose between two tracks to participate in:

1 - Classical
Gain expert knowledge on improving your tone, technical ability, sight-reading, and overall musicianship. Strengthen your performance skills and rehearsal techniques in a classical brass ensemble setting. You will play alongside faculty, many of whom perform with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in large and small ensembles focused on various classical time periods. Ensembles in this track are generally between five and 12 players, with an even distribution of brass instruments.
In addition to ensemble classes, French horn players will have daily master classes with Eli Epstein, a veteran horn player with the Cleveland Orchestra, author of Horn Playing from the Inside Out, and horn professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

2 - Contemporary
Take your reading, ensemble playing, and improvisational skills to the next level. You can participate in several jam sessions throughout the week and will perform in one of three ensembles. Ensembles in this track are generally between eight and 12 brass players, and include a rhythm section. Choose one of the following ensembles based on the style that suits you:
- Jazz: Get familiar with jazz harmony, melody, and rhythm while exploring the roots and branches of America’s unique musical art form. You will perform music from bebop to swing and modern jazz.
- Funk: Study music that combines elements of R&B and soul music. “Funkify” your soul with music from the likes of the Meters, John Scofield, the Yellow Jackets, Snarky Puppy, and more.
- New Orleans: Explore the roots of jazz through group interaction and solo improvisation in this ensemble that focuses on second line and Dixieland traditions. Music from Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Sidney Bechet, and others will have you groovin’ to the second-line parade.

The Brass Workshop offers participants the opportunity to study with internationally renowned teachers with proven track records—those who have not only won their own prestigious awards, but who have taught students that went on to enjoy flourishing careers. The Brass Workshop faculty includes Larry Isaacson, John Faieta, Steve Emery, Joe Foley, Eli Epstein, Norman Bolter, Angel Subero, Ken Amis, Jeff Stout, Charlie Lewis, Phil Grenadier, and Billy Buss(Opens in a new window).

Performance Opportunities

• Students will participate in one of the following ensembles during the week:
  
• Large Classical Brass Ensemble
  
• Small Classical Brass Ensemble
  
• Jazz Ensemble
  
• Funk Ensemble
  
• New Orleans Ensemble

Berklee's diverse summer programs provide a unique space for inspired students to enhance their skills in contemporary music, theater, or dance. We welcome dedicated students at all levels to explore their creativity and experience tailored, meaningful training in the arts while learning from renowned faculty and visiting artists.
How do Berklee’s summer programs differ from the rest?

At Berklee Summer Programs, you will take the skills you already possess—your creative voice, musicianship, technical ability, and motivation—and advance them with learning opportunities that are unmatched, and faculty who are at the forefront of the industry. We are the premier place for students to grow and develop their talents in a truly global community of artists.

Anyone Can Pursue Their Passions—No Audition Required
Most of our summer programs have open registration, which means you only need to complete the online registration and submit your payment to reserve your spot in a summer program. You may register for programs(Opens in a new window) that cover topics such as music performance, music production, songwriting, composition, dance, theater, or music entrepreneurship.

World-Class Faculty and Visiting Artists
Our faculty are Grammy-, Oscar-, and Tony-winning artists who are dedicated to helping you learn how to succeed in today’s performing arts and entertainment industries. In addition to our world-renowned undergraduate faculty, Berklee summer program participants learn from acclaimed visiting artists. Recent guests include Jacob Collier, Charlie Puth, Esperanza Spalding, and Ebony Williams.

Connect with Peers from Around the World
Each summer, Berklee welcomes students across the globe to its campus in the heart of Boston. More than 3,000 students travel from over 70 countries to hone their craft, make global connections, and collaborate with other like-minded musicians, actors, and dancers.

Explore the City of Boston
Located in historic Back Bay, Berklee’s Boston campus is an easy commute to many iconic venues throughout the city, including the House of Blues, Boston Symphony Hall, and the Boston Opera House. You can also choose to spend your summer at our campus in Valencia, Spain, or attend a program hosted in Los Angeles, California.

Apply to Our Undergraduate Programs for Free
Any student who attends a Berklee summer program is entitled to a fee waiver when applying for admission to the undergraduate programs at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Brass Workshop

Jun 17 - Jun 22

1 week

Commuter

1295 USD

Brass Workshop

Jun 17 - Jun 22

1 week

Residential

2190 USD

Tuition - $1,295
Housing - $895
Registration fee - $50 (nonrefundable)