Writing Sample
Work Sample 
English Test 
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Online Application From 
Application Fee 
Parent/Guardian Consent 
Application is closed
Boston Conservatory at Berklee High School Composition Intensive is a two-week program designed to challenge and engage students who are serious about music composition. Young composers will receive individualized lessons and coachings from acclaimed faculty and guest artists who will help them build a toolbox of techniques essential to developing a compositional voice.
Non-credit
Residential
Commuter
Accepts International Students
Final project
Over the course of the two-week program, you'll compose three pieces which will be workshopped and recorded by professional musicians and ensembles. You'll leave the program with a strong portfolio of new works which you can share with friends and family, and use for college applications if you wish. We're very proud to maintain a 5 to 1 student to faculty ratio, meaning you'll receive ample support and individual attention during the composition and rehearsal process.
We'll assist you in working efficiently by giving you prompts for inspiration. We'll also have daily studio lessons where you'll get feedback on your work, have your questions answered, and receive encouragement. It's good training as a composer to be able to write quickly when you don't have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike; we'll help you build proactive ways of expressing your musical ideas.
Young composers will receive individualized lessons and coachings from acclaimed faculty and guest artists who will help them build a toolbox of techniques essential to developing a compositional voice. This includes:
- Learning how to write quickly and effectively
- Acquiring rehearsal techniques
- Developing communication skills for collaborating with professional musicians and colleagues
- Receiving feedback on revising scores.
By the end of the program, each student composer will have developed a portfolio of three works that includes properly notated scores and accompanying audio recordings, performed by the program’s professional ensembles in residence. Students will leave the program with greater confidence in their skills and creativity as composers.
Performance Opportunities
A final concert will also be broadcasted online so friends and family can tune in from anywhere.
In-Person classes (residential housing available)
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.
Students ages 15 to 18 with some foundation in music composition.
Writing Sample
Work Sample
English Test
Additional Requirements
Online Application From
Application Fee
Parent/Guardian Consent
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(Opens in a new window), 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 - Students interested in registering for this program should prepare the following materials:
- PDF scores of two original compositions;
- Two links to audio recordings of your compositions. MIDI-based performances are acceptable if a live recording is not available. Your submissions should be three to five minutes in length.
7 - International students: Obtain an I-20 form and apply for your F-1 visa.
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 15 - Jul 19
1 week
Commuter
Jul 15 - Jul 19
1 week
Residential
Tuition - $2,132
Housing - $1,560
Application fee - $50 (nonrefundable)
Writing Sample
Work Sample
English Test
Additional Requirements
Online Application From
Application Fee
Parent/Guardian Consent
Application is closed
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