Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive

Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive

The Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive is widely regarded as the most prestigious summer music program in the world for aspiring professional musicians. Held each summer on Berklee College of Music's Boston campus, this immersive program brings together exceptional high school musicians from over 60 countries to study performance, songwriting, music production, music business, and everything in between—taught by Berklee's legendary faculty.

Why Berklee?

Berklee College of Music has trained more Grammy winners than any other institution on earth. Alumni include Charlie Parker, Quincy Jones, Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, St. Vincent, and hundreds of other artists who have defined modern popular music. The college's summer program is a direct pipeline into this world-class community—and for many students, it's the experience that confirms music as a serious career path.

Program Structure

The Five-Week Intensive is a residential program. Participants live in Berklee dormitories in Boston's Fenway neighborhood and spend each day immersed in music from morning to evening.

Core Program Elements:

• Daily ensemble rehearsals (students audition into ensembles by instrument/skill)
• Private instruction with Berklee faculty
• Music theory and ear training workshops
• Elective workshops (over 50 options, including: live sound engineering, songwriting, music business, film scoring, improvisation, world music)
• Studio sessions (recording with professional-grade equipment)
• Concert performances throughout Boston

Instruments & Specializations Supported: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano/Keyboards, Voice, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Cello, Music Production, Songwriting, Music Business

Performance Opportunities

Each student performs multiple times throughout the five weeks—in student showcases, ensemble concerts, and impromptu sessions around Boston. The program culminates in a final concert that families and prospective students attend.

College Credit & Scholarship

Berklee's summer program offers college credit for exceptional high school students who qualify (additional fee applies). More importantly, Berklee's summer program is a direct pathway into the college itself: summer participants are actively recruited, and strong summer students often receive scholarship consideration when applying for admission.

In 2024, Berklee awarded over $1 million in scholarships to summer participants who applied for undergraduate admission.

Admission Process

Admission to the Five-Week Intensive is competitive and audition-based. Applicants submit:

• Video audition (typically 2 original or prepared pieces)
• Academic transcript
• Artist statement describing musical goals
• Teacher recommendation (music teacher preferred)

Auditions are evaluated on musical preparation, potential, and fit. Beginners are not admitted—Berklee seeks students who are already seriously developing as musicians.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition for the five-week program is approximately $6,000–$7,500 (room and board included). Berklee offers substantial need-based and merit scholarships specifically for summer participants. The application for financial aid is submitted alongside the program application.

Who Should Apply?

The Five-Week Intensive is ideal for students who:

• Play an instrument or sing at an advanced level (3+ years of serious study)
• Want to explore music as a college major or professional career
• Are looking for a program that treats them as pre-professional musicians
• Want to connect with serious musicians from around the world

If music is at the center of your identity and ambitions, there is no summer program more aligned with those goals than Berklee's Five-Week Intensive.

How much does Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive cost?

Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive costs $7,000. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

What is the application deadline for Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive?

The application deadline is June 21, 2027. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

Who is eligible for Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive?

Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

Is Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive online or in person?

Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive is an in-person program based in Boston, Massachusetts. Expect a time commitment of roughly 45 hours per week.

How do I apply to Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Intensive?

Apply directly through Berklee College of Music's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.