Berklee College of Music
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•World's largest independent music school and premier institution for the study of contemporary music
•Ranked among the top five best music schools by The Hollywood Reporter
•Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Most comprehensive voice education available anywhere
•Training across all contemporary styles including jazz, R&B, rock, country, pop, theater, and global styles
•Philosophy founded on experimentation — create an individual musical identity rather than being limited to one style
•Performance is the largest major at the college
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Vocal labs, performance studies courses, and ensembles in diverse performance contexts
•Performances at the Berklee Performance Center
•Recording sessions, concerts, festivals, and tours through the ensemble program
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Graduates include artists who have worked with Ariana Grande, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and more
STUDY ABROAD
•Study abroad at the Valencia, Spain campus (recommended during 3rd-6th semester)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular ActionJan 15, 2026
Fee
$150
50% off for Early Action applicants (apply by Nov 1)
Audition Requirements
Songs
PREPARED PIECE, 3-5 MINUTES
•Perform one piece on your primary instrument (voice)
•Must be performed live — no prerecorded performances
•Select a piece that highlights your strengths and best abilities
REPERTOIRE OPTIONS
•A tune from a well-known artist or band (any style)
•A standard or jazz tune with your own improvisation
•A composition from the vocal repertoire (movement, sonata, concerto, or etude)
•A transcription of a well-known artist's solo
•Original compositions welcome for songwriters (limit 3 min, plus a second piece from the list above)
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Berklee does not provide an accompanist
•You may use a backing track or bring a live accompanist
•You may accompany yourself on another instrument (guitar, piano), but assessment is based solely on vocal abilities
•Microphone use is optional — bring your own if preferred
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
AUDITION DAY CHECKLIST
•Microphone and XLR cable (if preferred — not required)
•Accompanist or backing track (not required)
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS (OPTIONAL)
•Letters of recommendation (up to two)
•Videos of your musical abilities
•Personal essay
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply at berklee.edu/apply — Berklee does NOT accept the Common App
•Application fee: $150 (50% off for Early Action applicants who apply by November 1)
TEST REQUIREMENTS
•Berklee is test-blind — SAT/ACT scores are not required
AUDITION LOCATIONS
•Boston campus, regional sites across the US and worldwide, or online
•In-person and online auditions are weighted equally for admission and scholarship consideration
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
•BM admits new students for fall (September), spring (January), and summer (May) terms
•Major declaration is not required at application — students declare in their second semester
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•15-minute audition followed by 15-minute interview
•Check in 30 minutes before your scheduled time
•Total process takes approximately one hour after check-in
AUDITION COMPONENTS
•Prepared piece (3-5 minutes on your primary instrument)
•Improvisation over a short progression or drum beat (I-IV-V blues)
•Sight-reading of written notation
•Ear training (call and response, interval identification, pitch matching)
SCHEDULING
•Select preferred locations in the application form
•Invitation with date and time details sent approximately four weeks before
•Confirm your scheduled time immediately or your space will be given to another applicant
•Do not make travel arrangements until you have confirmed your assignment
CONTACT
•admissions@berklee.edu
•617-747-2221 or 800-BERKLEE
Scholarship Info
MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
•All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the audition and interview
•No separate scholarship application required
•Online auditions are weighted the same as in-person for scholarship consideration
•Scholarship decision issued with the admissions decision
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.00
Avg GPA (W)
50%
Admit Rate
67%
Grad Rate
7,510
Enrollment
$33,647
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$50,270
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$50,404
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$38,537
Family Income $30k - $48k$39,205
Family Income $48k - $75k$46,723
Family Income $75k - $110k$50,150
Family Income $110k+$56,371
