Take your passion and talent for performing to a completely new level. As a master’s student in contemporary studio performance, you’ll hone your concert performance skills in a variety of styles with other advanced, highly proficient instrumentalists and vocalists. Students will also learn to master the unique demands performers face when working in a 21st-century studio, as well as the technological and entrepreneurial skills that are essential for the contemporary performer. Through study of music business and production, students will develop strategies for producing and marketing their performance projects.
This program is distinct from a jazz studies or contemporary performance degree in its approach: students are not limited to studying jazz or contemporary art music, but will work with master musicians in a variety of genres, such as salsa, rock, Afro-Cuban jazz, and bluegrass. Through applied lessons, small ensembles, master classes, and directed studies, students will deepen their understanding of the harmonic and stylistic practices associated with their chosen area of performance.
Students will perform, record, and develop a digital promotional package of their own music. This project may take a variety of forms: a compact disc, a lecture/demonstration, a grant proposal, a website marketing plan, or another option of the student’s devising.
Contemporary studio performance is a three-semester master’s program focusing on concert performance in a variety of styles and the professional production of performance projects in a variety of media with a sub-specialization in either music business or music technology. This program offers advanced studies to instrumentalists and vocalists who demonstrate excellent musical proficiency and desire to develop their performance career in any style. Students accepted into the program will perform frequently in a wide array of projects, including an emphasis on studio recording sessions. The goal of this program is to ensure that students have a well-rounded knowledge of performing, producing, and marketing their performance projects in a variety of media from the concert stage to various digital audiences. The final stage of this master of music degree is a concert and a digital promotional package of this performance.
This master’s program runs from September 2012 through August 2013.
Courses
*Course content is subject to change
A PDF with course descriptions can be found here.
Academic Calendar
The master´s program runs from September to August. For a list of important dates for the upcoming intake please click here.
These are some examples of the career paths graduates can pursue:
- Concert artist
- Performer/producer
- Performing artist/teacher
- Performing artist/composer
- Performing artist/songwriter
- Performing artist/entrepreneur
- Music entrepreneur
Learn more about careers in Music Performance.
Who Are We Looking For?
We seek focused, motivated, creative candidates with excellent academic and professional backgrounds who can contribute skills that will benefit the program. Instrumentalists and vocalists must demonstrate excellent musical proficiency and a desire to develop their performance career in any style, with a proven track record of academic excellence. While continuing to develop as performers, students who want to learn about marketing and producing their music will highly benefit from this program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are required to hold a bachelor of music degree, or a bachelor of arts degree with a major in music, with a good academic record. Applicants should demonstrate motivation, intellectual curiosity, and the promise of great achievement in their area of study.
Admissions Process
Completed applications will be processed and considered in the order they are received. It is recommended that applicants begin the process as early as possible in order to attend their desired class of entry. There are four steps in the admissions process:
1. Complete application process
2. Attend an entrance audition and/or interview (by invitation)
3. Await admissions committee final decision
4. Submit your tuition deposit to reserve your place
Application Process
In order for an application to be considered complete and able to be reviewed by the admissions committee, the following is required:
- Application (online only).
- Application fee of 120 Euros:This fee is not applied toward your balance and is nonrefundable. (Berklee undergraduate alumni who are successfully admitted to the master’s program will be credited the application fee towards their tuition.) Payment options include:
- Wire transfer:
SWIFT Code/BIC: BSABESBB
IBAN: ES08 00810155880002322239
Bank Account Name/Beneficiary: Berklee Valencia
Reference: Name of the applicant
- Statement of purpose: The statement of purpose should be included in your online application. It should be between 400 to 500 words. This is your chance to tell us all about you, your musical journey to date, and why you would like to pursue a master’s program at Berklee College of Music. In your statement you can touch upon topics such as:
- Are you a highly dedicated person who can work in a highly dedicated field?
- What musical challenges have you overcome?
- Have you been involved in marketing an event, publishing or writing reviews, organizing musicians, or networking in the music industry?
- How does this master’s program get you closer to your professional goals?
- Résumé/curriculum vitae: The résumé/CV should be included in your online application. It should include your personal details and educational and work experience. For information on what to include in your CV, click here.
- Online Portfolio: Three contrasting pieces that demonstrate breadth and depth of your performance/ensemble skills.
- Two letters of recommendation: The letters should be from people who have worked with or collaborated with you and can reflect your musical skills and strengths. Send to:
Admissions Department
Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía – Anexo Sur
Avenida Autopista del Saler, 1
46013 Valencia (Spain)
- Transcripts: One official copy of transcripts from all institutions attended or attending. Send to above address. Transcripts from institutions attended outside the U.S. or Canada must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service, such as the Education Credential Evaluators or Education Evaluators International. Please ask for a course-by-course evaluation with grades.
- English qualifications: Applicants for whom English is a second language must have successfully completed their undergraduate studies at an English-speaking university or must submit results (from within two years of master’s program start date) of the following standardized tests:
- TOEFL: iBT (internet-based): 100; Computer-based: 250; Paper-based: 600
- IELTS: 7.5
- Cambridge English Language Exams: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Business English Certificate (BEC) or higher
- Pearson Test of English Academic: 73
Audition and Interview
The audition and interview experience is an integral part of the selection process for our master’s programs. Designed to show your strengths while helping us assess your aptitude and ability to succeed in Berklee’s highly charged and dynamic environment. An interview is required for our scoring for film, television, and video games or global entertainment and music business master’s, whereas an audition and an interview are required for our contemporary studio performance master’s. Interviews and auditions are held on an ongoing basis at our Valencia and Boston campuses. Applicants to global entertainment and music business or scoring for film, television, and video games who cannot travel to either campus can do their interview via telephone or Skype.
Admissions Committee Final Decision
After the audition and/or interview has been completed, applicants will be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee and screened on the basis of a completed application, supporting materials, and audition/interview.
Submit Your Deposit
Berklee College of Music’s master’s programs are highly selective. Upon receiving your acceptance, it is necessary to submit your tuition deposit in order to secure your spot in the upcoming class. Although accepted to the program, you will not be guaranteed a spot until this deposit is received.
For questions about the admissions process, email admissionsvalencia@berklee.edu.
Víctor Mendoza, Program Director
The contemporary studio performance master’s program is headed by Víctor Mendoza, considered by critics around the world to be one of today’s finest Latin jazz artists. Mexican-born vibraphonist and composer Víctor Mendoza has a career that includes performances with his own group and as guest soloist around the globe. Recent presentations include guest appearances with the World Festival Orchestra under the direction of Paquito D’Rivera and the Milan Svoboda Orchestra in Prague; sold-out shows in Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, and in Tel Aviv; and solo performances with the Carlos Chávez Symphony Orchestra in Mexico City.
*U.S. citizens must pay the tuition deposit in U.S. Dollars.
**The Comprehensive Fee covers services and facilities that augment the students’ academic experience and includes, but is not limited to, students’ required registration into the Spanish educational system, students’ compulsory health insurance, and a variety of other services and facilities to which students have access.
Important Note for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens must pay tuition and related costs in U.S. dollars. The amount in U.S. dollars will be the equivalent of the euro prices given above according to the dollar/euro exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journal on specific dates.
Laptop and Software Requirements for the Master in Contemporary Studio Performance
Berklee College of Music requires all entering master’s students to own an Apple Macintosh laptop computer that meets certain standards established by the academic and technology leadership of the college.
For over a half a century, Berklee College of Music has been committed to preparing our students for the musical, technological, and business necessities of the world they will be entering. We firmly believe the laptop and software requirements stated below provide students with a unique resource that will maximize the potent music education available only at Berklee and will help prepare students for successful entry into the music industry.
Minimum Laptop Requirements*
Apple Macintosh MacBook Pro computer with 15.4″ display (Model MB470LL/A), 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, 500GB hard disk, 8x SuperDrive, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor, Gigabit Ethernet, Firewire 800, two USB ports, AirPort card built-in.
*Master’s students should own a laptop with these specifications and bring this to the first day of orientation. Students whose laptops already meet Berklee specifications need not purchase a new computer.
Software Requirements
- Mbox Pro – Protools (Avid)
- Finale 2011
- ATH-50 Headphones (Audio Technica)
- Toast Titanium (Roxio)
- AT-2021 Microphone (Audio Technica)
- iLife 11
- iWork 09
- Microsoft Office 2011
- Filemaker Pro 11
Berklee is currently in negotiations to attain the best possible price on required software. Details regarding the student price and process for purchasing required software will be forthcoming. All students whose software already meets Berklee specifications will be exempt purchasing new software
More information on fees and payments can be found in the Admissions section of our website here.
Is the GRE or the GMAT required to apply for this program?
The GRE or the GMAT is not required to apply for this program.
I have an undergraduate degree from Berklee College of Music. Is there a special process for me to apply to this master’s degree program?
The process is the same as for any other applicant.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Credits may not be transferred to this program.