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
These are the courses that will be offered in this program:
- Production Concepts for the Contemporary Performer
- Contemporary Arranging
- Advanced Ear Training
- Performing Musicians in the Global Economy
- Private Instruction/Recording Projects
- Contemporary Studio Ensemble
- Contemporary Harmony
- Advanced Pedagogical Practices: Vocal Jazz Studies
- Creative Promotion in New Media
- E-Business for Entrepreneurs
- Music Technology for the Writer
- Masters Performance Forum
- Topics in Improvisation
- The Triadic Chromatic Approach for the Performer
- Stage Performance Workshop
- Thesis: Music Performance Production Plan
*Course content is subject to change
Course Descriptions
Academic Calendar
The master’s program runs from September to August.
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?
Berklee in Valencia seeks 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.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants are required to hold a bachelor of music degree, or a bachelor of arts degree with a major in music, preferably with a good academic record. Candidates with an outstanding proven experience in the field without a bachelor’s degree, will also be considered. Applicants should demonstrate motivation, intellectual curiosity, and the promise of great achievement in their area of study. Applicants must submit the following material before March 31, 2012:
- Application (online only).
- Application fee of 120 euros (payable by major credit card only).
- Statement of purpose (two pages maximum): Please tell us about yourself and share why you are pursuing a graduate degree from Berklee College of Music.
- An online video audition for the program consisting of a minimum of three pieces that demonstrate breadth and depth of performance/ensemble skills.
- Resume/curriculum vitae.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- One official copy of transcripts from all institutions attended or attending.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must have successfully completed their undergraduate studies at an English-speaking university or must submit the following standardized tests.
Application Process
All graduate applicants will be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee and screened on the basis of a completed application and supporting materials specified for their major. Successfully screened applicants will be notified for an in-person interview in Valencia or Boston. For the first year of the program (2012), auditions and interviews will be conducted in Boston and Valencia only.
Important Deadlines
- Application deadline: March 31, 2012.
- You will be notified about your application status and interview by April 30, 2012.
- Accepted students will be notified by May 31, 2012.
Valencia Admissions Contact Info
Berklee in Valencia Office
Email: valenciaadmissions@berklee.edu
Phone: + 34 91 522 45 36
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.
Application Fee: 120 Euros (Nonrefundable)
Tuition Fee: 24.500 Euros (Total cost of the program)
Tuition Deposit: 500 Euros (The tuition deposit is credited towards tuition charges in the first semester of attendance.)
If you are interested in applying for financial aid or a scholarship, please visit our site for more information.
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.