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.
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, 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. Students who want to learn about marketing and producing their music while continuing to develop as performers 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 strong working knowledge of harmony, leadership qualities, sequencing skills, ensemble experience, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and the promise of great achievement in their area of study.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Early action application deadline: November 30, 2012
Applicants who apply by November 30, 2012 will be notified regarding their acceptance by February 15, 2013.
Applicants to the contemporary performance master’s program who apply by November 30, 2012 and complete their audition by January 31, 2013, will be notified of their acceptance decision by Feb 15, 2013.
Regular action application deadline: March 1, 2013
Applicants who apply by March 1, 2013 will be notified regarding their acceptance by May 15, 2013.
Applicants to the contemporary performance master’s program who apply by March 1, 2013 and complete their audition by April 1, 2013 will be notified of their acceptance decision by May 15, 2013.
Extended application deadline: April 30, 2013
Applicants who apply by April 30, 2013 will be notified regarding their acceptance by May 31, 2013.
Applicants to the contemporary performance master’s program who apply and audition by April 30, 2013 will be notified of their acceptance decision by May 31, 2013.
Applications received after April 30, 2013 will be considered at the discretion of the admissions board.
Admissions Process
There are three steps in the admissions process:
1. Application and fee
2. Audition and interview – During the audition, applicants will be assessed on their musicianship based on the following criteria:
- Demonstration of strong musical and technical skills
- Prepared piece should demonstrate significant understanding of musicality, expression, phrasing, appropriate articulation and displays excellent intonation and tonal quality
- Sight-reading
- Improvisation
- Melodic and rhythmic play back
- If the audition is performed with an ensemble, the student will display the ability to work effectively and musically in a group performance situation
3. Final admissions decision
For complete information about the admissions process, click here.
Victor Mendoza
Enric Alberich
Sole Gimenez
Polo Orti
Mario Rossy
Perico Sambeat
Tuition and Related Costs 2013-2014 academic year
Tuition Fee: $35,750
Tuition deposit (non-refundable. This deposit will be credited towards tuition charges): $2,500.00
Comprehensive fee: $1,100*
Late payment fee: $250
Late check-in fee: $250
*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.
Laptop and Software Requirements for the Master in Contemporary Studio Performance
Berklee College of Music requires all entering master’s students to own a current generation Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer with specific software depending on your program of study. More detailed information will provided on the web after March 30th 2013.
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.