What Berklee College of Music Is and Who Attends

Berklee College of Music is a private music school in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1945. It focuses on contemporary music — jazz, rock, hip-hop, electronic production, songwriting, and related fields — rather than classical performance. The college enrolls roughly 7,000 students from around 140 countries and offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.

Berklee differs from classical conservatories in its curriculum and culture. Students study music theory and ear training like conservatory students do, but the core repertoire is jazz standards, pop songwriting, and recording techniques rather than Bach and Beethoven. Many students come to Berklee already playing an instrument or producing music; others arrive with less formal training but strong musical instinct.

The college operates year-round, with most degree programs running on a semester schedule. Housing is available on and near campus, though not may provide for all students. Berklee also runs online degree programs and summer programs for high school students.

Key Takeaways

  • Berklee requires an audition for most programs, and the audition is the primary factor in admission decisions — grades and test scores matter less than they do at traditional colleges.
  • Tuition is high (over $50,000 per year before room and board), and financial aid comes from Berklee's own funds, federal loans, and scholarships, but not from state or federal grants.
  • Berklee offers more than 150 different degree options, from performance and composition to music production, music therapy, and music business.
  • The college does not require the SAT or ACT, and it does not use a traditional GPA-based admissions process.
  • Most students live off-campus after their first year, and the college is located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, a city with a strong music scene.

How Auditions and Admissions Work

Berklee's admissions process centers on a live or recorded audition, not on standardized test scores or high school grades. You will perform on your primary instrument (or voice) and may be asked to sight-read music or answer questions about your musical background. The audition typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

You can audition in person at Berklee's campus in Boston, at regional audition sites held in major cities, or by submitting a recorded video audition. The college reviews auditions on a rolling basis, meaning decisions come out as auditions are reviewed rather than all at once on a single date.

Berklee also considers your musical experience, your statement of purpose (why you want to attend), and your academic record, but the audition is weighted most heavily. If you do not have formal training or a high school diploma, you may still be considered if your audition demonstrates musical ability and potential.

Degree Programs and Specializations

Berklee offers over 150 different degree options, which sounds like a lot but reflects the college's modular approach to music education. Most students pursue a bachelor's degree (four years) with a primary focus and one or more secondary focuses. For example, you might major in Performance with a secondary in Music Production, or major in Songwriting with a secondary in Music Business.

Common primary focuses include Performance (voice, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, woodwinds, brass), Composition, Jazz Composition, Music Production and Engineering, Songwriting, Music Therapy, Music Business, and Film Scoring. Master's degree programs are available in many of these areas as well.

Berklee also offers certificate programs (typically one year) in specialized skills like Music Production, Audio Engineering, and Music Business. These are designed for students who want focused training without a full degree.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Berklee's tuition is approximately $50,000 to $52,000 per academic year (this varies slightly by program and changes annually). Room and board on or near campus adds another $15,000 to $20,000 per year. Books, instruments, and other supplies add several thousand more. The total cost of attendance for a four-year degree is substantial — typically $260,000 to $290,000 before financial aid.

Berklee does not participate in federal grant programs like the Pell Grant, so financial aid comes from three sources: Berklee's own scholarship and grant funds, federal student loans (which you must repay), and private scholarships. About 85% of Berklee students receive some form of financial aid from the college, but the amount varies widely based on your family's financial situation and the college's funding availability.

You will need to complete the FAFSA (Free process for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal loans and to have your financial need assessed. Berklee also has its own financial aid form. Merit scholarships (based on audition quality and musical potential) are available but are not may provide.

What Daily Life and Learning Look Like

Berklee students typically take a mix of music courses (lessons on their primary instrument, ensemble classes, music theory, ear training) and general education courses (English, history, science, mathematics). The balance depends on your degree focus — a Performance major takes more lessons and ensemble classes, while a Music Business major takes more business and humanities courses.

Lessons are usually one-on-one with a faculty member and happen once per week. Ensemble classes (jazz combos, rock bands, orchestras, choirs) meet multiple times per week and are central to the Berklee experience. Many students also use Berklee's recording studios and practice rooms outside of class time.

The college is in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, near Northeastern University and the Museum of Fine Arts. Boston has a strong live music scene, and many Berklee students perform in local venues or intern at recording studios and music venues while studying.

Online and Part-Time Options

Berklee offers online bachelor's degree programs in Music Production, Music Business, and Songwriting. These programs run on the same semester schedule as on-campus programs and cost the same tuition. Online students do not attend in person but participate in live video classes and submit recorded work for feedback.

The college also runs a summer program for high school students (typically ages 14 to 18) that offers week-long and multi-week intensives in various music disciplines. These are not degree-granting but give younger students a chance to study at Berklee and explore whether the college is a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read music notation to get into Berklee?

No, though it helps. Many Berklee students come from jazz, rock, or hip-hop backgrounds where they learned by ear rather than from sheet music. The audition will show whether you have the ear and instinct to learn notation quickly. Berklee teaches music reading as part of the curriculum.

Can I transfer credits from another college?

Yes, Berklee accepts transfer credits from accredited colleges, though music credits transfer more readily than general education credits. You will need to submit transcripts and may need to audition again. Transfer students typically complete their degree in fewer than four years if they have already finished general education requirements elsewhere.

What happens if I change my mind about my major?

Changing your primary focus or secondary focus is common at Berklee. You can switch focuses after your first year without losing much progress, since many core courses (music theory, ear training, ensemble) count toward multiple focuses. Switching after your second year may add time to your degree.

Does Berklee have a dorm, and do I have to live on campus?

Berklee owns several residence halls on campus, but housing is not may provide for all four years. First-year students are prioritized for on-campus housing. After that, many students move to off-campus apartments in the Fenway and surrounding neighborhoods. The college maintains a housing board to help students find roommates and apartments.

What is the job market like for Berklee graduates?

Berklee graduates work as performers, recording engineers, producers, songwriters, music teachers, film composers, and in music business roles. The college tracks employment outcomes, but like all music careers, success depends on your skills, your network, and your willingness to hustle. Many graduates combine multiple income streams (teaching, freelance work, streaming royalties, session work).