FAQs

Q: I will be in Boston next week. What do I need to do to schedule a visit?
See Visiting Berklee.

Q: Is Berklee a jazz school, a rock school, or a classical music school?
Berklee's founding was based on the need for education in America's popular music, beginning with jazz. Previously no schools used a structured approach to teaching jazz or other forms of popular music; in fact, all musical training had been based on the European, classical model. Some conservatories and music schools still use this classical education model, but Berklee employs a rigorous and pragmatic educational approach to teach jazz, r&b, pop, rock, gospel, and other forms of music, including classical music. Berklee is neither just a jazz school, nor just a rock/pop school, but a college offering all styles of contemporary music for today's music industry.

Q: What background do I need to have in order to be accepted to Berklee College of Music?
Generally, the board of admissions considers three main areas of a student's background when making an admissions decision:

  1. Background on principal instrument.
  2. Knowledge of basic music theory. A student may learn the theory topics through classes, private instruction, or self study. Please read over our theory topics for study and review.
  3. Academic ability as demonstrated from high school and post secondary school transcripts.

For international students, it is required that all students be able to communicate effectively in English.

Q: What are the audition requirements?
The admissions requirements outline the college's current audition and interview requirements.

Q: Are SAT/ACT scores required for acceptance? Is there a minimum high school GPA requirement?
SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission. There are no specific minimum cut-off grade point averages (GPA), college board scores, or class ranks in order to be considered for acceptance. However, the board of admissions (BOA) prefers grades of C+ and higher in English, math, history, and science.

Q: Are admission requirements the same for degree and diploma programs?
The application materials required are the same for both programs. The board of admissions places slightly less emphasis on the academic background of an applicant for the diploma program. However, candidates in the diploma program are expected to be able to handle college-level work.

Q: If I enroll as a diploma candidate can I later switch to the degree program?
Yes. Students in the diploma program who have achieved a certain level of academic success may enter the degree program.

Q: Can I enroll at Berklee part-time?
The college's primary commitment is to full-time study. The teaching resources and facilities are fully occupied in serving our full-time students. We cannot allow unrestricted part-time enrollment except to students who are very close to the completion of their graduation requirements. According to U.S. immigration regulations, international students must attend two full-time semesters every year and not take more than one vacation period in order to maintain F-1 student status.

Q: When can I start at Berklee?
Students interested in the full-time undergraduate programs may begin in September, January, or May. Admissions timelines should be adhered to, and financial aid, scholarships, and housing deadlines apply.

Q: Does Berklee offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes, both financial aid, and scholarships are available. Deadlines apply, so please read these sections carefully.

Q: Does Berklee have housing?
Yes, Berklee provides housing for approximately 800 students.

Q: Do I have a specific contact person in Admissions?
You will be assigned to a specific assistant director of admissions as you go through the application process, based on your last name and whether or not you are a domestic or international applicant. Your assistant director will counsel you throughout the admissions process. Please ask who your assistant director is when you call us (see Contacting Admissions for address, phone, and email information).

Q: What is the application deadline?
For a complete listing of deadlines for each semester please refer to the Dates/Timeline section of the application page.

Q: If I send my application via fax or express mail or apply online, can I expect a faster response from the Office of Admissions?
No. Although you may receive faster service by your choice of delivery (fax, mail, express mail, hand delivery, online, etc.), your application is processed in turn with all other applications received that day. Initial processing, whereby we will tell you whether or not the application is complete and going to the board of admissions, may take up to a week.

Q: As an international student, when can I get my student visa?
There are a number of steps necessary before obtaining a visa to attend Berklee. First, you must submit a complete application and be accepted for admission by the Office of Admissions. Then you must provide financial documentation to us, in order to receive necessary forms that will allow you to apply for a visa in your home country. Please review the specific information we provide for international students.

Q: When is the tuition deposit due?
In order to confirm your place in the entering class you should send your tuition deposit as soon as you are officially accepted to the college. Sending the tuition deposit also ensures that you receive all pertinent information, such as housing information, registration information, tuition payment plan information, appropriate bills, and student visa information (international students only). Tuition deposits can be fully refunded or transferred if the college is notified in writing by published deadlines.

Q: Do you offer private instruction for beginning music students or for students who only want private instruction?
If you are interested in private lessons only, contact the instrumental departments directly or contact the career resources department to post your interest in lessons.

Q: Do all students have to study an instrument, even those interested in music production and engineering, music therapy, and music business/management?
Yes. Berklee's approach is based on the philosophy that anyone interested in a successful career in the music industry, and wanting a competitive edge over others with only technical or business backgrounds, must gain training on an instrument and have a sound background in music theory. This is also why a core music curriculum is required in any major.

Q: What is the difference between my major and my principal instrument?
All Berklee students, regardless of the major they choose, are required to fulfill instrument proficiency requirements. Depending on your major, the number of semesters for which you are required to take private instruction on your principal instrument will vary from four semesters to eight. For example, music synthesis: the first four semesters will include private instruction, for perfomance the first eight semesters of private instruction are required.

Q: What will I be taking my first semester?
All students are required to complete a core music curriculum. Based on a written theory placement exam, taken during the registration period, you will be placed in appropriate levels of the required courses. These courses include harmony, arranging, ear training, music technology, ensemble, and private instruction. degree students take one general education course such as English Composition. You can declare a major once you have attained your second semester standing at Berklee.

Q: Will classes from other colleges transfer to Berklee?
Transfer credits may be accepted from an accredited institution of higher education. General education courses (for example English, math, history) successfully completed at such institutions with a grade of at least a C can normally be transferred towards similar general education courses that are required in the student's program of study at Berklee. Transcript evaluations are done by the Registrar's Office once you have been accepted. Note that the maximum transferable credits are 60. International Baccalaureate is treated just like a French Bac or a Swiss Maturita—some credits are granted. Because course content in music subjects may differ greatly between schools, we do not accept music courses as direct transfer credits from other institutions. However, at Berklee, placement examinations in written theory and ear training are administered to all entering students during the registration period of each semester. Any advanced standing and consequent credits in music are determined at that time. Students who feel that they have the expertise required for a more advanced course offered at Berklee may always contact the appropriate Department Chair to discuss the possibility of receiving credit by exam. For more details see transfer student information.

Q: Can I play electric keyboards as my principal instrument?
No. Although there are many playing opportunities for keyboards/synthesizers in ensembles, instrumental labs, and recitals, acoustic piano is the official principal instrument of all keyboard players. Proficiencies, private lessons, and auditions are all performed on acoustic piano.

Q: Does Berklee teach voice?
Yes, voice principals comprise a large portion of the student population.

Q: Can I study more than one instrument while at Berklee?
Each Berklee student must declare one principal instrument. You must take private instruction, ensembles, instrumental labs, and proficiencies on this instrument. However, students may take additional private lessons, instrumental labs, and/or ensembles on a second instrument upon meeting the requirements of the appropriate department. Students will, however, have to pay additional credit fees for an additional private lesson. Also, there is much opportunity to play a second instrument in student-organized recitals and sessions.

Q: Do I need to bring my equipment/instrument with me to Berklee?
All students, except piano players, are expected to bring their instruments with them to Berklee. Percussion and acoustic bassists may use storage lockers near the ensemble and practice rooms in the 150 Mass. Ave. building.

Q: Do all students have access to the music technology facilities?
To ensure that each student has sufficient hands-on lab time, the use of some facilities is regulated. Students in music technology majors frequently involve students of other majors in their class projects. For example, non-music production and engineering (non-MP&E) majors can work in the recording studios by writing or playing for MP&E student projects or by enrolling in a studio ensemble.

Q: Does Berklee teach courses other than music on Berklee's campus?
Yes, Berklee faculty members teach general education courses such as English, history, and science. Students in the degree program will find that approximately 25 percent of the credits required for a degree are general education courses. See the General Education Department. Students can also take a wide variety of courses at area colleges through the Pro Arts Consortium.

Q: Why do I need proof of high school graduation (secondary school) if I have already attended college?
Our accreditation standards require that we verify that students have graduated from high school, even if they are considered a transfer student. A GED or other high-school equivalency examination may be presented in lieu of a secondary school diploma.

Q: What percentage of applicants are accepted?
Approximately 35 percent of the applicants for full-time undergraduate programs are accepted to the college.

Q: Does Berklee have a job placement service?
Berklee is a microcosm of the music industry, and networking with other musicians begins immediately upon enrolling at Berklee. Faculty, students, and alumni—in total, more than 30,000 individuals—serve as an ever-growing pool of contacts. Also, Berklee students in different majors have internship opportunities which often lead to permanent placement. Students can also find career guidance through the the Career Development Center in the Counseling Center, which maintains a very active job listing service.

Q: Do Berklee alumni actively work in the music industry upon graduation?
Berklee alumni maintain a competitive edge, actively working in the music industry and music education fields, with a remarkable 60 percent earning the majority of their income from their musical pursuits.

Q: Who are some of Berklee's well known alumni/faculty?
See Berklee alumni and faculty.

Q: Does Berklee have summer programs or short sessions?
Yes, see the Summer programs, Professional Development programs, and International programs sections.


Additional Information


If you have any questions regarding the admissions process which are not answered in our Admissions FAQ, please feel free to contact Berklee's Office of Admissions.