International Musicians' English Language Institute (IMELI) Six-Week Program
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PLEASE NOTE: This program has not been updated with 2009 program information. Information about the 2009 program will appear online this winter. Until then, feel free to browse the information about our 2008 program, to get a sense of what the program is like.
July 3–August 15, 2008
English for Musicians
While music is an international language, strong English skills will help you function more easily in the United States and learn more in your courses and ensembles. Berklee’s International Musicians’ English Language Institute (IMELI) is a six-week program created to ease your transition into university study in the United States. The program teaches communication skills and reading comprehension in the context of contemporary music. Personal attention, close interaction with instructors, weekly jam sessions, and extracurricular events all prepare you to enter the full-time semester with confidence. IMELI is open to all, but is ideally suited to those who have applied or are planning to apply for full-time study at Berklee or another university music program.
IMELI English courses and activities focus on:
- Listening and conversation
- Writing and grammar
- Reading comprehension
- Music terminology
- Adjusting to Berklee, Boston, and the United States
- Class-related field trips
Music Courses
IMELI also includes music theory and ear training classes offered by the Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Program.
Styles Lab:
One hour each week in instrumental/ vocal courses to develop craft, style, and technique.
Ensemble:
Two hours each week.
Theory:
Two hours per week studying theory, including the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic elements of music.
Performance Perspectives:
Performances/discussions held one and a half hours per week with performers and songwriters in the music industry.
Final Week Ensemble Performance:
More than 140 student ensembles perform in concerts held during the final week.
Students choose a preferred ensemble and lab style from the following:
- Jazz:
Standards in jazz, blues, and modal jazz compositions - Pop/Rock:
Popular and rock music styles including alternative rock, blues, rock ’n’ roll and more - Funk/Fusion: (Instrumentalists only)
Instrumental music styles including funk, fusion, world beat, and more - Pop/R&B: (Vocalists only)
Popular vocal music styles including hip-hop, rhythm and blues, soul, and Motown
What is the schedule?
Residence Hall Move-in: Wednesday, July 2
Orientation: Thursday, July 3
Pay for tuition and housing, receive an identification card, check in for immigration, complete musical audition, take theory placement exam, learn about Berklee and Boston, and meet other IMELI students.
English Placement Assessment: Saturday, July 5
English Classes: Beginning July 7, Monday through Friday mornings
Music Courses: Beginning July 14, Monday through Thursday afternoons
Jam Sessions: Held once a week with IMELI and Berklee students
Special Events: Take place each week, including guest speakers and cultural activities outside of the classroom. IMELI students are able to attend faculty, visiting artist, and student concerts, recitals, and workshops
Program End: Friday, August 15
Where will I eat and sleep?
After we process your application for admission, you will be sent a housing application and additional information. Space is limited. Acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Housing applications are mailed to accepted students until the residence halls are full. Berklee housing includes a meal plan; however, prepare for extra meal costs throughout the program. For alternative housing options, contact the Office of Special Programs at 617 747-2245 or summer@berklee.edu.
How much are the fees and tuition?
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Please be aware, international students will need to pay the U.S. consulate or embassy additional visa-related fees that usually equal or exceed $200.
How and when can I pay the fees?
Bills for this program will be mailed in June. If you applied after June, call 617 747-2165 or 617 747-2610 or email bursar@berklee.edu to learn about making payments by internet, phone, and bank-to-bank wire transfers. Please do not mail cash. Full payments are due one week before the start of the program.
Are there scholarships?
Scholarships are available to students who are currently studying in secondary school (high school) or will graduate in 2008. To apply for a scholarship, send a written request and a recommendation letter from your secondary school band/choir director or private instrumental/vocal instructor. These may be sent separately if you have already applied online.
In your written request for scholarship describe your musical and academic achievements and/or explain how you feel the IMELI program will help you achieve specific educational or professional goals.
Requests must be received before May 1. Awards are generally within the range of $450–$900. We cannot consider students for scholarship unless an IMELI application has been received and processed.
Will I have to audition?
All participants are requested to perform a placement audition on Thursday, July 3. Please be prepared to play a short piece of music no more than three minutes in length. If you read music, you will be asked to demonstrate your skills in this area.
Am I eligible?
If you will be at least 17 years old by the start of the program and have been playing your instrument (or singing) for a minimum of six months, we invite you to submit this application for the IMELI program.
How do I apply?
Please note: This program is not yet accepting applications for 2008.
When will I know if I'm accepted to the program?
Please allow us six weeks to process your application. Once your application has been processed, we will notify you of your enrollment status by mail.
How do I get a visa to study at Berklee?
Accepted students who are not permanent residents or do not have U.S. citizenship must obtain a valid Berklee Form I-20 and F-1 student visa to study in this program. Do NOT enter the U.S. on a tourist visa to participate in IMELI. Accepted students will recieve an IMELI I-20 Request Form in the mail. Download visa and I-20 information below. Print, complete, and send the forms to the Office of Special Programs.
IMELI Visa and I-20 Information
Once the Office of Special Programs receives these forms and supporting materials, eligible students will receive a Form I-20 via courier mail. This must be used to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
About Berklee College of Music
Berklee is located in the heart of Boston's Fenway Cultural District. An international hub of intellectual and creative activity, Boston hosts many of the world's other great college and universities (and an estimated 240,000 students), and numerous museums, galleries, and world-class performing arts centers. Boston's music scene is alive throughout the summer, with events at parks, concert halls, clubs, theaters, and special music festivals.
Berklee attracts students from all over the world, who come to explore contemporary music in the country where jazz and other styles of music originated. Berklee's international student population is the largest of any private college in the United States. Berklee draws students from across the United States and from 70 divergent countries, providing you a chance to learn from students with backgrounds as varied as those encountered by professionals in the music industry.
Accreditation
Berklee College of Music is a nonprofit, coeducational institution of higher learning incorporated under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students and to train veterans under the G.I. Bill of Rights. Information in this publication is accurate as of date of issuance. The right is reserved to make changes in detail as circumstances require.
Nondiscrimination
Berklee College of Music does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap, status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran, or sexual orientation in employment or in admission to and participation in any of its programs and activities. Any inquiries or grievances may be directed to the Dean of Students, Berklee College of Music, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts U.S.A. 02215-3693, 617 747-2268, or the Regional Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Boston, Massachusetts.
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