Focused Areas of Study
At Berklee, you'll encounter a wide range of musicians and genres, and, therefore, endless opportunities to explore every corner of the contemporary music universe. For those of you compelled to deepen your focus in a particular area, Berklee provides several focused areas of study. Students participating in these programs will enjoy a range of multidisciplinary studies concentrating on history, performance, composition, improvisation, the social power of music, and many other subjects. Follow the links below to learn more.
Africana Studies
A discipline within the Liberal Arts Department providing innovative and comprehensive studies in black-music practice, history, meaning, and culture with a focus on styles such as blues, jazz, gospel, soul, Cuban, contemporary urban music, and others. Emphasizes the relationship between music and society. Director: Bill Banfield. More
American Roots Music Program
Explores America's musical and cultural heritage, focusing on styles such as country, folk, bluegrass, Cajun, Tex-Mex, and others. The program's curriculum focuses on ensemble playing and nontraditional improvisation, and will present visiting artists, concerts, and symposiums. Artistic director: Matt Glaser. More
Berklee Global Jazz Institute
A performance program in which students are given opportunities to explore their creativity and musicianship to the highest level possible, advance the social power of music as a tool for the betterment of society, and connect musical creative thinking with the natural environment. Artistic director: Danilo Pérez. More
Berklee Interdisciplinary Arts Institute
An innovative opportunity for students to collaborate with artists across the globe and across disciplines, including dance, theater, video/sculpture installation, experimental performance, robotics, virtual reality, and other emerging genres. Artistic Director: Neil Leonard. More
Latin Music Studies
A cross-departmental effort that enables students to immerse themselves in a range of Latin music styles and pursue a dedicated performance studies minor that underscores the sociological, political, and anthropological contexts. Also features frequent visiting artists and an annual performance series. Faculty advisor: Oscar Stagnaro. More
Planet MicroJam Institute
Planet MicroJam collides sonic esthetics from our increasingly connected global village to create music that sounds like a Gauguin painting—a raw, powerful, and extremely colorful mix of Eastern and Western elements. Artistic director: David Fiuczynski. More