Berklee City Music is a nonprofit education outreach program that leverages the power of contemporary music to empower youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially, and emotionally. Participating students receive valuable guidance and support from positive mentors—including dedicated instructors—and are exposed to unique experiences that can be a positive influence in their lives, all at little cost to their families.
Thanks to funds raised at the annual Encore Gala, City Music students have the opportunity to receive scholarships to participate in the Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive program, with select students going on to obtain full-tuition scholarships to Berklee College of Music.
City Music helps young people flourish as students, musicians, and—perhaps most importantly—confident and well-rounded individuals who are ready to shape the world. Whether students decide to pursue a career in music or another field, they receive benefits that last a lifetime.
Berklee City Music’s Current Impact
62,000 students reached each year through 46 partner organizations in the Berklee City Music Network
2,047 student recipients of City Music Summer Scholarships to date
281 student recipients of City Music College Scholarships to date, and 32 of whom currently attend Berklee
“This was the one place I finally felt accepted by everyone in the community. The feeling of being able to express myself through my art is amazing and I don’t want to let go of it.”
— Yanina Johnson, Berklee City Music College scholar
Students and parents discuss City Music’s impact on their lives:
