BOSTON, October 14, 2004 — Berkleemusic.com, the online extension school of Berklee College of Music, today announced that it has received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEAS&C). This new endorsement, which serves as an assurance of quality and accountability for educational institutions internationally, makes Berklee the first institution to offer accredited online certificate programs and courses in songwriting, arranging, core music studies, production, and music business.

"Berkleemusic is setting the standard for quality music education online," states Debbie Cavalier, dean of continuing education at Berklee. "NEAS&C's stamp of approval is a recognition of that quality and a credit to the outstanding work Berklee's faculty and continuing education division have been doing."

Founded in 1885, the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. is the nation's oldest regional accrediting association. Its mission is the establishment and maintenance of high standards for all levels of education, from pre–K to the doctoral level.

NEAS&C accreditation relies on a voluntary, peer review process, engaging some 3,400 educators in the region on hundreds of reviews in any year. Each includes a 12– to 18–month self–study process undertaken by schools and colleges in regular review cycles. Institutions are granted membership by meeting high commission standards that focus on virtually every aspect of a higher education institution's operation, including school effectiveness, improvement, and public assurance.

About Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For more than half a century, the college has constantly evolved to reflect the state–of–the–art in music and the music business. With more than a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing 70–plus countries, and a music industry "who's who" of alumni, Berklee is the world's premier learning lab for the music of today and tomorrow.

About Berkleemusic.com
Berkleemusic.com is Berklee's online music school, delivering online access to world–renowned music faculty, educational concepts, and time–tested curriculum, previously available only to on–campus students. Berkleemusic.com expands music–education opportunities beyond the campus experience using the newest methods, media, and technologies. Berkleemusic.com is the first online music school seamlessly combining education and career development to give musicians, educators, and music industry professionals a one–stop destination for all their learning, networking, and career needs.

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