String Fling

	String Fling • Application

What's the program?

Come to Boston this summer and study improvisational string styles at the String Fling. This intensive three-day program will help violinists, violists, and cellists develop their improvisational technique in such idioms as blues, country, jazz, and rock.

Although the traditions of classical pedagogy for string players date back hundreds of years, it is only recently that advances have been made in the teaching of nonclassical idioms. The String Fling is designed to give string players a foundation in jazz and other improvisational idioms as well as advanced training for those with some prior experience.

One of the main advantages of this program is that it offers you the opportunity to work with some of the finest improvisational string players in the world today. These master teachers are committed to helping you develop your own sound through the expansion of your harmonic and rhythmic skills.

Am I eligible?

Students who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program are welcome to attend. Applicants are required to have at least one year of playing experience to participate in the program.

Will I have to audition?

No. We will provide you with information to help rank yourself as beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

Who are the instructors?

• John Blake—renowned jazz violinist who has performed with McCoy Tyner, Grover Washington, Jr., and many others. He has several recordings under his own name as a leader and is coauthor of Jazz Improvisation Made Easy.
• Eugene Friesen—cellist with the Paul Winter Consort and one of the world's greatest improvising cellists.
• Matt Glaser—chair of Berklee's String Department, author of four books on contemporary string styles, and well-known teacher and performer.
• Chris Howes—versatile violinist/composer who has performed and/or recorded with Randy Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Les Paul, Lenny White, and others.
• Rob Thomas—fantastic modern jazz violinist and bassist who has performed with the String Trio of New York and the Mahavishnu Project, among others.

What's the schedule?

Each day, your teachers will help you with topics such as harmonic development, sight-reading, rhythmic development in jazz, improvisational considerations, and string quartet coaching. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to perform in one of the college's recital halls, in either solo or quartet settings.

Where will I eat and sleep?

When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. If you are applying to the program after mid-June call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.

How much are the tuition and fees?

How do I apply?

There are two ways to register for the program:

How and when can I pay my fees?

Bills for this program will be mailed 30 days prior to the start of the program. The bill will include a payment coupon and return mail envelope for your convenience. All bills will have instructions on how to make payment using the Internet, phone, and bank-to-bank wire transfers; they will also include the due date for the payment. Tuition and housing fees are to be paid together, unless you are living at an off-campus location. Payments are due in full one week prior to the start of the program. This will expedite your registration. Payment on the date of registration is highly discouraged. If you are experiencing difficulty making your payment by the due date, contact our offices for assistance. If your application was not received and processed in time for you to have a bill sent in the 30-day period, call the Office of the Bursar to check your balance. A bill will be mailed regardless of when your application is processed and it will indicate "Late Add." No additional charges are assessed for this, however, you are still responsible for making the payment within the due date guidelines.

The Office of the Bursar is available to assist you with your questions regarding payment of your summer program. Please address any of these issues by emailing bursar@berklee.edu or by contacting one of our representatives at 617 747-2165 or 617 747-2610.

When will I know if I've been accepted into the program?

Please allow us four weeks (six for international applicants) to process your application. Once your application has been processed, we will notify you of your enrollment status by mail.