Announcement: Students who complete two of three programs, Berklee A Cappella Festival June 21-24, Vocal Summit June 25-28, Stage Performance Workshop June 29-July 1, will receive a $100 discount.
Beautiful voices are increasingly common; witness all the talent on TV music shows. What can set you apart and move you toward a successful, sustained career as a singer? Knowledge. An understanding of stage presence, musical terminology, how to communicate with instrumentalists, voice physiology and singing technique, lyric interpretation, and effective improvisation all deepen your impact as a performer, music entrepreneur, teacher, recording artist, and background singer. No matter how the current singing boom evolves, when you complete this program, you’ll be standing strong as a smart vocalist equipped to maximize your musical gifts.
The voice department at Berklee College of Music is built on the idea that vocalists can receive a thorough grounding in musicianship through contemporary music. We believe that as fashions change, the singers who will last are the ones who can creatively apply music fundamentals to new challenges. If you'd like to peek into this world, the Berklee Vocal Summit is for you.
What will I learn?
Students who attend the Berklee Vocal Summit will:
- Perform with a band
- Explore a contemporary style of music
- Deepen the impact of their singing
- Make connections with student and professional singers from all over the world
- Explore cutting-edge tools for amplifying and recording the voice
- Study with talented teachers of contemporary music at the world's preeminent contemporary music college
Who are the instructors?
Members of the Berklee voice faculty and special guest clinicians direct the classes, clinics, and performances at the Vocal Summit. Our faculty possesses a unique skill set: extensive performing experience in a staggeringly wide range of musical styles; a coherent method for conveying the lessons of that experience to student singers; and a passion for music education, art music, and commercial music.
What should I bring?
You should bring the sheet music to 3-5 songs that you can perform with confidence in the style of your choosing. Once you are registered for the Vocal Summit you will be assigned additional songs that you should master before arriving.
What style will I sing?
When you register for Vocal Summit, identify the style you would like to focus on, choosing from:
- Country
- Gospel
- Jazz
- Latin
- Musical Theater
- Rock
- R&B
What is the schedule?
Vocal Summit begins with registration and auditions followed by a welcome concert featuring faculty performers.
The daily schedule consists of:
- Young Artist Showcase: Current Berklee students and recent graduates perform and talk about their music.
- Style: Perform songs in a master class format, applying concepts of lyric interpretation and improvisation to the style of your choosing.
- Technique: Practice vocal technique as it applies to your chosen style.
- Ensemble: Rehearse with a professional rhythm section consisting of guitar, piano, bass, and drums.
- Visiting Artists: Vocal Summit will host several visiting artists and clinicians during the session.
- Technology: Create a recording of a song using GarageBand software and explore sound reinforcement tools such as microphones, mixers and amplifiers.
- Vocal Summit Showcase: Students who have demonstrated excellence in style, technique, and ensemble classes will be asked to perform with a rhythm section in a concert setting.
Where will I eat and sleep?
Applying for residence hall housing is a separate process. A limited number of housing applications and related information will be mailed to accepted applicants beginning in April, until residence halls reach full capacity. Acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must apply to the program before April 1 and return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. Due to limited availability, residence hall space will fill up quickly.
To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. Call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 for more information. If you are unable to secure housing in Berklee's residence halls and you are at least 16 years of age, contact the Office of Special Programs at 617 747-2245 for information on alternative housing.
