Audition Guidelines

The live audition is an opportunity for you to showcase your current level of musicianship, potential for growth, and readiness to succeed in our unique learning environment to Berklee College of Music faculty members. We focus on performance, improvisation, sight-reading, and ear training because we seek students who are prepared to study and master all elements of their craft.

If you are interested in applying for the Bachelor of Arts program, visit the interview guidelines page to learn about the live assessment.

What the Audition Entails

Details about each component of the audition are outlined below. Please be sure to review the Additional Guidelines by Instrument page as some instrument departments require additional demonstration of technical abilities.


What to Bring 

Audition rooms are typically equipped with a piano, a drum set, guitar and bass amplifiers, a PA system, and music stands. You need to supply the following:

  1. Your instrument: You must bring your instrument to the audition if you play acoustic or electric bass, brass, guitar, hand percussion, a string instrument (including the harp, mandolin, and banjo), or woodwinds.
  2. Your accompaniment/backing track: If you require accompaniment for your prepared piece, you may bring an accompanist or a smartphone. Berklee does not provide an accompanist to applicants at auditions. If you are interested in hiring an accompanist and need help finding someone, please contact our Career Center at careercenter@berklee.edu.
  3. Your cables/adapters: You must bring any necessary cables and adapters for your instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Berklee is committed to providing equitable access to our auditions and interviews. Please contact admissions@berklee.edu to inquire about any accommodation or accessibility needs. View the Online Audition and Interviews FAQs page to learn about the online audition and interview process.