The Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program is a four-day program that brings the Berklee teaching methodology to the vibrant, impactful, and influential Nigerian music environment. Program participants will be immersed in the Berklee professional musicianship experience and will connect with artistic and industry leaders in the West African music marketplace through the expertise of artistic advisor Tiwa Savage ’07, a Berklee alumna and world-renowned artist.
This program is designed to provide students with an integrated experience that highlights the interconnection of all aspects of professional musicianship, including performance, songwriting, production, and music business. By the end of the program, all students will have engaged in instruction across these areas. The course content will build on the existing interests of the participants as well as spark curiosity about new and unfamiliar topics. The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program meets the music participants where they are, offering them practical, real-world demonstrations that will enhance their artistry, musicianship and knowledge of the music industry.
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Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program
Applications for the 2026 Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program are now open through March 20, 2026.
Candidates must submit an online application form and at least one video link. Video(s) must be two to three minutes, and must specifically feature your performance skills and musicianship, recorded within the last six months. Videos must be publicly accessible on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive.
Am I eligible?
Participants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program, and must have been playing their instruments (including vocalists) for a minimum of one year to attend the program. This program is designed for emerging musicians seeking to advance their musical knowledge and performance skills.
All accepted participants must be able to travel to Lagos, Nigeria, for the duration of the program and cover their travel costs.
What does the program cost?
There is no tuition fee to attend the program—all accepted participants will attend the program at no cost.
Participants are responsible for their own housing, travel arrangements, meals, and other related expenses.
What is the program like?
Participants will attend and participate in a series of lectures, workshops, and ensembles that will expose them to a range of topics to elevate their overall professional musicianship skills. You will work in a helpful, noncritical environment with faculty who are world-renowned artist/educators. Classes may include:
Building Your Creative Vocabulary
Surveying of styles, rhythmic feel, and groove
Applying harmony and chord scales, and using them as a writer and performer
Applying approaches for vocal and instrumental improvisation
Instrumental/Vocal Techniques for Emerging Musicians
Optimizing your individual practice
Advancing your creative problem solving as a performing musician
Preparing for the show or recording session
Stage Performance Workshop
Creating an engaging performance
Optimizing your rehearsal time
Bringing your show to the stage
Professional Musicianship Lectures
Developing a professional musician's business toolkit—musician as a business
Developing your recording techniques
Special guest artists
Ensembles
All program participants will be assigned one ensemble and will perform in a final program showcase.
What is the program schedule?
The program will take place over four consecutive days, and will generally run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Who are the program instructors?
Dennis Montgomery, Academic Director, Professor of Ensembles Yoron Israel, Chair of Percussion Tyrone Chase, Assistant Chair of Ensembles Nichelle Mungo, Associate Professor of Voice Anthony Nembhard, Assistant Professor of Ensembles Jason Camelio, Program Director, Assistant Vice President of Global Programs and Partnerships Bri Tagliaferro, Associate Director of Global Programs and Partnerships
Where is the program located?
The program will be held in Lagos, Nigeria. Exact program locations will be shared with accepted students in pre-program communications.
Where will I stay?
Participants are required to make their own housing and travel arrangements.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact: Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships Berklee College of Music 1140 Boylston Street, MS-855 GI Boston, MA 02215-3693 U.S.A. Telephone: 617-747-2700, or toll-free: 877-Berklee (US and Canada) Email: globalprograms@berklee.edu
