Berklee in Puerto Rico

Applications for the 2022 Berklee in Puerto Rico program are now closed.

Those who submit their application by the preferred filing deadline of Friday, April 15, 2022, will receive their decision on Friday, April 22, 2022. Applications submitted after this date will be notified by Friday, May 13, 2022. Spaces fill up quickly for certain instruments, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

This program is open to residents of Puerto Rico only. You must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program, and you must have been playing your instrument (including singing, if you are a vocalist) for a minimum of six months to attend the program. You will need to submit supporting material demonstrating your musical experience and abilities. The preferred format is links to videos or audio demonstrating your musical abilities.

The Berklee in Puerto Rico program includes the following:

• Harmony and Chord Scales: This lecture will demonstrate how to use contemporary harmony and chord scales to enhance your performance, improvisation, comping, and writing skills.
• Instrumental technique classes: You will participate in classes covering techniques specific to your instrument. Insights into practicing and improvisation will be presented.
• Ensembles: You will be assigned to an ensemble so you can apply the skills you've learned in lecture classes. You will perform in a final concert at the end of the program.
• Special lectures: Faculty and special guest artists will present master classes on the topics of composition, arranging, and songwriting. You will work in a helpful, noncritical environment with faculty who are world-renowned for their knowledge, teaching skills, and empathy with students.
• Songwriting and Production Track: A limited number of places are available in this new track. Discover the art of songwriting and production by exploring melody, rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and the latest technology. Learn to use your computer to write and produce new songs. Collaborate with other students and get real-world advice from veteran songwriters and industry professionals.

Berklee in Puerto Rico is made possible with generous support from Berklee alumnus and program founder Luis Alvarez ’83.

This year, in addition to the standard performance program, there are two specialized tracks that students may choose to apply for: the performance program for college credit and the songwriting and production track.

All candidates will receive the same evaluation process, regardless of their preference for program track, so when you fill out the application, please select the option that interests you the most. Applicants who are not accepted to the college credit or the songwriting and production tracks may still be accepted to the standard performance program.

Learn more about each of the options below.

Standard Performance Program (Tuition: $75 USD) 

This is the main performance program. Participants in the standard program take classes in instrumental or vocal technique, theory, and improvisation, and participate in an ensemble that will perform as part of the final concert on the last day of the program. See more details in the "What is the program like?" section.

Performance Program for College Credit Track (Tuition: $250 USD)

A limited number of places are available in a track that allows eligible applicants to take the performance program for one college credit. This track is aimed toward students in high school or early in their college or university studies. Participants who successfully complete this track earn one college credit to be used toward future studies at Berklee or any institution that will accept this type of credit. 

Participants who are accepted into this track, in addition to taking the standard schedule of classes for the performance program, will have an additional requirement for a final presentation to the special lecture group as part of their afternoon classwork. They will be evaluated on both their performance in the final concert with their ensemble and their final presentation. Applicants who are accepted to this track will receive complete details after receiving their program decision. Applicants who are not accepted to the for-credit program may still be accepted to the standard program.

Songwriting and Production for College Credit Track (Tuition: $250 USD)

A limited number of places are available in the new songwriting and production track, which allows you to immerse yourself in the art of songwriting, performance, and production. This track will help you explore effective songwriting techniques through melody, rhythm, harmony, and lyrics, and develop tools to present your music to a live audience. Learn how to produce a hit song, for yourself or others, while finding new ways to take your performance and musical expression to the next level. Participants who successfully complete this track earn one college credit to be used toward future studies at Berklee or any institution that will accept this type of credit.

To be considered for this track, you should submit three (3) original songs only. Your song may be recorded on a phone or using computer software. It is important to showcase your original ideas. Participants who are accepted into the songwriting and production track will take an instrumental/vocal technique course and attend sessions on songwriting techniques, stage performance, and production. This track will end with a separate closing showcase where participants will perform their original material. Applicants who are not accepted to the songwriting and production track may still be accepted to the performance program.

• Standard Performance Program: $75 USD
• Performance Program for College Credit: $250 USD
• Songwriting and Production for College Credit Track: $250 USD

Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC)
Calle Rosales
Esq. San Antonio
Pda 26 1/2
Santurce, Puerto Rico 00914

• Piano/academic director: Ayn Inserto, professor of jazz composition 
• Voice: Kaimy Masse, assistant professor of ensembles
• Bass: Fernando Huergo, professor of bass
• Brass: Jeff Claassen, associate professor of harmony
• Drum set: Yoron Israel, chair, Percussion Department
• Guitar: David Gilmore, associate professor of guitar
• Percussion: Ernesto Diaz, assistant professor of percussion
• Woodwinds: Allan Chase, professor of ear training
• Songwriting and production: Rodney Alejandro, associate professor of songwriting
• Songwriting and production: Enrique Gonzalez Müller, professor of music production and engineering

Classes will generally run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day from Tuesday through Saturday, with a one-hour break for lunch. Information for the final concert and closing ceremony on Sunday will be provided to students once they are accepted to the program.

You are required to make your own housing arrangements.

For more information, please contact:

Berklee Global Initiatives
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 (U.S. and Canada)
Email: globalprograms@berklee.edu