High School Academy

The Berklee City Music High School Academy program offers students theory, master classes, and ensemble classes after school. Most classes take place on weekdays between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. or Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Programming occurs from September through May. Classes are taught by Berklee and Berklee City Music faculty, and students will play genres ranging from rock to jazz to R&B. Students participate in multiple concerts throughout the year in addition to student-run events.

All scholars have access to performance opportunities, workshops with visiting artists, master classes, and other valuable resources on the Berklee campus. With year-round instruction, expert faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum, City Music Boston gives scholars the tools and support they need to reach their full potential.

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2025–2026 Program Information

Application Deadline	May 1
Audition Date	TBD
Admissions Decisions	July 31
Age Range	Entering ninth, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, as of September 2025
Eligibility Requirements	Applicants must have at least one year of experience in their discipline and live in the Boston or Greater Boston area.
Program Cost	This program is scholarship-based. All admitted students are fully funded by Berklee City Music, and there are no fees to enter the program.

What is the program like?

Students will receive intensive instruction from Berklee faculty, including:

weekly master classes,
music theory and musicianship courses,
ensembles, and
visiting artist master classes.

What is the schedule?

The High School Academy begins in September and runs through the first weekend in May. The program is closed for winter break from mid-December through mid-January. The academy meets three times per week for 24 weeks and follows the Berklee academic calendar and Boston Public Schools calendar. If either institution is closed due to a holiday, break, or weather, then we do not have programming on that date.

What are the performance opportunities?

In addition to the program instruction, each semester students have performance opportunities at our program's winter showcase and completion ceremonies. Students may also attend master classes, jam sessions, college workshops, community-building events, concerts, and various other performance opportunities.

How do I apply?

Submit the online application, along with a music reference and link to a performance video, by the application deadline. Applicants who submit the application, reference, and performance video will be scheduled for an audition.

Tia Fuller, Artistic Director

Grammy-nominated artist and accomplished educator Tia Fuller has been the featured saxophonist with pop diva Beyoncé, featured on the I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé Experience, and Live at the Wynn Theatre worldwide tours (2006–2010). In addition, she served as assistant musical director for Esperanza Spalding’s Radio Music Society tour and performed with Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project and Money Jungle tours. Read more here.

Contact Berklee City Music to learn more about the Berklee City Music High School Academy.