Berklee City Music News

Press Release
September 18, 2024

The annual gala will benefit scholarships for students in the long-running program.

Press Release
August 8, 2024

This year, 19 students received scholarships, housing awards, and aid to attend Berklee College of Music.

July 8, 2024

The program has given generations of musicians—sometimes within the same family—the tools, opportunities, and scholarships to do what they love.

Press Release
October 25, 2023

This year’s event featured a DJ set by MC Lyte and performances from the Berklee City Music Ensemble, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, and more.

Press Release
September 18, 2023

The annual event, filled with world-class performances, will benefit Berklee City Music students.

Press Release
August 9, 2023

Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, the City Music program has to date awarded 274 four-year, full-tuition scholarships, totaling over $33 million.

Press Release
October 6, 2022

This year’s event featured performances by the Family Stone, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, the Berklee Indian Ensemble, and more.

Press Release
August 11, 2022

Since its inception, the City Music program has awarded more than 250 four-year, full-tuition scholarships, totaling over $30 million.

Press Release
May 18, 2022

The $25,000 award will support City Music’s High School Academy and Preparatory Academy programs.

Press Release
December 22, 2021

Nine ambassadors representing all aspects of the music industry will advise, mentor, and work with Berklee City Music students throughout the academic year.

Press Release
August 11, 2021

Eight students from Berklee City Music programs across the country will attend the college on four-year, full-tuition awards.

Press Release
May 21, 2021

The $15,000 award will support City Music’s High School Academy and Preparatory Academy programs.

January 21, 2020

Massachusetts's first black Congresswoman called for greater inclusion in the media at Berklee's Unsung Heroes Ceremony.

October 30, 2019

The 25th annual Encore Gala included guest musicians such as Chaka Khan, Grandmaster Flash, and Livingston Taylor. 

Press Release
February 9, 2018

Rob Rose, whose influence was felt by students aspiring to be performers, retires after 50 years at Berklee.

Press Release
August 9, 2017

Five young musicians from underserved communities in Boston and across the U.S. were awarded four-year, full-tuition scholarships to attend Berklee during an emotional presentation at the Berklee Performance Center on Tuesday, August 8. 

December 21, 2016

The 2016 Berklee City Music Summit featured Academy Award-winning rapper Frayser Boy, Grammy-winning guitarist Larry Carlton, Snarky Puppy's Michael League, and Jennifer McCrea, coauthor of The Generosity Network. The summit was an opportunity for community organizations across the U.S. and Canada who participate in the Berklee City Music® program to collaborate around enabling youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially, and emotionally, primarily through the study of contemporary music.

Press Release
August 11, 2016

Emceed by actor and comedian Sinbad, the City Music scholarship presentation came at the conclusion of the Berklee Five-Week Summer Performance Program, the last hurdle for scholarship winners to clear before beginning their college careers.

April 5, 2016

Ensemble and City Music faculty Chantel Hampton '08 and Alonzo Harris underscore the importance of being versatile as a musician and how technology can enhance performance. 

Press Release
March 23, 2016

Krystal Banfield, dean for Berklee City Music, received the 2016 Amtrak Pioneer Award, an award that honors African-American leaders who have made impactful contributions to the city of Boston.

Press Release
January 28, 2016

The Berklee PULSE® Music Method expands to Metro Nashville Public Schools and the School District of Philadelphia, providing over 400 music teachers with access to the comprehensive online platform.

December 16, 2015

City Music student Muñeca Diaz is the beneficiary of a handmade bass, thanks to a donor's generosity at this year's Encore Gala.

November 19, 2015

The fifth annual Berklee City Music Summit brings music educators, professional musicians, and students together for networking and collaboration.

November 5, 2015

Boston’s philanthropic community came out in force for Berklee’s 21st annual Encore Gala to benefit the Berklee City Music program on Saturday, October 24, 2015.

Press Release
November 2, 2015
The three-day event takes place November 9-11 at Teachers College at Columbia University, in New York City. Highlights include a keynote presentation by Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and a master class that pairs Mindi Abair, Tuffus Zimbabwe, and other master musicians with Berklee City Music Network ensembles.