Bass Workshop

Boston
Ages 15+
Learn what it means to become a versatile performer. Hosted by the Berklee Bass Department and Victor Wooten, you'll expand your musical vocabulary by experiencing a diverse range of styles. Improve your overall musicianship, apply new techniques to your performance, and develop an appreciation for new styles of music.
Dates
June 21-June 23
Check-in Time
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Move-out
June 23, 7:00 PM
Tuition
$777
Housing
$537
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration by May 1.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by May 1.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
  3. Request housing. Students who are 15 years of age or older by the start of their Boston-based program are eligible to stay in on-campus housing. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have indicated that you would like to request on-campus housing, please revisit your registration portal and submit a Residence Hall Agreement.

*Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full.

Curriculum

The Bass Workshop offers master classes, clinics, faculty concerts, and jam sessions. Classes will be led by faculty in Berklee's Bass Department, including Victor Wooten

Every participant's schedule will include a class in each of the following:

  • Master classes: Attend small-group, lesson-format master classes led by faculty focusing on different practice, technique, and performance methods. 
  • Clinics: Steve Bailey, Victor Wooten, and special guests will present clinics on ear training, theory, and general musicianship.
  • Ensembles: Expand your rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic skills in small ensembles each day.
  • Faculty concerts: Explore new styles as you take in the performances by our renowned Bass Department faculty. Friday evening's concert will feature all of the Bass faculty, and Saturday evening's concert will feature Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten. 
  • Jam sessions: Play with other students and faculty members in various styles through this informal performance opportunity. 
Schedule

Below is a sample of a typical day in the program.

TimeEvent
8 AM–9 AMBreakfast
9 AM–9:30 AMAnnouncements
9:30 AM–11 AMClinic with Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten
11:15 AM–12:45 PMMaster class
1 PM–2 PMLunch
2:15 PM–3:45 PMEnsembles
4 PM–5:30 PMFaculty Q&A
5:45 PM–7:15 PMDinner
7:30 PM–9 PMFaculty concert
9:15 PM–10:15 PMJam sessions

Schedule subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

The program will feature several jam sessions where students can apply new techniques from master classes and perform with other students and faculty, including Victor Wooten. 

Requirements

General Requirements

All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience on electric or acoustic bass are welcome to attend.

Participants must possess a proficient level of English to enroll in this program. We do not require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) as part of the enrollment or application process; however, you are expected to have a sufficient command of the English language to understand class material and assignments.

Required Materials

  • Your bass, cable, and strap
  • Tuner and metronome (possibly on your phone)
  • Notebook and pencil (essential for the program)
  • Electric bassists should bring any necessary cables and foot pedals. Amplifiers will be provided during instruction. Consider bringing a small practice amplifier (with headphones) for individual practice rooms.
  • Only acoustic bassists may use storage lockers on campus. Unfortunately, Berklee cannot provide storage for any other type of instrument.
Once You've Enrolled

The Berklee Summer Programs Team is excited that you've taken the first step! Now that you've enrolled, here's what to know, to be sure you're prepared before and after you check in for the experience of a lifetime.

What to do first?

Complete These Tasks by June

Prepare to Arrive and Check In

Access the Summer Programs Help Center

Explore some of these top articles from the Summer Programs Help Center.