Gospel Performance Program

Enroll with Confidence

Berklee's Boston campus on Massachusetts Avenue

Cancel for any reason before the first day of your on-campus program and receive 100 percent of your money back. Learn about our flexible refund policies.

Learn more about how we're keeping our community safe.

Embrace the style of gospel in this five-day program for vocalists or instrumentalists. Led by Berklee faculty and esteemed guest clinicians, you will be immersed in the gospel tradition through courses in technique, group rehearsal, and the evolution of gospel. Discover gospel's cultural relevance today, and develop your skills as a performer.

2021 Program Information

Program dates:	Monday, August 16–Friday, August 20, 2021
Registration fee:	$50
Tuition:	$1,295
Housing:	$895
Payment deadline:	July 1, 2021
Move in:	TBD
Move out:	Friday, August 20, 2021, by 7:00 p.m.
Age range:	15 years and older

What is the curriculum like?

The Gospel Performance Program offers ensemble rehearsal, technique-in-performance classes, and gospel history discussions. Classes will be led by Berklee faculty and visiting artists who are trained in the gospel tradition.

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

Ensemble: Rehearse with other vocalists and instrumentalists to perform in a final concert. Friends and family will not want to miss this performance.
Performance Classes: Develop techniques appropriate for the style in this smaller class setting.
History: Study the roots of the gospel tradition through the evolution of gospel music today. Explore gospel's cultural relevancy and connection to contemporary music.

What is the schedule?

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

Time	Event
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.	Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.	Gospel History
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Performance Class
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.	Performance Class
2:45 p.m.–4:30 p.m.	Ensemble Rehearsal
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.	Dinner
7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.	Evening Activities

Schedule subject to change

What are the performance opportunities?

The program will feature a final concert on Thursday evening. Students will perform the repertoire they have been rehearsing in their ensembles.

This performance is free and open to friends and family.

What are the requirements to attend?

All students 15 and older with six months of playing or vocal experience are welcome to attend.

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. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

What do I need to bring?

Students should bring their instrument and any necessary accessories. Pianos, organs, and drums will be provided, though drummers should bring their cymbals, hi-hat, and stick bag. We provide amplifiers for all participants to use in our ensembles for rehearsal and final performances. No amplifiers are provided for use in practice rooms, so you may elect to bring a set of practice headphones and a small practice amplifier.

If you intend to stay in the Berklee residence halls while participating in the program, please also review what to bring for your room on the housing page.

Program Director Jonathan Singleton

Jonathan Singleton is an assistant professor in the Ensemble Department at Berklee College of Music. He is the musical director of Andre Ward and the Twelfth Bapist Church, and director of Sharing a New Song, a community chorus.

Main Site

Campuses and Schools

Summer Programs