Gospel Performance Program

Immerse yourself in gospel music in this five-day program for vocalists or instrumentalists. Led by Berklee faculty and esteemed guest clinicians, you will explore the gospel tradition through courses in technique, group rehearsal, and the evolution of gospel. Develop your skills as a performer and strengthen your understanding of gospel's significant impact on today's music.

2022 Program Information

Program dates:	August 15–19
Registration fee:	$50 (nonrefundable)
Tuition:	$1,295
Housing:	$895
Payment deadline:	July 1
Move-in:	August 15, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Move-out:	August 19, by 7:00 p.m.
Age range:	15 years and older

How do I enroll?

Take your first steps to joining the Berklee community

Submit your registration. Students begin by submitting their registration or application online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials as well.
Make your tuition payment. All programs have limited capacity, so complete your full tuition payment, and reserve your space in the program.
Request housing. If you require housing accommodations, complete the housing agreement form in the "Next Steps" tab of your application portal .

Once you're registered you can explore parent and student resources.

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.
Master class: Participate in an elite master class with a visiting artist from the gospel tradition.

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 and Business
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.	Presenting Yourself with Professor Nichelle Mungo
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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out this FAQ with important information and answers to common questions about Summer Programs.

Artist in Residence: Kurt Carr

Kurt Carr is an internationally known and acclaimed gospel music artist. He is the creator of such gospel hits as “In the Sanctuary” and “The Presence of the Lord.” These songs are sung on Sunday morning in churches all across the country. His music is a blend of traditional gospel composition and vocals, with elements of R&B, jazz, soul, blues, and the distinct modern harmonies and singing styles found in urban contemporary gospel. The Kurt Carr Singers, under his direction and musical influence, have created seven albums and won four Stellar Awards.

Scholar in Residence: Dr. Teresa Hairston

Dr. Teresa Hairston, visiting scholar in residence for the 2022–2023 academic year, is a gospel music scholar and trailblazing founder and publisher of Gospel Today magazine, which she began in 1989 as a four-page newsletter.

Program Director: Jonathan Singleton

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

Dean of Africana Studies: Emmett Price

Emmett G. Price III is the dean of Africana Studies. An internationally recognized expert on Black music and culture, Afro-diasporic sacred and secular expressions, and Christian worship, Price brings decades of experience as a writer, lecturer, scholar, educator, and speaker to Berklee.

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