Piano/Keyboard Workshop

Boston
Ages 15+
Fully immerse yourself in piano, keyboard, and Hammond organ performance. Develop your skills in improvisation, performance, chord theory ensemble playing, and synthesizer technology through this dynamic workshop. You’ll be exposed to a variety of styles, including jazz, hip-hop, rock, R&B, pop, funk, Latin, and fusion.
Dates
August 12-August 16
Check-in Time
Coming Soon
Move-out
2024-08-16, 12:00 PM
Tuition
$1,295
Housing
$895
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration by July 1.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by July 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

At the workshop, you will participate in several core classes throughout the week. 

  • Performance workshop: Learn style-specific chord voicings, rhythmic studies, technique, and chart reading, among other topics. 
  • Ensembles: This will be an instructor-guided forum for students to play with an ensemble. 

Students will also attend additional electives throughout the week. Electives for 2022 are not yet available, but the following list of electives offered in 2019 will give you a sense of what to expect:

  • Contemporary Styles Workshop
  • Contemporary Keyboard History
  • Synthesizer Performance and Technology
  • Jazz Improvisation Master Class
  • Hammond Master Class
  • New Age Music Improvisation
Schedule

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

TimeEvent
8 AM–8:50 AMBreakfast
9 AM–10:50 AMElectives
11 AM–12:50 PMElectives
1 PM–1:50 PMLunch
2 PM–3:50 PMPerformance Workshop or Ensemble
5 PM–6:50 PMDinner
7 PM–8:45 PMJam Sessions

Schedule subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

Students have the ability to participate in open jam sessions each evening. There will be multiple jam sessions happening simultaneously, focusing on different styles. 

The program will culminate on Friday with students performing the repertoire they have been rehearsing in their ensembles.

Requirements

General Requirements

All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience are welcome to attend. Basic knowledge of triads, seventh chords, and note identification in treble and bass clefs is required. The curriculum is geared toward low- and intermediate-level to advanced-level performance.

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

All necessary musical equipment will be provided throughout the program.

Program-Specific Details

Course Placement 

Upon arrival, participants are required to perform a placement audition. Be prepared to play a short piece of music no more than two minutes long. Your audition piece will help the audition team measure your ability in the style you wish to study for the week. You do not need to read music or have knowledge of music theory, but if you do, you will be asked to demonstrate your skills in this area.

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.