Music Production Workshop

Throughout the workshop, several concurrent sessions are offered in each time slot. You can self-select which session to attend in any given time slot over the course of the weekend, space allowing. The schedule of concurrent sessions will be made available at check-in.

Though not required, you are permitted to bring laptops, computers, tablets, etc. Wireless internet and electrical outlet plugs are provided throughout the campus. Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to keep your items safe. Berklee is not responsible for the loss of these items.

Offerings range from introductory to intermediate levels of skill and preparation. All Berklee facilities use Apple hardware and compatible software. Participants have limited hands-on opportunities, and most seminars are demonstration-based.

Critical Listening: Explore techniques used to analyze popular recordings from a variety of perspectives, both technical and musical.

Business of Music Production: Discuss licensing, publishing, royalties, contracts, and distribution.

Demystifying Mastering: Even for those who have heard of it, mastering is a discipline shrouded in mystery. Every song on the Billboard Top 100 has been mastered, and every record made by a major artist gets mastered. So, what is it?

Making and Selling Your Own Recordings: Discover how mastering can enhance your final product as well as how to prepare for manufacturing, design your package, and determine the most successful marketing methods for independently released albums.

Multitrack Mixing Techniques: Explore the aesthetic choices related to balance, dynamics, arrangement, preparation, and realization of a successful mix.

Multitrack Recording Techniques: Participate in an accelerated workshop covering many aspects of recording, including microphone selection and placement, equalization, and dynamic signal processing.

Project/Home Studio Design and Setup: Learn about basic equipment requirements, budget considerations, affordable acoustic modifications, and the formation of appropriate expectations.

Turntable Techniques: This session touches on the historical development of the turntable, from its origins in Jamaican music through its importance as a major expression of hip-hop culture and to the turntable's prominence in contemporary music. Students will develop basic skills using the turntable both as a means of live expression and performance, and as a production tool.

Vocal Production: It’s all about the vocals; ask any established producer. This session will focus on (1) how to help your vocalist give you the best, truest vocal performance, and (2) how to enhance that performance by “comping” (combining parts of different vocal takes), context-based level-riding, and phrasing adjustment to augment emotion.

Keynote presentation: Weekend culminating presentation by a noted industry professional.

Evening sessions: Enjoy open recording and mix sessions, demonstrations, and lab time.

Schedules will be distributed at check-in. 

Please note: the following schedule and course descriptions are only a sample and are subject to change. You will receive a personalized schedule on the first day of the program.

The Music Production Workshop summer faculty includes:

• Rob Jaczko, Program Director

Faculty subject to change