Global String Program

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Learn from some of the world’s leading string virtuosos and educators. Under the direction of David Wallace, chair of Berklee’s String Department, you’ll explore a wide variety of string styles, including folk, jazz, bluegrass, classical, old-time, and Celtic. Master your technique on violin, viola, cello, mandolin, harp, banjo, and more. Discover new musical styles and techniques under close guidance.

2021 Program Information

Program dates:	Monday, June 21–Friday, June 25, 2021
Registration fee:	$50
Tuition:	$1,295
Housing:	$895
Move in:	8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 21
Move out by:	Friday, June 25 by 7:00 p.m.
Age range:	15 years and older

What is the curriculum like?

As a participant in the Global String Program, you’ll become a part of Berklee’s thriving, creative String Department for a full week. Experience the same Berklee that fostered musicians like Sierra Hull, Casey Driessen, and national fiddle champions Luke Price and Alex Hargreaves. The curriculum will include the following:

Styles lab: You will rotate through multiple styles, receiving coaching from various faculty each day.
Theory-in-action labs: You will receive hands-on instruction in ear training and applying theory through your instrument. To build knowledge sequentially, you will have the same group and faculty instructor each day.
Small ensemble: You will play in a small ensemble coached by a Berklee faculty member who is an expert in the specific style the ensemble will study (e.g., Arabic, bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, pop, etc.).
Large ensemble: You will participate in a large ensemble, rehearsing a varied repertoire and performing in the Berklee Performance Center.
Faculty clinics: Berklee faculty will host clinics focusing on career skills, performance techniques, and a diverse array of styles.
Jam sessions: Each night, current Berklee students, faculty, and summer program students get together for jam sessions organized to focus on different styles (e.g., old-time, swing, free improvisation, classical, etc.).

The Global String Program offers participants the opportunity to study with internationally renowned teachers with proven track records—those who have not only won their own prestigious awards, but who have taught students who have continued on to enjoy flourishing careers, whether as international recording artists or as music teachers. The Global String Program summer faculty includes David Wallace, Beth Bahia Cohen, Bruce Molsky, Chelsey Green, Darol Anger, Eugene Friesen, Felice Pomeranz, Greg Liszt, Jason Anick, Joe Walsh, Mairi Chaimbeul, Matt Glaser, Mimi Rabson, Natalie Haas, Patrice Jackson, Sandra Kott, and Simon Shaheen.

What is the schedule?

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

Time	Event
9:00 a.m.–9:50 a.m.	Breakfast
10:00 a.m.–12:50 a.m.	Small Ensemble or Theory-in-Action and Style Labs
1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.	Lunch
2:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.	Large Ensemble
5:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m.	Dinner
7:00 p.m.–7:50 p.m.	Master Class
8:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.	Faculty Concert or Presentation
8:35 p.m.–9:20 p.m.	Jam Sessions

Schedule subject to change

What are the performance opportunities?

Students have the ability to participate in open jam sessions in various styles each evening.

The program will culminate in final performances on Friday. Students will perform the repertoire they rehearse in their ensembles.

What are the requirements to attend?

All students 15 and older are welcome to attend.

After completing your registration, you will be prompted to submit a video link of a solo performance. These links are reviewed by the faculty to place students into the appropriate level classes before arriving to the program. Professional video quality is not required, but your performance should demonstrate your personal best.

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?

Below is a list of items you should be prepared to bring:

Your instrument, rosin, bow, and any necessary accessories
A tuner, metronome, and portable recording device (possibly on your phone)
A device to access Zoom
A notebook, staff paper, and pencil
Spare strings
Any effect pedals you wish to use in jam sessions
Personal masks (required for participation in this program)

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 David Wallace

David Wallace is the chair of the String Department at Berklee College of Music. He is an award-winning composer with commissions from the New York Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall.

Read a Q&A with David Wallace.

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