Global String Program

Take your first steps to joining the Berklee community

1. Submit your registration. Students begin by submitting their registration or application online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials as well.  
2. Make your tuition payment. All programs have limited capacity, so complete your full tuition payment, and reserve your space in the program. 
3. 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. 

As a participant in the Global String Program, you’ll become a part of Berklee’s thriving and creative string community 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, performing varied repertoire 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, pop, rock, R&B, etc.).  

The Global String Program offers participants the opportunity to study with internationally renowned faculty members and guest artists who have won awards as performers and taught students who went on to have flourishing careers. Artists who have taught in the program have included 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, Jason Anick, Jozef Nadj, Brittany Karlson, Jenna Moynihan, Oisin McAuley, and more.

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

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

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. 

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. 

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