Everything You Need to Know About the Berklee Music Business Summer Program
For any high schooler serious about a career in music, participating in summer music programs can be an extremely valuable experience. We’ve previously covered several programs that can offer real-world experience in the industry, an upskilling opportunity, as well as a solid understanding of the business side of music.
Admissions officers often look for unique experiences, and attending such programs shows initiative and passion for the music field. Plus, the skills and knowledge gained can set you apart from other applicants, whether you plan to study music, business, or something else. Our blog today details another such program—Berklee’s Music Business summer program.
What is the Berklee Music Business Program?
The Berklee Music Business Summer Program is a five-day residential program designed to give you an inside look at the music industry, specifically focusing on the business aspect. The program's goal is to help you understand how the industry functions, from marketing to distribution, and how artists, managers, and companies collaborate to bring music to people.
It’s aimed at high school students interested in a career in the music industry, whether you’re a musician or someone who prefers to work behind the scenes. Throughout the program, you’ll explore topics like music licensing, publishing, revenue streams, and artist management. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how the music business operates.
How is it structured?
The program runs from June 24 to June 28. Classes are led by the faculty of one of the finest musical schools in the country, the Berklee College of Music. The program is held on Berklee’s Boston campus, offering you the chance to work in state-of-the-art facilities. Each day includes both faculty and guest lectures as well as practical exercises to cement your learnings further.
The program covers essential topics like foundational music industry terminology, the basics of branding, digital content creation and engagement, touring logistics, income sources, and music contracts. At the end of the program, you will get to pitch your ideas directly to artists and a panel of music industry executives for feedback.
Is it prestigious?
The Berklee School of Music is one of the most well regarded music institutions in the country, making the prestige of participating in one of their programs a mark of excellence for any college application. While specific acceptance rates are not publicly available, the program is likely to be selective, and being accepted indicates that you’re serious about pursuing a career in the music industry.
There is good exposure to industry techniques and modern trends. The program also provides excellent networking opportunities, connecting you with faculty and industry professionals who could play a key role in your career later on. However, it is still primarily a short introductory program. Overall, we would rate it as moderately prestigious.
Who is eligible, and how do you apply?
The program is open to all high schoolers aged 15 and above and simply requires submitting the online application by June 10. A performing arts background is not required.
How much does the Berklee Music Business program cost?
The cost of tuition for the program is $1,295. The housing costs $895, and there is also a non-refundable $50 application fee. There is no financial aid available.
Pros and cons to consider
Pros:
A solid introduction to the business side of music: The entire pedagogy of the program is focused on what makes music successful—from marketing to branding, income streams, how to run a tour, and understanding how the music industry operates.
Access to high-quality mentorship: Berklee’s faculty are industry professionals with years of experience, offering valuable insights and guidance.
Good networking: The program connects you not only with industry professionals and music personalities but also with other equally talented students, which can help you in your future career.
Cons:
It’s very short: The program only lasts five days, making it an extremely brief introduction to a massive industry.
Cost: There is no financial aid available, and you need to pay for both tuition and room and board.
Location: The program is held in Boston, which could be a challenge for students who do not live nearby or cannot afford the travel costs.
Our review—is it worth it?
This program is a good introduction to the music industry for any high schooler serious about a career in music. The experience, knowledge, and connections you’ll gain could be the stepping stone to a successful career in the music business, and participating in a Berklee program will make a good impression on those familiar with the music field. However, the program is expensive with no financial aid offered, so it would make sense to compare it to other programs that are funded before you make a decision.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.