Berklee City Music® is a nonprofit education outreach program that leverages the power of contemporary music to empower youth from underserved communities to develop musically, academically, socially, and emotionally. Participating students receive valuable guidance and support from positive mentors—including dedicated instructors—and are exposed to unique experiences that can be a positive influence in their lives, all at little cost to their families.
Thanks to funds raised at the annual Encore Gala, City Music students have the opportunity to receive scholarships to participate in the Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive program, with select students going on to obtain full-tuition scholarships to Berklee College of Music.
City Music helps young people flourish as students, musicians, and—perhaps most importantly—confident and well-rounded individuals who are ready to shape the world. Whether students decide to pursue a career in music or another field, they receive benefits that last a lifetime.
Berklee City Music’s Current Impact
53,000 students reached each year through 46 partner organizations in the Berklee City Music Network®
1,987 students have received City Music Summer Scholarships to date
273 students have received City Music College Scholarships to date, and 29 of them are currently attending Berklee
“This was the one place I finally felt accepted by everyone in the community. The feeling of being able to express myself through my art is amazing and I don’t want to let go of it.”
— Yanina Johnson, Berklee City Music College scholar
Students and parents discuss City Music’s impact on their lives:
High School Academy student Sarah Coelho attended the Five-Week Summer Performance Program for the third year in a row thanks to the City Music Scholarship.
Berklee City Music High School Academy student Aidan Gallegos reflects on taking a semester off from City Music to concentrate on his academic pursuits.
"Berklee City Music has changed my life as a musician. It helped me grow and become confident in myself as well as meet wonderful people who have the same amount of passion for music as I do."
"The City Music Mentoring Program is an opportunity to have awesome teachers, to learn and improve my instrument, to observe what college life will be like, and to make new friends who also love music."
“Because of Berklee City Music, I’ve gained confidence and ability through the amazing opportunity that the network has given me. I feel more empowered and fortunate to learn and be able to perfect my craft at City Music.”
“Because of Berklee City Music, I can play, learn, and share music with people my age and have opportunities I wouldn't come across if I wasn't in the program.”
