Post-Master's Degree Fellowship Program

Note: the post-master's degree fellowship program has been suspended due to the ongoing pandemic. 

Berklee's post-master’s degree fellowship program supports recent master’s degree graduates who are working on academic and creative projects related to the study and practice of contemporary music. The fellowship provides a stipend as well as private health insurance.

Fostering Creative Potential

The fellowship program’s purpose is to stimulate and support promising musicians, scholars, and music business people in the early stages of their careers and to foster innovation and creativity. An additional goal involves supporting artists and scholars in the development of pedagogical skills as they contribute to Berklee’s educational environment.

How to Apply

Please note: this program is available only to currently enrolled graduate students at Berklee. 

Learn how to apply through the Graduate Studies Department.

Fellowship Expectations

Projects must be related to contemporary music and designed for completion within the fellowship year. Projects may include the following:

  • Performances
  • Compositions
  • Scores for films or other media
  • Technology
  • Business
  • Festivals
  • Music therapy
  • Music education
  • Music research
  • Archival work
  • Music history
  • Other proposed categories

As a fellow, you are expected to be on campus and participate actively in college service (approximately 30 hours per week in Valencia, Spain, and 25 hours per week in Boston) while you also complete your project goals. Performances, touring, research trips, interviews, conference attendance, and speaking engagements should be limited to no more than 15 days in total during the fellowship term (excluding holidays and weekends).

Access to Facilities and Research Support

Berklee provides computer support, library privileges, and access—in accordance with college guidelines—to recording studios (with a limited number of hours), rehearsal spaces, and private lesson rooms. When possible, office space will also be provided.

Entrance Requirements

This is a highly competitive program. To apply, you must have completed your master’s degree during the previous academic year as well as demonstrate significant achievement and promise. You should be comfortable working in an international community of artists, musicians, and scholars. 

There is additional information about the application process for currently enrolled students on the Graduate Studies Department page (login required). 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, you will:

  • complete the specific creative or scholarly project supported by the fellowship;
  • synthesize your creative or scholarly work;
  • present your work to the Berklee community and a wider live or virtual audience;
  • plan and refine your career goals; and
  • develop pedagogical and other academic skills.
Curriculum and Courses