Programs and Institutes

Berklee artists represent a wide range of musical genres and disciplines. As a vibrant and vital hub for contemporary music, Berklee is home to 12 institutes that give our students the opportunity to explore and deepen their focus in key areas. Philanthropic support of these special programs allows students to enrich their core studies by learning from globally renowned experts and expanding their skills. 

Discover a rotating collection of featured programs below, or visit our Institutes page to explore them all.

Berklee City Music® Program 

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 gifts throughout the year and funds raised at the annual Encore Gala, City Music students have the opportunity to receive scholarships to participate in Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive, with select students going on to obtain full-tuition scholarships to Berklee College of Music. Join us at this year's 26th annual Encore Gala, which will be held virtually on October 24, 2020. 

Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice

What would jazz sound like in a culture without patriarchy? The jazz industry remains predominantly male due to a biased system, imposing a significant toll on those who aspire to work in it. In understanding the importance of balance and equity, the goal of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice is to do corrective work and modify the way jazz is perceived and presented so the future of jazz looks different than its past, without rendering invisible many of the art form's creative contributors. Led by founder and artistic director Terri Lyne Carrington and managing director Aja Burrell Wood, the institute focuses on equity in the jazz field and the role that jazz plays in the larger struggle for gender justice. Learn more, and discover how you can support this important work.

Feeling inspired? Contact Davis Wimberly to learn more about the opportunities above and the variety of ways that you can support these important efforts.