Throughout Aspire

Drummer performing outside

From full immersion into Berklee's renowned curriculum to energizing live performances to collaboration with peers from around the world, there's no limit to what you'll discover about yourself in the weeks ahead.

Academics

Your Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive (Aspire) education is provided by Berklee's world-class faculty and includes a mix of private instruction, instrumental labs, ensembles, theory, and musicianship training. 

Coursework Designed to Inspire

Get ready for a curriculum that goes far beyond musical technique and dexterity. Derived from Berklee College of Music’s award-winning undergraduate curriculum, Aspire coursework is designed both for students preparing for advanced music study and for casual music enthusiasts. 

Visit the Curriculum page to learn more about summer coursework, including Berklee’s core curriculum model, and how it can help you reach your musical and educational goals. 

Earn College Credit

All Aspire students who receive a grade of B or higher in the following courses will be awarded three (elective) college credits towards Berklee's Fundamentals of Musicianship I undergraduate requirement:

  • Theory in Performance
  • Musicianship
  • Ensemble
  • Private Instruction

If you take a subsequent Aspire program, and receive a grade of B or higher in those same courses, you will be awarded three additional (elective) college credits towards Berklee's Fundamentals of Musicianship II requirement.

Student Performances

Two musicians performing
Vocalist and saxophonist performing at Caf show
Group of musicians performing
student playing violin at outdoor concert

We fit an incredible amount of live music into just five weeks. With student jam sessions, open mics, live concerts, and more, there is something for students to participate in every day.

Singer Showcase Auditions

Tuesday, July 13 

6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | Vocalists may audition to be one of 10 featured performers at Vocal Night in the Berklee Performance Center during the final week of the program. Five soloists and five background vocalists will perform arrangements written for them by faculty members with a band of upper semester Berklee students. Auditions take place at 939 Boylston Street (enter through 921 Boylston Street), the Loft.

All-Star Band and Instrumental Showcase Auditions

Saturday, July 17 

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Audition to participate in one of three advanced ensembles and perform live for family and friends at the Berklee Performance Center. There are limited audition slots available. Sign up below:

Bass Auditions
July 17 | 10 am - 2 pm
Sign-up

Brass Auditions
July 17 | 10 am - 2 pm
Sign-up

Guitar Auditions
July 17 | 10 am - 2 pm
Sign-up

Percussion Auditions
July 17 | 10 am - 2 pm
Sign-up

Piano Auditions
July 17 | 10 am - 2 pm
Sign-up

String Auditions
July 17 | 11 am - 1 pm
Sign-up

Woodwind Auditions
July 17 | 10 am - 2 pm
Sign-up

Live Performance Schedule

Most shows are free and open to the public, so your family and friends can watch your live performances throughout the summer. View this summer’s performance schedule below and mark your calendar.

Exploring the City

On Berklee’s urban campus, which spans Boston’s Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods, there is always something for you to discover. Boston is a proud multicultural city that welcomes people of all kinds of backgrounds and interests. 

Boston skyline and the Charles River

During your five weeks in Boston, you might want to explore these spots nearby:

  • The Charles River Esplanade
  • Boston Public Library
  • Fenway Park
  • The Museum of Fine Arts
  • The Prudential Center
  • Newbury Street
  • Symphony Hall
  • Copley Square
  • Boston Common
  • The Public Garden
  • The City of Cambridge

Student Activities

Two students hanging out in park

Berklee’s Center for Campus Life organizes regular activities for the Aspire community during the summer. Throughout the program, you will have ample opportunities to make meaningful connections with your peers on and off campus.

 

Join a Field Trip

Past activities have included group outings to movies and concerts, local sightseeing tours, trips to the Franklin Park Zoo, Shakespeare in the Common, and Red Sox games at Fenway Park.

Attend On-Campus Events

Events have included caf shows (student-run concerts in the Berklee Dining Hall), game nights, Nintendo tournaments, on-campus carnivals, and other events.

Hang Out with Friends

Stop by the Center for Campus Life to hang out, play pool or video games, or learn about getting involved in groups on campus.

Campus Resources

Take advantage of the many Berklee facilities and amenities at your fingertips, including practice rooms, performance halls, student lounges, and ensemble rehearsal spaces.

Next, learn about helpful resources and services provided by our trained support staff, or check out the end-of-summer events and auditions.