Our Approach
Applying to be a Bachelor of Music student at Berklee College of Music requires a live audition and interview. Berklee’s unique audition and interview process allows us to learn about you as a whole artist while assessing your current level of musicianship and potential to succeed in our dynamic community. The audition and interview process is detailed below.
Bachelor of Arts applicants are not asked to audition, but must complete an online interview as a part of the application process. The interview, combined with your transcripts and supporting application materials, gives us a picture of who you are and where you have the potential to grow. The interview process is detailed below.
If you know Berklee College of Music is your top choice and you plan to apply for early action, we suggest submitting your application as early as possible to complete your application next steps.
Download this insider's guide for tips from current students and requirements to be aware of as you prepare for your audition and interview.
Merit-Based Scholarships
You are automatically considered for Berklee's merit-based scholarships during your audition and/or interview. Online auditions are weighted no differently from in-person events.
Your scholarship decision will be issued with the admissions decision. Learn more about entering student scholarships.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Berklee is committed to providing equal access to auditions and interviews. If you need accommodations or have a concern related to accessibility, please contact us at auditions@berklee.edu.
Supporting Materials
We encourage you to share your creative work, but we are unable to accept supporting materials such as a portfolio, performance recording, etc. during your audition. Please review the Transcripts and Other Supporting Materials page for instructions on how to submit supporting materials with your online application.
Bachelor of Music Audition and Interview
The Bachelor of Music audition and interview process takes about one hour after you check in. Once it’s time for you to begin, we will guide you through the entire experience, which includes a 15-minute audition and a 15-minute interview. We request that you check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time to ensure you have the proper setup.
Your Audition
Each component of the audition for the Bachelor of Music program helps us assess your overall abilities as a musician and your potential for success at the college level. We recognize that it is common to have imbalances in playing abilities and that you may not have advanced skills in each aspect of the audition. Our goal is to see where your musicianship is right now and learn how you might further develop your skills.
Refer to the audition guidelines for details about the audition.
Auditioning online? View the Online Auditions and Interviews page to watch in-depth videos to help you prepare.
Your Interview
While your audition showcases your musical preparedness and potential, the interview is your chance to share your readiness for pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at Berklee, including past musical experiences, aspirations for the future, and how you envision Berklee helping you reach your goals.
Refer to the interview guidelines to learn more about the interview, including sample questions.
Watch this video to learn more about the audition and interview directly from Berklee faculty and students. They’ll take you through each section and offer insight about how to prepare:
How to Schedule Your Audition and Interview
In the application, you will choose your preferred locations, which helps us determine where to schedule you (e.g., in Boston or online). You will receive an email invitation with your date and time details approximately four weeks before your scheduled audition and interview. Certain locations and online slots fill up quickly, in which case you may be scheduled for an alternate option.
Once scheduled, your date, time, and venue information will be posted in the applicant portal under the Next Steps tab. This is also where you will confirm your scheduled audition and interview.
You must confirm your assigned audition and interview time immediately or your space will be given to another qualified applicant. Please do not make travel arrangements until you have confirmed your audition and interview assignment.
All applicants invited to audition are expected to attend on their scheduled date and time. Failure to do so may result in your application being withdrawn.
To learn where and when we are traveling, visit the audition and interview event calendar.
Explore Event Calendar
Bachelor of Arts Online Interview
While there is no audition requirement for the Bachelor of Arts program, applicants are required to complete an online interview in which they answer questions that help us gain a deeper understanding of what inspires them to build a career in music and learn about how they have prepared to pursue a degree at Berklee.
Your Interview
The online interview for the Bachelor of Arts program is hosted through a digital platform called Kira Talent. Through this portal, you will be asked a question, be given prep time, and then have a set amount of time to respond. The interview should only take 20 to 30 minutes to complete and can be recorded at your convenience.
Visit our Interview Guidelines page to learn more.
How to Schedule Your Online Interview
After submitting the application form, you will be invited via email to complete your online interview, which is conducted through Kira Talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the application process different for the Bachelor of Music degree vs. the Bachelor of Arts degree?
Bachelor of Arts applicants complete an online interview and are not required to audition. Bachelor of Music applicants complete a live audition and interview, which may be conducted either in person or online. Read more about the differences between the two programs.
What happens at an audition and interview event in Boston?
If you come to our Boston campus to audition and interview, there will be opportunities for you to take a student-led campus tour, attend an info session, and see a live student performance.
<Learn More>
What happens at an audition and interview event that’s hosted outside of Boston?
If you choose an in-person audition location outside of Boston, you will still have an opportunity to talk to an admissions representative or student ambassador about life at Berklee. If you complete your audition and interview online, you will virtually meet Berklee College of Music staff and faculty members, but you will not interact with any current students.
Can my family and friends come to the audition and interview event?
Family and friends may wait with you prior to being called, but they are not allowed to observe your warm-up, audition, or interview. If you have an accompanist or backing band, they may only join you for the warm-up and prepared piece section of the audition. Family and friends are not allowed to attend an online audition and interview.
What happens if inclement weather impacts my audition?
In the event that Berklee must change or reschedule the date and/or time of an audition and interview due to inclement weather, you will be notified as soon as possible.
What happens if I miss or need to reschedule my audition?
Auditions at Berklee are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and capacity is limited. All applicants invited to audition are expected to attend on their scheduled date and time. Failure to do so may result in your application being withdrawn. If you experience extenuating circumstances that result in your need to reschedule, please contact admissions@berklee.edu.
