Brass Workshop

Boston
Ages 15+
Whether you’re interested in classical or contemporary, the Brass Workshop is for you. With instructors from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, you will study with diverse, world-class faculty comprising some of the East Coast's most renowned musicians. You'll have the perfect opportunity to improve all aspects of your musical ability, taking your skills to new levels by exploring the world of brass performance.
Dates
June 17-June 22
Check-in Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Move-out
June 22, 7:00 PM
Tuition
$1,295
Housing
$895
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration by May 1.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by May 1.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
  3. Request housing. Students who are 15 years of age or older by the start of their Boston-based program are eligible to stay in on-campus housing. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have indicated that you would like to request on-campus housing, please revisit your registration portal and submit a Residence Hall Agreement.

*Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full.

Curriculum

For all classes and ensembles, you will be placed with participants of similar abilities and interests. As part of the registration, you can choose between two tracks to participate in.

Classical

Gain expert knowledge on improving your tone, technical ability, sight-reading, and overall musicianship. Strengthen your performance skills and rehearsal techniques in a classical brass ensemble setting. You will play alongside faculty, many of whom perform with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in large and small ensembles focused on various classical time periods. Ensembles in this track are generally between five and 12 players, with an even distribution of brass instruments

In addition to ensemble classes, French horn players will have daily master classes with Eli Epstein, a veteran horn player with the Cleveland Orchestra, author of Horn Playing from the Inside Out, and horn professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Contemporary

Take your reading, ensemble playing, and improvisational skills to the next level. You can participate in several jam sessions throughout the week and will perform in one of three ensembles. Ensembles in this track are generally between eight and 12 brass players, and include a rhythm section. Choose one of the following ensembles based on the style that suits you

  • Jazz: Get familiar with jazz harmony, melody, and rhythm while exploring the roots and branches of America’s unique musical art form. You will perform music from bebop to swing and modern jazz.
  • Funk: Study music that combines elements of R&B and soul music. “Funkify” your soul with music from the likes of the Meters, John Scofield, the Yellow Jackets, Snarky Puppy, and more.
  • New Orleans: Explore the roots of jazz through group interaction and solo improvisation in this ensemble that focuses on second line and Dixieland traditions. Music from Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Sidney Bechet, and others will have you groovin’ to the second-line parade.

The Brass Workshop offers participants the opportunity to study with internationally renowned teachers with proven track records—those who have not only won their own prestigious awards, but who have taught students that went on to enjoy flourishing careers. The Brass Workshop faculty includes Larry IsaacsonJohn FaietaSteve EmeryJoe FoleyEli EpsteinNorman BolterAngel SuberoKen AmisJeff StoutCharlie LewisPhil Grenadier, and Billy Buss.

Schedule

Below is a sample of a typical day in the program. 

TimeEvent
8 AM–9 AMBreakfast
9:15 AM–10:15 AMStudio Classes by Instrument (Low Brass, Trumpet, and French Horn)
10:30 AM–12:00 PMEnsembles
12:15 PM–1:15 PMLunch
1:30 PM–2:45 PMEnsembles
3 PM–3:45 PMClassical or Contemporary Elective
4 PM–4:45 PMClassical or Contemporary Elective
5 PM–6:45 PMDinner and Practice Time
7 PM–10:15 PMFaculty Recitals, Electives, and Jam Sessions

Schedule subject to change. 

Performance Opportunities

Students will participate in one of the following ensembles during the week: 

  • Large Classical Brass Ensemble
  • Small Classical Brass Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Funk Ensemble
  • New Orleans Ensemble
Requirements

General Requirements

All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience are welcome to attend.

Participants must possess a proficient level of English to enroll in this program. We do not require proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) as part of the enrollment or application process; however, you are expected to have a sufficient command of the English language to understand class material and assignments.

Required Materials

  • Your instrument and any necessary accessories
  • Mutes: for classical players, a straight mute; for contemporary players, a plunger
  • Tuner and metronome (possibly on your phone)
  • Notebook
  • Pencil
  • Concert attire: a pair of black or khaki long pants and a colorful, short-sleeved shirt; or a colorful dress
Program-Specific Details

Placement

After completing your registration, you will be prompted to submit a video link of a solo performance. These links are reviewed by the faculty to place students into the appropriate level classes before arriving to the program. Professional video quality is not required, but your performance should demonstrate your personal best.

Once You've Enrolled

The Berklee Summer Programs Team is excited that you've taken the first step! Now that you've enrolled, here's what to know, to be sure you're prepared before and after you check in for the experience of a lifetime.

What to do first?

Complete These Tasks by June

Prepare to Arrive and Check In

Access the Summer Programs Help Center

Explore some of these top articles from the Summer Programs Help Center.