Harvard–Berklee Joint Studies Course Recommendations

As a student in the Harvard–Berklee Joint Studies program, you have the opportunity to take any course for which you meet the prerequisites and that has open space. After receiving the results of the ESPA (placement exam) and completing their placement audition, students begin by enrolling in introductory courses in one or more of four general areas in consultation with their advisor:

• Performance
  • Private Instruction (50 minute lessons in your first year, 30 minute lessons after that)
  • Ensembles
  • Instrumental Labs
• Composition or Songwriting
  • HR-112 Harmony 2 or HR-221 Harmony 3 (depending on ESPA results)
  • AR-111 Arranging 1
  • Music 2 or Music 51a (at Harvard)
  • SW-110 Songwriting Foundations
  • CM-201 Introduction to Composition
• Music Production
  • MTEC-111 Introduction to Music Technology
  • A higher-level DAW course if you test out of MTEC-111
• Music Business
  • MB-101 Introduction to the Music Business
  • MB-201 Principles of Business Management
  • MB-211 Legal Aspects of the Music Industry

In later semesters, students can begin to take more advanced courses within Berklee’s majors. Students can explore the core course offerings of each major by going to the major’s page and clicking the “Curriculum and Courses” drop down. Students should consult with their advisor on additional course offerings and possibilities. *Note: courses in the Music Production and Engineering department are generally unavailable unless the student applies and is accepted to the major. Courses in the Electronic Production and Design department are often at capacity and may be difficult to enroll in.

Below you will find a list of suggested courses that you should take as an undergraduate Harvard–Berklee Joint Studies student to prepare for the various master's degree programs at Berklee if you choose. Please note that this is just a template and a list of recommended courses for your studies at Berklee; it is not exhaustive and can include other courses not listed. Students who are interested in applying to a Berklee master’s program should consult with their advisor as early as possible.