Guitar Sessions

Boston
Ages 15+
Experience a week in the life of a Berklee guitar student in this musically diverse program. Designed to provide you with inspiring performance opportunities and technical training, this program will place you in ensembles with guitarists of similar experience, stylistic interest, and ability. Your faculty comprises 35 internationally recognized players from Berklee's Guitar Department who are experts in a diverse range of styles.
Dates
June 26-June 30
Check-in Time
June 26, 9 am - 12 pm
Move-out
Coming Soon
Tuition
$1,295
Housing
$895
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
Register Request Info
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration.* 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. If you will be age 15 or older by the start of your program and require on-campus accommodations, complete the Residence Hall Contract in the Next Steps tab of your registration portal .

*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. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

Curriculum

Guitar Sessions offers ensembles, classes, and clinics in the styles of blues, metal, classical, jam band, funk/fusion, classic rock, contemporary rock, jazz, fingerstyle, and performing songwriter. You'll select one style to study in your ensemble, with the ability to branch out in different styles through clinics and jams. 

Every participant's schedule will include a class in each of the following:

  • Fretboard Harmony: Learn music theory and how it applies to the guitar. The class includes scales, modes, chord voicings, and chord inversions.
  • Style: Focus on the specifics in the style of your choosing, and explore related concepts and applied theory. 
  • Ensemble: Rehearse with other instrumentalists and perform in concert with your group on the last day of the program. Friends and family will not want to miss these performances.
  • Visiting Artist Clinics: Guitar Sessions will host several visiting artists and clinicians during the week. Past programs have included John Abercrombie, Wayne Krantz, John Petrucci, Vernon Reid, and Tommy Emmanuel.
Schedule

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

Time Event
9 AM–10 AM Breakfast
10 AM–12 PM Fretboard Harmony and Styles, or Ensemble
12 PM–1 PM Clinic
1 PM– 2 PM Lunch
2 PM–4 PM  Fretboard Harmony and Styles, or Ensemble
4 PM–5:30 PM Clinic
5:30 PM–7:30 PM Dinner
7:30 PM–9 PM Concert
9 PM–10:15 PM Jam Sessions

Schedule subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

You will have the ability to participate in open jam sessions each evening. Multiple jam sessions will often be happening simultaneously, focusing on different styles.

The program will culminate with masterclass performances on Friday. You will perform the repertoire you have been rehearsing in your ensembles and will receive feedback from faculty.

Requirements

All students 15 and older with at least six months of playing experience are welcome to attend. The program curriculum focuses on guitar technique and proficiency.

Program Directors

  • Emily Joy Ashman

    Jane Miller
    Professor

    "I like my students to come away from my lessons and classes equipped to solve musical puzzles on the guitar."

  • Headshot of Sal DiFusco
    Sal DiFusco
    Professor

    "Artistic development is important to me; I get a great amount of joy in developing people musically."

Once You've Enrolled

Once you're enrolled visit our Next Steps for Enrolled Students to make sure you have everything you need for your program.

Check your email for important information

  • You should continue to check the email that you used to enroll in the program for important information.
  • You will receive a detailed check-in email with information regarding your assigned arrival location, housing assignment, and a link to view your program schedule one to two weeks prior to the start date of your program.
  • When you arrive on campus, you will receive additional program information to guide you through your program.

What to pack 

  • Students should bring their guitars, quarter-inch cable, and tuners.

  • We provide amplifiers for all participants to use in our ensembles for rehearsal and final performances. No amplifiers are provided for use in practice rooms, so you may elect to bring a set of practice headphones and a small practice amplifier. 

  • Students should bring a notebook and pens/pencils.

  • Review our list of instruments and gear to bring to your program in this knowledge base article.

  • If you are staying on campus, you can reference this packing list with any additional items you’ll need while attending your program.

 

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