Institute Mission

The mission of the Berklee Popular Music Institute is to serve as an innovative center of experiential education for musicians and future music industry professionals, exercising industry integration and interdisciplinary collaborations. The work of the institute prepares students for successful, lasting careers in the music industry by providing practice-based opportunities alongside leading industry professionals, with a special focus on live events and touring. Students will learn how to navigate careers in the ever-changing music industry as they hone their skills in talent scouting, artist development, booking, promotion, social media, sponsorship, and live shows. Curriculum activities are designed in collaboration with today's top industry figures to reflect contemporary trends and practices in the music industry.

BPMI students in class

The mission of the institute is supported by three critical pillars of education:

  1. Traditional Learning Environment: The Business of Live Music minor provides students with an opportunity to gain the skills, tools, and networks necessary for successful long-term careers in the live sector of the music industry, whether as a professional musician or a music business professional. While the record industry is continually challenged to keep up with evolving technologies and consumer patterns, live music has developed into a multibillion-dollar industry, existing as the largest sector of the global music industry. The minor provides a comprehensive platform for learning the fundamental aspects of the live music industry, including promotion, production, touring, key players, brands and sponsorships, festivals, ticketing, finances, and more. In this minor, students will gain an understanding of the responsibilities of key industry players, such as agents, tour managers, and promoters, and will develop skills in event production and promotion. 

     

  2. Experiential Learning Environment: BPMI Live is a one-year program that provides practical access to high levels of the music industry with a focus on the thriving concert festival circuit. Throughout the year, students will find and develop Berklee artists, book and promote concerts at reputable off-campus venues, design and produce merchandise, write and distribute press releases, create stage plots and technical riders, advance festivals, build and implement social media strategies, and much more. The capstone of the curriculum includes opportunities for students to participate at prestigious festivals and industry conferences. Students will be required to travel to festivals, such as Lollapalooza, Governors Ball, and Bourbon & Beyond, where they will act as artist managers, production and tour managers, and artist media representatives. Students will be positioned to work alongside today's top music industry professionals, so they can step off the festival stage knowing they have what it takes to pursue a career in music. Students will also be provided with networking opportunities at some of the industry's most notable events, such as The Conference: Live at Lititz and Pollstar Live! conference. 

     

  3. Internships and Financial Support: In partnership with Berklee Career Center, the institute serves as a platform for eligible students to connect with internship opportunities and potential employers in live music. With support from the institute’s generous donors, eligible BPMI students may apply for funding to help support cost-of-living expenses while interning for a live-music related company.