Songwriting Workshop

Take your first steps to joining the Berklee community

1. Submit your registration. Students begin by submitting their registration or application online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials as well.  
2. Make your tuition payment. All programs have limited capacity, so complete your full tuition payment, and reserve your space in the program. 
3. Request housing. If you require housing accommodations, complete the housing agreement form in the "Next Steps" tab of your application portal.

Once you're registered you can explore parent and student resources. 

• Songwriting Class: In this class taught by our renowned Songwriting Department faculty, you will explore song form, melody, lyrics, and chord progressions.
• Mentoring Group: Mentors are Berklee alumni who have been handpicked for their talent, their dedication to craft, and their ability to give compassionate and specific feedback as they help orient students to their first Berklee experience.
• Visiting Artist Presentation: Every year, we ask visiting artists to share their experiences in the industry as songwriters. Topics range from songwriting techniques and improving your artistry to business tips and career advice. Previous visiting artists include Wrabel, Kara DioGuardi, and Will Dailey.

Students will choose three required electives and have the option to take three additional electives as well. Each participant will rank their topic preferences before starting the program. The following list of electives gives you a sense of what to expect:

• Writer Camp (two electives)
• Singer-Songwriter Workshop
• Working with a Band (three electives)
• Introduction to Production for Songwriters (two electives)
• ​DIY Singer-Songwriter
• Write a Song in 90 Minutes
• Stage Performance Workshop
• Hip-Hop Songwriting
• Topline Writing for Pop, R&B, and EDM
• Vocal Techniques for Songwriters
• Guitar Style for Songwriters
• Keyboard Styles for Songwriters
• Songwriting for Film and TV
• Improvisation Workshop
• Mailbox Money: Making a Living with Your Music
• Marketing and Media for Songwriters
• Intermediate/Advanced Harmony for Songwriters (two electives)
• Contemporary Musical Theater Writing

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

Schedule subject to change

Students have the opportunity to perform in multiple open mics throughout the program. 

All students 15 and older with some background in songwriting are welcome to attend.

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. 

• A notebook: Be sure to bring a notebook or have some other way to save your ideas—you will have lots of them.
• A completed song (optional): You may want to showcase a song during your time at the workshop. To do so, you may either bring a recording or prepare a performance. Typed lyrics or a lead sheet are also necessary to supplement a completed song. A lead sheet consists of the melody transcribed on staff paper, with the lyrics below and the chord symbols above the melody.
• An instrument (optional): along with your instrument, please bring any accessories (capo, tuner, strap, etc.) you may wish to have with you, and label them with your name and phone number.

If you intend to stay in the Berklee residence halls while participating in the program, please also review what to bring for your room on the housing page.

Check out this FAQ with important information and answers to common questions about Summer Programs.