How to Enroll
- Submit your registration.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
- Make your tuition payment.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
- 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.
At the workshop, you will participate in the following core classes throughout the week.
- 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.
| Time | Event |
| 8 AM–8:50 AM | Breakfast |
| 9 AM–10:20 AM | Mentoring group or songwriting class |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM | Mentoring group or songwriting class |
| 12 PM–1 PM | Lunch |
| 1 PM–2:20 PM | Visiting artist presentation |
| 2:30 PM–3:50 PM | Elective or master class |
| 4 PM–5:20 PM | Elective |
| 5:30 PM–7 PM | Dinner |
| 7 PM–9:30 PM | Open mics |
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.
Program Director
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Assistant Professor
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
- 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.
- With the exception of pianists and drummers, students are expected to bring their instruments to all summer programs. 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.