Vocal Summit

Your voice—it’s your instrument. Take the next step to develop your sound in this five-day program with instruction in vocal technique, style, performance skills, singing with a band, group singing, and a cappella performance. Open to vocalists, singer-songwriters, and instrumentalists who sing, Vocal Summit will let you explore the world of contemporary vocal music.

2023 Program Information

Program dates:	June 12–16
Registration fee:	$50 (nonrefundable)
Tuition:	$1,295
Housing:	$895
Payment deadline:	May 1
Move-in:	2023 dates coming soon
Move-out:	2023 dates coming soon
Age range:	15 years and older

How do I enroll?

Take your first steps to joining the Berklee community

Submit your registration. Students begin by submitting their registration or application online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials as well.
Make your tuition payment. All programs have limited capacity, so complete your full tuition payment, and reserve your space in the program.
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.

What is the curriculum like?

Vocal Summit offers styles in pop-rock, pop and R&B, jazz, and musical theater. You'll select one style to study during the program and participate in several core classes throughout the week.

Solo coaching: These are small classes where singers perform solo songs with accompaniment in a master class setting. Students will be coached on interpretation, phrasing, expression, timbre, register, key selection, working with a band, countoffs, cues, cutoffs, microphone technique, and stage presence.
Ensembles: Vocal ensembles are groups of 20–40 singers directed by Berklee faculty and accompanied by a rhythm section. Each ensemble will perform one musical selection at the final concert.

Students will also select workshops to attend throughout the program. Electives for 2022 are not yet available, but the following list of electives offered in 2019 will give you a sense of what to expect:

Vocal Technique Overview
Improvisation for Vocalists
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Background Singing
Ace the Audition
How to Record and Mix Vocals
Voicework: Vocal Technique
Empowerment for the Emerging Artist
Learn to Beat Box
Singer-Songwriter Workshop
Soul, R&B: The Past, Present, and Future
Musical Theater Audition Techniques
Demystifying the Mix Voice

What is the schedule?

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

Time	Event
8:00 a.m.–8:50 a.m.	Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.	Ensemble or Solo Coaching
11:00 a.m.–12:50 p.m.	Ensemble or Solo Coaching
1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.	Lunch
2:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.	Visiting Artist Presentation
4:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m.	Workshops
6:00 p.m.–7:20 p.m.	Dinner
7:30 p.m.–8:50 p.m.	Visiting Artist Concert
9:00 p.m.–10:20 p.m.	Open Mics

Schedule subject to change

What are the performance opportunities?

The program culminates in a final showcase of student ensembles. Each student will take the stage and participate in at least one ensemble.

Students also have the opportunity to perform in open mics each evening. Open mics are a great chance for students to perform in a different style than their elected style for classes.

All performances are free and open to friends and family.

What are the requirements to attend?

All students 15 and older with six months of singing experience 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.

What do I need to bring?

Please prepare four songs that you're confident performing (preferably from memory) for your solo coaching class. Bring four copies of a lead sheet for each song you’ll sing, making sure the song is in a comfortable key for you. To learn more about how to convert sheet music to a lead sheet, see the resources below:

For hygiene reasons, vocalists are required to bring their own low-impedance microphone and microphone cable (XLR). If you bring a mic, please label it so it does not get lost.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Associate Professor of Voice and Assistant Director of Vocal Summit: Cassandre McKinley

Cassandre McKinley is best known for her powerhouse voice, stylistic versatility, and ability to cross genres effortlessly. Renowned for her spirited, emotional performances, she has a presence on stage that is exuberant and passionate, yet warm and disarming. She has shared the stage and recorded with greats such as Dick Johnson, James Cotton, Clay Obsorne, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, and J. Geils, among others. She has toured nationally and internationally, and her music has been played on more than 500 radio stations and cable and internet music outlets.

Program Director: Cindy Scott

Cindy Scott’s technical mastery and commitment to lyrical expression have earned her fans worldwide. She has been steeped in roots music, jazz, gospel, and Southern soul, and holds master's degrees in both jazz performance and international business.

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