PLEASE NOTE: This program has not been updated with 2010 program information. Information about the 2010 program will appear online this winter. Until then, feel free to browse the information about our 2009 program, to get a sense of what the program is like.
It's All In The Song: Writing, Production, and the Business of Music
The Berklee in Los Angeles program will guide the aspiring musician in songwriting, stage performance, production, and the business of music.
Through both individual and team efforts, students will work through the processes and techniques involved in writing, producing, and marketing a song from conception to completion. Students will also be introduced to the fundamental workings of a recording stereo. Berklee's Music Business/Management Department will introduce you to the business tools and practices necessary to compete in today's ever-changing music industry.
At the end of the program, students will perform their songs in concert for parents, friends, and peers.
The program will take place on the campus of Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California. The Long Beach Marriott is the event hotel for students who require housing. This program has a limited enrollment; we encourage you to apply early in order to secure a space.
Classes
- Songwriting Production
Learn from our master teachers the craft and the art of creating and producing a song. Study song forms. Explore the various musical elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Learn how to make your lyrics work with the melody of your song. - Recording Techniques
Students will discuss a variety of recording topics that will familiarize them with the basic techniques of recording and production as they apply to the needs of the songwriter. - Performance Techniques
Vocalists and instrumentalists will develop their live performance skills, rehearsal techniques, and stage presence. Students will have the opportunity to perform for the class and receive feedback from faculty and peers. - Music Business
Berklee's Music Business/Management Department will present classes that focus on music business for bands and artists, including strategies for getting a record deal, the business and legal issues pertaining to record companies, music licensing and copyright, contracts, music promotion, and artist management. - Electives
Electives topics in the past have included music sequencing and notation software, lead sheet writing, audition techniques, recording lectures, and improvisation. Students will receive information in their acceptance materials about signing up.
Additional Activities
Scholarship Auditions
During the week, scholarship auditions will be conducted for selected students interested in pursuing full-time study at Berklee in Boston. Students who are accepted into the program will be forwarded audition information in their acceptance packets.
Final Concert
As the culmination of the week's studies, all students will perform their songs for a live audience. Students will receive a recording of this performance in the mail. This year's concert is scheduled for Friday, August 7 at Long Beach City College. Parents and friends are invited to attend.
Scholarship Award Ceremony
After the concerts on Friday night, all students will receive certificates of participation. Results of the auditions will be announced, and scholarships to Berklee College of Music will be awarded to the winners.
Transportation
If you're flying to Los Angeles, we recommend that you land at Long Beach Airport, which is closer to the campus than Los Angeles International Airport. We'll send you more detailed travel information once you're accepted into the program.
Housing
All participants will receive housing information and an application for housing. The official housing location for this program is the Long Beach Marriott. To be eligible to live in the hotel, you must be at least 15 years of age by the start of the program. All participants are encouraged to stay at the hotel because the program will have morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
Meals
Since meals will be served at Long Beach City College to accommodate the students' schedules, all students will be enrolled in the meal plan.
Clothing
The weather in Long Beach is usually warm (mid-80s) and dry. The evenings tend to be cool and comfortable (60s to low 70s). Dress is comfortable and casual.
Instruments and equipment
During the course of the program, students will have the opportunity to perform their own songs. There will be rhythm section players available to assist you in the performance of your song in class and in concert. We advise that all instrumentalists except keyboardists and drummers bring their own instruments. Drummers should bring sticks and brushes. Everyone should bring a set of headphones with a standard quarter-inch adapter in order to plug into lab equipment. Guitar and bass amps, drums, and keyboards will be provided for performances and the performance class. Vocalists should bring a low-impedance microphone and a cord.
Remember to bring your songs. We advise that you put them into lead sheet format: melody, chord changes, and lyrics.
Practicing is not allowed in the hotel rooms.
Berklee College of Music thanks Fender, Kawai, Shure, Yamaha, and Zildjian for providing instruments for student use in generous support of this program.
Registration
Upon acceptance to the program, you will receive details regarding registration day.
| Berklee in Los Angeles is possible in part by funding from: | |
 |
 |
