The Summer Institute for Piano Teachers is a hands-on program with a focus on giving piano teachers a basic, working knowledge of contemporary styles. Participants will work on improvisation techniques and harmonic concepts in contemporary music, and will be provided with resources for expanding on those skills. The thrust of the program is to better prepare piano instructors on how to incorporate these skills into their teaching methods in the private studio or classroom setting. This program has a limited enrollment; we encourage you to apply early in order to secure a space.
Who are the instructors?
Workshops will be conducted by Berklee's experienced and knowledgeable Piano Department faculty.
Style Workshops
Jazz, Blues, Roots Rock, Pop, and Latin
Improvisational Workshops
Hands–on Piano Trio Sessions with Rhythm Section, and Keyboard Labs
Contemporary Theory
Harmonic Vocabulary, Chord Theory, and Lead Sheet Reading
Technology in Teaching
How to Use Sequencers, Software for Teaching, and Music Minus One
Clinic
Jazz Piano History
Special Sessions
Teaching Demonstration, Advanced Improvisation, Advanced Voicing Concepts, and Contemporary Classical and Experimental Improvisation.
What's the schedule?
Friday, July 23
Registration will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Auditions will follow at 9:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., information will be provided on teaching resources, computer software, GarageBand, Music Minus One, books, DVDs, online programs, and more. All participants will receive their schedules in the afternoon. After lunch, classes will include History/Survey of Jazz and Contemporary/Improvisational Piano Styles followed by Harmony and Chord Vocabulary, and Piano Trio Sessions with bass and drums. A faculty concert of mixed styles will take place in the evening.
Saturday, July 24
Morning classes offered will include Contemporary Styles Workshops, Comping Labs, and Improvisation Keyboard Labs (applications of jazz harmony, lead-sheet reading, and improvisation). After lunch, sessions focus on how to teach improvisation in Teaching Improvisation Workshops, followed by Piano Trio Sessions with bass and drums. A faculty concert of mixed styles will take place in the evening.
Sunday, July 25
Morning classes offered will include Contemporary Styles Workshops, followed by Comping Labs and Improvisation Keyboard Labs (different styles, applications of harmony, lead-sheet reading, improvisation). After lunch, there will be special sessions for advanced improvisation, advanced voicings, and a teaching demonstration. The program will end with a wrap-up question-and-answer session and informal reception with the faculty.
Residence Hall Housing
When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. A limited number of single occupancy residence hall spaces are available for program participants. The residence hall spaces may not be air-conditioned. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it. Meals are provided in the college's dining hall for students living on campus. There is no parking available at the residence hall. If you are interested in a residence hall space, please call the Berklee College of Music Housing Office at 617 747–2292.
Oasis Guest House
The Oasis Guest House, located at 22 Edgerly Road, a five-minute walk from nearly all Berklee buildings, has agreed to offer alternate housing to program participants. The Oasis Guest House can be reached at 800 230-0105, 617 267-2262, or info@oasisgh.com. Visit oasisgh.com to ask about special rates.
