Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival 2024
Applications for the program are now closed.
The Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival program provides a unique five-day opportunity to enhance your musicianship and proficiency in connecting through a global musical language. Participants will engage in continuous performances with musicians from diverse corners of the world, deliberately exposing them to various grooves, rhythmic concepts, harmony, and improvisational approaches. The program guides students on how to seamlessly merge with these diverse musical elements, contributing to a rich and immersive learning experience. The program will take place from Monday, June 24 to Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Essaouira, Morocco.
World-renowned Berklee instructors will guide students on how to intertwine their own musical language with others, beginning with learning to actively listen and comprehend the musical concepts of their peers.
Students will be challenged to explore various aspects of their instrument to broaden their musical and technical toolkit. This expansion equips them to create, whether through composition, arrangement, or improvisation, across diverse musical styles while enriching their own.
The program takes place in Essaouira, Morocco, in partnership with the Gnaoua and World Music Festival. The workshop is for all musicians (see eligibility guidelines), from classical to Gnaoua traditional, from pop and rock to jazz, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of historic Essaouira.
When and how do I apply?
All candidates must submit an online application and links to three (3) videos that demonstrate their technical and musical skills on their principal instrument.
Applications will be reviewed and decisions will be made on an ongoing basis. The application deadline was Friday, May 24.
Space in the program is limited. Interested applications are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Am I eligible?
Eligible candidates will be 18 years or older at the start of the program and will have at least two (2) years of performance experience on their principal instrument. This program is designed for actively performing musicians seeking to advance their skills as improvisors.
What are the program costs?
The Tuition for the five-day program will be $420 USD / 4200 MAD.
What is the program like?
Program Topics will include the following;
The Improviser as Composer
Where composition and improvisation meet
Survey of great composers and improvisers (from classical to contemporary)
Melody, harmony, and rhythm
Building Your Creative Vocabulary
Chords scales and using them to create melodies and harmonies
Survey of styles, rhythmic feel and groove
Approaches for practicing improvisation
Styles, Grooves and Accompaniment Labs
Survey of popular styles and how to play them
Stylistic interpretation and musical expression
Groove playing: how to listen, lock in, and support
Accompaniment skills building
Performance classrooms are equipped with rhythm section instruments; large lectures are supported by audio, visual, and digital presentations; a dedicated outdoor stage features for daily jam sessions; and practice rooms, support staff, and administrators meet students' individual needs. Additionally, all students will receive free passes to the main stage at the 2024 Gnaoua and World Music Festival concerts.
The program will be taught in English with Arabic Translation.
What is the program schedule?
The workshop will take place over five consecutive days, and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Additional evening activities and events will take place at the discretion of the program organizers and Berklee.
Who are the program instructors?
Leo Blanco (`97), Professor of Piano, Academic Director of the Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Program
Ron Savage (`84), Vice President and Executive Director, Berklee College of Music
Javier Vercher (`01), Associate Professor, Berklee Valencia
Jason Camelio, (MM`01) Assistant Vice President, Berklee Global
Bri Tagliaferro (MM`19), Associate Director of Berklee Global Partners and Programs
Where is the program located?
The program will be held in Essaouira, Morocco.
Where will I stay?
Participants are required to make their own housing arrangements.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact: Berklee Global Berklee College of Music 1140 Boylston Street, MS-855 GI Boston, MA 02215-3693 U.S.A. Telephone: 617-747-2700, or toll-free: 877-Berklee (U.S. and Canada) Email: globalprograms@berklee.edu
