Tips for Getting into Berklee College of Music
1. Understand What Berklee Looks For
Berklee values musicianship, creativity, and potential over just grades. Their ideal candidates often show:
Strong musical skills – technique on your instrument, good aural skills, strong sense of rhythm, and creativity.
Passion and individuality – don’t be a copycat musician, show them what you bring to the table
Readiness to grow – willingness to learn and collaborate. They don’t expect you to be perfect at your audition- you’re going there to learn!
2. Master Your Instrument
Your primary instrument or voice performance is the heart of your audition.
Choose a piece that showcases your technical skill and unique musical expression
Show versatility – If you have the opportunity to, showcase your ability to play different genres
Practice sight-reading, improvisation, and aural identification skills (identifying chords and intervals)
Record yourself performing and practicing; you can learn a lot by watching yourself
💡 Tip: Berklee doesn’t require virtuosity but does want to see potential and musicality.
3. Prepare for the Audition & Interview
The Berklee audition has two parts:
Audition: Play something that best represents your abilities and demonstrate your musicality through ear training and improvisation skills
Interview: Discuss your musical journey, influences, and goals. Tell them how you will uniquely contribute to the Berklee community.
✅ Take a course like Liz Zabala’s Berklee Audition Preparation Course or have private coaching to ensure that you are confident and prepared for your audition
✅ Practice mock auditions with teachers or friends.
✅ Be ready to talk about your vision as a musician – Berklee loves students with clear goals who know why they’re there.
4. Build a Strong Application
✍️ Personal Statement/Essay (Optional but recommended): Be authentic. Tell your story – why music matters to you and how Berklee fits into your dreams.
📄 Letters of Recommendation (Optional but recommended): Ask trusted teachers, mentors, or professionals who know your work.
📚 Academic Records: Maintain solid grades, but focus energy on music-related activities that show your commitment and passion for music.
🎼 Portfolio (Optional but Powerful): Include compositions, recordings, or performances that show your range as an artist.
5. Get Involved in the Music World Early
🎶 Perform live – join bands, choirs, orchestras, or ensembles.
📀 Release music or create other projects – even small projects show initiative.
🧑🏫 Take lessons, attend workshops, or summer programs (like Berklee’s Summer Programs, which often boost admission chances).
💡 Students who have active involvement in music communities often stand out more.
6. Apply Strategically
🗓️ Apply early
💻 Audition slots fill up quickly – register as soon as possible.
💸 Apply for scholarships – Berklee offers scholarships based on merit demonstrated in auditions, but other scholarships outside of the institution are available .
✨ Bonus: Stand Out With Originality
Berklee is known for nurturing creative, boundary-pushing artists.
If you compose, produce, or write – showcase that. They love applicants who bring something unique to the table.
📊 Quick Checklist
✅ Strong audition piece
✅ Confident sight-reading & improvisation skills
✅ Authentic personal statement/essay (optional but reccomended)
✅ Letters of recommendation (optional but reccomended)
✅ Optional portfolio or original work (optional but reccomended)
✅ Active musical involvement
✅ Early and complete application
For a comprehensive audition checklist and more resources, learn about Liz Zabala’s Audition Coaching and Berklee Audition Preparation Course
