Technology Requirements

Introduction

Laptop and Software Requirements

Berklee requires all entering graduate students to own a laptop computer that meets certain standards established by the college’s academic and technology leadership. For over half a century, Berklee has been committed to preparing our students for the musical, technological, and business necessities of the world they will be entering. We firmly believe the laptop and software requirements stated below provide students with a unique resource that will maximize the potent music education available only at Berklee and will help prepare students for successful entry into the music industry. Entering students should follow the information specific to their program.

Required Software Bundles

The required software bundle is purchased directly from Berklee and reflects the versions installed on the campus systems. Berklee has negotiated extremely reduced student pricing for these items. Berklee students will receive the bundles during the orientation week. Students cannot opt out of, or receive any exemption for, purchasing their program’s software bundle. The software fee is included in the first tuition bill.

Non-Bundled Required Software

The non-bundled required software should be purchased before arrival to campus. Offers to purchase some of this software at reduced pricing will be made available to confirmed students via a private intranet site in late July.

Optional Software and Hardware

The optional software and hardware are strongly recommended but not required. All optional items will be available to students on computer workstations in the studios and technology labs on campus. Offers to purchase the software items at reduced pricing will be made available to students via a private intranet site in late July.

Laptop Requirements

The laptop requirements outline required specifications for student computers. Students whose laptops already meet specifications need not purchase a new computer. If you buy your laptop from an official Apple Store from within Spain, enrolled students can get a 10 percent discount. Information about how to access the 10 percent discount will be available late July.

Please note that buying a laptop in Spain from the Spanish Apple Store is charged in euros and includes a 21 percent tax. Students should also note that ordering a laptop with an English keyboard from the Spanish Apple Store will take approximately two to three weeks. We recommend that students check pricing in their country, as Apple stores or Apple resellers may offer an educational discount with an .edu email address and the total cost may be less than is available within Spain.

Other Requirements

There are additional items necessary for each program’s course of study and must be purchased prior to arrival on campus. Recommendations are made, but equivalent products are also acceptable.

Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games

Read the introduction for more information on software and laptops.

Required Software Bundle

  • Avid Pro Tools Studio (1-year subscription)
  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Motu Digital Performer
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Vienna Ensemble Pro
  • Waves Platinum

Bundle Price: $800
MSRP: $3,852
Savings: $3,052

Non-Bundle Required Software

  • Orchestral Tools Berklee Bundle (can be acquired at a heavily discounted price once you have your Berklee credentials)
  • Notation software. One of:
    • Avid Sibelius Ultimate
    • MakeMusic Finale
    • Steinberg Dorico

Other Required Hardware

  • Pace iLok
  • USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt Hard Drive with a minimum of 1TB storage space (7200 rpm minimum, SSD recommended). Two hard drives are recommended for backup purposes.
  • Professional Headphones (Audio Technica ATH-M50x or equivalent)
  • USB MIDI keyboard, preferably with faders/knobs (e.g. Akai MPK261)
  • Audio Interface with at least 2 microphone preamplifiers, one stereo output and a headphone output (e.g. Apogee Duet, Universal Audio Apollo Twin)

Optional Recommended Software

  • Apple Logic Pro X
  • Native Instruments Komplete
  • VSL SYNCHRON-ized SE Vol 1
  • VSL SYNCHRON-ized SE Vol 1 PLUS
  • VSL SYNCHRON-ized SE Vol 2

Music Production, Technology, and Innovation

Read the introduction for more information on software and laptops.

Required Software Bundle

  • Avid Pro Tools Studio (1-year subscription)
  • iZotope RX Standard
  • Microsoft Office 365
  • SoundGym Ear Training (1-year subscription)
  • Soundtoys Bundle
  • Waves Platinum

Bundle Price: $550
MSRP: $3,385
Savings: $2,835

Required Software (Non-Bundled)

  • Ableton Live Suite
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Celemony Melodyne Editor
  • Cycling ’74 Max
  • Fabfilter Essentials
  • Only for Sound Design Class: Native Instruments Massive, Native Instruments FM8, and Xfer Records Serum

Other Required Hardware

  • Pace iLok
  • USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt Hard Drive with a minimum of 1TB storage space (7200 rpm minimum, SSD recommended). Two hard drives are recommended for backup purposes.
  • Professional Headphones (Audio Technica ATH-M50x or equivalent)
  • Microphone (Shure SM58 or equivalent), microphone cable, and stand
  • Audio Interface with at least 2 microphone preamplifiers, one stereo output and a headphone output (e.g. Apogee Duet, Universal Audio Apollo Twin)
  • SDHC Memory Card, Class 10, 32GB minimum.

Optional Recommended Software/Hardware

  • Apple Logic Pro X
  • Audioease Altiverb 7
  • iZotope Products
  • McDSP Plugins
  • Resolume Arena 5
  • Steven Slate Trigger 2
  • USB MIDI keyboard, preferably with faders/knobs (e.g. Akai MPK261)

Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration)

Read the introduction for more information on software and laptops.

Required Software Bundle

  • Avid Pro Tools Studio (1-year subscription)
  • Avid Sibelius Ultimate
  • Celemony Melodyne Essential
  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Shure IEM SE215 In-Ear Monitor
  • SoundGym Ear Training (1-year subscription)
  • Soundtoys Bundle
  • Waves Platinum

Berklee Bundle Price: $700
MSRP: $3,414
Savings: $2,714

Other Required Hardware

  • Pace iLok
  • USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt Hard Drive with a minimum of 1TB storage space (7200 rpm minimum, SSD recommended). Two hard drives are recommended for backup purposes
  • Professional Headphones (Audio Technica ATH-M50x or equivalent)
  • Microphone (Shure SM58 or equivalent for vocalists -and- Shure SM57 or equivalent for instrument players), microphone cable and stand
  • Audio Interface with at least 2 microphone preamplifiers, one stereo output and a headphone output (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Apogee Duet, Universal Audio Apollo Twin)

Global Entertainment and Music Business

Read the introduction for more information on software and laptops.

Required Software Bundle

  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Music Ally Annual (1-year subscription)

Berklee Bundle Price: $150
MSRP: $625
Savings: $475

Laptop Requirements

  • MacBook Air 13-inch, 256GB storage or greater, macOS Monterey or later
  • - OR -

  • PC Laptop 13-inch, 256GB storage or greater, 8GB RAM or greater, Windows 11