Berklee Study Abroad

• ENJZ-220
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Overall ensemble rating 4

The Small Band Jazz Rating 4 ensemble will study and perform jazz in the context of a small band. Students will participate in weekly supervised rehearsals. They will focus on playing standard jazz arrangements with special attention to the swing feel, playing through song forms, and the further development of standard jazz repertoire and vocabulary. Additionally, students will be introduced to improvising over complex chord changes, more complex song forms, as well as an introduction to a variety of rhythmic feels within the genre of jazz. Emphasis will be given to stylistic integrity, as well as melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic accuracy.

• ENGB-220
• 1 credit(s)

The South American Contemporary Music Ensemble focuses on the performance of modern arrangements of music from different South American countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and others. This course emphasizes stylistic integrity, as well as melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic accuracy. Students use advanced analytical tools by learning how to recognize traditional elements in folkloric music from different regions in South America. Using unique creative processes, the students adapt these traditional elements into modern arrangements of the same tunes, or new compositions inspired from these folkloric elements.

• ENMX-221
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Overall ensemble rating 4

Small group performance in jazz, rock, swing, and Latin idioms. In this course, students will participate in weekly supervised rehearsals. Students will gain experience in performing every song selected for the semester. Emphasis will be given to stylistic integrity, as well as melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic accuracy. Instrumentation: trumpet, alto, tenor, flute, piano, guitar, bass, drums, vibes, and strings.

• ENGB-404
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

The Middle Eastern/Flamenco Ensemble will study and perform the music of the contemporary Middle Eastern and flamenco Music. This course is part of a team-taught class between Middle Eastern and flamenco styles. In this course, students will participate in weekly supervised rehearsals. Students will gain experience in performing and improvising in a groove-oriented setting. Emphasis will be given to stylistic integrity as well as melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic accuracy.

• ILPH-359
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

A lab focusing on rhythmic techniques and song styles of Brazilian music and their related percussion instruments. Development of performance skills through study of audio and video recordings as well as supervised ensemble playing. Note: ILPH-357 may be taken instead of this course.

• ILPD-273
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Overall ensemble rating 3

An introduction to cajón playing that will cover the history of the instrument from its origins in Peru to the contemporary setup with other drums and foot pedals. The course will cover traditional musical styles from Peru such as the Landó, festejo, and the Marinera, as well as Spanish flamenco. This course is highly recommended to all hand percussionists and drum set majors who wish to improve their overall understanding of Latin music through the adaptation of cajón playing. This instrument has transcended borders and is becoming a standard part of the set up for percussionists in global music, jazz and pop, or any musical setting.

• ILRE-375
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: PIXX-212 and current enrollment in RPXX-311

Required for all fifth-semester performance majors. Each student will perform three times during the semester. Students will critique one another's performances. Topics to be discussed will include repertoire, stage presence, constructive criticism, and mental preparation.

• ISKB-211
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: PW-111

For non-piano principals. Comping, harmonic continuity. Triads, seventh chords, melody, and accompaniment. Standard song forms, blues.

• ISKB-212
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: ISKB-211

Continuation of ISKB-211. Advanced comping, voicings, additional melody with accompaniment.

• PFSS-301
• 2 credit(s)

This course will examine the various tonalities, meters and compositional structures that characterize the various music styles from the Mediterranean region. This is a survey course focused on the folk music from the Mediterranean with a spotlight on how melody is the defining and dominant feature of the music. Students will explore modal systems with limited harmonic progression and tonalities not always consistent with western tonal systems and metric forms. The influence of religious music, the differing ethnic traditions, and the sociocultural differences of the principal music sources will be reviewed and studied. Listening, performing, songwriting, and sight singing are the main activities of this course.

• PIXX-XXX
• 1 or 2 credit(s)

• PMH-250
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

This course is for any musician interested in being more comfortable in their body and developing confidence through movement. The musician's first asset is their physical body and it is critical that performers develop a body language and awareness that allows them to fully deliver their artistic vision. This course fosters full-bodied expression through increased awareness of breath and alignment coupled with discovering one's full range of movement. Developing your senses including sight, touch, hearing and kinesthetic to enhance your overall performance skills. Communication, strength, stamina, wellness, intention, performance, and audition skills are developed through movement disciplines that may include various dance forms, yoga or other somatic practices, games and improvisation. No previous dance or movement experience is required.

• PSIJ-215
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Overall ensemble rating 3

Building and retaining a functional repertoire of approximately 30 selected standards and jazz standards that form a common vocabulary and basis for study among jazz musicians. Development of skills to effectively memorize the melody, harmony, and rhythm of selected repertoire. Recommended for students who plan to take jazz improvisation techniques courses.

• RPXX-XXX
• 1 credit

• ENDS-400
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Written approval of course chair

The Directed Study – Pop Performance Studies Ensemble is similar to an independent study. The lead student (who has at least 5th-semester standing), submits the approved application and proposal and is responsible for leading the rehearsals, delegating responsibilities, communicating week-to-week goals, planning the final performance, and promoting the final performance. These sections are created to support students who desire a show of covers or original music within the pop idiom. The assigned/selected faculty is responsible for mentoring the lead student in their directorial role, and assisting students with coordinating equipment and/or performance needs with the Ensemble Department and/or College, as necessary.

The directed study application process is as follows:

• Attend mandatory directed study meeting held during each midterm week
• Complete online application
• Complete detailed proposal
• Audition and assemble a full band

• MB-211
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

An overview of business and legal issues of special concern to musicians and songwriters, with special emphasis on copyright law, recording and music publishing agreements, and relationships between artists and other parties, including managers, producers, and investors.

• MB-389
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MB-255 or MB-355

This course will explore the underlying technology and terminology required to effectively communicate and conduct business in the technology-driven marketplace. In today's business environment, it is essential for managers and executives to understand the basic concepts behind contemporary information systems and how they can be used effectively in business. Topics include hardware, software, network architecture, information security, data warehousing, customer interfaces, and online marketing opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to work with common open source applications used for content management, customer relationship management, online purchasing and payment systems, and more.

• MB-391
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MB-201, MB-211, and MB-275

Business aspects of producing and promoting successful tours and shows. Emphases include: (1) the promoter's ability to purchase talent and produce successful shows, taking into consideration such matters as competition, population, guarantees and percentage splits, ticket pricing and distribution, advertising budgets, production costs, sponsorships, rental agreements, labor, security, concessions, tour packages, and promoter-owned venues; and (2) managing and producing a successful tour, focusing on a tour theme and marketing plan, routing, itineraries, riders, offers, contracts, subcontractors, show and tour personnel, merchandising, sponsorships, day-of-show, and show settlements.

• MB-499
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-111

The global music industry is responsible for the supply of music content and brands to music consumers around the world. The digital environment in which this international flow of content occurs has created a new paradigm for regional and national music brands willing to expand beyond their home market, regardless of geography. In this course, students examine the national and regional music industries that have adapted particularly well to this new business model and forged paths into various international markets—many of which, to a great extent, remain impenetrable. Students analyze these successful businesses and the various ways they have reached transnational audiences, which often challenge common practices in the global music industry. 

• CM-211
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: PW-111

This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of harmonic analysis, melody writing and harmonization within a functional tonal context originating from the common practice period, with emphasis on voice leading, melodic writing, and figured bass. The student will understand the musical grammar of tonal composition, and through weekly composition assignments will gain an enhanced understanding of its relation and application to present day styles.

• CM-212
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: CM-211

CM-212 is a continuation of Tonal Harmony and Composition 1 (CM-211), with an emphasis on chromatic harmony, chromaticism, modulation and more extended forms of the 19th-century Romantic style. The course provides a variety of source material and students will write short exercises and compositions modeled on the repertoire.

• COND-211
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: ET-211 or ET-231

This course provides students with beginning conducting skills, incorporating in-class conducting experience and in-depth score study, with an emphasis on symphonic repertoire. Beginning skills include basic baton technique, standard beat patterns, indicating dynamics and articulations, cueing entrances, leadership skills, and more. Elements of score reading and score preparation and familiarity with orchestral instruments will also be addressed. Repertoire to include symphony orchestra works (and/or excerpts of works) from the classical and romantic periods.

• CP-210
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: HR-112, ET-112, and CM-211 or CM-251

• ET-211
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: ET-112

Development of ear training skills through performance and dictation. Study of melodies, intervals, harmony, and solfege in Lydian, Mixolydian, Dorian, and Phrygian modes, mixed modes, and harmonic and melodic minor. Continued study of rhythms, meters, conducting patterns, and notation.

• ET-212
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: ET-211

Continuation of ET-211. Modal singing and dictation studies. Interval studies, two- and three-part dictation. Basic atonal melodic studies.

• HR-211
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: HR-112

• HR-212
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: HR-211

• AR-124
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: AR-111 or AR-123 and HR-112

After a full review of writing for the rhythm section, students learn the properties of trumpet, alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, and baritone sax, and the writing/arranging processes of standard and spread voicings, approach techniques, melodic embellishment, and guide tone backgrounds. Focus is on applying the writing processes to soli and background writing for two-, three-, four-, and five-part combinations of these instruments. 

• CW-191
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: AR-111 and MTEC-111

The course covers the necessary tools, techniques, and applications of MIDI sequencing and digital audio for writing and production. Main topics include the MIDI standard and its applications, set up and use of digital audio workstations (DAWs), integration of MIDI and audio tracks/sources, use of software synthesizers, basic mixing techniques, audio theory, equipment, and techniques. Through practical examples, activities, and projects the student will learn how to effectively use a DAW to write and produce music. Emphasis is on technological needs of the contemporary writer.

• CW-261
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: AR-112, ISKB-211 (non-piano principals), and CW-191

The advanced student will learn to utilize digital audio workstations (DAW) to create arrangements of either original or existing musical elements. This course focuses on the creative use of technology in music production. Topics covered include signal flow of MIDI and audio signal within the DAW sound processing plugins, choosing appropriate sounds and combining elements from software synthesizers, alternate approaches to quantizing and refining rhythmic grooves, hybrid production techniques (audio and MIDI), use of the DAW for scoring to picture and basic synthesis techniques. In addition to using their own laptops in the Professional Writing Technology Lab students are expected to have the CWP major bundle.

• LENG-223
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-111

In this course, students explore different themes and genres within the field of literature, examining critical and creative thinking through literary analysis. Specifically, students will explore literary genres and devices, learn the conventions of literary analysis and elements of literary theory, and apply textual evidence in response to literary works. Students will explore how culture, society, and history impact literature and will learn how to discuss those elements. Although all sections will offer exposure to poetry and fiction, each LENG-223 course has a different focus and will explore readings from a variety of cultural perspectives. The titles of individual sections of LENG-223 identify the theme of that section and descriptions for each section are available at www.berklee.edu/liberal-arts.

• LHIS-223
• 3 credits

In this course we will explore the history of Spain through an examination of Spanish film. We will begin our study in the 1890s and work our way to contemporary Spain, emphasizing the Surrealism of the 1920s and 1930s, the propagandistic yet surprisingly intriguing films of the Franco years (1939-1975), the counter-cultural post-Franco 1980s known as ¨la Movida,¨ and the amazingly productive years that lead us to today´s Spain.

One of the primary objectives of our course is to demonstrate that Hispanic film cannot be stereotyped as falling into a determined genre of film-making. The films we will view and analyze will make you laugh, maybe cry, cause you to feel uneasy, perhaps spark an interest to learn more about Spanish cultural history or explore the thorny dynamics of determined social issues, repel you yet intrigue you at the same time, and even baffle you. Another very important objective of this course is to show that film genres, artistic movements, history, politics, economics and social issues feed off of each other. So, while the ever-popular Almodóvar and Penelope Cruz will be given their due, it is our objective to approach this class with an inclusive attitude towards other very important figures that are not as well known outside of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition to Almodovar, students will also benefit by viewing films directed by Buñuel, Palacios, Saura, Bollaín, Trueba, Bigas Luna, Amenábar and Bayona among others.

• LVIS-223
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-111

The various sections of Art History Topics focus on different and more narrowly defined themes, rather than a broad historical survey. Topics may include the Art of Egypt, the meeting of Eastern and Western Art, 20th-Century American and European Art, and others. Periodically, a visiting scholar may teach a section on the art, architecture, and archeology of cultures such as those of pre-Columbian Central and South America; the indigenous peoples of North America; and the various societies of Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. The focus of these special sections would include the material artifacts and the interpretations, debates, and methodological approaches to these objects within the literature of the field. All sections of this course present individual topics. Individual course descriptions are available to registering students at http://www.berklee.edu/liberal-arts/courses/liberal-arts-topics-courses.

• LHUM-400
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Sixth-semester standing

The Professional Development Seminar provides an opportunity for students in their sixth semester to reflect upon their academic and professional experience at Berklee, prepare to complete their Berklee programs, and transition from college into the professional world and/or graduate school. Students evaluate their knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests as they develop and/or refine college and career goals. Students also explore their own identities and their professional and personal relationships as they reflect on the role of the artist in society generally and their role as a musician in their community specifically. Students learn business, entrepreneurship, legal, and communication skills, and address issues of business ethics. Additionally, students refine and redirect their Berklee College of Music electronic portfolio towards a professional model and explore issues of presentation and critique. The Professional Development Seminar provides a creative and reflective atmosphere that encourages students to participate in their own learning while preparing for their future.

• LMSC-208
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Score of 80% or higher on the General Math Exam and the Logarithms Exam, or pass LMSC-130, or LMSC-250. You must also be a native English speaker, or pass LENG-106.

This course is a survey of acoustical phenomena relating to music. The course includes an overview of the nature of sound waves and vibration, sound propagation and room acoustics, sound level and its measurement, the human ear and perception, and tuning systems. Course material is directed toward the contemporary musician's need to understand acoustical phenomena in various contexts, including performance, writing, and music technology applications. 

• LMSC-221
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-111

This course is designed to provide a scientific approach to issues of health and wellness necessary for the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Topics such as nutrition, exercise, stress, sexuality, substance abuse, eating disorders, and the physical environment will be examined in the context of human physiology. Note: This course may be used to fulfill the natural science requirement.

• LSOC-211
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-111

• LSOC-225
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: Passing score on the General Math Exam, LMSC-130, or completion of college level precalculus or higher; and LENG-111

This course presents frameworks to better understand businesses, markets, finance, as well as both the economy and history in general. Relevant examples are drawn heavily from the music industry. In addition to the course surveying basic principles, students will learn answers to questions such as: Why are housing rental costs so high? What causes financial crises? What strategies can a band use to become more profitable? Note for MBUS majors: this course fills the social science requirement for degree students, in addition to being a requirement for the major.

• LSPN-161
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

This course covers basic grammar, composition, and cultural reading selections. The emphasis is on pronunciation and conversational Spanish. Note: This course is not available to students for whom Spanish is one of their primary languages and/or primary languages of instruction.

• LSPN-262
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

A continuation of LSPN-161, this course covers more advanced grammar, composition, and reading selections. Emphasis continues on pronunciation and conversational Spanish. Note: This course is not available for credit to students for whom this is a first language. Note: This course is not available to students for whom Spanish is one of their primary languages and/or primary languages of instruction.

• LSPN-363
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

This course develops the language skills built in Spanish 1 and 2. Students learn Latin American and Spanish culture, including music and literature. Exploring a variety of texts and disciplines, and focusing on conversation, students deepen their language skills. Grammar lessons are embedded in reading and writing assignments. Note: This course is not available to students for whom Spanish is one of their primary languages and/or primary languages of instruction.

• LSPN-464
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: None

Spanish 4 is a continuation of Spanish 3 as students develop advanced language skills through readings and analyses of literature and cinema. This course focuses on representations of Latin American and Spanish culture including music, poetry, and fiction. Students explore a variety of texts as a means of deepening language skills through an integrated curriculum. Grammar lessons will be embedded in reading and writing assignments. Note: This course is not available to students for whom Spanish is one of their primary languages and/or primary languages of instruction.

• LMAS-259
• 3 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-111

• MHIS-201
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: CM-211 or CM-251, and LENG-111

• MP-114
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MTEC-111

This online course focuses on developing critical listening skills with particular emphasis on analyzing recording and mix techniques in the context of the popular music mix. Topics include: acoustics of the critical listening environment; mix elements such as balances, panning, EQ, reverb, compression, delay and time-based effects; instrument identification; stylistic comparisons of recording and mix techniques. Listening analysis examples and concepts are reinforced through weekly critical listening assignments. A set of weekly audio ear training drills are also part of the class.

• MP-115
• 1 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MTEC-111

This course represents a step-by-step approach to the essential elements of effective records. Using evaluation of demos, masters and commercial recordings, it takes students through an in-depth analysis and appraisal of the emotional effectiveness of recordings, with consideration for: artist identity, vision and intention; melody, lyrics, and song form; arrangement, performance, and mixing. Several student analysis projects are required.

• MTI-303
• 4 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: ET-112 and HR-112

This project-based course is broken into two weekly sessions, the first focused on production and engineering concepts and the second focused on mixing skills. Throughout the semester, students complete two production projects: a step-by-step, singer-songwriter multitrack recording, and an exact sound-alike of an existing pivotal or hit record. Students experience the complete production process from preproduction though delivery, acquiring technical skills including multitrack recording techniques, microphone technique for vocals, guitars, drum-set and other instruments, and an understanding of signal flow, editing, mixing and delivery in the modern DAW environment. Students also gain experience with effective techniques of music production, including identifying goals, serving the emotional content of the song, effective arranging for records, and interpersonal issues surrounding the recording process.

Study abroad students outside of Berklee enrolling in this course must have requisite musical background. 

• MTI-304
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MTEC-111

Live Sound and Stage Craft teaches students the ins and outs of setting up and operating sound reinforcement systems. Students develop knowledge of signal flow, mixing board operation, microphone choice and placement as well as strategies to avoid feedback. Weekly hands-on guided set up and operation of sound reinforcement systems help illustrate concepts and allow students to learn through the power of experience. This includes mixing from the stage while performing, mixing for other musicians for and from the FOH (front of house) position, as well as monitors. In addition, students acquire effective set up and stage management skills as well as the common communication protocol with other musicians and technicians in live sound reinforcement situations. Finally, implementation of adapted practices and systems for problematic spaces or venues is also explored. Students will also gain experience with basic lighting and video stagecraft systems.

• MTI-307
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MTEC-111

This course explores topics in electronic production and live performance techniques related to modern electronic dance music production, sound design, arrangement, and performance. Students will generate content and create their own music while learning how to use Ableton Live Suite. Students will learn to analyze electronic music, and explore techniques for remixing, performing, and creating electronic music.

• MTI-308
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: ET-112 and HR-112

This is an 'in-the-box' project-based virtual production course. Students learn to produce short sound-alikes of fragments of contemporary hit records employing sequencing and virtual instruments. They also learn to produce a full acoustic band cover using virtual instruments and one live instrument and/or vocalist. Additionally they learn to produce short musical creations by chopping and editing audio, incorporating tempo mapping, elastic audio, Melodyne, looping, beat detective, and other manipulation tools. Students also learn the skills needed to edit and arrange music to picture.

Study abroad students outside of Berklee enrolling in this course must have requisite musical background. 

• MTI-309
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MTEC-111

This course provides an introduction to the art and technology of creating music videos. Students learn the challenges and possibilities of representing music visually through the art of filmmaking. They explore the fundamental tools and techniques of music video production by reviewing and analyzing groundbreaking music videos. They also apply those techniques in the hands-on production of personal music videos.

• MTI-310
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: MTEC-111

An introduction to live electronic music performance and DJ skills, beginning with the use of the turntable as a musical instrument. Students will explore the culture and aesthetics of Hip-hop, turntablism, club DJs, radio, and mash-up DJs, and will master the following techniques: cueing, mixing, beat matching, beat extending, mash-ups, blending, and scratching (basic, scribble, laser, uzi, stab, cut, transformer, crab, chirp and flare). Students will create their own live mixes and present them as midterm and final performances.

• FILM-200
• 2 credit(s)
• Prerequisites: LENG-106 or LENG-111, PW-111, ET-111, and MTEC-111

This introduction is intended for prospective film and media scoring majors, minors, and other students looking for an in-depth exploration of the field of film and media scoring. This course investigates the aesthetic relationship between film and music, discusses the many functions of music scored to visuals, analyzes effective applications of linear music to dramatic situations, and explores career opportunities in film and television music. This course presents early opportunities for students to start scoring simple film cues.