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Improve your performance, theory, production, and technology skills, take a workshop in our state-of-the-art campus in Valencia, Spain, and network in a multicultural environment. The program provides an opportunity for both Berklee and non-Berklee students from around the world to earn up to three undergraduate college credits from Berklee(*).
Berklee College of Music’s international campus in Valencia, Spain, offers a comprehensive summer music performance program each July. Coming to the Spain Summer Performance Program gives students a big-picture view of what it takes to become an excellent musician. Open to experienced performers or novice musicians who have never been in front of an audience, all participants will be able to improve their musicianship and performance skills in just two short weeks. The Spain Summer Performance Program aspires to give students a better understanding of what being an excellent musician entails, from instrumental, harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic skills to recording and production techniques to performing in front of live audiences. Our top-notch teachers from both the Valencia and Boston campuses create a supportive and creative environment that encourages students to push their vocal and instrumental performance skills to new levels and define their musical voice and style. All of this is taught in the vibrant cultural center of Valencia, Spain, and at one of the most prestigious contemporary music institutions in the world.
For two weeks, students are immersed in all aspects of performance. Classes, workshops, and rehearsals will focus on the important elements of being a musician. Students will play in ensembles, develop improvisational and reading skills, improve their technique in daily instrumental group lessons, and enjoy workshops and demonstrations by Berklee Valencia faculty and visiting artists. Students will also participate in production and recording workshops with first-rate engineers and producers on the Valencia technology team. To conclude the program, students will participate in the Lagos de Concierto in the vibrant City of Arts and Sciences, open to the Berklee and Valencia communities.
Valencia, Spain, is a vibrant city with a diverse and vibrant music scene that draws on cultural influences from the Mediterranean region of Europe and Africa. The Berklee Valencia Campus is situated in the one-of-a-kind City of Arts and Sciences, which also adds to the unique experience of the Spain Summer Performance Program. As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to experience and learn about this rich culture through classes, workshops, and ensembles focused on various Mediterranean musical styles including flamenco.
The Spain Summer Performance Program is open to all musicians at least 15 years old who have a minimum of six months of instrument or voice experience.
The language of instruction is English. Participants are advised to have at least an intermediate level (B1) of English to succeed in the courses and take advantage of the program. Please note that students are not required to submit proof of proficiency in order to join the program.
Important information regarding participation by students under the age of 18:
The Berklee Valencia Summer Performance Program is strictly an on-campus academic program. It is not a residential program, and students are required to live independently off-campus in non-Berklee-sponsored housing. Berklee only provides supervision during the set hours of the program and does not supervise students outside of program hours. Parents/legal guardians shall ensure proper supervision and accompaniment of minors (participants under 18 years of age) enrolled in the Spain Summer Performance Program outside the on-campus program scheduled hours, as well as during their travels to/from Valencia. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent-legal guardian OR must have signed an authorization from their parent and/or legal guardian authorizing their participation in the program without adult supervision.
Due to renovations and the expansion of the Berklee Valencia Campus, the recording studios will be unavailable to use for summer 2024. Therefore, the recording session that usually occurs as part of the Recording Musician Ensemble will not take place in 2024. We will, however, be adding other exciting and engaging activities to the program. Please stay tuned for more information.
The curriculum consists of three core courses with additional cocurricular and optional activities designed to develop the participant's overall musicianship and performance skills. Students will complete a Musical Background Form prior to the start of the program; this will aid in placing students in the appropriate sections depending on the principal instrument, music style preference, and music level and ability. Students participating in the Spain Summer Performance Program may receive three college credits, one per core course, by earning a grade of B or higher.
1 credit, 1 ½ hours each session, 12 hours total
This course introduces fundamental studies of musical concepts such as ear training, harmony, composition, and styles. Students develop basic musicianship skills (the ability to read, write, remember, and improvise music) and perform and transcribe music from a wide variety of styles. Students complete class activities that include theoretical explanations, playing demonstrations, and listening to and analyzing relevant performers. Students are placed into sections based on their level of experience ranging from 1-5. Depending on the enrollment and overall level of students, some sections may be mixed levels.
1 credit, 1 ½ hour per session, 12 hours total
Students will be trained in groups based on their principal instrument to understand the function of their instruments within the context of contemporary music genres as well as in the framework of ensembles of diverse configurations. Through practice and discussion on the study and learning strategies on their own instrument, students will also achieve an understanding of the role of the instrument in the context of each musical genre and will work on strategies to develop musical arrangements. Depending on the enrollment and instrument breakdown of students, students may be placed in groups of similar instruments such as percussion, brass, woodwinds, and keyboards. NOTE for EDI students: Availability for EDI-only seminar is dependent on enrollment. EDI students may be placed with keyboard students or placed in another instrument seminar based on a secondary instrument of choice.
In this course, students will immerse in an ensemble setting that will work towards achieving experience in understanding the recording (and performing) process from rehearsal to recording, from the perspective of both the studio as well as the at-home musician. Ensemble groups are usually mixed styles and levels of experience. Examples of styles include contemporary, jazz, pop and rock, funk/fusion, pop/R&B, salsa/Latin, and world music. Students will have the opportunity to experience a state-of-the-art recording studio by recording a song with their ensemble. Ensembles will also perform in Berklee Valecia's Lago de Conciertos as a culminating experience.
In addition to the core curriculum, there are additional cocurricular activities meant to complement the core curriculum. Industry workshops and labs are designed to explore current topics and "trends" in the industry that deepen a student's overall understanding and musicianship. Students are expected to attend at least three workshops or labs as part of the musicianship course.
As part of the ensemble core curriculum, students will have the opportunity to record a song with their ensemble in our state-of-the-art recording studio. All students will also perform with their ensemble in the Lagos de Conciertos. The Lago de Conciertos happens on a floating stage, in front of the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum in the City of Arts and Sciences, where the campus is also located.
See Un Lago de Conciertos Flickr Album
During the evening hours from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., students may participate in optional activities such as jam sessions or open mic nights. These activities are designed to enhance students' performance opportunities and are run by our Spain Summer Performance Program group leaders. Specific activities will be announced each week and students will be required to sign up in advance.
The structured program generally runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.The morning session consists of the musicianship course and instrument seminar. Ensembles, industry workshops, labs, and recording sessions take place in the afternoon. Students may also access practice rooms to practice their instruments or jam with other students during afternoon sessions or in the evenings as long as the campus is open. Optional activities such as jam sessions and open mic nights happen in the evenings from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Sign up is required as space may be limited.
Please note that this schedule is subject to change depending on enrollment and space needs. Although not currently planned, some ensembles, workshops, or recording sessions may occur from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 pm depending on space availability. Students will receive their individual and final schedule at check-in.
The summer performance program is taught by faculty from our Valencia campus.
See faculty perform on the first day of program
Faculty is subject to change.
1. Create an account in our online application portal and choose the level "Summer Programs", the application type Berklee Valencia Summer Programs.
2. Fill out all your personal information, and then click "Register" for the Spain Summer Performance Program (on the Valencia, Spain campus).
3. Pay the registration fee and tuition at this time to complete your registration to the program.
Students who have completed the registration form and paid tuition will receive further information regarding their enrollment in the summer program via email.
Citizens from the countries listed below do not require a special visa to travel to Spain as a tourist and study for up to 90 days:
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Brunei, Brazil, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Micronesia, Grenada, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, Saint Lucia, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nauru, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Palau, Paraguay, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Singapore, San Marino, El Salvador, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Holy See, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Vanuatu, Samoa.
This means that US citizens, same as citizens of other countries and territories in the list above, do not need a visa for this program, unless the dates of stay in Spain extend beyond 90 days. The list of countries that do not need a visa prior to traveling to Europe is updated periodically. Check "Visa requirements for the Schengen Area" to double-check if you need a visa or not.
If your country is not listed above you will need a tourist visa for up to 90 days and should check with the Spanish consulate in your country for visa requirements.
All students that require a visa to enroll in this program must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after their intended return date. Students who do not have a valid passport should get one as soon as possible as the process can take several weeks.
Tuition and Registration Fee*: $2,735 ($50 non-refundable)
Tuition Payment Deadline**: Thursday June 1, 2023
*Any registration received after the deadline will be considered until the program reaches maximum capacity. Please note it is highly possible for the program to reach capacity prior to the registration deadline.
Please note that students are responsible for booking their own housing, which is not included in the Summer Performance Program.
Once you complete the registration process, you pay the registration fee and tuition at the same time to complete your registration to the program.
If you have already made your tuition payment and would like to request a refund, you must send an email to summervalencia@berklee.edu before the program start date. The last day to request a refund is July 8, 2024. The tuition payment is not refundable after the start of the program under any circumstances.
Questions regarding your application fee or tuition payment may be sent to summervalencia@berklee.edu, or you may call +34 96 333 2802.
Berklee Valencia campus does not offer student housing directly, but there are many options available for students to choose from. Students can rent a room in a private apartment or rent an entire apartment and arrange to share with classmates. There are also several student residences near campus where students can stay in individual or double rooms, with or without meal plans.
To see all housing options, including also hotels near campus, visit our Student Services webpage.
If you have registered at Berklee's Campus in Valencia for the Spain Summer Performance Program, there are a number of steps to complete prior to the start of the program. Make sure to review the comprehensive list of action items below.
Complete Insurance Information form
Complete Emergency Contact Information form
Complete Musical Background Form
Download Valencia Insider’s Guide
Having these items with you will allow you to participate in hands-on activities, practice sessions, and work on projects and assignments. It will also ensure that you can fully immerse yourself in the learning experience without being distracted by missing equipment.
Download Berklee Valencia Handbook
Download Berklee Student Policies
Read about accessibility resources
Instrument seminars and ensemble placements are based on the principal instrument that you should choose when registering for the program. However, students may be able to play more than one instrument in the ensemble upon consultation with the instructor.
To get the most out of the program, please arrive on campus with the following: your instruments, your laptop, microphones, headphones, and cables. (Amps will be provided.) Drummers should bring their sticks, cymbals, practice pads, and hi-hat clutch.
No, Berklee Valencia will not be offering activities on the weekends.
Generally, students are in class from approximately 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with some optional activities at night. Classes are held five days per week, so you will have time on the weekends to explore Valencia.
The final concert dates will be announced at the beginning of the summer program. Students will receive their assigned concert date and time after the first week of classes.
Yes, participants will be able to earn three credits (one credit per subject) provided they get a B or higher for each of the subjects.
On the first day of classes all the students are split up into groups according to their instrument and level.
The average age differs each year. Usually, the majority of participants range between 17 and 25.
Parents/legal guardians shall ensure proper supervision and accompaniment of minors enrolled in the Spain Summer Performance Program outside the on-campus program scheduled hours.
The Spain Summer Performance Program is a strictly on-campus academic program (not residential or otherwise), meaning that Berklee staff and faculty only provide adequate supervision of students when on campus during the scheduled hours of the program.
Students have access to facilities when the campus is open. Students may book practice rooms for any time when they do not have class.
Tuition fee is refundable until a week before the start of the program. To request a refund, you must send an email to summervalencia@berklee.edu. The tuition payment is not refundable after the start of the program under any circumstances.
No, there are no meals included in the tuition price. Students are responsible for arranging their own meals.
No, participants are required to make their own living arrangements
There are many options for housing including (but not limited to) booking a room in a privately run residence hall, short- to medium-term apartments, and hotels. For more information regarding housing options and suggestions in Valencia, visit our Summer Performance program housing page here.
The deadline to reserve your spot by paying the tuition is June 1. However, please note that the program has limited spots. Should the program fill up, the registration will be closed before the above-mentioned deadline.
Valencia is generally a safe city. However, like any city, it is important to always be aware and careful of your surroundings and not leave belongings unattended in areas such as the beach, park, or public transportation.
Valencia is very easy to navigate, with many public transportation options including bus systems, metro, and public bikes (Valenbisi). The airport is located about 30 minutes outside the city and there are multiple train stations nearby.
All courses and on-campus activities are all conducted in English, so there is no need to worry about Spanish there. In the community, it is easier if you know some Spanish to help you communicate, as many Valencians do not speak much English. However, we have many students who speak no Spanish and fit into daily life in Valencia without any problems.
Citizens from the countries listed below do not require a special visa to travel to Spain as a tourist and study for up to 90 days:
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Brunei, Brazil, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Micronesia, Grenada, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, Saint Lucia, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nauru, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Palau, Paraguay, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Singapore, San Marino, El Salvador, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Holy See, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Vanuatu, Samoa
If your country is not listed above you will need a tourist visa for up to 90 days and should check with the Spanish consulate in your country for visa requirements. Please note that immigration requirements are revised regularly, therefore we encourage you to reach out to the Spanish consulate in your country in order to find out the most up-to-date travel information.
Unfortunately, there are no financial aid opportunities for our summer programs at this time. We recommend pursuing local and government funding to help with tuition payments.