Program Description
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(*).
- Location: Berklee College of Music, Valencia Campus
- Program Dates: July 15 to July 26, 2024
What’s the program like?
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 Campus and Mediterranean Influence
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.
Eligibility Requirements
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.
Curriculum
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.
A piano student goes over her part in ensemble class.
A student trombonist plays in ensemble class.
An accordion student plays in the ensemble class.
Allen Chase leads students in musicianship class.
Alon Yavani instructs students during ensemble class.
Brian Zalmijn with vocal students in instrument seminar.
Christiane Karam teaches a vocal instrument seminar.
Dani Flors teaches the guitar instrument seminar class.
Fernando Huergo teaches the bass instrument seminar.
Jim Kelly directs students in his guitar instrument seminar
Jim Kelly teaches a guitar instrument seminar.
Mariano Steimberg instructs students on Brazilian instruments
Mariano Steimberg instructs students on Brazilian rhythms
Mariano Steimberg teaches the percussion instrument seminar.
Rick Peckham leads a guitar instrument seminar.
Sergio Martinez with his ensemble.
Students looking at their class schedules on the first day of program.
Students participate in the batucada class
Students participate in the batucada class with Brazilian instruments
Core Course Descriptions
Musicianship (& Theory Course)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.
- Level 1: Beginner with little to no previous experience with reading music and music theory concepts.
- Level 2: Beginner with developing experience reading music and understanding chords and music theory. Basic level of improvisation (pentatonic and blues scales).
- Level 3: Intermediate. An understanding of basic musical principles, in the process of developing reading melodies and chords. More familiarity with improvisation scales and modes.
- Level 4: Intermediate /Advance. Comfortable reading and writing melodies and chords. Able to use modes for improvisation.
- Level 5: Advance; Fluent in reading and writing music. Fluent with key signatures intervals, chord spelling, scales, and modes.
Instrument Seminar1 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.
Recording Musician Ensemble 1 credit, 1 ½ hours per session, 12 hours total
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.
Cocurricular Activities
Industry Workshops, Labs
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.
Recording sessions & Performances
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
Optional Activities
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.
Schedule
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.
See Sample Schedule
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.
Registration
Am I eligible?
See Eligibility Requirements
How to Register
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 Fees
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.
How to Pay Tuition
Once you complete the registration process, you pay the registration fee and tuition at the same time to complete your registration to the program.
Tuition Refund Requests
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.
Housing
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.
See Housing Options
Registered Students
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.
Required Information by Tuesday May 23
Insurance Information Form Complete the Insurance Information Form below with personal data and passport information. Please be aware that we cannot ensure your health insurance coverage until you provide your valid passport number. Minors under 18 must also provide the passport number for one of their parents/guardians.
Complete Insurance Information form
Complete your Personal Student Agreement
Soon after completing the forms above you will receive a DocuSign email from Student Affairs giving you access to a personal Student Agreement, which you will need to complete and digitally sign. Please note that it will be the parents/legal guardians of students under 18 years of age who will first receive the DocuSign email containing the Student Agreement, therefore it is imperative that students provide a valid email address for their parent/legal guardian within the Emergency Contact Information form.
Complete Musical Background Form Complete Musical Background Form with information about your musical training. You will also be asked to submit a one to two minute video of yourself playing your instrument. We will use this information to place you in appropriate groups based on skill level and instrumentation.
Complete Musical Background Form
Required Next Steps Before Arrival
A Note to Parents/Legal Guardians: Ensuring Proper Supervision of Minors
The Berklee Valencia Summer Performance Program is strictly an on-campus academic program. It is a non-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. The authorization form will populate for students under 18 years of age as mentioned on the “Personal Student Agreement’ section above.
Check visa and passport requirements Citizens from the countries listed
here do not require a visa to visit Spain as a tourist and study for up to 90 days. If your country is not on the list, you will need a short-stay visa. It is recommended that you have your passport ready at least four months before your program start date so you can apply for a visa. It can take several months to prepare your visa application and get your visa, it is important that you start the process as soon as possible. Please contact
the Spanish consulate/embassy in your country for visa requirements.
See visa requirements
Arrange your housing Berklee Valencia does not offer student housing during the Spain Summer Performance Program, but there are many options available for students to choose from. Visit our website for more information.
See housing information
Check the Valencia insider’s guide The dynamic city of Valencia is famous for its beaches, good weather, art, delicious cuisine, and booming music scene - which you will soon be a part of! As you prepare for summer, take a look at the Valencia insider's guide that we've curated for you. If you'll be traveling with your family or friends, make sure to share it with them so they can make the most of their summer holiday, too.
Download Valencia Insider’s Guide
Have all the equipment with you To get the most out of the program, please arrive on campus with the following:
- Instruments, microphones, and cables (amps will be provided)
- For drummers: sticks, cymbals, practice pads, and hi-hat clutch
- Headphones and laptop
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.
Accessibility and Health and Wellness All official campus policies and resources, as well as essential information about life in Valencia, are detailed in Berklee Valencia’s Student Handbook. We also invite you to review Berklee’s student policies, including our Code of Community Standards and Equity Policy, before your arrival in Valencia.
Read about accessibility resources
Open a Gmail account (if you do not have one) Creating a Gmail account is essential for students participating in a summer program, as the materials for the classes will be shared through Google Drive. By having a Gmail account, students can access the content shared by instructors on Google Drive and use other apps within Google Suite. Note, the email created should be associated with the registered participant in the program.
Create Gmail account
Check your email for important information
You should continue to check the email that you used to enroll in the program for important information. You will receive a detailed check-in email from studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu with information regarding your assigned arrival location and program schedule one to two weeks prior to the start date of your program.
Review Orientation Information The Spain Summer Performance Program check-in and orientation begins on Monday, July 15, 2024. The purpose of the orientation is to provide an opportunity for students and families to familiarize themselves with Berklee Valencia campus and the program schedule and expectations. It is recommended that participants arrive in Valencia the weekend prior in time for program check-in Monday morning. Please refer to the email for your assigned group.
See Schedule
FAQs
Q: Can I choose more than one principal instrument? 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.
Q: What do I need to bring for the program? 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.
Q: When will the final concert take place? 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.
Registration Process and Tuition
Q: Is housing included in the program tuition? 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.
Q: What is the deadline to register for the program? 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.
Life in Valencia
Q: Is Valencia a safe city? 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.
Q: Is Valencia easy to navigate? 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.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to communicate in Valencia? 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.
Visas
Q: Do I need a visa for the summer programs? 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.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
