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There is still time to apply for Fall 2023
Extended Application Deadline for Graduate Programs: March 10 Apply now
There is still time to apply for Fall 2023
Extended Application Deadline for Graduate Programs: March 10 Apply now
Berklee College of Music seeks focused, motivated, innovative, and above all, passionately creative students with excellent academic and professional backgrounds who can contribute skills that will benefit their graduate program and class.
Our Graduate Board of Admissions thoroughly reviews each application, considering every aspect of an applicant's strengths. Our audition and interview process, along with our holistic evaluation of each applicant, provides us with a wealth of information to assess each applicant’s ability to succeed at Berklee. It is recommended that applicants begin the admissions process as early as possible to ensure enrollment into the desired academic year. All graduate programs on the Valencia campus begin in September and are completed in one year (fall, spring, and summer).
Each applicant is allowed to submit one graduate application per admissions cycle. Applicants not admitted to a graduate program may not reapply until the following year.
Submit your completed online graduate application with your supporting materials, and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee. Review the How to Apply section to see the steps needed to complete the application. The application fee is waived for Berklee alumni.
Once you have submitted your completed application and all supporting materials, the Graduate Board of Admissions will issue audition and interview invitations to selected applicants.
This experience is an integral part of the final selection process for our graduate programs. It is designed to show your strengths and helps us assess your aptitude and ability to succeed in Berklee’s highly charged and dynamic environment.
Applicants to the Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration) selected to move on to this stage are required to do both an audition and interview. Click to learn more about the audition and the interview process.
All other master's degree applicants selected to move on to this stage are required to do only an interview. Auditions are not required for the Master of Arts in Global Entertainment and Music Business; the Master of Music in Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games; or the Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation. Click to learn more about the interview process.
Once the selected applicants have fulfilled all the requirements, the Graduate Board of Admissions will evaluate applicants based on the completed application, supporting materials, and the audition and/or interview. You will be notified by email of your admissions status by the notification deadline.
Each master's degree has specific entrance requirements. Open each section below to discover the requirements for your program.
Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in music. Bachelor's degrees in other disciplines will be considered, provided the student demonstrates a high degree of musicianship. Applicants should demonstrate strong working knowledge of harmony, leadership qualities, sequencing skills, ensemble experience, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and the promise of great achievement in their area of study.
We are looking for highly skilled and creative instrumentalists and vocalists from all styles of contemporary music who wish to develop their performance career further while also immersing themselves in the recorded production process and experience.
Ideal candidates will:
Global entertainment and music business applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate leadership, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and promise of great achievement in their area of study.
We seek focused, motivated, creative candidates with excellent academic and professional backgrounds who can contribute skills that will benefit the program.
Ideal candidates want to:
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
Up to 40 students can take part in the Global Entertainment and Music Business program each year.
Music production, technology, and innovation applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in music while demonstrating technological proficiency, musical excellence in performance and/or composition, leadership, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and promise of great achievement in their area of study. Bachelor's degrees in other disciplines will be considered, provided the student demonstrates a high degree of musicianship.
We seek open-minded, ambitious musicians who want to leverage technology in pursuit of their artistic vision and career goals.
Ideal candidates want to:
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in music composition, electronic music production, or film scoring. Outstanding musicians with bachelor's degrees in performance or other disciplines, who have a strong background in songwriting or composition, will also be considered.
We seek focused, motivated, innovative, and, above all, passionately creative candidates with excellent academic and/or professional backgrounds. Additional study and/or work experience in the following areas will be helpful but is not required: interactive scoring techniques, conducting to picture, basic music editing skills, and project collaboration. Prospective students do not need to have extensive direct experience working with live orchestras.
Ideal candidates will:
Up to 40 students can take part in the Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games program each year.
The Graduate Board of Admissions will only evaluate complete applications. Review the information below to ensure you have submitted all requirements.
Complete all required sections in the application, and upload your statement of purpose, resume, and program-specific portfolio to the application. You will then be able to pay the $150 non-refundable application fee and submit your completed online graduate application. If you are a Berklee alumnus (including Boston Conservatory, and Berklee Online)you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Apart from the materials you will upload to your application directly, there are several other materials all graduate applicants are required to submit to support their application. Your resume, statement of purpose, and other program specific materials must be in PDF format.
Office of Admissions
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía - Anexo Sur
Avenida Profesor Lopez Piñero, 1
46013 Valencia, Spain
For applicants who attended university outside the U.S. or Canada:
Transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. or Canada must be evaluated by an approved third-party credential evaluation service. Berklee works closely with SpanTran and Educational Credential Evaluators, and we recommend their services. Please ask for a course-by-course evaluation.
The credential evaluation process can take several weeks to complete, and we strongly urge you to begin the process as early as possible. Your application will not be complete until we have received credential evaluation reports for all of your academic credentials. If admitted, you will be required to submit a copy of your bachelor degree diploma from your college/university before enrolling at Berklee.
Other documents, such as résumés, statement of purpose, and creative works must be uploaded to your application form before you submit it.
Contemporary Performance Graduate Program Applicants
All Other Graduate Program Applicants
If you are finishing or have completed your bachelor's degree at an English-speaking university, this requirement may be waived.
Please do not submit the materials as separate links. Your program specific materials should be organized in one PDF document with all links properly embedded and sections clearly labeled. If including links to YouTube, Spotify, or other, make sure they are public/unlisted so that we can view them.
* We will not download materials. Do not share materials via WeTransfer, DropBox, Google Drive, or other platforms.
Please do not submit the materials as separate links. Your program specific materials should be organized in one PDF document with all links properly embedded and sections clearly labeled. If including links to YouTube, Spotify, or other, make sure they are public/unlisted so that we can view them.
*We will not download materials. Do not share materials via WeTransfer, DropBox, Google Drive, or other platforms.
Please do not submit the materials as separate links. Your program specific materials should be organized in one PDF document with all links properly embedded and sections clearly labeled. If including links to YouTube, Spotify, or other, make sure they are public/unlisted so that we can view them
* We will not download materials. Do not share materials via WeTransfer, DropBox, Google Drive, or other platforms.
Please do not submit the materials as separate links. Your program specific materials should be organized in one PDF document with all links properly embedded and sections clearly labeled. If including links to YouTube, Spotify, or other, make sure they are public/unlisted so that we can view them.
* We will not download materials. Do not share materials via WeTransfer, DropBox, Google Drive, or other platforms.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Berklee Valencia Admissions Office.
To be considered for admission by our Graduate Board of Admissions, we must receive your completed application and all supporting documents by 11:59p.m. (eastern standard time) on the deadline.
The only difference between early and regular action is that early action applicants will be notified of their admissions decision several months before regular action applicants, giving them priority to reserve their place in the program and additional time to plan for the upcoming year. If you have any questions about early or regular action, contact admissionsvalencia@berklee.edu.
Early Action
Regular Action
Extended Action
Review of the applications will begin shortly before the deadlines.
Scholarship Application deadlines are different from the Program Application deadlines. For further information about Scholarships click here.
Please note these decision dates are not offered for the contemporary performance (global jazz concentration) program, held on the Boston campus.
The interview experience is an integral part of the selection process for our master’s degree programs. It is designed to show your strengths and helps us assess your aptitude and ability to succeed in Berklee’s highly charged and dynamic environment. An interview is required for entry into all of our graduate programs; applicants to the contemporary performance (production concentration) program must also complete an audition.
Once your application is complete and submitted, the Graduate Board of Admissions will review your application and contact you if you are selected to continue on in the admissions process. Interviews will be held online from mid-November through the beginning of December 2022 for Early Action applicants, and from the end of January through the beginning of March 2023 for Regular Action applicants.
The interviewer will use the information provided on your application as the foundation for this discussion. Depending on the graduate program you are applying to, you may be asked technical or field-based questions during the interview. Come prepared to highlight your strengths and share your creative aspirations. There are four primary areas of discussion in the interview:
There are four primary areas of discussion in the interview:
1. Preparation to begin study at Berklee.
In addition to each candidate's musical preparation to meet the rigors of our curriculum, consideration will be given to your understanding of Berklee's history and mission and your affiliation with Berklee's open and inclusive approach to music, including the self-discipline needed for excellence, the empathy required of music-making, and the openness and inquisitiveness essential to creativity.
2. Professional/career goals.
The board of admissions wants to gain a better understanding of your professional and career goals once you obtain your graduate degree. In addition, consideration will be given to why you want to pursue graduate studies in music and what you hope to gain from your participation in this program.
3. Why Berklee?
Berklee is a leader in music education and holds a strong international reputation. Consideration will be given to what aspects of the Berklee model appeal to you and why you decided to apply to Berklee for your master’s degree.
4. What will you bring?
In selecting our entering class, the board of admissions must identify how each admitted student will contribute to the quality of our community. Consideration will be given to how you will contribute to the Berklee network and improve the quality of the Berklee experience for all.
Applicants to the Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration) selected to move on to this stage are required to do both an audition and interview simultaneously. The audition is an integral part of the graduate admissions process for contemporary performance (production concentration) applicants and is designed to help you show your strengths while helping us assess your talent and potential to succeed at Berklee.
Once you have submitted your completed application and all supporting materials, the Graduate Board of Admissions will issue an audition and interview invitation to selected applicants. Auditions and interviews will be held online from mid-November through the beginning of December 2022 for Early Action applicants, and from the end of January through the beginning of March 2023 for Regular Action applicants. Your interview will take place at the same time as your audition. To see information about the interview click here.
Make sure to double check your internet connectivity and any technology you are using for your online audition and interview. We recommend you test your connection with another user on the platform and ensure yourself plenty of time to accommodate any technology issues or setup.
The audition staff will be looking primarily at quality of sound, interpretation/style, intonation, stage presence, rhythm, musicality, preparation, and quality of improvisation. The audition staff may ask you to demonstrate other musical or technical abilities depending on your unique strengths. The audition and interview will be approximately 20-30 minutes long and may consist of the four parts outlined below.
Berklee embraces and values all music styles, so you should prepare a piece that you are comfortable with and that displays your strengths as a musician. It should be approximately three to five minutes in length and should be in any style that demonstrates your instrumental proficiency and your overall musicianship. Here are some guidelines that may help when selecting your prepared piece:
If composing or songwriting is your primary focus, you may choose to play an original piece that showcases your individual style. However, the original piece should be no longer than three minutes, and you should also prepare a second piece drawing on the guidelines above.
If you require accompaniment for your prepared piece, you may bring an accompanist, or a play-along device such as a phone or laptop. It is not recommended to use the original tracks of artists or bands as play-a-longs.
We recognize it is common for applicants to have imbalances in their playing abilities, and we realize that applicants may not have advanced skills in improvisation, reading, or ear training. We take a holistic approach in our evaluation process; each component of the audition helps the audition team assess your overall abilities as a musician and your potential for success at the graduate program level.
Auditions and interviews will be held online. Selected applicants will receive invitations and further instructions on how to connect for the online audition and interview.
*See the specific system requirements for online auditions.
In case you have any questions regarding the admissions process for the graduate programs that we offer at Berklee Valencia, we encourage you to contact the Admissions Team by using the contact information included below.
The best way to discover what makes the Berklee experience unique is to experience it for yourself.
We strongly encourage you to visit the campus, take a tour, and ask our admissions team any questions you may have.
Despite being Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia maintains its small-town charm. There are several popular up-and-coming neighborhoods offering world-class restaurants, cafes, and discos. For late nights out on the town, the ancient El Carmen in the city center is popular. For dinner on an outdoor terrace, Ruzafa is a good bet. Nearby Canovas is also a great neighborhood to find good food. For ideas on where to start, check out the New York Times’ “36 Hours in Valencia, Spain,” or an older article in the same 36-hour series from Valencia in 2011, still very relevant.
Valencia is well-known for its musical richness, and has no shortage of venues that support live music indoors and out. Some local favorites have quickly become student favorites, such as Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar, Loco Club, Upper Club, Sala Matisse and Ubik Cafe. Check out this New York Times’ article “The Newest Sounds of Valencia” highlighting Berklee’s presence in Valencia.
The EMT service is the public bus system in Valencia. There are numerous bus lines during the day, most of them with short waiting times.
Night buses do not run as regularly as day buses do and not all routes are offered during night shifts, so to get around the city by night we recommend our students do so by either taxis (6€ minimum evening fare) or using Valenbisi, the public bike system which you will have access to for less than 30€ a year.
The tram and metro services are provided by Metrovalencia. From Monday to Friday, it runs until approximately 23:30 - 00:00. On weekends it runs until 2:30 a.m.
While you can get around the city without knowing Spanish, understanding at least the basics of the language is very helpful. We recommend getting familiar with some basic vocabulary. Duolingo is a language-learning application that can be downloaded to your phone for free and is very popular amongst Berklee Students in Valencia.
Renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment nearby campus or in one of the areas recommended averages 400€ to 1,200€ per month (approximately, not including utilities). Usually, students prefer to share an apartment with other Berklee students rather than renting a room with non-Berklee people, but there are a number of agents offering either option. Renting as a group (two or three people) is normally cheaper than one-bedroom apartments.
If you have additional questions related to admissions, please reach out to us at admissionsvalencia@berklee.edu.
There are four graduate programs delivered exclusively on the Valencia, Spain, campus including, Master of Arts in Global Entertainment and Music Business; Master of Music in Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games; Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration); and Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation.
The Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Global Jazz Concentration) is offered at the Boston campus. Further, Berklee Online also offers two online master's degrees; Master of Music in Music Production; Master of Arts in Music Business.
Yes, if you are currently in the final year of your bachelor's degree you are eligible to apply. Follow the instructions under How to Apply for detailed information on applying.
If you obtain an internship in the U.S. after graduation, you have the option to enroll in the Berklee Internships course. Taking this course means that Berklee will sponsor your student visa for three months (September-December).
Visit the International Career Center page for more information.
If you feel like you need some extra skills or experience before applying, please browse our courses at Berklee Online. There are many courses, certificates, and degrees available to help you improve your skills. Have a fluent english speaker: friend, parent colleague, read over your application materials. Meet with a private instructor to work on audition songs.
Your student visa allows you to work part time in a job that does not conflict with your class schedule. It also permits you to work full time for up to three months under the same conditions. However, the business that hires you must solicit permission from the government and many employers are reluctant to take this administrative step. Therefore, few foreign students receive legitimate job offers during their studies. Keep in mind that your program will be very intense and you will not have much time to work outside of your studies.
Learn more about visas and residency in Spain, in the visa FAQ section.
Berklee provides mandatory health insurance to all enrolled students, which is a part of the comprehensive fee, and cannot be waived. In order to obtain a student visa, you are required to have health insurance. We include a letter from the health insurance company in all acceptance packages for you to present at your visa appointment. Learn more about health insurance.
The Valencia campus is very diverse by age, gender, and nationality. On average students attending a graduate program range between 22 and 36 years old. Applicants to the graduate program must already have completed their bachelor's degree, as well as meet other admissions requirements.
All graduate programs are non residential. Every student must secure their own housing. Please check Living in Valencia section.
All graduate programs at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain, are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.), which is internationally recognized as an authority on educational quality.
All classes are taught in English.
Each program has specific software requirements. There is a required software bundle that is mandatory and included in your first tuition bill. You will receive the software bundle at orientation.
Even if you already own some of the software, you will still be billed for the full bundle, which Berklee arranges for you at a very low cost. Enrolled students will receive the updated software information the summer prior to orientation. Depending on your program, there may be optional software that we recommend.
If you already have a laptop that meets or exceeds the requirements, you do not need to buy a new laptop. Enrolled students will receive the new requirements the summer prior to orientation. Learn more about technology requirements.
The graduate programs are designed to be completed in one intensive year of full-time and in-person classes. Part-time programs are currently not available.
All master’s degree candidates are required to play an instrument, except applicants to the Master´s in Global Entertainment and Music Business program.
Our Valencia campus currently offers two program options for undergraduate students. The Berklee Study Abroad program available only to students from Berklee’s Boston campus and a select number of partner schools, and the First Year Abroad program, which allows undergraduate students accepted to Berklee to complete their first year with the college abroad on the Valencia, Spain campus.
Most faculty for the graduate programs in Valencia form a dynamic team with a diverse range of international professionals recruited worldwide, including our Boston campus.