Interviews

Required for All Graduate Applicants

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.

Interview Dates

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 for Early Action applicants, and from the end of January through the beginning of March for Regular Action applicants.

Important note: All interviews are scheduled in Central European Time (CET).

Interview Question Areas

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.