BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Online Extension School
Boston, Massachusetts

Distance Learning Program

Berkleemusic, Berklee College of Music's Online Extension School, offers a growing catalog of specialized courses and certificate programs in all areas of music, including songwriting, arranging, technology, education, music business, and performance. The courses are instructor-led and asynchronous, giving students access to Berklee's curriculum and professors, regardless of time or geographic constraints.

With courses and certificate programs accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), world-renowned faculty members, and unparalleled networking opportunities, Berkleemusic is an online microcosm of the best of Berklee College. With Berkleemusic, students study what they want, when they want, with Berklee College of Music faculty members—the recognized experts in contemporary music education.

Delivery Media

Each week, an instructor posts a new lesson. Students log on and work on the lesson material and assignments throughout the week. The lessons are mediarich, and filled with fun, interactive learning activities. Projects and assignments provide practical, real-world experience and the opportunity to receive feedback from a Berklee instructor and classmates.

As the course progresses, the students and their instructor form a community as they share ideas, critique and receive feedback on assignments, and chat in real-time, 24/7.

For more information, interested students should contact Berkleemusic's Registrar by telephone or e-mail using the information given elsewhere in this description.

Programs of Study

Berkleemusic currently offers more than 65 non-credit, credit, and continuing education unit- (CEU) bearing courses and over 20 distinctive certificate programs in such areas of study as arranging, music business, music production, music theory, and songwriting. Continuing-education students can choose from three different certificate categories—master, professional, and specialist—and enroll in a program of study that best suits their music education goals.

Master certificate programs are available in arranging, ear training, harmony, music business and technology, music production and technology, producing, songwriting, and theory. These premium programs of study comprise eight to twelve courses (24–32 credits).

The professional certificate programs in arranging, electronic music production and sound design, harmony and ear training, songwriting, and studio production are five to six courses (15–18 credits).

Programs leading to specialist certificates in arranging, ear training, electronic music production, home recording, lyric writing, music business, music technology for teachers, songwriting, studio production, and theory and harmony are made up of three to four courses (9–12 credits).

Student Services

In two years, Berkleemusic has taught more than 3000 students from more than 70 countries. Continuing-education students have a number of support systems in place to address their ongoing needs. The Continuing Education Registrar is the online student liaison and advocate. Student Advisors are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) to assist students with technical issues.

Credit Options

Continuing Education students can earn college credits through Berkleemusic to complement degree programs at their home institutions, maintain teaching certification requirements, or finance their education through a variety of financial aid sources, including the GI Bill, for members of the armed services.

Faculty

The Berklee College of Music faculty is at the heart of Berklee's online extension school. Providing excellent high-quality music instruction is their highest priority. For maximum interaction, there are never more than 20 students per online class. The average class size is 15. Extension school faculty members have both academic credentials and demonstrated success in the fields they teach.

Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over half a century, the College has constantly evolved to reflect the state of the art in music and the music business. With more than a dozen performance and non-performance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing more than 70 countries, and the music industry's "who's who" of alumni, Berklee is the world's premier learning lab for the music of today—and tomorrow.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for each certificate program varies by certificate type. Tuition and fees for each certificate program are listed in the Berkleemusic online program catalog. The registration and technology fee is $150 per certificate program.

Tuition for each individual course varies by the course type, length, and credit status. Tuition and fees for each course are listed in the Berkleemusic online-course catalog. Many courses also have required texts (which can be purchased online or at a local book store) and additional course materials. The cost of these materials is added to the tuition and fees in the registration process. There is a general registration and technology fee of $49.95 for all individual courses.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for all non-credit courses. Students who opt for CEUs pay a $25 CEU fee.

Financial Aid

Berklee's Continuing Education division is working with the college's Office of Financial Aid to become authorized to offer federal financial aid to online students taking courses for online extension-school credit. In the interim, students are advised to apply for Berklee's Online Extension School's preferred personal education loans to assist with tuition expenses. These include Bank One's Education One Loan and Key Bank's Career Loan. Additional financing options include TERI loans, Student Assistance Foundation loans, CHELA Academic Edge, employer tuition assistance programs, and veteran's benefits (where applicable).

CONTACT

Berkleemusic Registrar
MS-855
Berklee College of Music
1140 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Phone: 866-BERKLEE (toll-free)
Fax: 617-747-2149
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.berkleemusic.com/?pid=747

Applying

Berkleemusic runs four semesters during the academic year. To enroll, students should select a certificate program or course, complete the online enrollment process, and submit their payment. Payments can be made by credit card or check. Full payment must be received by the end of a given semester's enrollment period. For additional information, interested students should contact Berkleemusic's Registrar (e-mail: [email protected]).