Brass Workshop

Boston
Ages 15+
Whether you’re interested in classical or contemporary, the Brass Workshop is for you. With instructors from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, you will study with diverse, world-class faculty comprising some of the East Coast's most renowned musicians. You'll have the perfect opportunity to improve all aspects of your musical ability, taking your skills to new levels by exploring the world of brass performance.
Dates
Coming soon
Check-in Time
Coming Soon
Move-out
Coming Soon
Tuition
$1,295
Housing
$895
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.
  3. Request housing. If you will be age 15 or older by the start of your program and require on-campus accommodations, complete the Residence Hall Contract in the Next Steps tab of your registration portal .

*Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

Curriculum

For all classes and ensembles, you will be placed with participants of similar abilities and interests. As part of the registration, you can choose between two tracks to participate in.

Classical

Gain expert knowledge on improving your tone, technical ability, sight-reading, and overall musicianship. Strengthen your performance skills and rehearsal techniques in a classical brass ensemble setting. You will play alongside faculty, many of whom perform with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in large and small ensembles focused on various classical time periods. Ensembles in this track are generally between five and 12 players, with an even distribution of brass instruments

In addition to ensemble classes, French horn players will have daily master classes with Eli Epstein, a veteran horn player with the Cleveland Orchestra, author of Horn Playing from the Inside Out, and horn professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Contemporary

Take your reading, ensemble playing, and improvisational skills to the next level. You can participate in several jam sessions throughout the week and will perform in one of three ensembles. Ensembles in this track are generally between eight and 12 brass players, and include a rhythm section. Choose one of the following ensembles based on the style that suits you

  • Jazz: Get familiar with jazz harmony, melody, and rhythm while exploring the roots and branches of America’s unique musical art form. You will perform music from bebop to swing and modern jazz.
  • Funk: Study music that combines elements of R&B and soul music. “Funkify” your soul with music from the likes of the Meters, John Scofield, the Yellow Jackets, Snarky Puppy, and more.
  • New Orleans: Explore the roots of jazz through group interaction and solo improvisation in this ensemble that focuses on second line and Dixieland traditions. Music from Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Sidney Bechet, and others will have you groovin’ to the second-line parade.

The Brass Workshop offers participants the opportunity to study with internationally renowned teachers with proven track records—those who have not only won their own prestigious awards, but who have taught students that went on to enjoy flourishing careers. The Brass Workshop faculty includes Larry IsaacsonJohn FaietaSteve EmeryJoe FoleyEli EpsteinNorman BolterAngel SuberoKen AmisJeff StoutCharlie LewisPhil Grenadier, and Billy Buss.

Schedule

Below is a sample of a typical day in the program. 

Time Event
8 AM–9 AM Breakfast
9:15 AM–10:15 AM Studio Classes by Instrument (Low Brass, Trumpet, and French Horn)
10:30 AM–12:00 PM Ensembles
12:15 PM–1:15 PM Lunch
1:30 PM–2:45 PM Ensembles
3 PM–3:45 PM Classical or Contemporary Elective
4 PM–4:45 PM Classical or Contemporary Elective
5 PM–6:45 PM Dinner and Practice Time
7 PM–10:15 PM Faculty Recitals, Electives, and Jam Sessions

Schedule subject to change. 

Performance Opportunities

Students will participate in one of the following ensembles during the week: 

  • Large Classical Brass Ensemble
  • Small Classical Brass Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Funk Ensemble
  • New Orleans Ensemble
Requirements

All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience are welcome to attend.

Program-Specific Details

Placement

After completing your registration, you will be prompted to submit a video link of a solo performance. These links are reviewed by the faculty to place students into the appropriate level classes before arriving to the program. Professional video quality is not required, but your performance should demonstrate your personal best.

Once You've Enrolled

Once you're enrolled visit our Next Steps for Enrolled Students to make sure you have everything you need for your program.

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 with information regarding your assigned arrival location, housing assignment, and a link to view your program schedule one to two weeks prior to the start date of your program.
  • When you arrive on campus, you will receive additional program information to guide you through your program.

What to pack

  • Your instrument and any necessary accessories
  • Mutes: for classical players, a straight mute; for contemporary players, a plunger
  • A tuner and a metronome (possibly on your phone)
  • A notebook and pencil
  • Concert attire: a pair of black or khaki long pants and a colorful, short-sleeved shirt; or a colorful dress
  • Review our list of instruments and gear to bring to your program in this knowledge base article.
  • If you are staying on campus, you can reference this packing list with any additional items you’ll need while attending your program.