LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Conceptualise a cohesive artistic identity and vision.
• Implement effective pre-production and production to support this vision
• Cultivate nuanced listening skills and employ them in the production process
• Draft a strategic music business plan
• Produce and/or co-produce their own project
• Effectively leverage a multitude of tools to further their career, including image design, songwriting, arranging, music production, music monetisation, marketing and distribution strategies

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

PART 1: LEARNING THE FUNDAMENTALS

• Artistic Identity and Visual Branding
• Musical Identity and Signature Sound
• Business Development and Marketing Strategies

PART 2: FROM IDEA TO FINISHED PRODUCT

During the incubation period, students will get to develop, produce and prepare the launch of their projects

PROGRAMME PREREQUISITES AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Students eligible to apply are: singer-songwriters, bands, instrumentalists and DJs
• Students should submit four to six demos of original compositions and two live video performances with their programme application
• The programme is open to all music genres: pop/rock/soul/R&B/rap/jazz/Arabic traditional/electronic, etc …
• Residents of the MENA region are encouraged to apply

IMPORTANT DATES

• Applications open: 01 January 2025
• Application deadline: 25 February 2025
• Interviews: 19 - 28 February 2025
• Payment deadline: 3 March 2025
• Programme start: 10 March 2025
• Programme end: 6 June 2025

This is a selective and competitive process. Beyond your musical abilities, early complete application submissions will increase the chance of acceptance to this programme.

PEARL APPLICATION PROCESS

1- APPLICATION CONTENTS

Video Statement of Purpose
This is your chance to tell us all about yourself through a personal statement. It should include your musical and academic journey, and why you would like to attend the PEARL certificate programme at Berklee Abu Dhabi (via private link).

One Letter of Recommendation
A recommendation should come from a mentor or someone you have worked or collaborated with, who can speak in-depth about your musical strengths and skills.

Curriculum vitae
Submit your curriculum vitae listing your educational background. (one page)

Portfolio
This is considered your ‘audition’ and should include a table of contents and clearly labelled sections.

• Audio recordings
  You will be asked to submit four to six demos of original compositions , from which three will be selected to be recorded and produced at Berklee Abu Dhabi.
• Performance Videos
  You will be asked to submit 2 live* performance videos of your music.
  • At least one of these videos should be a solo performance.
  • One of the videos could be in an ensemble (group) setting.
  • At least one performance should be an original composition.
    
    *No produced music videos will be accepted in this category
• Extra Materials
  • Links to your personal website and social platforms (eg: your Facebook artist page) that convey a sense of your artistry.
  • Press materials (newspapers and magazine articles), if available.
  • Any previously produced music videos in your catalogue.

2- INTERVIEWS

Once your application is received, the Berklee Abu Dhabi admissions committee will review it and contact you for a preliminary interview. After reviewing the portfolios and initial interviews, the committee will then invite selected applicants for a final interview.

3- FINAL DECISIONS

The final decisions will be sent out via email.

4- TUITION FEES

PEARL certificate programme tuition fees are to be paid upfront: AED 17,615

5- ONCE ACCEPTED

Pay Your Tuition
You will receive a link to pay your tuition in full.
Payment Deadline:  3 March 2025

Get a Visa
If you are not a resident of the United Arab Emirates you may need to apply for a three-month tourist visa, depending on your country of origin.

Plan Your Housing
Berklee Abu Dhabi is a non-residential campus. If you need assistance in finding housing please contact mbitar@berklee.edu

Apply