NAMM: Take Berklee Music Classes On-Line

Berklee Media, a division of Berklee College of Music, announced the formal public launch of its online school., job site and networking destination, Berkleemusic.com.

Berkleemusic.com offers students the classroom instruction techniques and faculty expertise of Berklee College of Music, the world's singular learning lab for the music of today and tomorrow and the alma mater of such industry luminaries as Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, Bruce Hornsby, Patty Larkin, members of Aerosmith, Susan Tedeschi, John Mayer and The Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines.

Available since October to a pilot community of music students, educators and professionals, Berkleemusic.com's online school offers instruction in music theory, writing, desktop production and music business. Classes currently open for enrollment include: Marketing Yourself in the Music Industry, Promotion 101, Accelerating Your Music Career, Music Theory 101, Pro Tools Basics, Pro Tools MIDI Recording and Editing, Pro Tools Digital Audio Editing, Desktop Music Production, Songwriting Workshop, Lyric Writing, Finale Basics and Finale: Strategies for Speed and Style.

"There are two `truisms' about the music business that have guided Berklee in the creation and introduction of Berkleemusic.com," said David Kusek, associate professor of music business at Berklee College and also vice president for Berklee Media. "The first is that both the business and technology of today's music evolve constantly. The, second is that a personal network of contacts and colleagues is what propels music careers. Berkleemusic.com offers musicians both the educational resources they need to improve their skills and keep current, and access to community and job opportunities that will allow them to put those skills to work quickly. Launching the site officially is an important step in our mission to bring Berklee's educational values and expertise to the wider community of teachers, musicians and business people who are shaping the music of today, and tomorrow."

World-renowned Faculty: On Your Own Time, Your Own Turf

Recognized experts in contemporary music education lead all classes at Berkleemusic.com:

• David Mash (Desktop Music Production) is the author of nine books, a recognized expert on music technology and the developer of the Center for Technology in Music Instruction
• Pat Pattison (Lyric Writing) is an author, clinician and Berklee Professor of Lyric Writing and Poetry whose students have won Grammy Awards, composed for major artists and written number one songs. At Berklee, he developed the curriculum for the only songwriting major in the country.
• Jonathan Feist (Finale Basics), a Finale user since the music notation software was introduced in the mid-1980's, teaches Finale courses to Berklee faculty and has edited over 30 books, including the Berklee Practice Method and Instant series
• Peter Spellman (Marketing Yourself in the Music Industry) is director of career development at Berklee and the author of The Self-Promoting Musician and The Musician's Internet.
• Master pianist, interpreter, improviser and arranger Paul Schmeling (Music Theory 101) has inspired countless students since he began teaching at Berklee in 1961. Previously chair of Berklee's piano department, he is also the co-author of the Berklee Practice Method, Keyboard and Instant Keyboard

Anyone Can Study With Berklee

Berkleemusic.com offers an "anytime, anywhere" educational experience - meaning students do not have to be at a specific location at a specific time to complete coursework. Participating in discussions and completing assignments generally requires 2-3 hours per week; students should anticipate at least two hours of offline work for every hour of online instruction and participation. Students can log in to their classes at any time during the week to retrieve lessons and assignments, participate in discussions or chat, or upload homework.

Berkleemusic.com runs multiple sections of its courses during a six-semester annual calendar. Students can enroll in a course at any time, and can check the current Academic Calendar to plan enrollment at berkleemusic.com.

Performance Instruction from the Masters

While the online school at Berklemusic.coin focuses on music production, writing, business and theory, Berklee Media has also produced a DVD and video streaming series to help students improve their performance skills: the When Music Works series.

These "master classes" tap into the energy and expertise of successful musicians. With each segment of the When Music Works series, students get a 30-90 minute lesson on DVD or streaming video with top Berklee teachers, alumni and visiting artists. Current offerings include:

• Basic Afro-Cuban Rhythms with master percussionist and Berklee professor Ricardo Monzon
• Building Your Music Career with musician, producer., bandleader and collaborator (Billy Joel, Robert Palmer, Bruce Springsteen, Enrique Iglesias) David Rosenthal
• Beginning Improvisation with Berklee Professor and Saxophonist Ed Tomassi
• Modal Voicing Techniques with Berklee Professor, internationally known jazz guitarist and composer Rick Peckharn
• Shred Metal Chop Builder with guitarist Joe "Shred Lord" Stump
• Vocal Practice for Performance with Berklee Professor Donna McElroy, also a Grammy nominee, Dove Award winner, and vocalist: on multiple gold and platinum records
• Preparing for Your Concert with Berklee professor and soloist, accompanist and bandleader Joanne Brackeen
• Rockin ' Grooves with Berklee Professor and bassman Danny Morris

Passport to Career Growth

Berkleemusic.comalso offers a unique resource for musicians intent on raising their professional profiles and career. Berkleemusic.com Passports are special annual site memberships that allow Passport holders to get exclusive access to job and gig postings, career resources, and a growing network of musicians and industry professionals looking to hire.

Passport membership on Berkleemusic.com includes:

• A personal or band Web page to promote the Passport holder's band or business to the Berkleemusic network
• Exclusive access to a multitude of job listings and industry professionals, including personal notification of new postings that fit the Passport profile
• First appearance in musician and teacher searches, with Berkleemusic Passport icon Exclusive career resources like sample contracts, interview and audition tips, and news on who's hiring
• $25 off any Berkleemusic instructor-led course, and a subscription to the Berkleemusic Passport Newsletter or Berkleemusic Alumni Newsletter.

A Berkleemusic Passport is just $49 per year. Signuup details are available at the homepage.

Course Calendar and Tuition

Berkleemusic.com runs multiple sections of its courses during a six-semester calendar. Students can enroll for a course at any time. However, students must enroll at least two weeks before the start of the semester to allow for enrollment procedures and delivery of books and software. A current academic calendar is available at Berkleemusic.com. Fees for instruction at range from $19.95 for Master Class DVDs to $795 for 12-week online class sessions. Six-week class tuition is $495.

Full details are available at www.berkleemusic.com.