A Time to Be Heard: What Performers Can Expect This Fall

16/07/2020

One of the biggest questions to emerge out of Berklee's decision to open this fall in a hybrid on-campus/online model has been But what does this model mean for those studying performance? Many students are wondering how to safely share equipment and space, while others question whether a

virtual ensemble can achieve the same results as its physical counterpart.

Ron Savage, dean of the Professional Performance Division, weighed in on the topic during a recent webinar about what to expect, from both practical and artistic perspectives. We want you to be safe, we want you to be engaged, and we want this to be productive, leading to your long-term success as artists, he said, addressing logistics as well as the bigger picture of pursuing art during a global pandemic.

What to Expect on Campus and Virtually

Have Questions About the Fall?

Read our FAQs to get answers regarding registration, housing, academics, and more. The current plan is to offer a majority of ensembles in person, which immediately sets the fall semester apart from the emergency quarantine situation in the spring. That said, there will be modifications to allow for optimal safety. Ensembles meeting on campus will be limited to an average of five to six people, and there will be more rooms available to them. The division is also purchasing additional instruments to help reduce the amount of equipment sharing among students.

Ensembles that involve vocalists and brass and wind instrumentalists are being redesigned, given the higher risk of germ spread with these types of performances. Vocal ensembles will be held virtually, but depending on the severity of the pandemic come fall, it may be possible to consider having one or two vocalists join ensembles on campus.

We're doing this because we can't afford to wait to hear your voices. Our society is dependent on it.

-Ron Savage, dean of the Professional Performance Division

Similarly, private instruction will happen largely online, given the volume of lessons. We hold 4,000 lessons a week, so a physical rotation isn't feasible, Savage said, noting that the division is exploring options for students in their first and last semesters to have a number of in-person private lessons.

Artists Voice Matter More Than Ever The logistical plans support the college's commitment to creating a safe and generative space for student performers, who, according to Savage, we need now more than ever. This is your time to be heard, he said to Berklee students watching the webinar. We don't want the pandemic to slow down the development of [your] voices. We're doing everything in our purview to make sure you have the tools and the skills to speak from your most authentic voice.

This is not a throwaway semester to us, Savage continued, emphasizing that Berklees concern goes far beyond enrollment. We're doing this because we can't afford to wait to hear your voices. Our society is dependent on it.

Related categories:

News

Related Reading

What to Expect of the Online Experience This Fall Regardless of the modality students choose this fall-remote or hybrid-a good amount of class time is going to be online. Heres what you should know about that experience.

Scarlet Keys Redefines Homework in Her Remote Songwriting Courses Even during a pandemic, faculty, such as Keys, are finding ways to work closely with students despite not being nearby.

A Day in the Life of a First-Semester Student Based on Berklees fall 2020 hybrid model, a typical day for students this September will comprise a mix of in-person and online classes and activities. Follow a day in the life of one first-semester student this fall.

More from Berklee Now

Most Popular

The Shape of Jazz to Come A new institute aims to create a more inclusive bandstand.

Latest

A Time to Be Heard: What Performers Can Expect This Fall The Professional Performance Division offers guidance on what ensembles and private instruction will look like this upcoming semester.

Meet Five City Music Scholars Attending Five-Week This Summer Berklee awarded full-tuition scholarships to 60 young musicians taking part in the college's flagship summer program.

Alumna Kirbys Viral Video Helped Bring Down Aunt Jemima Brand The video has been viewed 4.7 million times and has been credited with pushing Quaker Oats to scrap the brand of breakfast products.

Read All

Subscribe The latest sounds, stories, and ideas, sent to your inbox weekly.

Berklee Blogs

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Snapchat

Soundcloud

Spotify

LINK:	https://www.berklee.edu/news/berklee-now/studying-performance-fall-202...
	See more stories from berklee

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026