If you are a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, DJ or music producer, and want to gain in-depth knowledge of the expertise and strategies to develop your music and brand with the aim of becoming a leader in the global music industry, apply now!

The PErformance ARtistry and Leadership certificate program is a competitive, project-based, experiential learning artist accelerator that will arm selected participants with powerful tools and strategies in songwriting, production, marketing and entrepreneurship.

From the idea to the finished product, artists will be mentored by industry experts and will gain in-depth knowledge of the expertise strategies and time required to develop their brands as leaders in the global music industry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

• Conceptualize a cohesive artistic identity and 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

• Further develop their performance, songwriting and arranging skills

• Effectively leverage tools  in the areas of branding, music monetization, marketing and distribution strategies

PROGRAM 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

PREREQUISITES AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Students eligible to apply are: singer-songwriters, bands, instrumentalists and DJs

• Students should submit demos of original compositions and live video performances with their program application

• The program is open to all music genres: pop/rock/soul/R&B/rap/jazz/Arabic traditional/electronic, etc …

• Residents of the MENASA region are encouraged to apply

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

IMPORTANT DATES

• IMPORTANT DATES

• Applications open: 09 June 2025

• Application deadline: 25 August 2025

• ⁠Interviews: 20 - 30 August 2025

• Payment deadline:  1 September 2025

• Programme start: 8 September 2025

• ⁠Programme end: 28 November 2025

TUITION FEE 

AED 17,615 

1- APPLICATION CONTENTS

• • Video Statement of Purpose
    Tell us more about yourself and why you would like to attend the PEARL certificate program at Berklee Abu Dhabi (via private link).

  • Biography: Submit your biography or curriculum vitae listing your musical and educational backgrounds. (one page)

  • Audio recordings : Submit two to four demos of original compositions.

  • Performance Videos: Submit two LIVE performance videos of your music.
    *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 catalog.

2- INTERVIEWS

Once your application is received, the Berklee Abu Dhabi admissions committee will review it and contact you for an interview. 

3- FINAL DECISIONS

The final decisions will be sent out via email.

4- TUITION FEES

PEARL certificate program 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:  1 September 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