The live music production and design specialization explores the design, management, and execution of live and virtual productions.

In just one year, artists in Berklee NYC’s live music production and design Master of Arts program emerge with the skills, portfolio, and network to make emotional connections with worldwide audiences through innovative technology.

The core curriculum of this program provides students with foundational knowledge for their careers that address both the business and creative sides of the performing arts.

WHAT IS IT?

Live Music Production and Design

As technology blurs the lines between music, theater, and interactive media, this unique program gives students the skills to thrive in an experience-driven world.

A performer sings passionately on stage, bathed in dramatic red and blue lighting, with one arm outstretched and eyes closed. Silhouettes of an audience are visible in the foreground.

Our Philosophy

Students cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and learn a wide range of artistic skills and technologies, including content creation, sound design, live production design, lighting, story and narrative, set design, video systems, networking, programming, and 3D design.

Live music production and design students are immersed in the production of a wide variety of events to foster the artistic and technical collaborations as well as the human aspects of theater, concert, and event production.

By creating compelling art as a member of a diverse and talented team with access to transformative technology, students discover their perfect place in the live event industry.

A person with dark hair leans in closely to examine a detailed miniature architectural model, illuminated against a dark background. The intricate model features small buildings, moss, chains, and tiny decorative elements.

Who are we?

Human Connections

Students in live music production and design work alongside faculty who are designing the latest Broadway shows, constructing current large-scale product activations, and creating content and lighting design for major musical acts and festivals. 

The Berklee NYC faculty and students are embedded in the fabric of New York City, a cultural capital of the world and a hotbed of artistic innovation. Being here puts you on the cutting edge of worldwide trends.

 

A guitarist and vocalist performs at center stage under dramatic red lighting, flanked by a drummer and bassist. A large eye graphic is projected onto the backdrop behind them.

Experiential and Collaborative Workflow

Awe-Inspiring Experiences

Live artists recognize the need to craft the synchronized, awe-inspiring, multisensory memorable experiences that audiences are clamoring for. As a one-year graduate program with a faculty of working professionals, Berklee NYC's curriculum can constantly adapt and keep ahead of trends in entertainment.

Straying away from traditional perspectives and historical constraints, this program prioritizes a forward-thinking approach, steering clear of the limitations imposed by conventional norms. It maintains a laser focus on contemporary relevance, with a curriculum that eschews the "this is how we’ve always done it before" mindset.

We seek a varied group of motivated, creative, and focused candidates with solid academic and professional backgrounds who can contribute a diversity of experience, insight, and skills.

Creative-minded performers: Artistic individuals with a flair for creativity aiming to delve into the nuances of artistic concepts beyond the stage will find a unique chance this year to polish their artistic identity, elevate their proficiency, and foster meaningful relationships. All of this unfolds within the inspiring context of artistic design concepts in production.

Artists aspiring to breathe life into their creations: With a thriving industry encompassing theaters, festivals, and cutting-edge live events seeking animation, art, music, sound, direction, and programming, this year is tailored for artists to elevate their already profound skills within a dynamic and flourishing sector.

Live event technicians eager to redefine their careers: In a rapidly evolving landscape of live event technology, those well-versed in sound, lighting, and video technologies are acutely aware of the industry's swift transformations. For working technicians, this program offers a curriculum designed to amplify creativity with the latest event technologies, enabling a reinvention of their careers.

Apply Now

  • Culminating Experience

    Students will ideate, develop, and complete a culminating experience or thesis project that is uniquely theirs.

  • Graduate Internship

    You have the option of spending a fourth semester completing an internship course.

  • Paying for Your Degree

    All applicants are eligible for aid and merit-based scholarships. You can also earn money working as a graduate assistant.

Program Details