Arranging

Become a Better Arranger with Berklee

Gain the vital tools needed to become an accomplished arranger, across a variety of genres, instruments, and styles.

Courses

Courses are best for students who are looking to meet a specific need, or simply want to get started with Berklee Online. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 12 Weeks
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
OCWPR-130
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Explore all of the aspects of writing and arranging for the rhythm section and essential techniques for arranging music for a band.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-101
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Create great-looking sheet music quickly and easily with the powerful Finale music notation software, and learn techniques to maximize speed, control, and accuracy.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-103
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Learn to use Sibelius to create lead sheets, scores, and parts, as well as how to enter and format notation so it conforms to current music publishing standards.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-250
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn how to create your own original grooves by analyzing, writing, sequencing, and recording the styles that have influenced contemporary music in Europe and the US.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OSONG-250
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Create a unique sound and explore tools and techniques that will help you craft songs with the instrumentation and production to support your intended emotional meaning.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-231
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Develop your writing and arranging skills for small and large ensembles and learn techniques that you can apply to both live instrumentation and sequences.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-285
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Develop a unique compositional voice to write music through the study of modern twentieth century compositional techniques.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-250
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Gain a broad overview of counterpoint and the art of writing lines that support both the melody and the overall structure of a composition.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OHARM-212
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Harmony 2 studies concepts such as melodic construction and motif development and builds upon principles of linear harmonic continuity (voice leading). The course also introduces concepts like guide tones, modal interchange, blues theory, chord progressions, melodic rhythm, form and melody/harmony relationships.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMPRD-228
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
This course emphasizes the different roles we take on when creating and producing music. Focusing on new technology and new approaches to music production, engineering, and writing, you will transform a song from an idea to something you can be proud to have as part of your portfolio, from a songwriting standpoint as well as a music production standpoint. At the start of the course you will generate the kernel of a new song, which you will develop and produce throughout the course to achieve a final sound recording that is a commercially viable piece of music.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-332
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Take your arranging abilities to the next level by studying more advanced techniques for voicing chords, orchestration, articulations, and background lines.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-333
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Explore the sound and personality of woodwind and string instruments and learn how to apply them to songs, arrangements, and compositions.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-385
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Gain a solid knowledge of modern instrumental writing and competence using twentieth century techniques in composition. In addition, you will gain enhanced listening skills to identify and appreciate new musical styles, and be capable of implementing these skills in your writing, enriching your capacity to express yourself in this intellectually stimulating musical idiom.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-334
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Master the concepts of vocal writing and arranging and learn to write vocal charts in a number of contemporary styles, including jazz, folk, pop, and R&B.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-320
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Explore a variety of approaches to composing and learn how to develop any musical idea, from a melodic fragment to a catchy rhythm or phrase, or a chord.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-335
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Explore techniques that will allow you to write effective jazz arrangements for all types of instrumental combinations.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-395
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn effective techniques that will help you compose jazz tunes that have a balance of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic appeal.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OGUIT-340
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn harmony as it relates to the guitar fretboard, rhythm as it relates to different musical grooves, and improv concepts to build a solo guitar piece.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OHARM-412
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Take your musical vocabulary and skill set to a whole new level for writing, arranging, and performing music of any genre by learning reharmonization.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-493
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Add depth and flavor to compositions in any genre by studying the characteristics of a wide array of world music compositional techniques.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-590
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Compositional Voice Development in Film Scoring provides you with methods and exercises for expanding your compositional voice.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-525
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how film composers use an effective musical vocabulary while you expand your own overall knowledge of film, and start seeing films through the lens of a filmmaker.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-662
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how to research and make appropriate choices for films that require music from a culture other than your own.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615

Certificates

Gain the professional credentials and marketable skills you need to succeed in your specific area of the music industry. Certificates range from foundational-skill building to graduate-level. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 3-18 Months
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
Graduate
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Learn to analyze, compose, and stylistically adapt scores for film, while also studying dimensions of music that you can employ to support a narrative.
Advanced Professional
8 Courses · 24 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing eight courses from any interest area.
Advanced Professional
9 Courses · 27 Credits
In this program, you’ll come away with the multifaceted skill set necessary to start or advance your career as a contemporary writer/producer.
Professional
4 Courses · 12 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn a Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing four courses from any interest area.

Degree Programs

Degree programs are the most affordable and flexible option for earning your music degree from Berklee College of Music. They are the best option for students who want a music education degree and the full Berklee experience.

  • Apply for June 24 semester start.
    • Get a decision within 2 weeks
  • Master's Degree: 1-3 Years
    Bachelor's Degree: 2-4 Years
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
36 Credits
Expand your knowledge and skills in four areas critical to advancing a career in the music industry: music business, music production and technology, songwriting, and film scoring.
120 Credits
“Build your own” music major by selecting coursework from a number of disciplines that align with your personal career goals.
45 of 120 Credits
This major is geared specifically for new and entering students who are not yet ready to declare their major.

New! Masterclasses

With Berklee Online’s new Masterclasses, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from Berklee's acclaimed instructors over the course of one live session for only $99.

Get Access to Free Handbooks

Gain access to real course content from Berklee Online's 12-week, instructor-led online courses. From foundational concepts to advanced techniques, these free handbooks cover a variety of topics, all designed to provide you with marketable skills in music.

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