You are already enrolled in this certificate program. If you'd like to enroll in an additional certificate program, please return to the certificate program catalog page, choose the program you are interested in, and begin the enrollment process.

You are currently enrolled in another certificate program. If you'd like to enroll in an additional program, please continue with the enrollment process.

If you would like to upgrade your certificate program (For example: from a Professional program to an Advanced Professional program), please discontinue the enrollment process and contact our Berklee Online Registrar's Office at registrar@online.berklee.edu. For any other questions on the enrollment process, please call our service department at 617.747.2146.

Professional Certificate

Bass

Develop your sound, technique, and groove across multiple genres in this Bass certificate program. Explore foundational concepts in time, tone, harmony, and improvisation while studying bass performance styles in rock, jazz, and R&B. Through hands-on performance, transcription, and stylistic analysis, you’ll gain the tools to create expressive, professional bass lines that lock in rhythmically and elevate any ensemble.

Level
Professional
Modality
Online
Courses
5 (15 Credits)
($1,575 per course)
Tuition
$7,875
($7,088 single payment)
Semester Starts
Jan 12, 2026
Accreditation
NECHE

What You'll Learn

  • To perform bass lines with stylistic authenticity across genres such as rock, jazz, R&B, and funk
  • To strengthen time feel, tone, and groove through practical exercises in rhythm, harmony, and articulation
  • To improvise and compose bass parts using scales, chord tones, and techniques such as tritones, pedal points, and chromatic approaches
  • To interpret and emulate the phrasing and performance techniques of influential bassists while developing your own distinctive style

Course Requirements

5 Courses to Complete this Certificate

  • Bass Performance 101 (OBASS-130 • Level 1 Course)

    Study the music of famous electric and acoustic bass players, and learn to create and perform your own unique bass lines in a variety of different styles.

  • Rock Bass (OBASS-231 • Level 2 Course)

    Gain the foundation, technique, and vocabulary necessary to construct and improvise bass lines in a variety of rock and blues-based music styles.

  • R&B Bass (OBASS-333 • Level 3 Course)

    Learn to play R&B bass in the style of the masters and expand your bass playing in the context of a professional, live music performance or recording session.

  • Jazz Bass (OBASS-332 • Level 3 Course)

    Gain the tools you need to improvise jazz bass lines by learning to recognize common chord progressions in standards and studying works by the greats.

  • Basic Improvisation (OPERF-110 • Level 1 Course)

    Learn an approach to improvisation that applies to all styles and instruments by studying legendary players and finding your own style by learning to develop solos on the fly.

Upon Completion of this Certificate Program, You'll Receive:

  • Professional credential from the world leader in music education
  • Credits that may be eligible for transfer toward a Bachelor's degree program
  • A physical certificate from Berklee College of Music
  • A verified, digital certificate that you can share

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.