1. BERKLEE IN NIGERIA: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program
The Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program is a four-day program that brings the Berklee teaching methodology to the vibrant, impactful, and influential Nigerian music environment. Program participants will be immersed in the Berklee professional musicianship experience and will connect with artistic and industry leaders in the West African music marketplace through the expertise of artistic advisor Tiwa Savage ’07, a Berklee alumna and world-renowned artist.
This program is designed to provide students with an integrated experience that highlights the interconnection of all aspects of professional musicianship, including performance, songwriting, production, and music business.
- WHEN/HOW DO I APPLY?
Applications for the Berklee in Nigeria program will open on February 24th, 2026.
Candidates must submit an online application form and at least one video link. Video(s) must be two to three minutes, and must specifically feature your performance skills and musicianship, recorded within the last six months. Videos must be publicly accessible on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive.
- AM I ELIGIBLE?
Participants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program, and must have been playing their instruments (including vocalists) for a minimum of one year to attend the program. This program is designed for emerging musicians seeking to advance their musical knowledge and performance skills.
All accepted participants must be able to travel to Lagos, Nigeria for the duration of the program and cover their travel costs.
4. IMPORTANT DATES
- Application Opens: February 24th, 2026
- Application Closes: March 20, 2026
- Lagos Event Dates: April 23–26, 20
- WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
There is no tuition fee to attend the program, all accepted participants will attend the program at no cost. Participants are responsible for their own housing, travel arrangements, meals, and other related expenses.
- WHAT IS THE PROGRAM LIKE?
Participants will attend and participate in a series of lectures, workshops, and ensembles that will expose them to a range of topics to elevate their overall professional musicianship skills. You will work in a helpful, noncritical environment with faculty who are world-renowned artists/educators. Classes may include:
Building Your Creative Vocabulary
- Surveying of styles, rhythmic feel, and groove
- Applying harmony and chord scales, and using them as a writer and performer
- Applying approaches for vocal and instrumental improvisation
- Instrumental/Vocal Techniques for Emerging Musicians
Optimizing your individual practice
- Advancing your creative problem solving as a performing musician
- Preparing for the show or recording session
- Stage Performance Workshop
Creating an engaging performance
- Optimizing your rehearsal time
- Bringing your show to the stage
- Professional Musicianship Lectures
Developing a professional musician's business toolkit—musician as a business
- Developing your recording techniques
- Special guest artists
- Ensembles
All program participants will be assigned one ensemble and will perform in a final program showcase.
7. WHAT IS THE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The program will take place over four consecutive days, and will generally run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8. WHO ARE THE PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS
2026 Faculty To Be Announced
9. WHERE IS THE PROGRAM LOCATED
The program will be held in Lagos, Nigeria. Exact program locations will be shared with accepted students in pre-program communications.
10. WHERE WILL I STAY?
Participants are required to make their own housing and travel arrangements.
11. Media Notes – Please Avoid Commenting On: (Internal Use Only)
- Unconfirmed brand partnerships
- Financial details or investment amounts
- Artist collaborations or showcases not yet announced