US music college Berklee to hold first-ever admission auditions in Vietnam

Previously, Vietnamese students had to travel to Singapore or Japan to audition for the prestigious U.S. music school.

Daniel Abussi, Berklee's vice director of admissions, said at an event in Hanoi on Tuesday that the growing number of Vietnamese students applying over the past five to six years emphasized Vietnam's potential as an emerging market. Major music labels, including Warner Music and Universal, have already established offices in the country, he added.

Founded in 1945, the Berklee College of Music is renowned for its focus on contemporary music and performance arts. With around 7,500 students from 103 countries and territories, it ranks as one of the world's top music schools, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Vietnamese musicians, such as saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan, have been attending Berklee since the 1990s.

Applicants to Berklee are required to submit grade records and foreign language certificates, among other documents. The application fee is $150, but no essays or standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are required.

Abussi stressed that the audition is the most crucial part of the application process, as it determines scholarship eligibility. Each year, Berklee allocates $110 million in scholarships to its students.

The audition process is divided into four sections. Applicants begin with a 15-minute warm-up session, where they are free to perform any activity that helps them relax, such as singing or playing an instrument. This is followed by a 3-5 minute prepared performance in front of two judges, either solo or accompanied by friends, family or a band. Abussi said applicants are free to perform in any language or style to showcase their talents.

Next is the improvisation segment, where applicants join the judges in a collaborative music-making session. Abussi said this is a typical activity at Berklee, designed to assess whether the student is a good fit for the school and vice versa.

The final section involves sight-reading and ear training, where applicants are asked to reproduce sounds based on the judges' instructions. Abussi assured that even those without formal musical training can apply, as Berklee is more interested in students with potential for growth than in polished professionals.

Following the audition, applicants will undergo a 15-minute interview. Abussi recommended that candidates prepare by researching the school’s website and crafting a personal introduction.