Bass

Become a Better Bassist with Berklee

Develop your skills in all genres: funk, R&B, rock, or jazz, and learn the techniques you need to hold down any ensemble with the four T-words: timing, tonality, timbre, and taste.

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
OPERF-110
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate 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.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OBASS-130
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate 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.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OBASS-231
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Gain the foundation, technique, and vocabulary necessary to construct and improvise bass lines in a variety of rock and blues-based music styles.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OBASS-234
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
With slap bass being an essential electric bass tool, learn the fundamentals of slap from traditional to modern technique and how to build your own slap lines.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OPERF-312
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn the art of jazz improvisation from Gary Burton, one of the most renowned improvisers in the jazz world.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OBASS-332
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate 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.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OBASS-333
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate 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.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290

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
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.
Professional
5 Courses · 15 Credits
Gain performance skills and learn concepts such as time, harmony, tonality, timbre, and groove, plus compositional techniques such as tritones and pedal points.
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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