The Berkshire Music School gives the gift of a lifetime every time you give! Donations to the annual fund, the capital “Tune-Up,” bequests and scholarships all perpetuate the joy of music. To discuss the many ways of giving on a personal note, please call Executive Director, Tracy Wilson: 413.442.1411, ext 12. Or click here to download donation form.

Annual Fund Categories:

$50-99 Friend

$100-249 Player

$250-499 Section Leader

$500-999 First Chair

$1,000-2,499 Principal

$2,500-9,999 Virtuoso

$10,000-24,999 Maestro’s Circle

$25,000 & above Founder’s Society

Annual and Endowed Scholarship Opportunities
Every year the Berkshire Music School provides financial assistance through need-based and merit scholarships. Please consider making a lasting legacy to enable a student to study music with a highly qualified instructor in a nurturing environment.

Annual Named Scholarship – $500 – $1,000
A one-time contribution for $500 up to $1,000 will provide partial financial assistance for a student to take a full year of private lessons. This scholarship can be named for departed loved one, a foundation, or group.

Half Endowed Named Scholarship – $20,000
A contribution of $20,000 will establish a scholarship, in perpetuity, for 50% of one full year of study. This scholarship can be named for departed loved one, a foundation, or group.

Fully Endowed Named Scholarship – $40,000
A contribution of $40,000 will establish a scholarship in perpetuity for one full year of private music lessons. This scholarship can be named for departed loved one, a foundation, or group.

Jacqueline Doucette earned praise from Berkshire Eagle critic Richard Houdek for “demonstrated supreme poise” in her vocal numbers with Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble. She sang “How High the Moon” and “Summertime.” A BMS voice student of Jack Brown, the Pittsfield High School Junior is the daughter of Michelle and Paul Doucette.

BMS alumni joining the Berkshires Jazz Youth Ensemble for the festival included: Alfred Brewer, trombone; Will Demick, tenor sax; and Andrew Smith, percussion.

Another highlight of the festival involved a guitar masterclass with the noted Frank Vignola at the Berkshire Music School October 15. Fourteen enthusiasts of advanced to intermediate levels participated, along with an audience of observers. Hailed as one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional guitarists “walking the planet today,” composer and improviser Vignola plays proficiently in every genre, from jazz to bluegrass. He has worked with top musicians worldwide, recording with Donald Fagen, jamming with David Grisman, and acting as Les Paul’s right-hand man.

Students are coached on phrasing, style, technique, stage presence and performance. They learn how to choose appropriate music and keys. Both levels will present a cabaret the last week of class.

Level I/II: Made up of adults with varying degrees of experience and ability. For new students.

Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Limit 10
Fee: $300/10 weeks

Level III: Prerequisites are the completion of Level I/II and the passing of a vocal audition. Performance opportunities available.

Mondays 7:45-9:30 pm. Limit 8
Fee: $350/10 weeks

1st term: starting October 19
2nd term: starting February 22

Great Composers, Class I with Charles Marshall – In Great Composers, Class I, students ages 9 – 12 study the lives and music of many great composers through listening, lectures, and performance. Composers include Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Joplin and more.

Mondays, 4 – 5 pm, starting September 21
Fee: $125/17 weeks. Includes a workbook.

• Flute, guitar – $180
• Violin, viola, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, sax, French horn – $230
• Double bass, bassoon, cello – $260

* New Programs!

BMS Orchestra with Norman Thibodeau, coach/conductor – Community musicians are invited to join BMS students to perform expanded chamber repertoire. Members of the Stockbridge Sinfonia who participate for free serve as section mentors. Students are encouraged to consult their teachers to determine their readiness for this ensemble. Ages 10 – adult.

Tuesdays, 5:15 – 6:45 pm;
Fee: $60 BMS students; $100 Non BMS students/10 weeks.
1st term: starting October 6
2nd term: starting February 2

The orchestra is supported in part by the Gia Cox Caird Scholarship Fund and the Savery Family.

Jazz Ensemble with Bill Chapman – Learn the art of jazz! Sessions will include theory, ear training, solo improvisation, and ensemble playing.

Mondays, 4:30 – 5:45 pm
Fee: $200/10 weeks
1st term: starting September 21
2nd term: starting February 22

Berkshire Music School Ensembles – Professionally coached ensembles! Weekly sessions starting September 21;
Fee: $180. Choice of fifteen 60-minute, or ten 90-minute sessions.

Flute Choir – For mid-level to advanced players of all ages on piccolo, c flute, alto & bass flute; with Sharon Powers.

Guitar Ensemble – For mid-level players of all ages; with Suzanne Higgins.

Cello Tones – For mid-level players of all ages; with Erica Pickhardt.

String Ensemble – Both adult and student levels, from beginner to advanced; with Bing Liu.

Mixed Notes – Combination of unique instruments, for mid-level players of all ages; with Alice Spatz.