The Master Certificate in Arranging features Berkleemusic’s most advanced and in-depth Arranging curriculum. You’ll build the strong foundation and gain the vital tools you’ll need to become an accomplished arranger, across a variety of genres, instruments, and styles.

Beginning with Arranging 1: Rhythm Section, you’ll learn how to write for the rhythm section (drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards) and create killer arrangements that really groove. This course directs you on everything you'll need to create an effective arrangement—including rhythm section notation, adaptation of the melody and chords, intro's and endings, articulations and dynamics, and how to create an emotional contour throughout the arrangement.

In Arranging: Small Ensemble and Horns, you’ll further develop your writing and arranging skills for smaller bands and larger ensembles and learn techniques that can be applied to both live instrumentation or sequenced/sampled sounds. You’ll explore the properties of the horn section—including the trumpet, trombone, and alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones—and study techniques and melodic embellishments that will give you a basic understanding of writing/arranging for these instruments.

Next, you’ll apply these foundational skills to the program’s third course, Arranging: Contemporary Styles. In this course, you'll learn to create and apply your own grooves and style mixes to your arrangements with the same techniques used by many successful contemporary artists and producers in a number of styles, including rock, pop, soul, R&B, Brazilian, Afro Cuban, funk, and hip-hop.

You’ll then move onto Arranging: Advanced Horn Writing, where you’ll learn more advanced arranging techniques for the rhythm section and horn section. You'll learn unison, 2, 3, 4, and 5-part writing, and study techniques for voicing chords, orchestration, articulations, and background lines. You'll also learn advanced topics of harmony, such as tension substitutions and lower interval limits, knowledge that you can use to create more expressive and captivating music for both live instrumentation or sequenced/sampled sounds.

You’ll conclude this certificate program with Arranging: Woodwinds and Strings, the most advanced arranging course offered by Berkleemusic. Throughout the course, you'll gain a true understanding of the sound and personality of woodwind and string instruments, exploring the fundamental properties of each instrument or group of instruments—its extreme range, practical or useable range, and inherent idiosyncrasies. You’ll also learn how to apply this information to actual songs, arrangements, and compositions—and in a variety of commercial music settings, such as television and film.

After completing the program’s core course work, you’ll choose three electives to steer your studies in your own direction. You’ll choose from courses covering a wide array of topics, including foundational theory, production, and songwriting. You’ll gain the flexibility and knowledge necessary to create dynamic arrangements and become the kind of musician you want to be.