Clive Davis Institute x Berlin: Future Pop Music Studies
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Clive Davis Institute x Berlin Program
The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music has created a unique and groundbreaking study abroad program that focuses on pop music experimentalism and the avant-garde. This program is designed to push the envelope and consider the future of music production, business, technology, and emergent media, performance, songwriting, and journalism.
Program Overview
The program is currently experiencing a major renaissance, with Berlin being a historic world capital and an electrifying cultural center for artistic creativity. The city has long been an inspirational haven for artists from all over the world, and in the aftermath of its 20th-century political turbulence and upheaval, Berlin boasts relatively affordable rent and a vibrant nightlife scene featuring world-class clubs like Berghain and Tresor.
Curriculum
Students must enroll in core program courses, as well as additional complementary liberal arts or elective courses, in order to complete a full-time, 16-credit semester. The required courses include:
- German Language (4-6 units)
- Conversations in the Global Music Business: Learning from the Past and Forging the Future (2 units)
- A music history/writing course, which may be either Popular Music in Germany (2 units) or Classic Albums: The Berlin/Germany Edition (2 units)
Elective Courses
In addition to the required courses, students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including:
- Creative Experiments with Emerging Music Technologies (2 units)
- Experiments in the Future of Producing (2 units)
- Experiments in the Future of Performing (2 units)
- Music Tech Explorations in Berlin and Beyond (2 units)
- Experiential Learning Seminar (4 units)
Program Focus Areas
The program offers several focus areas, including:
- Business Focus
- Production Focus
- Performance/Songwriting Focus
- Technology Focus
- Journalist Focus
Program Dates and Expenses
The program dates and expenses are as follows:
- Fall 2026 tuition rates: TBA
- Academic Year Full-time Tuition, 12-18 unit flat rate per term: $31,398
- Additional fees include:
- Nonrefundable Registration and Services Fee
- NYU Housing: Visit the NYU Berlin website for options and costs
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are opportunities for financial assistance to study abroad. For information about scholarships and financial aid, please review the Tisch Scholarships and Financial Aid for Study Abroad page and the NYU Study Away Costs and Financial Aid page.
Housing
Visit the NYU Berlin website for housing options and descriptions.
Events and News
The program also features various events and news, including:
- StoryLab: The Cinematic Screenwriting Experience for High School Students
- Media Producing Student Paul Michael Bloodgood Wins Lone Star EMMY Award
- Media Producing Student Paul Michael Bloodgood Nominated for Lone Star Chapter Emmy Awards
- Spotlight on Dr. Rashad: From the Classroom to the Camera
Conclusion
The Clive Davis Institute x Berlin Program is a unique and groundbreaking study abroad program that offers students the opportunity to explore the future of music production, business, technology, and emergent media, performance, songwriting, and journalism in one of the world's most vibrant and creative cities. With its diverse range of courses, focus areas, and program dates, this program is an ideal choice for students looking to take their music education to the next level.
