Nation’s Largest Community Music School Expands Contemporary Music Opportunities Through Partnership with Berklee College of Music
MacPhail Center for Music is proud to announce that it has joined the Berklee City Music® Network, a global network of community music organizations founded by Berklee College of Music, based in Boston, to expand access to contemporary music education for young musicians around the world.
The Berklee City Music® Network includes more than 40 organizations across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, all sharing curricula, methodologies, and educational approaches rooted in Berklee’s contemporary music education philosophy. MacPhail becomes the largest community music school in the network, further strengthening its commitment to innovative, student-centered music education.
The partnership builds on MacPhail’s recently launched Contemporary Music Program (CMP), which expands opportunities for students interested in songwriting, music production, electronic music, contemporary performance styles, and collaborative music-making.
“Joining the Berklee City Music Network represents an exciting next step for MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program and our commitment to meeting students where they are musically,” said Paul Babcock, CEO of MacPhail Center for Music. “This partnership connects our students and faculty to a globally respected network centered around contemporary music, creativity, collaboration, and culturally relevant learning experiences. We are thrilled to bring these opportunities to our community.”
Through the partnership, MacPhail students and faculty will gain access to Berklee PULSE®, Berklee’s interactive online music education platform featuring contemporary music curriculum, popular music study modules, and creative music-making tools. The network also provides professional development opportunities for faculty and scholarship pathways for eligible students to programs including Berklee Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive.
“Contemporary music is an important entry point for many students today,” said Babcock. “This partnership allows MacPhail to deepen those experiences while connecting students to an international community of contemporary musicians, educators, and collaborators.”
MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program launched in 2025 as part of the organization’s broader commitment to expanding pathways for students of all backgrounds, interests, and experience levels. The program complements MacPhail’s longstanding tradition of excellence in classical, jazz, early childhood, and community music education while reflecting the evolving ways students engage with music today.
About Berklee City Music® Network
Berklee City Music® Network is a consortium of over 40 community organizations across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America that leverages the power of contemporary music to empower youth from under-resourced communities. Students benefit from the Berklee PULSE® online music method, scholarship opportunities, expert mentoring, and a comprehensive curriculum that supports well-rounded development.