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Berklee Campus Event Recordings

a guide to campus event recordings and related policies

Campus Event Recordings Available from the Berklee Libraries

What we have:

The Berklee Libraries hold a variety of campus event recordings in myriad audio and video formats, including analog, optical, and streaming formats. 

Boston Conservatory recordings date from the 1960s through the present day, with coverage greatest from the 1990s forward.  

Berklee College of Music recordings date from 1950s through the present day, with coverage greatest from 2012 forward. Most recordings are Berklee Performance Center (BPC) or Cafe 939 events; 1A Berk Recital Hall, 1W Colvin Hall, and David Friend Hall recordings are not comprehensive.  

Not every campus event is recorded, but the most commonly available event recordings include: 

  • Annual commencement concerts and ceremonies

  • Clinics, concerts, and special events

  • Master classes and lectures

  • Student performances

  • Faculty and student projects

How to find and view recordings 

Berklee campus event recordings are deposited in the Berklee Archives for permanent preservation. Therefore, with some exceptions, most access is facilitated and mediated by Berklee Archives via onsite viewing appointments or online streaming platform. 

There is currently no singular inventory for Berklee holdings of event recordings. To explore all available collections and resources, see Where to Search. 

Please note that while an event recording may be inventoried or cataloged, it may not be available to view due to rights restrictions or format obsolescence. Please consult our Access and Distribution Policies for information on what we can make available. 


For Boston Conservatory recordings: Most recordings are searchable in the Albert Alphin Library catalog.

  • Extant recordings from 2016 to present, as well as earlier events by request, are accessible via a streaming link in an item's Alphin Library catalog record. Access is limited to the Berklee community with a OnePass login. NOTE: Due to the volume of events, there is frequently a delay of one (1) semester between the event and when it is available. Gaps may also exist in this collection due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

  • Most extant recordings between 1999 and 2015 are available to view/listen on CD (1999-2015) or DVD (2004-2015) through the Albert Alphin Library, at designated viewing/listening stations. On-campus patrons can request a viewing/listening appointment at the Alphin Library.

  • Recordings on optical media, VHS, and older formats may be digitized for streaming access upon request, but may not be accessible due to material fragility or other restrictions. 

  • All requests for digital access and/or personal copies should be submitted with this form. Important: Requests for personal copies must be approved by Division chairs and are approved only in very limited circumstances. Approved requests require a signed release form. 

For Berklee College of Music recordings: Many recordings are searchable in the Stan Getz Library catalog, but others are indexed in Berklee Archives finding aids. 

  • Extant recordings 2019-present are available to the Berklee community to stream online (Berklee OnePass login required) via the item's catalog record. NOTE: Due to the volume of events, there is frequently a delay of one (1) semester between the event and when it is available. Gaps may also exist in this collection due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

  • Recordings on optical media, VHS, and older formats may be digitized for streaming access upon request, but may not be accessible due to material fragility or other restrictions. 

  • Any patron may schedule a viewing/listening appointment in the Berklee Archives for items in the catalog available on CD/DVD. 

  • All requests for digital access and/or personal copies should be submitted with this form. Requests for personal copies can be submitted only by event participants and require a release form. 

 

To request an appointment or for more information, contact the Archives at archives@berklee.edu. Please allow two (2) weeks to process your request, as most recordings are stored offsite, and recordings on obsolete formats may need additional processing time to digitize on demand. Some formats may not be viable for transfer due to material fragility or availability for playback equipment. Additional restrictions may apply.