Applications are now open for the third edition of the Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, a unique musical intensive taking place in Essaouira, Morocco, from June 22 to June 27, 2026. The program, designed for professional and semi-professional musicians, offers an immersive experience ahead of the 27th annual Gnaoua and World Music Festival. This collaboration between Berklee College of Music and the Gnaoua Festival provides a platform for artistic growth and intercultural dialogue.
The six-day intensive will be held under the academic direction of Leo Blanco, a piano professor and expert in African music studies at Berklee. The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Listening with a Global Ear – Playing with a Global Concept,” encouraging participants to broaden their musical perspectives. Musicians aged 18 and over, representing a variety of genres and backgrounds, are encouraged to apply. The program aims to support artists seeking to “deepen their practice in a context of demanding intercultural dialogue,” according to organizers.
Program Details and Eligibility
Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival welcomes instrumentalists and vocalists from diverse musical traditions, including classical, Gnaoua, jazz, pop, rock, and contemporary styles. The intensive is designed for musicians at various stages in their careers, offering a space for exploration and collaboration. The application deadline is April 20, 2026. Interested musicians can find more information and submit their applications through the Berklee website.
The program’s faculty includes Fernando Huergo (bass professor), Nadia Washington (ear training professor), Jason Camelio (Berklee Global’s associate vice president), and Bri Tagliaferro (associate director of partnerships and international programs). This experienced team will guide participants through workshops, performances, and opportunities for global musical exchange.
A Growing Tradition of Musical Exchange
Since its inception in 2024, the Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival program has attracted 118 musicians from 30 countries, including 29 Moroccan artists. Participants have come from across Africa – including Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Zambia – as well as Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The program’s success highlights the growing demand for intercultural musical experiences and the power of collaboration.
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival itself is an iconic annual event in Essaouira, drawing music enthusiasts from around the globe. The 2026 festival will run concurrently with the Berklee intensive, creating a vibrant atmosphere for musical discovery and celebration. The announcement from the Gnaoua Festival and Berklee College of Music underscores their commitment to fostering musical innovation and cultural understanding.
This year’s program builds on the momentum of previous editions, offering a valuable opportunity for musicians to refine their skills and connect with a diverse community of artists. As Morocco World News reported on March 12, 2026, the festival is expected to bring together a wide range of world music enthusiasts.
The Berklee music intensive represents a significant investment in the future of global music, providing a space for artists to explore new sounds, challenge their perspectives, and build lasting connections. With applications now open, musicians are encouraged to seize this opportunity to participate in a truly transformative experience.
As the program continues to evolve, it promises to further strengthen the ties between Berklee College of Music and the vibrant musical traditions of Morocco and beyond. The upcoming edition is poised to be another landmark event in the ongoing celebration of Gnaoua music and global artistic collaboration.
What are your thoughts on the importance of intercultural musical exchange programs? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this exciting opportunity!
