Course Content
To ensure the best performance out of the lessons, please download and install the latest version of your browser. Here are update links for Internet Explorer for PC and Safari for PC/Mac. We highly recommend not using Internet Explorer 7 as it has been unstable with our website. You can download version 8 for XP or 9 for Vista/7 below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx
http://www.apple.com/safari
If you are still having trouble, try an alternate browser such as Firefox: http://www.getfirefox.com
Also, to get the best performance out of the interactive videos and animations, you will need the latest versions of Adobe Flash Player and Apple Quicktime installed:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime
http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
Trouble Accessing Your Course
If you are having trouble accessing your course through your MyHome page you may need to reset your web browser. To reset your browser please follow the steps outlined within this pdf file.
Obtaining Course Materials/Shipping Address/YouSendIt.com
If a shipping address was not entered in your course order and you need us to send you materials, you can enter your address by logging into your My Home page at Berkleemusic.com and clicking on the Edit Shipping Info link. We will then send you any materials included in your order about two weeks before your course begins.
To obtain materials not included in your order, log into your My Home page and select the Required Course Materials link. This page will list all of the materials that you will need to purchase separately.
For some of our production courses, we use YouSendIt.com to directly e-mail necessary exercise files and recording sessions. It is recommended that you download these files as soon as you receive the email before the link expires.
Computer/Gear Requirements and Recommendations
For courses involving recording of assignments, Mac computers are recommended but are not required. We suggest reading the course requirements page for your course so you are aware of any gear or software that you may need to purchase ahead of time.
If your course requires an audio interface or MIDI keyboard controller, we suggest products made by M-Audio, Digidesign, Presonus, and Korg. Here are links to their websites for more information:
Posting/Uploading Assignments
- When you are ready to submit your assignment, click the “Post” button.
- Scroll to the bottom of the next page and type a subject for your post in the “Subject” box.
- Type your response in the “Message” box.
- If you need to add a file to your post, click “Browse” or “Choose File” (depending on your browser) below the “Message” box. Then, locate the file on your computer that you wish to attach, select it, and click “Open” or “Choose.” Your file will now be attached to your post.
- You may click “Add another file” if you need to attach more than one file. Click the second “Browse” or “Choose File” button below the “Message” box. Then, locate the file on your computer that you wish to attach, select it, and click “Open” or “Choose.” Your second file will now be attached to your post.
- Click “Preview” to see how your message looks, or simply click “Post” to submit your work.
- Note that if you need to make another post within the same activity, the “Post” button will no longer appear. Instead, click your initial post at the bottom of the activity page and then click “Reply” to add additional content or to resubmit your assignment.
Chat Room Function
To use the chat room function you will need the WebEx chat application. For more information simply click the "Chat" tab within your course page then click "Help With Chat."
If you are experiencing issues connecting to the chat room and you are on a wireless network or using a router try connecting directly into your modem. Please also try disabling any firewalls and pop-up blockers that might be blocking you out of the chat room. If you are connecting from a place of business, school, library, etc please check with their IT department to inquire about possible website restrictions that could be preventing you from accessing the chat room.
File Formats
Here is a list of file extensions and explanations on what they are.
- .doc
- This is the standard Microsoft Word format.
- .rtf
- Rich Text Format. Another word processing format that maintains compatibility and spacing when opened in text programs other than Word. It is very useful when creating or viewing tables.
- .zip
- Standard compression file that “compresses” larger files into smaller sizes. Useful for submitting entire recording sessions with included audio files.
- .sitx
- Another form of a compressed file used by Mac’s Stuffit program.
- .mus
- Finale score. These are opened by the arranging software Finale and Finale NotePad.
- .mp3
- Compressed audio file. This is the file format to be used when submitting recording assignments done in Audacity or any other recording software that you may be using.
How do I download an MP3 file?
Click the MP3 link to stream the file within your Internet browser. To download the MP3, either right-click your mouse (PC) or hold the control key and click your mouse (Mac) and select “Save Target as…” from the drop-down menu. Depending on your Web browser, this function may instead say “Download File as…,” “Save Link as…,” “Download Link as…,” etc. Please make sure you that you are posting your assignment file in MP3 format.
PC Users: What should I do if I'm having problems with Audacity?
If you are using Audacity to record your assignments, please download and view these two Quicktime videos for step-by-step instructions by right-clicking on the link below and choosing the save or download option. Double click on the saved file to open it within Quicktime.
Audacity Video Part 1
Audacity Video Part 2
To view these videos you must have Quicktime player installed. To download Quicktime player please visit this site: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
If you wish to resize the player window in Quicktime, at the top menu click “View” then select “Half Size.”
Mac Users: What should I do if I'm having problems with GarageBand?
If you are using GarageBand to record your assignments, please download and view this Quicktime video for step-by-step instructions by holding the Control key on your keyboard, click on the link below and choose the save or download option. Double click on the saved file to open it within Quicktime.
To view these videos you must have Quicktime player installed. To download Quicktime player please visit this site: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/
If you wish to resize the player window in Quicktime, at the top menu click “View” then select “Half Size.”
Contact Us
If you have any other service/tech related questions that have not been addressed here please e-mail service@berkleemusic.com or call 617-747-2146 ext 3 M-F 9am-5pm EST/EDT.
Sometimes it is easier for us to see what is happening on your computer. Adobe's screensharing technology allows us to do just that! To set up a screensharing session with our customer service team give us a call and we'll be happy to assist you.
