Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Currently recruiting for the season from June 8th, 2026 to August 19th, 2026.
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) is internationally recognized as a premier summer training program for aspiring young musicians (ages 14-20). In the presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), students are immersed in an atmosphere of extraordinary music making fueled by high artistic standards, rigorous programming, and a rich legacy of learning and performance.
Located in the breathtaking heart of the Berkshires, centered in the rolling hills of Western Massachusetts. An hour from Albany, NY.
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Season
- Summer
- Staff size
- 200-250
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- There are a variety of housing spaces available depending on your role. Options include single occupancy dorm-style or shared houses. There are limited spaces for pets in shared housing spaces.
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- Yes
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Some meals / discounts
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Intermittent
About Boston University Tanglewood Institute
At Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI), we offer intensive music classes to young adults for college credit. We are located on 64 acres of rolling green spaces, roughly 1 hour from Albany, NY. In addition, we are surrounded by the culture and arts of the Berkshires. Within a 30-minute drive you can experience world-class performances in theater, dance, and music. You are also steps away from scenic hiking, biking, and camping.
We offer seasonal positions across a variety of departments including Academic Life, Student Life, and Operations. Our fast-paced work environment is creative, and our staff’s energy and teamwork translates to a supportive atmosphere where our students grow in confidence, community, and self. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is reflective of our student body. Come help change the lives of young musicians in a summer you’ll never forget!
The Employee Experience
What to Expect
Personally – You will meet people from all over the country and world who share similar interests and have a desire to spend quality time with young adults. You will test your personal limits and be surprised at what you are capable of doing. You will serve as a role model for young people and you can have a significant impact on their self-esteem and confidence.
Professionally – You will gain experience in the areas of leadership, communication, organization, teamwork, conflict resolution, risk management, and community building. Pre-season training sessions with include information on topics such as First-Aid and CPR response, safety, and working effectively with young adults.
Ideal Candidate
Our staff are essential to our program – they are with our students daily, and they help to lead and guide them through the program. We strive to create a safe and positive work environment that celebrates different skills and experiences. New perspectives contribute to the building of our students’ interpersonal skills, confidence, and independence.
We look for people who provide helpful customer service, will troubleshoot problems, and who will be present, patient, and respectful during developing solutions. Additional desirable qualities include a sense of humor, a commitment to appropriate fun, resilience, stamina, and an appreciation for the healthy development of young adults.
You might be a great fit for a summer at BUTI if you could say yes to the following:
I have an appreciation for music in all its formats.
I like living in a community and enjoy helping others feel welcome.
I can live with and appreciate a break from technology.
I don’t mind getting dirty and I am willing to work hard.
I’m not afraid to ask questions.
I’m willing to share my talents and strengths.
I can take responsibility and care for other people.
I am open and able to listen to the students and help them feel valued.
I enjoy meeting people from all over the world.
I’m looking for new adventures and friendships.
Room and Board
Life in Lenox, MA:
- Employee housing is provided in either dormitory-style living (on-campus) or in shared houses (off-campus).
- Some on-site employee meals are included in your summer (cafeteria-style). Our kitchen staff can accommodate special diets.
- Complementary on-site laundry facility and Wi-Fi on campus are available
- First-Aid/CPR certification training will be provided.
- Staff T-Shirts will be provided.
Employee Perks
Benefits and Perks:
- One (1) complementary pass to the Tanglewood Lawn to view the Boston Symphony Orchestra for the entire summer.
- Employee discounts on retail goods.
- Access to hiking trails, swimming, and maintained campgrounds around the Berkshires.
- Fresh air, breathtaking views, and clear night skies
- World-class artistic zone to explore. Within a twenty-minute drive, you can enjoy Shakespeare in the Park (theater), Jacob's Pillow (dance), the Boston Symphony Orchestra (music), and more.
Getting Here and Getting Around
You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own car for the summer! Most of our staff are local to the Boston area and drive or carpool to Lenox. Others fly into the Albany International Airport (ALB) or take the train or bus to Pittsfield, MA. We can arrange a shuttle from both the Albany airport and the Pittsfield Train/Bus stop for anyone arriving from out of town if it is organized in advance. Parking is available on campus for anyone who would like to bring a car.
Our campus is about a 10-minute walk to the heart of Lenox, where you can easily access shops, farmers markets, food, and snacks. We are also within walking distance to the Tanglewood grounds where you can enjoy the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s performances. If you choose not to bring a vehicle or don't have access to one, there is minimal public transportation to help, and carpooling is common.
For Fun
Here are some highlights of things to do in and around the Lenox, MA area:
- Visit the Tanglewood Grounds and enjoy the Boston Symphony Orchestra!
- Hiking Trials in our own backyard (Mt. Graylock, Mt. Washington, Mt. Lenox)
- Shakespeare in the Park-Theater
- Jacob’s Pillow-Dance
- Norman Rockwell Museum
- Edith Wharton House and Grounds
- Basketball Hall of Fame-Springfield, MA
- Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden-Springfield, MA
- Visit the Chesterwood Estate
- Herman Melville’s Arrowhead House
- Learn at the Berkshire Museum
- Relax in the Berkshire Botanical Garden
- Hike the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Immerse yourself in the Lenox Art Walk
Current Job Openings
Office support—including answering phones and emails, greeting visitors, sorting, copying, and proofreading materials;
On-campus communications support—creating and updating digital and print signage;
Marketing support—social media content creation and special projects;
Media production support—assisting with setup/teardown of audio and video equipment, managing livestream production
Other responsibilities, as assigned.
Adept with use of smart phone photo/video;
Love of social media;
Experience with photo and video editing software;
Familiarity with basic video and audio recording equipment;
Familiarity with livestream technologies;
Strong communication skills.
Exercise initiative to handle situations, often autonomously
Document and report incidents in a timely manner
Communicate with supervisors and teammates regularly
Respond to emergencies
Perform detail-oriented tasks
Perform operational tasks on campus (ex. Distributing mail)
Participate in on-call rotations
Junior class standing in college by September 2026 is required
Live-in residence experience and Residence Life Staff or summer camp experience preferred
Strong understanding of team participation
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software applications may be helpful
Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to drive a vehicle responsibly
Remain alert to surroundings at all times
Monitor access of residents, guests, and staff personnel to the residences and buildings on campus
Enforce the Guest and other University policies when necessary
Notify the proper authorities in an emergency
Maintain general log of events, and communicate any incidents in concise and accurate Incident Report
Patrol the campus at night taking note of any suspicious activity
Provide Student Life Office front desk coverage overnight
Understand all Rules and Regulations of West Street Campus
Work with the BUTI Student Life Staff to sustain a healthy and safe environment
Additional tasks, as assigned
Media Services Internship
MEDIA SERVICES INTERNSHIP
The preferred candidate for the Media Services Internship has an interest in learning about and supporting diverse media production efforts associated with BUTI academic and student life programming. The successful candidate embraces flexibility and change, as the scope of work and assigned tasks will be dictated by the day-to-day, changing needs of the organization. Familiarity with classical music and an interest in arts administration is a plus.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
The ideal candidate has the following qualifications:
Compensation includes stipend, housing, all meals, and a Tanglewood Lawn Pass for the summer.
Resident Assistant
Resident Assistants serve an important role in the educational and social life of students. They are responsible for leading a healthy residence community, acting as resources for the students, providing social opportunities for the community, performing administrative tasks, enforcing institute policies, and assisting student needs. Resident Assistants are expected to know and work with all students in their area of responsibility and to be available and accessible to provide support and assistance on a variety of issues. They communicate compassion and openness and are perceptive listeners in an effort to affect positive change and growth. Resident Assistants assess the needs of the student community and help design, develop, and implement extracurricular programs and activities and meet these needs. They inform students of and enforce rules and regulations in effort to maintain a positive and safe environment.
Resident Assistants must be prepared to:
As members of the BUTI team, these positions are essential to helping bridge the academic focus of students to the aspects of healthy living in a community.
The nature of these positions calls for individuals who are willing to work flexible hours. Unless on scheduled time off, Resident Assistants are expected to be available each day and are required to be present with their residents during the hours students are curfewed (10:30 p.m. - 7 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 p.m. - 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday).
Qualifications
All positions are enjoyable and educational but demanding in terms of the required time and energy a successful candidate must commit. The positions are live-in, and the time staff members function are often dictated by the necessities of the student community rather than by convenience.
Compensation includes weekly salary, living accommodations, daily breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner, and a Tanglewood grounds pass.
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) is recognized internationally as a premier summer training program for aspiring young musicians and is the only program of its kind associated with one of the world’s great symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of distinguished professionals, and in the presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), students are immersed in an atmosphere of extraordinary music making fueled by high artistic standards, rigorous programming, and a rich legacy of learning and performance.
Students are housed in five dormitory-style residences including a turn-of-the-century mansion on a sixty-four-acre campus within walking distance of Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Lenox, Massachusetts (130 miles west of Boston). The residences house up to 260 students and approximately 30 staff members. Other facilities include classrooms, practice sheds, a dining hall, recreational facilities, and a performance theater.
Security Assistant
The nature of this position relies on individuals who are willing to work overnight hours.
Qualifications
Ability to respond autonomously to address Boston University’s concerns for safety and security. Solid communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. Must be in good physical condition and able to walk several miles per night. Appearance must be professional, neat, and adhere to uniform requirements. A teamwork approach to the position is necessary. Ability to successfully pass a background check.
The position is enjoyable but demanding in terms of the required time and energy that a successful candidate must commit. Compensation includes competitive pay, living accommodations, meals on campus, and a Tanglewood Grounds Pass.
Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) is recognized internationally as a premier summer training program for aspiring young musicians and is the only program of its kind associated with one of the world’s great symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of distinguished professionals, and in the presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), students are immersed in an atmosphere of extraordinary music making fueled by high artistic standards, rigorous programming, and a rich legacy of learning and performance.
Student Life Office Coordinator
Responsible for the day-to-day organization and administrative support in the Student Life Office. Works closely with other members of the Student Life management team, resident assistants, members of academic, dining, transportation, security, health services, and custodial staffs.
Front Desk
· Responds to phone, email, and in-person inquiries on campus
· Manages flow of communication, troubleshooting as necessary
· Manages receipt and distribution of incoming mail and packages
· Records all front-desk sales and money transactions
· Prepares daily curfew sheets and tracks student requests to leave overnight or other forms requiring parent permissions
· Maintains professional and friendly environment in the office
Pre-season and training
· Coordinates office supplies and equipment needs
· Manages inventories of merchandise
· Prepares all office documents and permission forms
· Understand role in managing emergency situations
· Become familiar with all positions on or off campus in order to effectively provide positive customer service
· Trains head resident assistants and resident assistants assisting coverage of the front desk
General
· Leads office in maintaining a clean and organized atmosphere
· Attends certain planning sessions and meetings with academic and student life team members
· Responsible for ensuring customer service goals are met
· Additional projects may be assigned
Qualifications
Excellent communication skills required. Completion of undergraduate degree preferred. Experience in an office environment is helpful. Working knowledge of word processing, Microsoft Outlook, spreadsheet, and database software applications is necessary. Attention to detail is essential.
All positions are enjoyable and educational but demanding in terms of the required time and energy a successful candidate must commit. This position may reside off campus.
Compensation includes stipend of $4,000, living accommodations (on or off campus), daily breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner, local telephone service, and a Tanglewood grounds pass.
How to Apply
Make sure we're the right fit! Read through the information on our website, and learn more about the BUTI experience.
Next, follow the link to fill out our online application. From there, we'll contact you for an interview!
Contact Info
- Valerie Williams
- vrw@bu.edu
- www.bu.edu
