Aspiring Bassist Shooting for Berklee - Do I Have a Shot?

[MadModBassist]

Hey all; long time no see! Well, it's not like you've seen me, but I've been registered on these forums for some time. I forum hop too much to stay dedicated to one for too long, thus I kind of strayed away from here. But, as a bassist in the midst of many other bassists, I feel this place should be a second home I come back to whenever I need help or reassurance

Well, as the title says, I am an aspiring bassist shooting for the stars over at Berklee College of Music. I've been playing stringed instruments in general for almost 8 years, bass specifically for about 4-5 of those. Now that it's time to grow up and figure out what I really want to do for the rest of my time on this globe, I think I've finally settled on my ambitions in music. I want to play for and with other people, for the world to hear and understand things the way I do. I feel Berklee is the perfect place for me to go where I can be surrounded with music and musicians wishing to make it like me

That said, I wanted to offer the piece I plan on performing for the judges when my audition comes around (need to finish the application process and then I will be assigned an audition date, most likely in the early stages of winter). Here's the song I believe I will perform for the judges.
WARNING: It requires a VERY open mind and most likely headphones to truly get what I'm doing, but I trust the bassists here will manage

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Intro (Alex S. Glitch Remix) - Bass Cover - YouTube

I plan on doing this arrangement almost exactly as it is recorded. I chose this song for the following reasons:

1. It's crazy enough to work.
2. It lacks a true bass track, something specifically mentioned in the audition guidelines.
2.5 Thus, it displays my true ability as a bassist by hand-crafting my own licks.
3. It showcases a wide variety of my bass talents and techniques.
4. It definitely shows room for improvement and expansion upon what I already have.

What do you guys think? I'm hoping that by sharing this cover I did, I will receive feedback containing constructive criticisms on ideas and techniques I could pursue to better ensure a successful audition. I didn't mention it at first, but I can only go to Berklee if I get a full ride (the Presidential). Do you guys believe in me? Is anyone familiar with the audition process and would be able to give me a thumbs up or down?

I really just want some feedback on what I could add or subtract to enhance my performance. My goals going into the audition are to come off as innovative, skillful, unique, and teachable. I wish to attend Berklee so that I may further myself as a musician and receive proper training in my principal instrument. If I were to audition with this, do you believe I would have the opportunity to do so?

I've been rambling again, haven't I? Sorry about that; it tends to happen (I blame all the Allman Brothers with which I grew up!) Anyway, it is my desire to receive some positive feedback and constructive criticism on my choices. Thanks for reading this garbled mess of text

For the those wishing to read up on the requirements/guidelines, here's the link to the audition process.

[Thane]

Berklee student here, as far as track selection goes, if you can pull off musically go for it. It honestly doesn't matter so much what you chose to play, as long as you can pull it off confidently. Variety and doing some stuff against the mold is good, I decided to go the way of some intricate Jamerson work for my audition over some Jaco stuff for the simple fact that everyone else was doing it.

Remember though that you get literally 10 minutes to audition, not just for entrance but for scholarships. Entrance isn't exactly the hardest thing, it's just qualifying or scholarships, it's expensive, I wouldn't be here without them.

If you can cut down the arrangement and also add another short song it'd help. Maybe some walking, some soloing, maybe another transcription. They will also be testing you on reading if you can, call and response, repeating things by ear, and just overall musicality.

[MadModBassist]

Perfect, someone actually there already :O How do you like it so far? I know that's the most general question ever, but I have to ask XD

Yeah, for sure -_-; Are you paying any out of pocket? If so, may I ask how much? I have literally $0 out of pocket and from family so it's incredibly tough for me to go anywhere (even with a 4.0 X-x) Any scholarships you'd recommend pursuing or ideas on how to generate the funds necessary?

Ah, I was hoping you wouldn't say that XD I'd really like to keep that song as my one and only, but perhaps I could cut the verse in half as well as a chunk of the ending. Hell, I could probably ask the DJ himself to help me with that one! Any suggestions for a short song then? Early Chili Peppers immediately jumped into my mind but I'm not sure if that'd really be a showcase of true and unique talent...
I can do reading... not gonna say I can do it well but I can read XD I feel somewhat confident in that department but know I should prepare more and more for it before the day of my audition arrives.

[R Baer]

Thought the piece was pretty cool, but I would be careful with those long pauses with no playing going on. What seems like just a few seconds in your bedroom, is going to seem like an eternity standing up there in front of a panel of people watching you. Maybe throw in some cool slap part, or harmonic playing there.

[MadModBassist]

Glad you mentioned that; I already have a harmonic part in there at the end (if I'm understanding the part about which you're talking) though I was thinking of moving that a bit earlier and replacing it with ascending triplet runs up the D major scale. Savvy? Lol. Thanks for the tip though! I am definitely familiar with pauses appearing longer than they actually are when in front of crowds, being a thespian for several years. I'll definitely consider adding some more to it then

[TimXSweeney]

Another Berklee student here. As all have said great piece but it is way too long and honestly I don't think you are doing enough it is to justify it as an audition piece. It is WAY too long. The ideal audition piece is no more than 2 minutes and you should feature many different skills ie comping, soloing, walking. I really recommend leaning towards a jazz tune.
As far as the presidential scholarship, I know 3 people who have them and all three had alba and had toured extensively before coming to Berklee. That scholarship is generally reserved for the already professionals that want to study at Berklee. That being said, other scholarships are available and I had a similar background as you financially. If you really want it to play music the rest of your life then this is the place for you and where there is a will there is a way!

Now go practice!!!

-Tim
If you want to talk in greater detail private message me.

[Freddels]

Honestly, I don't see/hear anything special that would make Berklee want to give you a full ride. As it was stated in a previous response, the full ride scholarship is for those that are already at a pro level (have won jazz competitions, top players in their area, etc.). Basically, for the people that really don't need Berklee. They offer that scholarship b/c they want a particular person (not necessarily the other way around) as they are competing with other music schools to get the best students.

It's sort of like big football universities that offer big scholarships to top players. They don't offer full ride scholarships to kids that have never really played organized football before. What's your experience?

Now, how's your sight reading? Can you play all you scales and arpeggios (in all keys and in different positions)?

Can you play jazz?

and most important . . . Why do you want to go to college for music? Why Berklee?

Here's a link to the 2009-2010 Presidential Scholarship recipients. Look at their accomplishments and compare if you have the same/similar experience. BERKLEE | Berklee News | 2009-2010 Presidential Scholars

All this might just mean that you have a lot of work cut out for you.

Remember, there are other very good and less expensive music schools as alternatives.

[LowEndMan2112]

+1 on everything said about jazz

While that piece is definitely cool, I'd be focusing on sight reading, theoretical knowledge, technique, soloing, walking and comping. The full ride scholarships require a TON of previous experience as previously mentioned, and the guys who get them most likely devote many hours a day to practicing.

What is your practice routine like? How long do you practice? Are you just jamming out to songs, or working on technique, theory, sight reading etc. Not jazzers or anything, but I know John Myung and Petrucci of Dream Theater were practicing 5 hours a day while attending Berklee.

I know TBer SLaPinFuNK (owner of bassstringsonline) went to Berklee and had some serious scholarship going on, check out his bio that can be found on bassstringsonline.com. He might be somebody to contact for info!

[MadModBassist]

This is fantastic guys! I can't thank you enough for the responses I've gotten so far. I promise to respond more in-depth to each post once I get home from my college and my local guitar shops XD I'm taking everything into account!

[fr35h]

Another Berklee student chiming in. I agree with TimXSweeny, showcasing a wide variety of skills in a short amount of time is going to make the biggest impression on them. In my case, that meant playing three choruses of the bop tune Anthropology; one walking, one soloing, and one playing the head. Obviously that's not the only way to get in and I know it has been done with completely different approaches before so don't let that freak you out if you're not a jazzer. Just be sure to nail the scales/arpeggios/theory questions so they know you're legit.

Also there's a possibility you may get more of a traditionalist doing your audition who doesn't appreciate the dance vibes at all. Most at Berklee are open minded enough, but funk, r&b, and jazz are always a safe bet.

[Snarf]

Originally Posted by MadModBassist

Hey all; long time no see! Well, it's not like you've seen me, but I've been registered on these forums for some time. I forum hop too much to stay dedicated to one for too long, thus I kind of strayed away from here. But, as a bassist in the midst of many other bassists, I feel this place should be a second home I come back to whenever I need help or reassurance

Well, as the title says, I am an aspiring bassist shooting for the stars over at Berklee College of Music. I've been playing stringed instruments in general for almost 8 years, bass specifically for about 4-5 of those. Now that it's time to grow up and figure out what I really want to do for the rest of my time on this globe, I think I've finally settled on my ambitions in music. I want to play for and with other people, for the world to hear and understand things the way I do. I feel Berklee is the perfect place for me to go where I can be surrounded with music and musicians wishing to make it like me

That said, I wanted to offer the piece I plan on performing for the judges when my audition comes around (need to finish the application process and then I will be assigned an audition date, most likely in the early stages of winter). Here's the song I believe I will perform for the judges.
WARNING: It requires a VERY open mind and most likely headphones to truly get what I'm doing, but I trust the bassists here will manage

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Intro (Alex S. Glitch Remix) - Bass Cover - YouTube

I plan on doing this arrangement almost exactly as it is recorded. I chose this song for the following reasons:

1. It's crazy enough to work.
2. It lacks a true bass track, something specifically mentioned in the audition guidelines.
2.5 Thus, it displays my true ability as a bassist by hand-crafting my own licks.
3. It showcases a wide variety of my bass talents and techniques.
4. It definitely shows room for improvement and expansion upon what I already have.

What do you guys think? I'm hoping that by sharing this cover I did, I will receive feedback containing constructive criticisms on ideas and techniques I could pursue to better ensure a successful audition. I didn't mention it at first, but I can only go to Berklee if I get a full ride (the Presidential). Do you guys believe in me? Is anyone familiar with the audition process and would be able to give me a thumbs up or down?

I really just want some feedback on what I could add or subtract to enhance my performance. My goals going into the audition are to come off as innovative, skillful, unique, and teachable. I wish to attend Berklee so that I may further myself as a musician and receive proper training in my principal instrument. If I were to audition with this, do you believe I would have the opportunity to do so?

I've been rambling again, haven't I? Sorry about that; it tends to happen (I blame all the Allman Brothers with which I grew up!) Anyway, it is my desire to receive some positive feedback and constructive criticism on my choices. Thanks for reading this garbled mess of text

For the those wishing to read up on the requirements/guidelines, here's the link to the audition process.

Dude, I really really liked that video. And I like how you're not waffling about which Jaco tune to pick or other nonsense like that. You're set on this arrangement, you believe in it, and that's one of the most important things. I think if you communicate that through your performance in the audition, you'll do very well. That said, they will most likely cut you off after 2 minutes. Make sure you're getting everything into the first 2 minutes that you want to demonstrate.

This will not, however, get you much in the way of scholarship. You don't have to be a jazz player to get in, but if you want the money, you have to be a jazz beast, or a bluegrass beast, or have something really unique going. For example, a friend of mine who was a presidential scholar was a singer/songwriter . . . who also happened to compose modern classical music at a very high level. For a bassist to get lots of money, you've got to be able to improvise at a high level.

Also as mentioned above, your audition piece could rub some people the wrong way. If you get Appleman or Vitti or Oscar, they'll be chill. But who knows if you get Repucci or Whit . . .

I'll just say that while some of the faculty may not appreciate the musical style, if you nail it like you did in your video and have that same personality during the audition, anyone you get should be able to look past the instrumentation in the recording and see the value in your performance.

edit: P.S. if you want to learn an anime theme that has an AWESOME bass line that would impress the funksters at Berklee, I've always loved this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3E3HAYIfbc

[HaVIC5]

Berklee Alum here, and yes, I'm going to echo pretty much all the sentiment that's been displayed here. It sounds like you have a pretty decent arrangement from that video, although, your prepared piece is not all you're judged on. Being able to at least fake a number of different styles (bossa nova, funk, rock, walking jazz, pop) is also important, as well as demonstrating an ability to improvise. Reading helps but isn't the be all end all, and is the hardest to "fake."

If you're looking for money, though, I have to say that it's going to be an uphill battle. Getting a Presidential scholarship is definitely not a possibility, sorry to burst your bubble. For example, last year's batch of presidential scholars included Kush Abadey (drummer for Wallace Roney) and Justin Faulkner (drummer for Branford Marsalis), two guys who's resume's and playing ability at the age of 18 likely exceeded that of half the faculty there. Getting money outside of that scholarship is also very difficult because Berklee doesn't have an endowment, and their notoriously stringy with what money they do end up giving out because they have a lot of students (largest enrollment of an conservatory in the world, from what I remember).

[MadModBassist]

Alright, finally have some time to respond. Again, thanks so much for the feedback!

@TimXSweeney Whoa, really? The audition guidelines said 3 to 5 minutes so I was just following that... guess I might have to significantly shorten my piece or (as many people have stated) throw it away altogether. I definitely have a strong will to get in there, but the financial situation is already deteriorating :/ I just can't believe they give it away to people who, frankly, do not need it. If these professionals are getting it, what's the point of finding talent? These so-called pros must already have a good sum of money; I think it should go where it's a necessity :/ That really does irk me, unless I'm misinterpreting something. I'll be sure to PM you if I have further questions; thanks much :P

@Freddels Again, I'm rather disappointed that they're more concerned about their enrollment on paper than the person auditioning (or at least, the emphasis seems to be leaning that way). I guess the line of "all deserving, talented, and financially challenged students should be provided the opportunity to experience the unique benefits of a Berklee education" is just a scam :/ I do have tons of experience in a band environment (I've played in many organized bands and have done paying gigs, but nothing to write home about), but my jazz experience is nil. I know a bit about scales but nothing close to proficiency (major and minor, pentatonic, that's really it :/ I have a basic to basic-intermediate understanding of theory where I know how to control what sounds I make and which ones work). I really want Berklee to be immersed in music and musicians, plus I feel it'd be an entry way into my life's goal of playing in bands and just making music that people like to hear. Lastly, what good alternative schools would you recommend?

@LowEndMan2112 I will definitely say I don't have the practice discipline of Petrucci and Myung XD I'll have to give that website a click or two; thanks for the recommendation!

@fr35h I can definitely handle funk, but I am not a jazzer in any sense XD I'll definitely have to work on more technical stuff then; I feel I'm capable, but it just needs a lot of work! :P

@Snarf Thanks man Most of everything I want to prove is in the first 2 minutes so that shouldn't be a problem there. I am definitely not in the same ballpark, league or sport when it comes to that guy @_@ I am rather confident in my improvisational skills (I've always been able to pick up tunes rather quickly), but perhaps not at the advanced level yet XD I'll try to keep those names in mind when (if) I audition; I was hoping for these sorts of inside hook-ups :P And I dig the song! I'll have to keep it in mind :P

@HaVIC5 I've heard similar stuff from watching videos on YT of people talk about their auditions so that's a bit reassuring. I feel I have a good grip on numerous other styles but it, like everything else, needs improvement! Consider my bubble burst; I'm starting to give up that ambition anyway. I guess I'll have to keep looking at separate avenues perhaps.

Again, thanks so much to everyone who posted (and who liked my arrangement :P) I'm taking everything into account and really seeing if I want to pursue this, so thank you for all of the inside scoops and constructive criticisms. Please continue; the more the merrier XD

[Freddels]

It's not a scam it's just a fact that they don't just give away money. They entice certain people to go there b/c it's good for the school's marketing. Do you think all those famous musicians that they list went there actually graduated from there? Not many did. Quincy Jones already was successful before he went to Berklee and he didn't stay very long, yet they claim him as one of their famous alums. When I say they give the full scholarships to those that don't need them I'm not meaning they don't need them b/c of financial reasons, I mean it b/c those people have a promising career already and could go to any school. I would suggest that all those kids that received the full scholarship last year probably didn't have a boat load of money to begin with. There's not much money in jazz.

They're looking for kids that have a solid background in music. Some have won prestigious competitions like the Thelonious Monk Competition or others. Many have graduated from performing arts high schools.

It sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you on scales, arpeggios, and theory. Knowing just a few scales is not going to impress them. Practice, prepare, and audition and see how you do. You just might be accepted but what everyone is saying is that you shouldn't count on a full ride scholarship.

Go there and you'll have an eye opening experience by all the talent that is around you.

[LowEndMan2112]

Originally Posted by Freddels

It's not a scam it's just a fact that they don't just give away money. They entice certain people to go there b/c it's good for the school's marketing. Do you think all those famous musicians that they list went there actually graduated from there? Not many did. Quincy Jones already was successful before he went to Berklee and he didn't stay very long, yet they claim him as one of their famous alums. When I say they give the full scholarships to those that don't need them I'm not meaning they don't need them b/c of financial reasons, I mean it b/c those people have a promising career already and could go to any school. I would suggest that all those kids that received the full scholarship last year probably didn't have a boat load of money to begin with. There's not much money in jazz.

This. The number of now famous artists that went there for a time and left to pursue their career is astounding! One of my old teachers used to refer to them as "the guys who dropped out of Berklee to go be famous"

I think if you really put in your time, and practice modes, scales, arpeggios, improv, and technique in general you have a shot at getting in. Keep up with it, and hey, even if you don't make it to Berklee, there are tons of other great schools!

How much time do you have before you were thinking of auditioning? Are you still in high school, or attending college?

[shwashwa]

its not all bad news! i watched your video and its obvious you have some natural musical ability. i think if you find a local bass teacher, a really good one, and tell him that you want to study with the goal of auditioning in mind, then you will be in a much better spot, and i have a feeling that you will catch on to whatever this teacher wants to show you rather quickly since you already can play the instrument itself and you seem to have good time and a good groove. if you're a senior now, and spend the rest of this school year studying and practicing, then who knows? you may be able to get some scholarship money. there are some players on that presidential scholarship list, but there is at least one who just played in the local high school jazz bands and got a few awards locally to put on his resume. not all that hard to do if you try. i should know because he's local and i got all the exact ones many many moons ago, and i really didnt know much about jazz then. find a few people locally to play with in a restaraunt and now you're also a professional.
what im trying to say is, dont get discouraged, if you focus your learning, id say you can make gains by leaps and bounds.

[MadModBassist]

Many apologies for not responding, folks! College has been rather frustrating lately and I haven't had much inspiration to even look at my bass or music in general.

@Freddels Ah ok, now I see what you're saying and I s'pose that makes sense. Honestly, with the emphasis on jazz and previous accomplishment, I'm not seeing Berklee as the place for me. I really wanted Berklee for the contemporary aspect (learning how music works is rather boring to me; I'm quite satisfied with my current comprehension and would rather work at my own pace) and for the teaching/production aspect. However, with the money and the emphasis placed, I'm not sure I'm shooting for Berklee anymore.

@LowEndMan2112 Haha, that does sound familiar! XD Look at Dream Theater, Steve Vai, and Stu Hamm, just to name a few "alumni!"

What are other schools you (and others) would recommend? I'd like to broaden my horizon as much as possible, even though I'm a freshman in college and not still in high school (should've done all of this thinking in my Junior and Senior year :/)

@shwashwa Thanks for that I actually am looking for a good bass teacher, though there aren't many I can think of in Toledo :/ I am actually good at learning things quickly; thanks for pointing that out XD Though honestly my time and groove need work; my dad's been pointing that out to me recently :P

Thanks for the encouraging and clarifying words, guys. I'm thinking now that I'm going to transfer to a cheaper college and look for a degree in writing (which is my other fortitude beside music). I'm looking at the University of Toledo right now, as they have a vast and eclectic mix of students as well as a radio station in which I'd really like to play a part. As I read in another similar thread, having something on which to fall back is a good goal, as music is such a shaky business.

I might just make another thread for college advice in general or whatever. There are so many people here with their own wisdom that I'd like to glean it all if possible XD Again, thanks so much for all of your participation!

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by MadModBassist

Many apologies for not responding, folks! College has been rather frustrating lately and I haven't had much inspiration to even look at my bass or music in general.

@Freddels Ah ok, now I see what you're saying and I s'pose that makes sense. Honestly, with the emphasis on jazz and previous accomplishment, I'm not seeing Berklee as the place for me. I really wanted Berklee for the contemporary aspect (learning how music works is rather boring to me; I'm quite satisfied with my current comprehension and would rather work at my own pace) and for the teaching/production aspect. However, with the money and the emphasis placed, I'm not sure I'm shooting for Berklee anymore.

Learning how music works is boring to you? Whether contemporary or otherwise, western music uses the same stuff. It's like writing a story, we all use the same alphabet and have access to the same words but some have a more developed vocabulary and knowledge of the rules of grammar. Music is very much the same way. Berklee does have a lot of contemporary music but I think where you were being a little delusional is that you were expecting a full ride scholarship (or else you couldn't go) and we were trying to point out that those aren't just given out easily. It's still a good school but it is very expensive.

If I were you, I would look into doing a week intensive with Jeff Berlin and see how you like it. If I were younger, I would study with Jeff for as long as I could. Look into his program.

[MadModBassist]

I totally agree with the delusional part XD

What I meant by the "boring" part: I don't remember who said it (let alone if it was someone "of importance" or not), but someone said they hated learning about how music works because it took out the fun of it. The discovery element is very much limited when everything is already discovered for you.

Thanks again for the advice; it's been so nice talking with everyone here Here's to more discussions later on!

[HaVIC5]

Originally Posted by MadModBassist

I totally agree with the delusional part XD

What I meant by the "boring" part: I don't remember who said it (let alone if it was someone "of importance" or not), but someone said they hated learning about how music works because it took out the fun of it. The discovery element is very much limited when everything is already discovered for you.

Thanks again for the advice; it's been so nice talking with everyone here Here's to more discussions later on!

Then...why would you study music if you think that learning about music takes the fun out of it? Not trying to be a dick, honest question.