Berklee Specialist Certificate in Bass?

Leroy La Qua · #1 11-26-2007, 02:11 PM

Just wondering if anyone on Talk Bass has taken this course or is thinking of doing so? To be completely honest I am considering enrolling in the course not so much because I believe it will necessarily provide me with a superior education to that which I would receive through enrolling in a degree program at my local university or through Music Dojo or similar but more so for the kudos of having a 'Berklee' certificate on my teaching studio wall.

Anyone have any thoughts/feedback regarding the Berklee Specialist Certificate in Bass?

Dr_Funkdamental · #2 11-26-2007, 06:37 PM

You could have a certificate that says Yale, or Harvard, but that doesnt say if you're a garbage teacher or not. Even if they are visually impressed, that only goes until you prove you have the teaching skills.

DocBop · #3 11-26-2007, 10:30 PM

One of the great things about music compared to other jobs is degree don't mean Jack unless you plan to teach at a college. Other careers a diploma (not a certificate) will help get you an interview. Music is all about what you can actually do, you build a reputation, a resume of recording and tours. Teaching the same you build a reputation for helping others get better.

So do the Berklee thing to improve yourself if you want, but that certificate only means you did the work and paid your bill.

sublime0bass · #4 11-26-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBop

So do the Berklee thing to improve yourself if you want, but that certificate only means you did the work and paid your bill.

isnt that all a college degree is?

Snarf · #5 11-27-2007, 12:15 AM

Is this an online thing? If it's one of Berklee's online courses, then DON'T DO IT. Berklee's classes aren't worth that much even if you go in person, you really go to Berklee for the people you meet.

DocBop · #6 11-27-2007, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sublime0bass

isnt that all a college degree is?

Some industries having a degree is required or they do get you past dense HR staff who know nothing about the position they are filling for a department. In music when you get called for a audition no one asks if you have a degree in fact best not to say you have a degree or that you went to music school. Best to just go in and play your ass off after you get the gig and get to know the others then mention it if the topic comes up.

**Pacman** · #7 11-27-2007, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarf

Is this an online thing? If it's one of Berklee's online courses, then DON'T DO IT. Berklee's classes aren't worth that much even if you go in person, you really go to Berklee for the people you meet.

I'll disagree for the square, bob.

My wife is taking the theory and ear training certificate course, and I've been looking over her shoulder to help once in a while. Excellent instruction, and she's getting a pretty admirable eduction in the subject matter.

To the OP, based on what I've seen if you're looking for some way to improve, it could be a valid option.

gosurf80 · #8 11-27-2007, 08:39 AM

This is a new course that Berklee is offering for the first time this year, I think. So wouldn't guess that anyone has taken it yet.

agreatheight · #9 11-27-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leroy La Qua

...but more so for the kudos of having a 'Berklee' certificate on my teaching studio wall.

Yup, many of people would be impressed by that. The name on a certificate / diploma can have impact. You got a BA from Harvard? Oooohhh! You got a BA from Arizona State University? Eh. And while online courses aren't the same as an 'in person' course, they still have value... and besides, most people wouldn't think to ask about how you took the material anyhow.

PocketGroove82 · #10 11-27-2007, 10:28 AM

I don't think a certificate from berklee is really going to help you, although the experience of spending time in the the musical utopia that is Boston's back bay, studying with talented, qualified instructors, networking and attending classes can sure inspire you and help you become a better musician.

The experience is worth it, but keep in mind that there are berklee grads working at starbucks or joining the Army to pay off 100,000 bucks worth of debt.

Leroy La Qua · #11 11-27-2007, 11:49 AM

I should probably elaborate a bit more on my situation...

One of my reasons for looking at the Berklee option is that I want to get some official validation for my skill set. I work as a full time bass player and bass teacher and have done so for the best part of the last ten years. However I am essentially self taught - ie no music degree. I really want to eventually teach on a tertiary (university) level and do more high school level teaching ( i teach at one high school at the moment) where more of an onus is placed on qualifications in gaining employment. Essentially I am looking at things I can add to my CV to bolster its impact that can be done on a part time basis.

Though I doubt I will actually 'learn' anything substantially new through taking this course I will at least come away with a certificate which we all acknowledge doesnt even begin to compare to a Berklee degree though it still has the Berklee WOW factor when viewed in the context of a CV.

Calebmundy · #12 11-27-2007, 11:53 AM

Well in the U.S. it's almost impossible to teach at a University level unless you have a Master degree.

I don't know what the Berklee online stuff is like, but despite Berklee's impressive reputation among the general public, I have had personal experience, and a lot of big-time witnesses that attest to the mixed bag of skills and skill-level that a Berklee grad can come out with. I'm not a fan of the school-although I have some of the books which seem great.

Dr_Funkdamental · #13 11-27-2007, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leroy La Qua

I should probably elaborate a bit more on my situation...

One of my reasons for looking at the Berklee option is that I want to get some official validation for my skill set. I work as a full time bass player and bass teacher and have done so for the best part of the last ten years. However I am essentially self taught - ie no music degree. I really want to eventually teach on a tertiary (university) level and do more high school level teaching ( i teach at one high school at the moment) where more of an onus is placed on qualifications in gaining employment. Essentially I am looking at things I can add to my CV to bolster its impact that can be done on a part time basis.

Though I doubt I will actually 'learn' anything substantially new through taking this course I will at least come away with a certificate which we all acknowledge doesnt even begin to compare to a Berklee degree though it still has the Berklee WOW factor when viewed in the context of a CV.

Now that you put it that way, I can understand LOL. In this instance, its sad to say, the school name does have an impact.

PocketGroove82 · #14 11-27-2007, 10:55 PM

Hey Leroy,

It sounds like you are already an experienced player. It also sounds like you have some realistic, attainable goals...ie. broadening your teaching.

I would set a goal then take the steps to get there. If you wanna teach college or more in high school, then get the full degrees/teaching certificates, which the position you are shooting for requires.

If you feel you won't learn anything new from an online course, then I don't see why you should waste your money. If you must have berklee bragging rights, just photoshop your own certificate and hang it up on your wall. Really.

No one will know the difference and you just saved yourself hundreds of dollars on information you already know. Voi La!

On a more serious note, if you are really seeking edification that your years of self taught playing have made you a legit player, then you should send out some scholarship audition tapes to various music schools. If they are willing to throw some money at you, then you can say "I got accepted for a scholarship at berklee"...etc...etc. Which I think has more clout that any certificate, and if you do take the scholarship money and run with the degree, then you may be well on your way to reaching those goals you mentioned!