Berklee Audition?

[tjnkoo]

Hey fellow talkbassers, I'm semi new to talkbass

I'm auditioning for Berklee here in a while (as in around 9 months, haha). I know its a way off, but I've been wanting to get into this school for a while, so I'm gonna make sure I'm plenty prepared I was wondering really what I should play for the prepared part of the audition? I want to do both electric and string bass at Berklee, so I was thinking maybe Long Distance Runaround/The Fish by Yes; play LDR on electric, and start the harmonic rythm (the fish) on electric, and then put it on a loop. Then pick up the string bass and play the melody? I figured that might be a good way to do that song...if of course you guys think that's a good idea/song in the first place? Sorry for the long message! just wanting to make sure I get in!

[tjnkoo]

Or maybe (going out on a limb here) Big Money, by Rush? That bassline is incredible! I know Berklee is jazz oriented, but from everything I've read it says they want to hear you play something you're comfortable with and like, so that's my reason for the above two songs.

[ahsbass6]

Your idea is fine but keep in mind the following:If you require accompaniment for your prepared piece you may bring an accompanist, play-a-long CD or MP3 player. It is not recommended to use the original tracks of artists or bands as play-a-longs. If you are playing to a track, it is preferred that you use standard play-a-long/music-minus-one or karaoke tracks so that you are not playing your part along with the part on the recording. For example, we would prefer a bass player use a play-a-long track that does not have the bass part on the track rather than playing along with an artist's original recording.

Improvisation: We would like to hear you improvise over a short progression to gauge where you are in your instrumental development. Your prepared piece may include improvisation, but it is not required.

Blues: You should be prepared to play over a standard I-IV-V blues progression.
Reading: The examples range from basic to complex in order for the audition team to gauge your reading ability. You will have 15 minutes before your audition to warm-up on your instrument and review the reading material before being asked to play the examples in the audition.

Ear Training: You will be asked to participate in call-and-response exercises. The audition team will play short rhythms and melodies, which you will either sing back or play back on your instrument. You may also be asked to identify intervals and chord qualities. The audition team will also gain a sense of your ability to match pitch during this section of the audition.

You may also be asked to play some bass lines in different styles (two-feel, walking, pop/rock, samba, bossa, funk) on standard chord progressions. You may also be asked to demonstrate your technical facility via typical practice routines and exercises (scales, arpeggios, etc.

[ahsbass6]

If you have a minimum SAT score and have some facility on your instrument, you should be accepted. It would also help if you had a recommendation from a Berklee Grad. The tough part is being able to stay in the program. Be ready to work like crazy!

[tjnkoo]

Thanks for the response! It definately gives me a good basis for planning for this thing. I figure since I have some time I'll get together a repitoire and make a decision from that. I still think the Yes set would be cool, but it's a little repetitive, and Big Money kicks butt, but there's the accompinant issue there. Did you happen to get the bottom part from the Berklee website? haha

Come on talkbass! Any other info from you guys?

[Snarf]

Originally Posted by tjnkoo

Hey fellow talkbassers, I'm semi new to talkbass

I'm auditioning for Berklee here in a while (as in around 9 months, haha). I know its a way off, but I've been wanting to get into this school for a while, so I'm gonna make sure I'm plenty prepared I was wondering really what I should play for the prepared part of the audition? I want to do both electric and string bass at Berklee, so I was thinking maybe Long Distance Runaround/The Fish by Yes; play LDR on electric, and start the harmonic rythm (the fish) on electric, and then put it on a loop. Then pick up the string bass and play the melody? I figured that might be a good way to do that song...if of course you guys think that's a good idea/song in the first place? Sorry for the long message! just wanting to make sure I get in!

1. You probably shouldn't use tracks with bass in them.

2. Your piece is going to be short because there's a lot more to the audition. Switching instruments will not be possible. While you can study both instruments at the same time at Berklee, only one can be your principle, and that's the only one you'll be auditioning with.

[fhm555]

Strictly a hack here, but I've had the pleasure of playing with several Berklee grads over the years and they were all very professional, very non ego driven musicians. Oh and did I mention they could all play their azzes off?

Congrats...such aspiration entails loads of work and tons of self imposed sacrifice, my hats off.

Best of luck.

[osmarokuma]

9 months is no way off man. Take the 9 months and use the time to get ready. You are going to want to get as much scholarship and as many classes tested out of. Use the time to not only practice your audition piece but to study theory and ear training so that when you take the test you can be placed in an advanced class.

[tjnkoo]

All good ideas, thanks!

Oskmarokuma,how do I test out of classes? I've heard of people getting out of there and paying a lot less money by doing this.

[Snarf]

Originally Posted by tjnkoo

All good ideas, thanks!

Oskmarokuma,how do I test out of classes? I've heard of people getting out of there and paying a lot less money by doing this.

You'll take exams during your orientation week that will place you in the correct level of class for harmony, ear training, and arranging.