Chances of getting into Berklee?

tjnkoo · #1 12-16-2011, 07:13 AM

I'm looking into Berklee as my main college next year, and wanted to see what you guys thought about mr getting in. Ive become (according to instructors, friends, etc.) One of the betterbassists electric bassists in my area, and also play string bass in a couple symphonies. Im looking into their 5 week program, and I am taking AP Music Theory. My gpa a 2.75 unweighted, and 2.9 weighted. Nothing impressive, but from what I've read/heard Berkley cares far more about musical performance (which is a part of why I've chosen Berklee). Any info would be great, thanks all!

**Pacman** · #2 12-16-2011, 01:06 PM

If you've got the bread, I'd say your chances are just about guaranteed.

**jmattbassplaya** · #3 12-16-2011, 01:13 PM

Why don't you check their requirements for admittance? I'm sure their website has plenty on the procedure.

Also, you might want to ask yourself why you want to go to Berklee. I don't mean to be a butt, but whenever someone says Berklee and doesn't even mention any of the other major music schools it makes me think they really haven't considered all their options or why they even want to pursue music besides 'it's fun'.

chaosMK · #4 12-16-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

If you've got the bread, I'd say your chances are just about guaranteed.

+1

Art Araya · #5 12-16-2011, 01:26 PM

My understanding is that if you've got the bread and a basic level of competence on your instrument and a basic grasp of music theory, you're in.

I believe they assign you a level number from 1 to 10 based on your skills and pair you up with other players in your level. I've not been to Berklee, I went to a smaller school for music, but I've spoken to others that have gone.

Calebmundy · #6 12-16-2011, 01:34 PM

The best bet for gauging your likelihood of getting into any music program is to take a lesson from the head of the department you want to get in ASAP.

A year before I auditioned at the University of Miami, I went down and had a lesson with a grad student who had a few minutes to spare, who basically ran me through an audition, and then handed me sheet music for some suggested pieces to learn. I did that again with the bass chair Don Cauffman before I went in.

I got accepted twice (various life circumstances in between), and was very confident going in. Didn't end up there for a few reasons, but it was the best investment I could've made.

If you can't make it travel-wise, I would still try and establish contact. Sometimes it's hard to think of when you're on the outside looking in, but most college music professors who head up a department are passionate educators, and at the undergrad level at least, they WANT you to do well-not looking for a reason to cut you, and are usually only too glad to talk to an interested applicant.

They are also charged to some degree to market their school to new students (although not too necessary probably at well-known Berklee), so prospective-student contact is part of the job.

There really isn't any reason for it to be a mystery for you.

...or for you to have to rely on the questionable answers you may receive in reply to this thread.

Coreythebassman · #7 01-06-2012, 03:17 AM

Hey, just saw this thread....I go to Berklee and the program is great if you know what you want to gain from it. I play jazz and also applied and got into the new school of jazz and contemporary music and city college, but chose berklee because of the atmosphere, and some of the teachers (Lincoln Goines....studying with him this semester!). It's really not hard to get in, but you should really consider why you want to go.