trying to find a college where i can study electric bass

david.h · #1 03-14-2010, 07:21 PM

It seems to me that every college in the US only offers stand-up bass and you have to play either classical or jazz. What are the rest of us electric bass players supposed to do? I do not play the stand-up bass, and I do not play classical or jazz. I want to go to a college where I'm free to pursue my own musical style. As far as I can tell, Berklee is the only place in the US that offers something like that, but of course, there is no way I can afford it. I'm sure this is a common question amongst young musicians looking to pursue a career in music, so hopefully some of you out there will have some good advice. Thanks a lot.

Stumbo · #2 03-14-2010, 07:28 PM

Ask and ye shall receive: http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/pro...popular_music/

Spencer! · #3 03-14-2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Ask and ye shall receive: http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/pro...popular_music/

If he can't afford Berklee, how will he have any chance of going to USC?

waleross · #4 03-14-2010, 09:30 PM

Most players studied the Upright Bass ( I did) getting a degree in Education or Performance. the Upright was the road for my degree and the electric the road for commercial music. then again if I could find that time machine I wouldn't have gone to college for music at all....................

Stumbo · #5 03-14-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

If he can't afford Berklee, how will he have any chance of going to USC?

They'll help you with financial aid if you get in. No downside to applying.

Spencer! · #6 03-14-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

They'll help you with financial aid if you get in. No downside to applying.

Berklee is better at financial aid than USC, and USC isn't a good school if you're an electric bassist. I remember taking a tour a few years back, and the head of the music school asked me what instrument I played. I said bass, and she responded, "classical or jazz?" When I said electric, she looked at me like I was nuts.

Stumbo · #7 03-15-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

Berklee is better at financial aid than USC, and USC isn't a good school if you're an electric bassist. I remember taking a tour a few years back, and the head of the music school asked me what instrument I played. I said bass, and she responded, "classical or jazz?" When I said electric, she looked at me like I was nuts.

USC has a new program started in 2009 for popular music. I suggest you check it since your experience was before it began.

Spencer! · #8 03-15-2010, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

USC has a new program started in 2009 for popular music. I suggest you check it since your experience was before it began.

That program was in the works when I toured the school, but they couldn't tell me anything about it. It looks like their website has no meaningful information about the major either.