Berklee

[novacain]

Does anyone here have expirience with the school? I've been checking it out and am very very interested. I'm only a sophmore in highschool, but I've been working to get most of my credits out of the way so I have my senior year to practice all day.

[Josiah]

Yes.. Berklee school of music has fallen very much flat since it's hay day. The school rides on it's reuptation from back in the day, when people such as Alan Dawson taught there and students included Steve Smith, Vinnie C. etc.

The school is nothing like that now, I would not in anyway recomend it. It's a pretty shabby place with questionable facilities for drummers and even less to offer educationally on the drumset.

[drumindave]

I was wondering what are some good schools for drumset players ?

[Josiah]

PIT, The Collective, UNT has a good jazz/classical based program.

[Music rockS]

Yes.. Berklee school of music has fallen very much flat since it's hay day. The school rides on it's reuptation from back in the day, when people such as Alan Dawson taught there and students included Steve Smith, Vinnie C. etc.

The school is nothing like that now, I would not in anyway recomend it. It's a pretty shabby place with questionable facilities for drummers and even less to offer educationally on the drumset.
Tis a shame. Josiah, you have some experience with PIT, don't you?

[Bryan Blakey]

Most applicants that apply to Berklee apply on drums or guitar. So it's very competitive on either of those two instruments, you have to be very good. And most freshmen who come in on one of those two instruments drop out after the first year. Your choice though. It's a great music school, I plan to go there when I'm out of high school.

[Kris2000]

How much is the semester on berklee?
And also, what does PIT stand for?,a link to it?

[g0rg0n]

I have a good friend who's going to school there now, and he pretty much echo's exactly what Josiah said.

[Music rockS]

How much is the semester on berklee?
And also, what does PIT stand for?,a link to it?
I believe its Percussion Institue of Technology. Probably terribly wrong. Cant find a site.

[ThisMustBeHeaven]

Hey Josiah, could you post us a link to PIT?

I know a girl that went to Berkely after she graduated from my high school, and she said that she was too advanced and Berkely couldn't teach her anything she hadn't learned already.

[CrazyDrummer4562]

Hey Josiah, could you post us a link to PIT?

I know a girl that went to Berkely after she graduated from my high school, and she said that she was too advanced and Berkely couldn't teach her anything she hadn't learned already.
You mean Berklee....Berkley is a university.
And I think your friend is lying, you can't go there and not learn ONE SINGLE thing.

[Kris2000]

Anyone know a site were we could learn a little bit more about Music Universitys?

[Det_Nosnip]

The Conservatories are ace, but good luck. They accept something like 3 or 4 applicants a year across the entire country. A friend of mine ended up getting accepted there, though, and now he's in the big time. Unfortunately, I haven't spoken with him since pretty much sophmore year (I'm a senior now).

[Half Life]

I believe Mike Mangini taught at Berklee at one time, but that must have been ages ago.

[Music rockS]

I know a girl that went to Berkely after she graduated from my high school, and she said that she was too advanced and Berkely couldn't teach her anything she hadn't learned already.
Thats bull****. If she learnt nothing there, she should be the one teaching.

[Josiah]

PIT stands for the Percussion Institute of Technology, this is the percussive school subset in Musicians Institute. You can find them at www.mi.edu

I did attend PIt for almost 2 years myself.


I know 2 people who have gone to berklee school of music, 1 for their normal program and another for a summer program. Both walked away saying it was a waste of money and very much "built" up image that does not exist.

[drumforyourlife]

Does anyone here have expirience with the school? I've been checking it out and am very very interested. I'm only a sophmore in highschool, but I've been working to get most of my credits out of the way so I have my senior year to practice all day.

a friend of mine went to Berklee for guitar.

Advice: if you can get in, GO. If you get accepted, it means you are one of the best drummers out there. It's really expensive, though. And it's in Boston, so you'll have to deal with all those god **** red sox fans. lots of hot girls though.

the catch with Berklee: most people who go to Berklee end up dropping out and pursuing a career in music. This is how the band Godsmack was formed, as well as Martin, Medeski, and Wood... Along with countless other touring and nontouring acts.

good luck, but this is a really tough school to get into. if you can do it though, GO. check it out... it might be the best thing that ever happens to your music career.

[The_One]

I think I'd rather go to Berkley.

[Josiah]

Then where else..?


This is the problem with Berklee right here..

" If you get accepted, it means you are one of the best drummers out there."

That is completely untrue!

You want to talk to somebody who ACTUALLY weant their for drums?

AIM him at 'cardboardcabin'

That guy spent the summer at Berklee, IM him, ask him about it. He'll tell you waht I did. It's practically a joke, the money is insane and the facilities are sh*t house. The place it's in in Boston is way bad and the people their are a lot of well.. just talk to him...

[Det_Nosnip]

the catch with Berklee: most people who go to Berklee end up dropping out and pursuing a career in music. This is how the band Godsmack was formed, as well as Martin, Medeski, and Wood... Along with countless other touring and nontouring acts.


If Godsmack is the calibre that Berkeley produces, then they're in trouble.

[Carn]

Alot of rockguys seem to come from Berklee these days...Adam D from Killswitch spend a few years at Berklee..same for Chris Pennie from Dillinger. And trust me, those guys can PLAY. that they choose to out it in a rock context, that's their problem ;D

Anyway, to sum it up in my opinion:
- Do you need to go to a school like Berklee to become a better player? No.
- Is the chance bigger that you meet people who share similar musical ideas and allow you to play music you really like to play? Yes. As its already been said, alot of people drop out after 2 years because they achieved a goal..being able to play music for a living.

Its more about networking and meeting people than the actual schooling itself, imho.

If you really want to focus on becoming a better drummer, try finding some good teachers in your area first. Will save you tons of cash in the end.

[bent_q]

any1 no what drumsets they have in berklee?

[RavEMasteR]

Wow, and I was just about to enrol in ICOM, and local music school linked to Berklee. I guess I should just screw it.

[ChamberlinIsGod]

Alot of rockguys seem to come from Berklee these days...Adam D from Killswitch spend a few years at Berklee..same for Chris Pennie from Dillinger. And trust me, those guys can PLAY. that they choose to out it in a rock context, that's their problem ;D

Anyway, to sum it up in my opinion:
- Do you need to go to a school like Berklee to become a better player? No.
- Is the chance bigger that you meet people who share similar musical ideas and allow you to play music you really like to play? Yes. As its already been said, alot of people drop out after 2 years because they achieved a goal..being able to play music for a living.

Its more about networking and meeting people than the actual schooling itself, imho.

If you really want to focus on becoming a better drummer, try finding some good teachers in your area first. Will save you tons of cash in the end.


you know Chris Pennie didnt even go there for percussion

[Carn]

Yes I know. But I`ll be ****ed if he didnt pick up a few things there.

Same for Adam from killswitch. I do believe he majored in production and minored in bass.

[Josiah]

"any1 no what drumsets they have in berklee?"

It's anyone, and yes.. not that it really matters. Nothing special to mention.

[flyguy]

Yes.. Berklee school of music has fallen very much flat since it's hay day. The school rides on it's reuptation from back in the day, when people such as Alan Dawson taught there and students included Steve Smith, Vinnie C. etc.

The school is nothing like that now, I would not in anyway recomend it. It's a pretty shabby place with questionable facilities for drummers and even less to offer educationally on the drumset.

That is untrue. Sure there are better music schools out there, but Berklee is still one of the best in the business, I would venture to say that its in the top 10. It is the largest primier institute for music and many successful, talented, and respected people have come and are coming through this school. The faculty is amazing for drums how could anyone not see that. Mike Mangini, Kenwood Dennard, Rod Morgenstein, Dave Dicenso, Gary Burton, as well as guest appearances throughout the year which include Dave Weckl, Haracio Hernandez, Mike Portnoy, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, and the list goes on.


The facilities for the drummers are just as good, and the education that i received when i was there was great. To me its seems like you have a grudge or something against the school. Yes, its expensive, but I think its worth it, and so is the education that you get with it. I have been there for a summer program and it was the best experience I've had with drums. I dont want to start arguments with you Josiah, Im just trying to tell it from the other side. You shouldnt base your perception on what 2 people have said, because it looks like thats what your doing. You should go and see the school and its facilities for yourself. I would also like you explain your reasoning a bit further because I'm having trouble understanding your reasoning.

Yes Berklee is **** expensive, but so is Eastmen, Julliard, Manhatten, New England, and all those other top notch conservatories. Berklee is a **** good. Basically if you have the chance to go...GO!!!

People either love this school, or hate it; it seems.

[Kris2000]

Theres tons of differenet opinions out there.
Hey flyguy,could you give us a little inside on your experience at berklee?
How are the facilities?,The teachers?,
Anything that dissapointed you?
And suff you really liked?

[flyguy]

Theres tons of differenet opinions out there.
Hey flyguy,could you give us a little inside on your experience at berklee?
How are the facilities?,The teachers?,
Anything that dissapointed you?
And suff you really liked?


Well...to start off I thought it was great. The school, the people, the students, the enviornment, the faculty, everything. The facilities are very nice and advanced. I believe there are 12 fully equipped recording studios, and about 10 labs. There are an abundant amount of practice rooms. The 52 drum set practice rooms are equipped with a standard 5 piece drum set usually a yamaha/pearl set. They are availible for use 16 hours a day. There is also 41 drum set equipped rooms for ensembles. You can also get practice rooms with marmibas, vibes, whatever, pretty much anything you can think of.

The teachers are great. Ive talked and studied with many of them during the sumemr class i took, and ive found them to be great instructors as well as great people. You can really talk to them, and they really want to make you a better musician. You can find a list of the faculty, and visiting artists on the website.

Something that disspapointed me...Hmm, well the only thing negative about the school I would say is the cost of the school. It is a private school and it isnt cheap. I believe its up around $30k a year.

I really liked the Berklee experience that i got there, i learned alot and found that it was definately worth checking out.

Hope i answered your questions. If not, shoot me again.

[Josiah]

Well I know several people who attended Berklee.

First off, it's not the biggest by FAR. Its one of the smaller ones. I never said it's not good, it's just not what it used to be.

The facilities for drummers are questionably decent. The studios are good, but the rest is the worst of all the schools I looked at before picking one.

When I saw it, you had to provide your own kit for practice, the practice rooms we're small and not nearly as secure as one would hope. The number of practice rooms is also iffy, so sharing becomes an issue.

It's a good school, but you have to look at the goals of a drummer. If you want to go pro, spending 4 years at Berklee would help. But 4 years is a long time, in wich you end up spending a lot of time doing things other then drumset.

As aposed to some other schools where ALL you do is drumset classes.

Location is a big one as well, while Boston has a music scene, it's not comparable to LA or NY.

There have been several pro's who attended the school who have spoken out against it in major mag interviews (such as Modern Drummer). Abe Loberial Jr described the school as having a "cookie cutter philosphy, training you to play at Holiday Inn's".

Also you can not compare Berklee to schools like Julliard, Julliard is a very very different school, with a different program geared entirely for classical and dance. If the number of famous people coming out of Julliard we're compared to berklee, it would be a joke. But again, that's apples and oranges.. one is a contemperary music school, the other is pure classical.

When it comes to paying that kind of money for drumset instruction, I found options to be out there.

Again, Berklee is not a bad school at all. It's deffinetly in the top contemperary schools for music. However for a drummer, I think it's important to look at your goals as a player and your career. In the music industry, nobody cares where you weant or if you have a degree. People only care about you're abbility to play.

[-Funky monk-]

yea well my teacher went to burkely

[RavEMasteR]

Josiah, which would think is better? A school where all you do is drum your time away, or a school where there's a bit of variety involved?

Personally, I prefer one with variety. I'd hate to come out only able to speak drums.

[flyguy]

Josiah, which would think is better? A school where all you do is drum your time away, or a school where there's a bit of variety involved?

Personally, I prefer one with variety. I'd hate to come out only able to speak drums.


Yes, I totally agree with you. Plus all that other stuff that you learn can translate to your drumming as well. Maybe not so much as if could if you played piano or guitar, but it also helps you become a more rounded musician and. If drum set is the only thing that you want to do. Thats fine, you can get a certificate or diploma, or just teach yourself the nessecities for that. If you like all forms of percussion (hand drums, mallets, aux stuff...blah blah) and would like to expand your music theory, composition, harmony, ear training, etc... then i think a degree based program is what you should be looking for.

It depends, different things are right for different people. Make the desicion that you think is best and right for you. Dont let other people tell you otherwise.

[Det_Nosnip]

Josiah, which would think is better? A school where all you do is drum your time away, or a school where there's a bit of variety involved?

Personally, I prefer one with variety. I'd hate to come out only able to speak drums.

Yeah, but...

At a school dedicated to percussion, you're alot more likely to be doing things that are actually going to help you, as opposed to just a general music program with an emphasis on percussion. Go to full-time University and you'll be doing mostly Mallet and Marimba work, with minimal set-time. If that's your thing, then go for it...but if you want to be the next Portnoy or whatever the hell, you're probably going to be better off going to a more focused program.

Schools like the one Josiah went to typically will take less time to finish (didn't you only have to attend PIT for 2 years Jos?) and will be MUCH more focused on what you're probably going to want to be doing: playing the ****ing drums! If you still want to do other things, attend a full time college with a focus in some other field; for god's sake, you're going to want something to fall back on; music isn't exactly steady!

This was a large part of the reason why I became a history major instead of a music major. I go to a small liberal arts college. Our music program is superb, and in fact in some areas, it has one of the strongest music programs in the nation (our vocal performance majors are fabulous). However, I've known most of the drummers that go here, and alot of 'em really don't have much going on at all in terms of kit playing....monkey see, monkey do kinds of kids, really. There are a few who are pretty decent, but I think that a large part of that comes more from their own independent studies and whatever experiences that garnered before coming here. In the 4 years that I've been here, the best drummer I ever saw was, oddly enough, a history major.

So...if set is what you want to do, if you want to do session stuff, play in a band, do jazz gigs, etc...go to a music school like PIT or Berkeley.

[Josiah]

"Josiah, which would think is better? A school where all you do is drum your time away, or a school where there's a bit of variety involved?"

Invalid question.

Neither is better, they are different.

Almost all (actually I can't think of one) school that is purely dedicated percussion does not have Music theory/harmony and ear training. That's 2 classes.

When I am going to spend $24,000 or whathave you to learn about drums, I WANT TO LEARN ABOUT DRUMS.

If you want to be well rounded, then pay $33 and go to a Juinor College or $2,000 and go to a University.

[Bryan Blakey]

Berklee is a Jazz and Rock oriented college, it's main focus being Jazz. The focus isn't on playing really, but rather composing and theory. If you want to go to a college to learn how to play drums really good, Berklee isn't for you.

I plan to go to Berklee with Trombone as my primary instrument. Jazz is my life, and that's why I'm excited to attend this college.

[Music rockS]

Off topic, but, Blakey, where have you been? Ormaybe Im jsut having a memorylapse right now.

[metallas]

I want to become a really good drummer.I am playing drums for 4 years.My drums tutor says that I am better than others who are playing for 4 years too.Anyway I want to go to a school with frendly teachers to become a pro drummer and nothing else(no History lesson,maths or other musical instruments).
If I go to a shool like berkley, am I supposed to stay,eat in the university or I will have to rent a house nearby?
Suggest something that fits my needs(not very expensive schools because I am not a millioner)
If anyone knows any links for music schools, tell me.

[RavEMasteR]

Berklee is a private school, which means, chances are, you get your own housing. I hope someone can confirm this though.

[Josiah]

Haha Berklee might have dorms now. You have to rent an apt or such nearby. Either way, schools charge for using dorms. I'm also positive Berklee does not have their own cafeteria so you're on your own for food.

Most of these type schools are going to run you up a nice bill. That's why they have loans.

"I want to go to a school with frendly teachers to become a pro drummer and nothing else(no History lesson,maths or other musical instruments)."

Don't go to Berklee School of Music then. Look into places like PIT or The Collective.

[flyguy]

Haha Berklee might have dorms now. You have to rent an apt or such nearby. Either way, schools charge for using dorms. I'm also positive Berklee does not have their own cafeteria so you're on your own for food.

Most of these type schools are going to run you up a nice bill. That's why they have loans.

"I want to go to a school with frendly teachers to become a pro drummer and nothing else(no History lesson,maths or other musical instruments)."

Don't go to Berklee School of Music then. Look into places like PIT or The Collective.

Berklee has their own cafeteria, I've been in it last year. Unless they've changed it since.

[Josiah]

Ah I didn't know that, I musta missed it when I was there.

[flyguy]

Hmm...Does anyone know anything about drum tech in London. I wanted to go take the master performance course out there someday once i better my skills through college. Any info...???

[RavEMasteR]

Josiah, what's the requirements of going to PIT? Do they have their own dorms? What about equipment? Mind giving me a link to their site?

[Josiah]

mi.edu

They don't have their own dorms. Requirenments to get in.. being able to play decently well. Requirenments to survive... well... you'll have to find out.

[Bryan Blakey]

1. It's BerklEE. Berkeley is a UC school in San Francisco.

2. Whoever said Berklee is big was wrong. It's a TINY school.

3. There are small residence halls at Berklee, as well as apartments that you can rent nearby the school.

4. Berklee isn't a drumming school. If all you want to do is become a professional drummer, don't go to Berklee... you will end up dropping out and you'll be ruined. Go to a percussion school.

[sdmfinada]

Yeah, but...

At a school dedicated to percussion, you're alot more likely to be doing things that are actually going to help you, as opposed to just a general music program with an emphasis on percussion. Go to full-time University and you'll be doing mostly Mallet and Marimba work, with minimal set-time. If that's your thing, then go for it...but if you want to be the next Portnoy or whatever the hell, you're probably going to be better off going to a more focused program.

.

You should think about what comes out of your head man. Let's see where did Mike Portnoy, a great ALL AROUND drummer, go to school.......mmmmm...
maybe Berklee. Yeah everyone if you want to be the next Mike Portnoy don't go where he went to learn percussion go somewhere else.

[Josiah]

You should think about what comes out of your head man. Let's see where did Mike Portnoy, a great ALL AROUND drummer, go to school.......mmmmm...
maybe Berklee. Yeah everyone if you want to be the next Mike Portnoy don't go where he went to learn percussion go somewhere else.

That's the most retarded thing. No wonder berklee's rap is getting worse and worse, it has idiots like this to vouch for them.

All around drummer I don't know about, have you ever heard the guy try to swing? It's frightening.


Berklee is cold... I like my warmth. I also here it's in a fairly rough neighbor hood.

[drumnewb]

Here you go

http://www.berklee.edu/pdf/tuition/tuition.pdf

**** expensive if you ask me.

Here is Julliard

Tuition, Fees, and Expenses


Student Budget
The estimated budget for a Juilliard student for the nine-month academic year 2004-05 is calculated as follows:
Tuition $22,850
Room and Board (residence hall and meal plan)
Double Room 9,030
Single Room 11,270
Subtotals
Double Room 31,880
Single Room 34,120
Books, Supplies, Personal Expenses 2,500
Totals
Double Room $34,380
Single Room $36,620

[trenchdrummer]

My band once got a guitarist who was studying a berklee... he was so good we moved him to vocals... but even that didnt help since his voice had no sense of tone either...

Listen to Josiah and Carn, they know what they're talking about. Berklee doesnt improve musicians, Either you're really good when you get in and you stay that way... or otherwise you get what happened in my band's case...

[Josiah]

Berklee is very pricey.. considering half the classes are just normal Univeristy classses.. it's VERY pricey.

[Fuzzy]

Go PIT, that's what I want to do.

[Bryan Blakey]

I'm going to the Berklee summer camp in L.A., it's for three days and there are a bunch of classes that everybody takes, a few ensembles that you get placed in, and jam sessions every night. I'll tell you guys how it goes when it's over (it's not for another month or so).

[Josiah]

Go PIT, that's what I want to do.

I want to do that too... again though, I had so much fun the first time.


Brian do you know where the summer camp is held?

An older member of these forums did a Berklee summer camp that was at the school.

[Bryan Blakey]

Yeah, it's held at Cal State Fullerton, a Berklee off-shoot.

[Josiah]

Haha.. I have many friends that attend CSUF

You must live very close to me...

[Bryan Blakey]

I live between San Diego and L.A.

[Josiah]

Haha now there's a small chunk of land!

I'm Orange, just a few mins down the freeway from CSUF actually.

[saxman232001]

Berklee is a Jazz and Rock oriented college, it's main focus being Jazz. The focus isn't on playing really, but rather composing and theory. If you want to go to a college to learn how to play drums really good, Berklee isn't for you.

I plan to go to Berklee with Trombone as my primary instrument. Jazz is my life, and that's why I'm excited to attend this college.

I attended Berklee in 93/94. I can say from my experience there, that your focus as to playing verses composing, is totally up to you depending on your major. If you're a performance major your 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th semesters, you're required to study with two different teachers each week on your instrument of choice. Pluss you have to take performance ear training which is quite a bit different that the sight singing you do in the first four ear training classes. Pluss if you're there on scholarship like I was, you're required to perform in the project bands who perform and record student compositions. The type of project band you end up playing with is directly related to how long you've been at the school, and your skills on the instrument.

I know, it takes determination to keep going after the first four semesters. most do drop out before then like I did. And there are allot of theory classes you have to take at that time. But if you make past that point, it's all playing if you're a performance major.

[saxman232001]

I want to become a really good drummer.I am playing drums for 4 years.My drums tutor says that I am better than others who are playing for 4 years too.Anyway I want to go to a school with frendly teachers to become a pro drummer and nothing else(no History lesson,maths or other musical instruments).
If I go to a shool like berkley, am I supposed to stay,eat in the university or I will have to rent a house nearby?
Suggest something that fits my needs(not very expensive schools because I am not a millioner)
If anyone knows any links for music schools, tell me.

Most of the jokers who replied to you have never attended Berklee, and don't know what their talking about. While I was attending They did have a huge cafateria, and if you where under the age of 21 you where required to live in the dorms. After that yo0u can live anywhere you want.

[saxman232001]

1. It's BerklEE. Berkeley is a UC school in San Francisco.

2. Whoever said Berklee is big was wrong. It's a TINY school.

3. There are small residence halls at Berklee, as well as apartments that you can rent nearby the school.

4. Berklee isn't a drumming school. If all you want to do is become a professional drummer, don't go to Berklee... you will end up dropping out and you'll be ruined. Go to a percussion school.

Berklee might be small compared to a University like North Texas State. But that's because Berklee is a music school and nothing else. If you compare Berklee to other schools who only teach music, Berklee is the biggest one in the world.

[saxman232001]

Berklee is very pricey.. considering half the classes are just normal Univeristy classses.. it's VERY pricey.

Berklee classes are not normal University classes. If you compare The Harmony classes I took at Berklee it's a whole different world that the classical theory you'd take at a normal university. Then again I tested into higher leavels of classes my first semester. I didn't have to start out relearning my modes and scales because I already studied that stuff in AP music in high school.

If you now no theory at all you may want to go to a regular university for a while and then transfer.

[Beat'O'Rama]

Up here in Canada, one of the top schools with regards to percussion and musical study in general is Humber. Humber has one of the best music programs in North America.

http://www.humber.ca/

[saxman232001]

I've noticed that there's allot of guys saying "I heard from a friend," or, "I know someone who went to Berklee." There are only a few coments from people who actually attended Berklee.

I attended in 93/94 and I can definitely say I'm glad I went. And I plan to return in a year and a half to finish. I'm not a drummer though I'm a sax player. I don't know about the drum teachers, but I know that some of the best jazz educators around are the sax teachers at Berklee.

If you're serious about finding the right music school, I sugest you audition for scholarship at several top schools. While I was at Berklee I had a pretty hefty scholarship and I knew if they where willing to cover that much of my tuition I would probably get the chance to study with the best teachers. It also gave me the confidence that I had a good chance of making it in the music business. The music business is very unstable and only the best survive for any length of time. If they won't give you a decent scholarship, choose another carear.

The style of music you preffer to play will also make a big difference as to whether or not you're waisting your time. People think it's a jazz/rock school, but most of the rockers I knew there hated it. It's the hard core jazz heads that had the most fun. And we all know music is supposed to be fun.

I also seem to remember that the ones who had the most complaints about the school, and said they didn't get anything out of it, where the poorest musicians. If you get accepted and you still don't know your modes for example, you're going to be taking some pretty basic classes. At the very least, study the Jamie Abersold scale sylabus before you go, even if you're a drummer. And make sure you know the names of all the modes of the major scale. Find out what II/V7's are and how their used. Try and get the easy stuff out of the way. If you do that you won't be waisting your time. Be prepared.

[sdmfinada]

Well it's official I have been accepted. I am very scared this thread scares me to the point that I want to change my mind and look elsewhere. I love Mike Portnoy and I want to be able to play multiple styles well. I am not sure if i went to berklee that I would be making enough to repay all the loans I will owe. Does anybody know about job outlook. anyways, anyone have any thoughts about my acceptance? to me it looks like a person could go there and be totally emersed into percussion or any kind of music for that matter and just take off with it if they have an open mind and dedicate their time to learning new things!

[sdmfinada]

...so anybody have any advice or input???

[Skin Beater]

Haha if you're that insecure that you need people on here to advise you on a huge decision like spending 30 grand a year on berklee tuition... I don't know what to tell you.

[sdmfinada]

well i was just looking for some advice. I don't know if I will make it there or not it is too expensive. hey I see your a danny carey fan. where and how the hell did he get so good?

[Futuro]

where and how the hell did he get so good? You practice. No school will MAKE you better. They will only give you resources.

That being said I sent in my audition tape to PIT today.

[Skin Beater]

Awesome, good luck man. Out of curiosity, how much is tuition at PIT compared to Berklee and the like?

[Futuro]

Awesome, good luck man. Out of curiosity, how much is tuition at PIT compared to Berklee and the like?It is cheaper than Berklee

Im not sure the exact price.

Im looking into getting some free money right now to cut off what I have to pay.

[The Philosopher]

Is it really worth it to go to a school just for percussion? I really want a career in drumming.. But being in a successful band is like a one-in-a-million chance, and studio drumming can be an iffy job. What other careers are there in drumming, and would it really be worth it ovr a traditional 4 year college? :(

[sdmfinada]

well guys. I am really looking at L.A. Music Academy, damn it sounds good and it is about 12,000 dollars for about 40 weeks. A girl from there returned my call and I talked to her for like 40 minutes, man they have some damn good instructors and it sounds like a really cool place to go. Any body know much about the L.A. Music Academy?

[Quinto]

i agree with philosopher. if your going to play in a band, or do anything percusion related besides session work thats already planned for you, it helps to go to a college that teaches some kind of music theory, more than just percussion.

so you can play a polyrhythm 3:7 at 160bpm's, but can you add a feel to the music your contributing to that could push you over the edge of club player to signed musician in a band and not just someone who can hit things with good technique

[TTTSNB]

Haha Berklee might have dorms now. You have to rent an apt or such nearby. Either way, schools charge for using dorms. I'm also positive Berklee does not have their own cafeteria so you're on your own for food.

Most of these type schools are going to run you up a nice bill. That's why they have loans.

"I want to go to a school with frendly teachers to become a pro drummer and nothing else(no History lesson,maths or other musical instruments)."

Don't go to Berklee School of Music then. Look into places like PIT or The Collective.
They have dorms and a cafeteria there, but yeah, the education doesn't seem too great. I went to a summer program, and it was...iffy.

[FullMoon]

id like to go to PIT but im not good enough

[Zildjian]

Now what do you actually do at these drum college's...I am considering going to college for drums..Also any good ones in NY??

[MXicanDrummer]

I wanted to at least hit their 5-week summer program, but I missed the cut off date cuz i'm like five grand short...

[GooseFilms.net]

I'll be auditioning at Berklee next year during the winter. On trumpet, that is. I'm sure I won't ever be doing anything professionally with drums

[flyguy]

Berklee is one of the best places to study. They have the best facilities by far. You will get better connections there by far when compared to other schools.

I've been attending Berklee for the last 2 years. I've also looked at other schools, and most of them have nothing on it.

If anyone wants honest answers regarding Berklee shoot out a question. Don't rely on people that know friends, heard from some other person, or the rumor mill.

[Josiah]

Berklee is one of the best places to study. They have the best facilities by far. You will get better connections there by far when compared to other schools.

That's obviouslly opinated and not true.

Considering you can attend schools that are IN the music capitol of the world.. and berklee is in Boston.

BIG difference. Logic would tell you that the best place to make connections in the music industry is where the music industry is located, LA.


Also the facilities comment is also very questionable. It would not be "by far" by any means. On par would be realistic.

One thing that is FACT, in the last several years pro players that have attended Berklee have had some rather nasty things to say about it in magezine interviews such as Modern Drummer.

Also FACT - Several members here have attend summer sessions and reported dissapointing results considering the price and/or reputation.


Zildjian - The Drummers Collective is located in NYC.

[DuckinFutch8]

What are everyone's opinions about the Indiana music program?

[Sunshine]

Indiana?

Is good for...flying [Purdue], and business [Notre Dame].

Not music.

I have friends in both o' those colleges...apparently Indiana sucks anyway. There's no scene there, there's no people there, there's no nothing there. Which is why Purdue IS there --- lots of nothing to fly around in.

[DuckinFutch8]

Well Purdue just sucks anyways, but I'm talking about the Indiana Music Program...

I've always heard it's one of the top jazz programs in the country, I just wanted an outside opinion. Plus the schools are good in a lot of stuff that you didn't mention, IU's has amazing Business and Journalism schools, and Purdue's one of the top engineering schools in the country...

[GooseFilms.net]

Hey pessi, letting you know, Indiana (in bloomington) has one of the best music departments out there. From what I've seen online, I've been very impressed, and I plan to visit over the summer and audition there for a performance/recording arts double major

[black\m/metal]

Berklee has alot of bad students, and alot of great ones, i got a full ride to their 5 week summer camp and spent some time there, it was good, i had a ****ty teacher, but he doesnt teach there, and mike mangini still teaches there, but just to be surrounded by so many good musicians was great, and inspiring, and i know many people who have gone there on full rides, nd i saw their jazz combo which was absolutely great, so people will talk alot of **** about berklee, but that isnt all justified at all, also, indiana has a great jazz/classical program. Other great schools for music are:The New School, Purchase, William Patterson, Pretty much all the conservatories(too many to name), Rutgers, as well as USC and some other california schools im not too familiar with. Also North texas i believe.

[SadStairway]

I was thinking of attending Berkelee's summer program next year but I'm kinda reconsidering now.

[LiquidTensionTheatre]

Didn't read the whole thread, so I don't know if this has already been asked: Is anyone with good knowledge of the subject able to post a good list of universities with above-par drumset courses?

~~