<p>For awhile now my daughter has considered Eastman her first choice school but at some point she had been very interested in Berklee as well. Now she is thinking of throwing a Berklee audition into the mix (will probably take a visit in the fall sometime). I was just wondering if anyone has had any personal experiences w/ Berklee, I have to say that they sell themselves as a rock/orchestra type experience and that intrigues her.<br>
What part Boston is Berklee located in?
Has anyone had or known someone who has had firsthand experience living at Berklee as a student?
How difficult is is to get into Berklee?
Does anyone know what the logistics are of getting a teaching degree in Mass and then getting certified in NY state? I know this can be a dicey situation but heck, if she goes there she may love the state and end up staying.</p>
<p>I have a friend who is a Berklee alum and plays jazz bass. He tells me that they are far more oriented toward pop/rock/jazz and other contemporary idioms than classical. In your daughter's place, I would want to check out the horn teacher's classical background very carefully. I would also want to listen to their orchestra before deciding.</p>
<p>They are right on Mass Ave near Hynes Convention Center and a bit north of Symphony Hall and NEC. It is not all that hard to get into Berklee. I have heard of kids with only two or three years experience on their instrument getting in without any problem. The graduation rate is notoriously low because their main focus is getting people connected in the music industry. A lot of people start off there, get a job of some sort or start gigging with a band and never get their degree. The running joke is that the school has failed you if you stick around long enough to get a diploma.</p>
<p>I don't know much about their music ed program or how hard it is to get certification across state lines, but I would definitely want to ask them about their 4 or 5-year graduation rate if your daughter wants to teach.</p>
<p>Yes, definite jazz/modern music orientation so if that's your D's ilk, then go for it. If classical music is the direction, have her go next door to NEC, along with Eastman, etc.... </p>
<p>Co-worker of mine has a junior Tenor Sax S there and besides the school thing, he has had many gig opportunities including a paying gig in Spain last summer. This person loves Berklee as it provides the environment and connections necessary for his future.</p>
<p>Classmate from graduate school has a freshman S there in the sound program/guitar player and he loves it too. Had a gig in NYC just recently.</p>
<p>Bottom line is everyone I know who's there is enthralled, but they are NOT associated in the education program are involved with modern music.</p>
<p>My BIL attended Berklee for music production/sound engineering (?). I don't think he ever actually graduated, but he is working in the field of TV and video production. It is my impression that Berklee is a great place to make contacts for real world employment.</p>
<p>Thanks, that's all great information. I think a visit is definitely in order this fall (a trip to Boston is never a waste of time) and you are right BassDad I will ask about graduation rates for sure. The thing with my daughter is that she would LOVE to be a professional musician but I insist on her getting the education degree to fall back on as long as I am paying. I know it to some that seems harsh or controlling but in her youthful exuberance it is hard for her to know whether or not she will like the life of a pro musician or want the stability that teaching can provide and since there can essentially be a balance between the 2 meaning playing in a city orchestra for enjoyment and making a living teaching.</p>
<p>Definitely not the place to go if your DD wants any sort of classical training on her instrument. The jazz program is terrific, but it isn't a serious conservatory environment. Also, being an urban school, it doesn't have a "campus" feel; plus, many of the students commute or live off campus.</p>
<p>These are all considerations....but I think it is a great place for the right kind of kid.</p>
<p>I don't have any direct experience, but some of the numbers cause a level of conern: 78% acceptance rate, 1/3 graduate within 4 years, last year there were 12 graduates in music ed.</p>
<p>YIKES!! Edad, those figures are scary. Berklee is out anyway. My DD's private teacher discussed schools with us yesterday and she did not recommend Berklee or, (very shocked) Eastman. She said that for horn Eastman is not the school to be looking at, that the horn program is better in other places. Even though this was our first meeting I trust that she knows what she is talking about. So I guess Berklee is a definite no now.</p>
<p>That is exactly the reason that so few graduate. Berklee is about industry connections and placement, not degrees. That said, in a field like music ed where degrees are required, it would be nice to know what percentage of Berklee's music ed students graduate within a reasonable time and what percentage of those go on to a career in their chosen field.</p>