<p>My son has been accepted to Berklee and Belmont University (Commercial Music). He plans to major in Music Business with performance and his instrument is piano (although he also plays several others). I'd appreciate hearing any firsthand info on the two schools that could help us decide. We've been to both and liked what we saw. I have my own pros and cons to each, but I'd like to hear what others have to say. Thanks!</p>
<p>As of 2008, Berklee had a 32% graduation rate. I’d say that would be the first warning sign. Many students go to Berklee for a year to make contacts and meet people who will help them further their careers and drop out afterward. Another downside (or upside, depending) of Berklee is that it is a conservatory and therefore only offers courses pertaining to music. While this is great for a performance major or something of the like, it doesn’t really give students a well rounded education. A major downside is Berklee’s price, at nearly $50,000 for tuition and room/board. In my opinion, Belmont is a much better bang for your buck at just over $30,000 total, and it offers a lot more security as far as graduation is concerned. Since Belmont is in Nashville, there are many performance opportunities as well as internship opportunities provided by the Mike Curb College of Music Business and Entertainment. Curb has one of the top programs in the country, and your son would also be able to take core academic classes in the college of arts&sciences, etc. as well as his major requirements in Curb. Belmont also offers the security of a fairly concentrated campus. </p>
<p>I originally considered Berklee for music business/performance, but quickly deleted it from my list after hearing it’s pricetag, visiting its campus, and talking to students who have left Berklee disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful for those who stick with it and make it work, but it doesn’t offer the security I was looking for both academically and location-wise. Belmont is my number one school. I was accepted to Mike Curb and plan to major in commercial music (clarinet) and music business, and I feel that it offers the overall college experience while providing a great education, as I said before Curb is one of the top in the country. And the price, location, and music opportunities in Nashville can’t be beat. Good luck with this decision.</p>
<p>MLB523,
Your son and mine sound the same. He has been accepted at Berklee and is auditioning this weekend on the piano at Belmont for commercial music. Likely, your pros and cons are similar to ours. The cost of Berklee is the biggest barrier for our family. Unlike kebx125 said, Berklee does offer academic courses in addition to its music program. Although, I have heard mixed comments related to the how challenging these courses may be. I am curious…how long after your son auditioned at Belmont did he receive word of his acceptance? And have your learned anything at all about scholarship opportunities and possible amounts?</p>
<p>I think the two schools are apples and oranges. I doubt that there is an overlap of the typical Berklee vs. typical Belmont student. The school cultures are also quite different, as are the cities in which the two schools are located (which will affect the entire experience). </p>
<p>I would imagine a student would have a clear preference (cost excluded), based just on these differences!</p>
<p>Agree with Allmusic, they are pretty different places. Berklee does have liberal arts requirements, and classes can be taken at other colleges in Boston for credit if a student finds they are not challenging enough or is just looking to expand his/her education beyond Berklee. It also has many business/law classes. I would suggest maybe looking through course catalogs of each?</p>
<p>For my money, if your son or daughter can get in to Belmont, go there. Berklee is not a professionally run organization. I don’t know how it got “college” status. You can never get anyone to answer the phone who can answer a question. It appears to be run by working students. The admissions personnel never seem to have answers, lose things, and are generally disorganized. For the life of me, I can’t understand why it has a reputation of being a great school.</p>
<p>player55 … I have a D going to Berklee and that is not my or her experience at all so far. Can you explain more so I can understand and help my D avoid those pitfalls?</p>
<p>Berklee recently revamped their liberal arts courses and now provide minors in a variety of subjects, so i think that’s pretty solid. Personally the only thing I have learned in high school is the ability to learn so I don’t mind not having to have a “well-rounded” education, obviously i want to be well rounded musically, but i don’t plan on pursuing chemistry or system dynamics. But i understand, especially parents, notion to want to have at least some form of college setting attached to a conservatory/music school. I think the graduation rate can be attributed to a lot of people networking and actually finding a job in a field they love. that can’t be said about a lot of other places, obviously you don’t want to spend 50+k so your kid can “network” but that is, i assume, a large part of it. being right in a heavy metropolitan area, being surrounded by like minded, talented, creative individuals and nonstop action creates an environment where opportunities of all kinds present themselves. ALSO, berklee tightened up their admissions process maybe 4 or so years ago and is now less than 30% (i think) compared to like 75% or so. and many kids got in but just didn’t have what it takes to be able to last. I’m not sure what year that graduation rate comes from, or if it’s even valid, as i’ve seen various other numbers as well. Personally I might be pining a bit too much for Berklee, but it has been my goal/dream for 4 years or so…and visiting last year, applying/auditioning and being accepted has put me in high gear. I’m not trying to get my hopes up, paying for it will be horrible, but I hope we can swing it. Through all the criticism etc. that I’ve heard, nothing can stop me from remembering the feelings I got when I was actually there. it just felt so right…but I would be content at any of my schools. Good luck in your decision!</p>
<p>Someone here once said the top musicians at Berklee are as good as the top musicians ANYWHERE, but the lower rungs go far lower. And there are still lots and lots of “just okay” musicians there. But again… the top? We know a full scholarship Berklee guitarist who turned down Juilliard, among other places - he is astonishingly gifted. Not even sure what he’s doing in any school.</p>
<p>Anyway, based on what we saw and heard from those we spoke to (including some music industry professionals we’re lucky enough to know), this theory was the case.</p>
<p>I also searched this forum endlessly a year ago regarding the schools my son was considering, and while Berklee seems extremely popular on cc this year and last, just three or more years ago there were quite a few long postings from those who were disappointed. </p>
<p>But we also heard it’s gradually changing. (Remember, just a few years ago, Berklee did not require an audition!) It’s a fabulous school for the right musician. Just go in with your eyes, and pocketbook, open.</p>
<p>And also… I think 50K is a low estimate, especially if you add the required laptop (which they make you buy, even if you already have a mac.) It’s probably closer to 60K, if I’m not mistaken.</p>
<p>There are a few other current Berklee parents who check in here. Hopefully they’ll weigh in. I don’t know anything about Belmont, since my son didn’t apply there.</p>
<p>60k is way too high. Tuition is 32k- dorms are very expensive (16k!) -but not required for freshmen and there is ample housing stock for students in Boston. S’s apartment costs 1/2 that. Laptop is a one time purchase- the envy of S’s buddies at other music schools. Awesome deal with the included software.
Graduation rates are deceptive- its not a traditional college. Many people leave because they get work. Many of Berklee’s students already have Bachelor’s Degrees and study there for the technical training they didn’t get in their undergraduate experience.
Great alumni support from successful, working musicians. 33 Grammy nominations tomorrow night for Berklee alum.
Regarding the pool of musicians- everyone needs to get in and participate on a principal instrument. That means that the MP&E, music business, music therapy etc students are also counted as guitarists, vocalists, pianists etc. Perhaps not as competitive players as the performance majors but their programs are some of the best in the country.</p>
<p>“Berklee is not a professionally run organization”</p>
<p>I am frankly astonished to hear such a comment directed at Berklee. At every stage, in my experience, from the High School Jazz Festival, the Summer Programs, the freshman orientation, and performances attended through out the year, things have run like a Swiss watch. My wife and I laugh at the deference which the institution has for puntuality. During freshman orientation, the opening speakers commenced their comments as the sweep second hand reached 12 at the appointed time. (Punctuality, by the way, isn’t a bad attribute to instill in a musician). After our S was admitted, and prior to his making the decision to attend, he regularly received emails from the head of his department as well as faculty members asking if they could answer questions or provide guidance. When he took them up on their offers, they answered thoughtfully, responsively and quickly. That interest in his success has never wained, and they continue to be responsive to his private instructor, ensemble and seminar requests.</p>
<p>It is true that many of the administrative phones are manned by students working to pay the bill. I have found them to be polite, patient, responsive and willing to help find an answer. Do they know everything? No, but then who does. To indict the legitimacy of the entire institution because over a bad phone experience seems a bit rash. By the way, as bad as that experience might have been, I suspect it was less frustrating than my experience is when I call my d’s large university and find myself engaged in active debate with a computer voice.</p>
<p>I can confirm what Jazz/shreddermom has heard, at least as far as jazz is concerned. The best at Berklee can play with anybody. Our travels have given us the chance to see the best that Miami, U Mich, New School, MSM and Hart have to offer and I’ve observed the performing art schools from L.A., Jersey and Hartford compete at Berklee for the last four years. The Berklee players take a back seat to no one. And, depending on your instrument, the depth of the faculty is unrivaled.</p>
<p>Price wise, jazzguitarmom is right on the nose. It’s the dorm and the meal plan that will kill you. I suggest if your planning on attending, to make an excursion early, and be willing, if necesary, to take the T to school. Get creative, get some roommates and make it work. Don’t let some over priced meal plan stand in your way.</p>
<p>I’m sorry I don’t have anything to share regarding Belmont, but please don’t walk away from Berklee because it’s “unprofessional.” In fact it is a finely tuned machine which if you have the talent, and are willing to work very hard, will turn out a very professional musician.</p>
<p>Halcyon, I am “astonished” you have never experienced what I am speaking of. But it’s great that you have experienced Berklee as professional as other colleges and universities. Yes, the kids answering the phones are very polite and nice. The kids at the school in general are really great kids. But truthfully they are rarely able to answer questions. To me, communication in general just seems difficult. It took seven phone calls and almost 3 weeks to reach a teacher. It actually took my student walking to three different offices to find someone who knew how to locate/contact the teacher who has been affiliated with Berklee for over 25 years. Admissions day did run like clockwork. Absolutely. And once accepted, we have found they are great at keeping in touch and are very helpful. Of course, now they want to make sure you accept. I saw there was a mistake with sending out 100 acceptances the day before Christmas? How many kids were totally confused given that Berklee told everyone they would hear at the end of Jan. And admissions really couldn’t explain what happened.<br>
Berklee just might need another 5 years or so before it really makes the transition to become a well run music college and gets its staffing under control and its educational (other than music) classes up to snuff. Don’t get me wrong, there are some incredible musicians and extraordinary talent but don’t you think the cream succeeds whereever it is. So if you are going to pay all that money to go to college, go to college. You don’t need to pay Berklee to network. If you are talented, you will eventually succeed. If the degree isn’t important, then what are you doing? If a degree is important, look for the best college/university you can find. Sorry it’s just my opinion.</p>
<p>halcyon4ever— How can you make such a biased statement that Berklee students are better musicians than all those music schools you listed in your post?? How offending!!</p>
<p>I simply said they don’t take a back seat. I never suggested superiority.</p>
<p>I think the bottom line is that the two schools are very different, as Allmusic suggested. For what my D wanted to do, it was pretty clear that Berklee was the right place for her. She writes her own songs and also plays piano in add’l to her principal instrument (voice), and she felt like the other schools she investigated wouldn’t as easily have let her mix all that together. They did give her some nice scholarship money, which to me suggested they thought something of her, so perhaps I’m a bit biased in my view because she is getting treated extremely well there. When she emailed or called leading up to her decision, she always got prompt responses and felt like she got the answers she needed. The hardest part at Berklee for her was in chasing down transfer credits, as she had to go to each department or teacher to get some classes reviewed, but in the end they did the right thing for her, and that was only the first week or so of her first semester. Even as a parent, when I emailed Berklee before she even auditioned, the answers I received were prompt and in the ball park. I hope the folks that didn’t like Berklee found a school that worked for them.</p>
<p>In the end, I believe any individual’s success is based minimally on where they attended college and more on passion, grit and determination to succeed in the face of the greatest odds against your success. While I am not in the music profession, I am in an arts profession in which few succeed. When I entered college (a state school in PA), I was told to look around the auditorium. There sat may young hopeful students. A dean told us that of the people sitting there that less than 5% would make it in this profession. And as a 40+ mom and working woman, I can tell you that he was right. Not one person that I went to college with is working in our originally chosen profession except me and my husband whom I met in college. Some of those students today are lawyers, accountants and teachers. Many of them were excellent at their art, but lacked the will to keep pushing when the going got tough…when the doors did not open easily. And that is OK. Hopefully, they are happy doing what they do now. I know I would not have been happy doing anything than what I am doing now. It was that instinct that propelled me forward. For every “No,” I believed I was one step closer to a yes.</p>
<p>I think it would be more productive to share our thoughts about these two schools or any music schools not in the context of one being better than the other, but candidly discussing the pros and cons of each university or college…because there are pros and cons to everything in life. And then let the student make the decision about what is best for him or her. For instance, my son has been accepted to Berklee. This was his long-time dream. But he just got home from his audition at Belmont and now his dream is changing. The school’s music program intrigued him. He was impressed by the current students, faculty and music facilities. He liked the southern feel of the campus, the friendliness, the greenery, the music pouring out onto the streets from little downtown Nashville clubs and restaurants. [And as parents, admittedly, we can’t help but appreciate that the cost of Belmont is significantly lower than Berklee. And with 3 kids to put through college, we are grateful to fulfill a dream within our budget!]</p>
<p>Happy Valentines Day Eve, everyone. Spread the <3!</p>
<p>Creative: Keen observation. It is a tough uphill battle and the talent and fortitude are the real components of success. Given the odds, it is wise to cut the risk and be in the position to be exposed to alternative options. While Berklee is a specialize and great opprtunity for specializing in music, it can’t compete with the exposure offered in a university like Belmont, NYU, or others can offer. When you are paying for an education to ensure your student is going to be successful after school, you need to put them in a place that exposes them more than one opportunity for success and a career. And you are right. In the end, where you go isn’t going to be the decider whether you are successful. Talent and fortitude is.</p>
<p>I have the advantage of a friend who is the director of IT services at Belmont. I stayed with him this weekend while my S was auditioning for commercial guitar and got an additional behind-the-scenes tour of the campus and performance centers, and we were lucky that Belmont’s Country Showcase show was Saturday might so we could see how they run their productions. We got a warts-and-all view of the place. I may be able to answer some questions if anyone has more.</p>
<p>We have visited Berklee numerous times and one of my S’s best friends is going there. My S did the Guitar Session at Berklee last summer, and though he did not stay in the dorm he got a good first hand look at the faculty and facilities. I also have relatives in Boston, one of whose best friends is an adjunct professor at Berklee.</p>
<p>I think the original poster would probably be happier at Belmont. The Curb School really is wonderful. I talked at length with a student who is going there; she is from New Jersey, never lived in the South, was accepted at Berklee and New Haven and James Madison, and chose Belmont. She just loves it. As a a junior, she is already interning in a Music Row publishing house and next fall will be doing a semester in LA. She said that as far as she knows, every student that graduated from Curb last year had a job.</p>
<p>For other areas of music, it is a closer call between the schools. My S still probably ranks Berklee ahead of Belmont because he wants to do film scoring. (And he will probably choose NYU over both of them if he gets enough scholarship money to afford it.) However, we did find out that Belmont has a composer on its faculty who is an active film/TV composer and even a guitarist. We did not get to meet him but we will be emailing him for more information. We talked to many students this weekend who are applying to both schools and it is a tough call. Both attract very high-caliber and ambitious musicians. Both have putstanding faculty in most areas. I think Belmont does a little bit more in terms of organized performance opportunities and a lot more in terms of student-run productions, so if your student is interested in that end of the business Belmont is superior. The student showcases at Belmont are fantasti; I think they do more of them than Berklee and they do them in their arena so students get a feel for what it is like to run and perform in an arena show.</p>
<p>As a parent, I am more wary of Berklee because of the housing situation. Frankly, it stinks, and since my S will not be 18 until after school starts he won’t be able to rent an apartment on his own if he does not get a dorm room, nor would I want him to because I think he is too young. Berklee is a LOT of work, and it seems almost cruel to expect a student to work that hard in his/her musical area and also have to worry about paying rent, buying groceries and making meals, and commuting to school every day. My S doesn’t even wear a watch, and he needs to be at a place where he can just roll out of bed in the morning and run to class, and he can stay in the music lab until 2 a.m. if the feeling strikes him and not worry about getting mugged on his way home. Even the one dorm at Berklee is two blocks away from the main classroom buildings.</p>
<p>
Off-topic, but hardly any kids wear watches now–they just check the time on the cellphone.</p>
<p>Most of the urban conservatories have housing situations very similar to Berklee, and most kids in these schools end up living in apartments after the first year, or maybe two. While it is almost always daunting to parents to imagine their young progeny coping with the mundane aspects of life such as rent paying, grocery shopping and cooking, most kids manage this extremely well. And most mature enormously in the process.</p>
<p>Parents who are concerned about city mugging really ought not to consider urban campuses either. While muggings are not common, they certainly could occur, and if I were a worrywart, I wouldn’t want to be fretting about such things. There are plenty of other non-urban schools without all those unsavory aspects such as apartments or muggings (of course, there won’t be any of the terrific city amenities either, including gigging opportunities, great restaurants, clubs, music venues and concerts up the wazoo, etc!).</p>
<p>To each his own! But I really wouldn’t let the housing situation at Berklee be the one stumbling block, if everything else has fallen into place.</p>