I Need your opinion! Berklee or NYU or??

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hi everybody.* I am in a bit of a confusing situation right now.. I have been set on going to Berklee College of Music for about 4 years..(I've played guitar for 11 years). I auditioned recently, and am waiting to hear back in March..** I did pretty well during my audition, but I know that my music theory and sightreading could be better.. The school seems to get more competitive especially for guitar players each year..accepting less than 10 percent of those who apply. (That's what I hear at least).*</p>

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<p>I really want to study Music Business and Music Technology (Recording, Audio, acoustics,etc.) I wouldn't mind Songwriting either.* but ok, here is the dilemma:</p>

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<p>I am looking for a "Plan B".* One of my ideas was to move to Boston (from Illinois) this summer after I graduate high school, and to take lessons 4-5 times a week from berklee instructors or alumni(whichever I can find) in hopes of being fully prepared to nail my audition and get into the Spring 2011 or Summer 2011 Semesters. I would have to hold a part time job while doing this.. I am just worried about doing all of the work and still not being accepted. I know I have talent, and am a good guitarist..I just may not be what they would consider a "berklee student". You never know.</p>

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<p>My other option would be to go to another college to get my gen. eds. done, and raise my GPA as much as possible, and then apply to a school like NYU or something.* I am very interested in NYU's Music Business or Music Technology program.*</p>

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<p>Are there any other great schools for music business or music technology?</p>

<p>I'm looking for something in a very urban big city type of setting, and a school that is regionally accredited.*</p>

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<p>When it comes to grades, I am the classic "I could have done so much better if I would have fully applied myself in high school" type of kid. I spent too much time focusing on music. My GPA isn't amazing..but isn't Terrible. Its a 3.3.* I also know I would have to nail the SAT test..which I know I could do well on.. But yeah, the idea would be to go to another college and hopefully have somewhere around a 3.8-4.0 gpa. (I am completely dedicated to this), and then transfer.*</p>

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<p>Please let me know if you have any advice, or any other school ideas? etc.</p>

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<p>Thank you very much everybody!</p>

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<p>Please spend some time here [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums)</p>

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<p>I did not have time to address your questions earlier.</p>

<p>The most informative thread on music business/tech is here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/787110-music-industry-program-major-minor-help.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/787110-music-industry-program-major-minor-help.html&lt;/a&gt;. Part of the issue with suggesting school options for this discipline is the broad curriculum choices and specific degree requirements based on the focus. Much more is explained within the thread I linked.</p>

<p>Do spend some time reading in the music forum using the search criteria I suggested. There are also Berklee admits, and a few current parents with students there that may be able to answer your questions better. If you can’t find anything, I can pull up links and suggest contacts.</p>

<p>Berklee on guitar is akin to Juilliard on violin. You will be competing against top talent. It is a high audition standard, and I do not know if they lower the standard for a non-performance path such as music tech/business. And remember any audition based admit is a crapshoot. There are far too many variables. Objective assessment of your skill sets from professional performing musicans or conservatory level faculty is your best indicator of whether you are competitive within a specific audition pool.</p>

<p>Taking general ed credits elsewhere may work, but realize even within the best music programs theory and some other performance/music major credits typically do not transfer. Knocking off the academics may be fine but read the caveats regarding credits for transfer for any additional programs you might consider.</p>