I Really Need Some Opinions! 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>

<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>

<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>

<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>

<p>Are there any other great schools for music business or music technology?
I'm looking for something in a very urban big city type of setting, and a school that is regionally accredited. </p>

<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>

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

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

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<p>Doesn’t UIUC have a good school of music? Do you plan to apply there? (I know…it isn’t urban.)</p>

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<p>What about Emerson?</p>

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<p>I looked into Emerson, but it seems to be more classical oriented. I’m looking for something contemporar, but thanks for the idea</p>

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<p>Oh yeah, I just looked into the audio engineering and music industry program. It seems worth checking out at least. Has anyone heard good reviews about it?</p>

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<p>Check the music majors forum [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums).
Lot’s of threads on Berklee as well as music industry majors.</p>

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<p>The two guys I know at Emerson are very contemporary.</p>

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<p>yeah, are there quality musicians though? I mean it’s Boston…why choose Emerson over Berklee? I am interested though.</p>

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<p>Did not realize this thread is posted twice. See my reply here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/859152-i-need-your-opinion-berklee-nyu.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/859152-i-need-your-opinion-berklee-nyu.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Violadad: saw your post, thank you very much for all that you told me…I am def. going to take it all into consideration.<br>
Does anybody think that I should pursue my berklee “dream”? I have thought about taking from berklee alumni teachers for awhile to prepare me for the next audition if not accepted this time. Does this seem like too big of a risk? I know it can pay off to take a risk sometimes… Also, I looked into University of Miami’s music program…has anyone heard anything of that? My only concern is the fact that Miami’s local music scene seems to mainly consist of djs… But hey, I appreciate all of the input everyone has given me. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Colin, you will get the best school specific advice within the music major forum. There are nuances and considerations to any music or performing arts programs that normally are beyond the knowledge of even the most well versed in “typical” academic college based admissions.</p>

<p>I’m assuming your style is contemporary/popular/alternative as opposed to classical or jazz.</p>

<p>While this <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html&lt;/a&gt; was written from the perspective of classical instrumental performance, most of the outline needs to be considered when selecting any music program be it technical, academic or performance centered. </p>

<p>Some of the most important considerations are private instructor compatibility, peers of equal or greater talent, and exposure, performance, and networking opportunities.</p>

<p>As I said, there is a growing number of posters within the music major forum with “contemporary/popular” genres that can help you in assessing choices. </p>

<p>No one can assess your talents via an internet forum. Berklee on guitar is an extremely tough admit. Private study with a Berklee level alum, assessment from same, knowing your current skill levels and how they will compete within an international pool of exceptional talent are keys to your answer.</p>

<p>Looking through/contacting some of the posters with Berklee guitar admits may also help you in gauging if your plan is viable. None of the other schools currently approach the competitiveness of Berklee on contemporary guitar, but there will always be exceptional talent within every audition pool, and some institutions do require you meet the academic standards as well as nailing the audition. You may have an issue with NYU in this respect with your current stats.</p>

<p>Look at programs like Belmont, UDenver/Lamont, The New School’s Jazz and Contemporary program, USC/Thorton’s new Popular Music offering. Miami/Frost is a high level program with an international music rep. There may be others off the list, but few that might fit a contemporary guitar focus. </p>

<p>There are also a few threads within the music forum considering the plan of a musical “gap year” to concentrate on intensive private study to position a student for audition based admissions.</p>

<p>Again, I’d be happy to pull thread links if you can’t find them.</p>

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<p>Violadad: thank you very much for all of the information, and ideas. I really appreciate it. Now, I just need to decide which path is for me.</p>