<p>Hey guys,
Does anyone in Berkeley take Drums or Piano lessons? I am still learning these instruments and would love to do the same in Cal. </p>
<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>I don’t think there’s any classes that have this. Unfortunately, Berkeley is lacking a ton in the way of music. The programs offered are laughable. It’s unfortunate.</p>
<p>Most people actually end up dropping piano or any other large instrument due to a lack of convenience when practicing. If you live in the dorms, you can either play the offkey pianos, or be forced to head to the music room, which is pretty far for the lazy person. I haven’t played in a while since in order to play, you really have to set a time and date. It’s not really something you can just “pick up” anymore while lounging around your house back at home.</p>
<p>I was a huge drummer/percussionist in high school (drumline, marching band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, my own rock band), and I also played the saxophone, trumpet, and piano. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, as people have said, Cal’s music is laughable. The orchestra’s great, but the other programs aren’t that strong. (Cal’s strengths are music theory, not practical musical playing) </p>
<p>It is inconvenient for me to go continue practicing or playing the drums, or any other instruments. If I do it in my dorms, people around me get upset, and walking to the music room is a pain. It’s also hard to find time with so many other commitments( classes, friends, ect.)</p>
<p>Most people who do play are people who’ve been playing for many years and don’t need much practice to prepare with other groups (those that have great ear training or can sight read very well). People who are still learning to play their instruments will have a hard time, unfortunately.</p>
<p>Another thought could be to check out Berkeley City College. I know they offer piano classes. Not sure how it would work having concurrent enrollment at both BCC and UCB.</p>
<p>You can look for music clubs on campus and get a member to tutor you.</p>
<p>I second the notion of going to BCC. Only music majors get free music lessons and this is only after you go through an audition process (piano audition process is competitive). If you want to take music lessons without being a music major, it is about $60 per person. Honestly though, it’s not worth it. Berkeley’s music department forte is music theory and contemporary music. </p>
<p>On another note, Berkeley’s music students are, in my opinion, among the most snobbish students on campus.</p>
<p>Ok so I’ve looked through all the music courses and the one course I am interested, keyboard performance, is only for music majors. So if I’m majoring in something else, I can’t enroll in the class, even if I directly contact the professor? I played piano for a long time and I want to continue and this class seems perfect for it. Is this one of the courses where as mentioned above, if you’re not a music major you have to pay to get instructed? Cuz then I wont do it lol. Are there any other decent courses/groups where I can utilize my piano skills?</p>
<p>I also play the trumpet, but I am not nearly proficient at it as I am on the piano. The problem is, I don’t own a trumpet lol. Is this going to be a problem? Say, if I were to join the Cal Band, would I need my own trumpet?</p>
<p>@choi: yes, that keyboard performance class is only for majors. This is the same class I mentioned that music majors have to audition for to get free piano/harpsichord lessons. Everyone else - non-music majors and those who don’t have a “good audition” - have to pay the fee to receive private lessons from one of the keyboard instructors. I still suggest going to BCC for piano classes (although they might be group piano lessons). There is also the “Chamber Music for Fun” DeCal you can look into. You audition, but it’s not like its a harsh audition. THey just judge your level and put you with someone who is around your level so you can do some chamber music together. </p>
<p>As for the Cal Band, I want to say they provide the instrument for you, but I don’t know for sure. I remember meeting someone in the Cal Band who said that they provided the fugelhorn to her, so you might have some luck.</p>