University of Southern California Thornton School of Music or Berklee College of Music?????????

I am very interested in film scoring, however, I can’t be completely sure that is where I want my career because I have never done it before. I love to sing, and I play oboe, piano, and sax. I do enjoy performing. I would love to record an EP or something while in college. Mostly, I want to have a lucrative career in the “behind the scenes” part of the industry.

At USC I am admitted to the music industry major, a program with 50 kids per class. Required to take more liberal arts courses. Things like accounting, economics, business classes. You get to take 10 “extra” classes, so I could take some classes from cinematography major and the composition major, however, they would be difficult to get into because I don’t NEED those courses to graduate. I could also use those classes to get private lessons on my instruments by the faculty. They have 3 recording studios, again, somewhat difficult to get time in. The campus is beautiful. LA is a little gross in many parts. They are very organized. I have seen the school ranked as high as 14 internationally.

At Berklee I am admitted to the film scoring major, which I believe is a larger major per class. But both schools have small class sizes. All of the general education courses are tailored to music and seeing how it applies. The energy at Berklee is amazing, everyone truly loves music. The school administration seems disorganized. Boston is beautiful. There is no campus but I really don’t mind because I am from Boston so I know my way around. There are 17 recording studios that wouldn’t be too difficult to gain entry to. Much more collaborating among musicians than at USC probably. Required to take 2 years of voice lessons which I would want because I don’t want to just give up singing. I think you have more freedom on which classes you take. Number 2 music school internationally.

PLEASE help. I am unable to choose!!! Which is going to give me the most successful career?

The enthusiasm in your post completely leans towards Berklee. Go where you see yourself the happiest and where you won’t be saying, “I could have been at USC, or I could have been at Berklee.” You can do great things out of either school.

Reread your post. I think you answered your own question. Go to Berklee.

@hummuslover sounds like you are more excited about Berklee! My son attends and is extremely happy there. Just an FYI…you are not actually accepted into Film Scoring. You will have to apply and be accepted into that major after your 2nd Semester. Congrats on being accepted at both schools.