r/Berklee

Im applying for Berklee online but I just wanted to ask some questions before I do.

I’ve been composing music for almost 2 years now and it’s all been done through my daw and various vsts, in other words I have no idea how to actually play any instruments. If I’m applying for the online program do I still need to audition an instrument and do a musical performance?

I’m learning piano rn so that’d probably be my main instrument but it’s only been like 3 days lmao.

I also saw that I had to upload proof of musicianship as well, I can definitely upload some mp3s of my stuff but I also saw that you needed to send pdfs of the written notation as well. It says midi draw ups are fine too but I just want to make sure.

I was also concerned with what the usual level of skill is for someone coming in and trying to get into the composition major, like I don’t think my stuff is complete trash but I’m curious.

Anyway thanks for any help guys, I’m sure this question has probably been asked millions of times but I appreciate the responses if I get any.

Can someone (who is trustworthy) look at my college application letter? I'm applying to Berklee College of Music Online for Music Business, I don't really have anyone to proofread this essay. I made two letters and I don't know if one is better than the other.

Hi so I got into Berklee which has been a long term goal for me but recently got some high quality work in the music industry which would conflict with me going to Boston/Berklee this fall. I want to work for a year and go to Berklee after but there is no year long diferal method. My worry is that if I withdraw now will Berklee be upset and make it harder for me to re-enter/get admitted to the school next year.

Hi everyone,

I'm an Indian student who's interested in applying to Berklee, and I'm trying to understand what the admissions team actually looks for.

Do they expect applicants to already be absolute masters of their instrument, or are they more interested in potential, musicality, and uniqueness?

My background is mostly in Indian music:

• Tabla (intermediate to advanced)
• Harmonium (intermediate)
• Singing ghazals and semi-classical music (intermediate)

I don't have much experience performing Western music, although I listen to it quite a lot and enjoy it.

Would a background like mine be considered an advantage because it's different, or is Berklee mainly looking for students with strong Western music training?

Also, is it practically necessary to know things like piano, guitar, music production, DAWs, or Western music theory before applying? Or is it completely fine to specialize in an instrument like tabla and build those skills after getting in?

I'd really appreciate hearing from current students, alumni, or anyone who has gone through the admissions process. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I am currently working my way through a BA in guitar performance at Berklee online. Its been a fun ride and now all I really have are my private lesson courses.

I reached out to my advisors about maybe enrolling in a certificate program or maybe even another degree to work towards at the same time while I am wrapping my private lessons to fill out my semesters. They told me that it wasn't something that Berklee did and that I needed to finish this degree first before starting up anything else. I offered to just take classes to earn credit that could go for a degree later but I was flat out told no.

I find it odd that a college is literally refusing my money. Has anyone else experienced this? I am just curious to if my advisor might be misunderstanding me, or maybe they don't want me to complicate things? I don't know. Just curious!

Thanks!

Well I know I will be "A" creepy old guy on campus - the question is will I be "THE" creepy old guy on campus. I am 46 - I really really hesitated to go to the boston campus because I think it will be uncomfortable, but with the GI bill it is just such a good deal. But honestly, being already socially awkward, but owning it, will I be THE creepy old guy or will there be others?

I am asking because I don't want the competition...

Also is their a recreational facility on campus we have access to?

I’m auditioning on guitar in August so I am currently working on preparing everything, and I just wanted to see what I should focus on the most from other people’s experience, and what to expect in the audition.

For my prepared piece I’m working on a rendition of The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd, playing the vocal melody on guitar with some additions/alterations. I feel pretty good about it so far, though I’m still working on learning and practicing it.

I’m not too worried about the improv or ear training parts, I’m fairly comfortable with these and with some more practice I should be good enough.

One thing I wasn’t too sure about was how much theory knowledge you should have. I have a general understanding music theory, though I wouldn’t say I’m incredibly proficient. I know my scales, positions, and chord shapes, but what do they tend to focus on that i should know?

Sight reading is definitely my weakest area as I have not had much experience, though I am working on it. How difficult are the pieces they give you to sight read? And do you have to be able to sight read fluently to get accepted?

Thanks!

Hey all! I'm a new Berklee NYC student starting in the fall. I primarily use a PC laptop (lenovo) and I was just notified that the program requires students to use Macs exclusively. I'm not able to buy a new computer at this time. I've emailed the school, but is there anyone in a similar situation with any wisdom or advice to share?

i am going to berklee as a 20 year old transfer student. i’m a voice principal and i’m not that proficient in other instruments, i’m only starting to scratch the surface of songwriting, and i don’t really know much about DAWs or how to use them. all of this adds to my anxiety about berklee and going there. is this something worth stressing about?

Hey! I’m 21 and starting my first year at Berklee this fall, and was wondering what the age range is like in the residence halls.
Is it mostly 18 year olds, or is there a good mix of ages? I’m just a bit worried about feeling out of place or left out since i already accepted my housing offer.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has lived on-campus :))

Being in the classical music space as a POC can be isolating, exhausting, and at worst, dangerous. Colleges are where the social rules of the music industry begin to brew. For many earning their college degree is one of the most challenging and fulfilling times of their lives. However being a black student in a potentially mostly white space can greatly warp the experience. We want to hear your favorite memories, your horror stories and everything in between about your degree earning experience.