What Nobody Tells You About Berklee College of Music (Q&A)

Summary

In this video, Amir, a third-semester student at Berklee College of Music, provides an honest and personal look at life at the renowned music school. He answers common questions about Berklee, including how difficult it is to get in, dorm life, the cost of tuition, and the overall value of the education. Amir shares insights from his own experience, highlighting the importance of community and networking while acknowledging the challenges, such as high tuition costs and difficult classes. He advises prospective students to carefully consider their reasons for attending and offers alternative ways to grow as a musician without the heavy financial burden.

Takeaways

• 😀 Berkeley's acceptance rate is relatively high at 52%, making it less difficult to get in compared to other prestigious schools like Juilliard or Harvard.
• 🎓 Knowledge of music theory is not a prerequisite for admission; some students, like Rafi, learned it primarily at Berkeley.
• 🏠 While the newer 160-building dorms are nice, most dorms are shared, and the living conditions can include issues like rats and mice in older buildings.
• 🐭 Living in off-campus apartments is often cheaper and more comfortable than staying in the dorms, though the first semester dorm experience can be valuable for socializing.
• 🌍 International students may face a cultural shift, but Berkeley's diversity allows for finding groups that share similar backgrounds and languages.
• 💼 While Berkeley doesn’t provide direct internship opportunities, students can leverage the school’s reputation to find opportunities independently.
• 🎤 Students can take secondary private lessons in other instruments, but these lessons are shorter (30 minutes) and cost extra (about $118 per lesson).
• 💡 The most important advice for future Berkeley students is not to over-idealize the institution. While it has many great features, it's still a school with ups and downs like any other.
• 💸 Berkeley’s tuition is high ($48,830 annually in 2023), and students need to consider the long-term financial impact of such an investment, particularly in terms of debt.
• 🎵 While the education at Berkeley is strong, the degree itself might not be as important for those pursuing careers in music, where networking and experience are often more valuable than a formal degree.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to answer common questions about attending Berklee College of Music, such as how hard it is to get in, what dorm life is like, and whether attending the school is ultimately worth it.

How difficult is it to get into Berklee College of Music?

As of 2022, Berklee’s acceptance rate is about 52%, which is relatively high compared to schools like Juilliard (7.4%) and Harvard (4%). Demonstrating passion, drive, and a desire to grow as a musician is more important than extensive theoretical knowledge.

How much music theory do applicants need to know before entering Berklee?

Applicants don’t need to know much music theory before attending. Many students, like the speaker’s friend Rafi, entered Berklee with very basic knowledge and learned theory through classes at the school.

What are the dorms like at Berklee?

While Berklee often showcases its modern 160 Massachusetts Avenue dorm, that building only houses 26% of students. Most dorms are shared and can have issues such as limited space or even pests. Some students enjoy the experience, but many move off campus due to cost and comfort.

How do international students cope with studying at Berklee?

International students often rely on finding community with peers from similar cultural or linguistic backgrounds and staying connected with family. Berklee’s diversity makes it easier to find people with shared experiences.

Does Berklee help students find internships?

Berklee doesn’t directly hand out internship opportunities. Students must find and apply on their own, though they can benefit from Berklee’s strong reputation and use its name when seeking positions.

Can students take private lessons in a second instrument?

Yes, students can take secondary private instruction for another instrument, but lessons are only 30 minutes long instead of 50 and cost around $1,780 per semester, or about $118 per lesson.

What advice does the speaker give to new students considering Berklee?

Students should avoid over-idealizing Berklee. While it’s an amazing school with a strong legacy, it still has normal academic challenges and is not a magical path to success. Treat it as a place to learn and grow, not a dream destination.

Is attending Berklee College of Music worth the cost?

It depends on your goals and financial situation. Tuition can exceed $200,000 over four years. If you’re paying full price or taking on large debt, it might not be worth it. Scholarships or strong financial resources can change that calculation.

What factors make attending Berklee worthwhile for some students?

The people and community are often the most valuable aspects. Berklee attracts talented musicians and industry connections that can lead to collaborations and career opportunities, especially in music business programs.

What alternatives does the speaker suggest for those who can’t afford Berklee?

He recommends creating your own curriculum by finding excellent local teachers, learning independently, and sharing music online. Consistent practice, creativity, and networking can lead to success without formal education costs.

What hidden costs does the speaker mention even when tuition is covered by scholarships?

He highlights time, emotional, mental, and opportunity costs — showing that even free education requires sacrifices and effort beyond just money.