Is it so hard to enter Berklee College of Music?

Berklee College of Music?

• Classical music at Berklee? I have been playing violin since I was three, mostly with classical training (I do some fiddle). I have experimented with folk music, playing background violin to traditional voice and guitar. I try to write my own music, I haven't written anything I love yet but I do write. In the future I would love to venture out of the classical world of music and move more towards modern music. I am willing to take my violin playing in many directions. I love to play and I love to preform. Music is my life, I am currently teaching myself how to play guitar (only basic chords the most complicated guitar piece I have learned so far is 'over the hills and far away by Led Zeppelin' ) I am wondering what it takes to be accepted into Berklee. Do they accept people with only classical training? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks! * I am currently a junior in high school

• Answer:

  I'm currently attending Berklee College of Music as a guitar principle (Progressive Metal genre), but I've been trained classically since I was five on piano and violin. I've been concertmaster for the highest level of orchestras in my high school, I was selected for a bunch of high level orchestras (All-State, All-County, etc.), and I've been on tour in Europe with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (New York). I've only been self-taught as a guitar principle, but I'm making it my life now. All the classical training I've had in the past just fills up the gaps that everyone who DOESN'T have classical training has. I'm sure you know how to read music as if it's like reading English or whatever your native language is just like I can, so you're already at a head start because a lot of people here can't read music, and they're basically learning a whole new language. The decision to go to Berklee really depends on what you want to do with your musical life. If you really do want to get out of the classical world and "venture," I see two paths you can possibly take: 1. Go to Berklee. You'll meet lots of new people, learn lots of new things, and you'll be a cool snazzy violinist ;). 2. Don't think about going to Berklee just yet. Start venturing out into the modern music realm first NOW, then see how you like it. I guess the final answer is YES. Yes they do accept people with only classical training as long as you don't totally suck.. I know lots of people who are "classically trained" all their lives, but they do suck because lots of classically trained people are forced into playing the violin.. but I doubt that's the case for you. Just practice a lot (because everyone at Berklee is really great), and then you'll get in for sure. Any other questions: feel free to email