I have some questions, hoping someone would be kind enough to answer. Do they ask you which style you wanna improv in while you audition? Also is the improv done on a BG track or they play an instrument along? And one other thing, is the improv from the practice exercises given on the website alone? As for the sight reading, from the exercises you're given, can they ask you to play any one of those or is it your choice or do you have to play all?
I am a Flautist (Jazz and Traditional Latin America Music) from Colombia, I auditioned for the last two years, in 2015 i was accepted and got a 40% scholarship for undergraduate program... my family can´t even afford the money it would take to let me live in Boston. off cores even less the other 60% I need :( 1dollar in Colombian pesos is 3000 Pesos, 70% of Colombians live with 6000Pesos (2dollars) a day and earn 150 every month, It is really hard to study outside Colombia It is so cool you are in Berklee now!! I have admire you since I saw your channel!! Hopefully I will reaudition in Bogota Colombia in February 2017 If everything goes right maybe we will meet!! You are awesome! Buena Suerte
Dude I learnt that you were going to Berklee this year yesterday and was going to ask how it was. You read my mind man. I'm planning to go to Berklee when they sent me mail a while back and now I'm even more motivated.
Thanks a ton for this video! Love your covers of the 4th gen Pokémon games. I've been considering Berklee for a while now, since I heard the composer of Halo 5 went to Berklee. I have started my application and will finalize it soon. Thanks again!
Very helpful video! Found this video literally days before my audition to Berklee last December, and it was so accurate and helpful and I was fortunate enough to get into Berklee this year! Take onboard Carlos' tips and check out his incredible video game jazz covers which I discovered after watching this video!
I just had my bass audition for Berklee four days ago and I just wanted to say thank you for the video! I saw it last year when it was first uploaded and it really helped
Dude that was such great, next level advice off the top. I am, among other things, an acting coach and I'm probably twice your age, and even I was like, Yeah! That's a great way of putting it! Kudos.
It is pretty certain that I won't go to Berklee, but it was nice to know how the admission works and your own tips on how to do well in it. Nice video!
Wow, this sounds kind of like a RCM piano exam, but a lot harder and with some different components. Nice of you to make a video like for people to have a better idea of what to expect! :)
that's so awesome u made it into the best school of music in the country! also, this probs means your the same age as me since i just started college last week. everyone my age loves gen IV pokemon, it makes sense now
ommmfffgggggg i remember watching this 2 years ago, and now it's almost audition season. Im not auditioning at berklee but i just finished pre screening for nyu, miami, and northwestern but im not feeling too good about them ;-;
I'm still going back and forth on whether or not I want to go to Berklee (I have little in the way of money at the moment, so I have a lot of time to think on that...), but I'm still glad I watched this. I knew there was a process to getting admitted, but I had no idea what it entailed. Now that I do, that gives me a clearer idea.
I am a sophomore in High School, and have played [piano for ten years. I also played trombone from 5th-8th grade(4 years), but stopped playing that once I got to high school. When middle school started, I found a true passion for music and the arts, although my main focus from 7th-9th grade was always musical theater. At the very end of 9th grade, I used some money I had earned playing piano music to purchase an electric bass, in order to play it for my band, and I almost immediately fell in love with the instrument. I soon found my passion for instrumental music, and as of now, I would like to pursue music as a career later in life. It's been 6 months since I picked up the bass, and I will be starting lessons in the next few weeks. Berklee seems like an amazing place, and while I haven't looked into too many other colleges at this point, I am really considering it as a potential college(although this question can be applied to almost any other music school). However, I am extremely nervous that it is too late for me at this point, and that even with practice, I wouldn't be able to develop the skills necessary for Berklee within less than 2 years. Is it possible for me to still get accepted at Berklee, or another school like it? And if so, how would you recommend best preparing myself starting now(start of my second semester sophomore year), until audition time(some point during Senior year)?
It's never too late. I think the best thing you can do, honestly, is listen to great music and transcribe. I think transcription is one of the best bang-for-your-buck forms of practicing there is, as it works so many of your abilities at the same time (playing, ear training, rhythmic recognition, etc)
I am hours away from a college audition, not for Berklee, but for a state university. Still feel a little nervous but I think this information is still useful.
It was quite enjoyable video to watch. I really wanted to tie my life with music, but ended up learning a computer science professionally because I thought I had to have some academic musical knoweledge before going to conservatory, and when I was in school I didn't go to music school. I think I still regret this decision a bit (after graduating and working as a programmer for quite some time), but I can get over it because it would be hard to survive in my country by just being a musician. Saying all this just because I'm really curious how it feels to be musician professionally because it was (and kinda is) my dream.
It's never too late to pick up an instrument. Sure, you will not learn to play it as fast as you would if you were a kid, but the longer you wait, the less time you have to learn it.
@Swasiland Infidel, hey, thank you a lot! @insaneintherainmusic, that's true. but I think it will be hard to become a professional without proper academic education.
This July i did the auditions to the jazz Superior Conservatory of Pamplona and Pais Vasco (Musikene), sadly, i failed, but thanks to this video and the previous experience, everyone who is studying for this now knows what to expect. Thanks.
Hey this is great for me! I'm only a sophomore in high school, but my band experience is going great! I'm currently the top saxophone at my school and plan on seeing you at berklee
Hey Carlos, I know I'm posting this comment a while after you posted this video, but I hope you still respond. Anyway, I just finished 7th grade this week and I play the clarinet (I have been since 5th grade). I take private lessons (which I have also been taking since 5th grade) and I think I'm pretty good for my age. I've always seen playing my clarinet as a hobby that I want to be really good at, but recently after finding your RU-vid channel and this video I've begun to consider a music career (before I found you, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. I've also discovered Musescore, so now I'm able to learn a whole lot of my favorite video game songs because I'm a huge gamer. I think one of the steps that I should take to take music more maturely is to make a RU-vid channel like your's. But that would mean I would have to be multi-instrumental, and at my age, I certainly don't have the money to have access to other instruments, let alone lessons for them. I haven't even mastered the clarinet yet, so I don't know if I would be able to pull this off. College seems so far away, but I feel this is really important. Do you think I'm too young to be multi-instrumental? I know this is really long and there are a lot of questions to answer (if you do answer), but I hope you do. Please don't get to ticked off if you answer and I have some follow up questions. Thanks! P.S. Can you please do covers or remixes of Gourmet Race from Kirby and/or Royal Avenue from Pokemon Sun and Moon? I don't know if you like them, but I really do, and I think a lot of other people do too. Thanks again!
Super happy to have potentially influenced your career choice! First off, you don't have to be a multi-instrumentalist to have a RU-vid channel; there are people out there who are successful just by playing their primary instrument! Past a reasonable age, I don't think anyone is too young to be a multi-instrumentalist. Age doesn't matter here, what matters is that you're willing to put forth the time it takes to become proficient at all those instruments. Being young is a plus perhaps, since people tend to compare people to others in their similar age bracket. I'd just suggest going for it!
Woah I always wanted to go to Berklee but since I am at Malaysia I can't really go to America to apply there. There is a college in Malaysia that has partnered with Berklee but I don't really know how it works. It's called ICOM. And the Foundation in Music course let's you transfer your credit from the college to Berklee once you finish the course. I dunno if I should apply there. Also, congrats on getting to Berklee! I think you're gonna succeed in your career. Good luck.
I wish my audition at my college would be to do a transcription, it would actually give me motivation to do one instead of looking them up or using the Charlie Parker Omnibook :P
I'm heading to Berklee this fall in Boston. Have you ever been to the Boston campus or are you exclusively in California? (Granted, you could be in Boston - I assumed based on your apparent Washington-based childhood)
There is no California campus... you're getting Berkley and Berklee mixed up - two completely different institutions! It happens all the time though, no worries. I'm at Berklee in Boston.
I have some questions, hoping someone would be kind enough to answer. Do they ask you which style you wanna improv in while you audition? Also is the improv done on a BG track or they play an instrument along? And one other thing, is the improv from the practice exercises given on the website alone? As for the sight reading, from the exercises you're given, can they ask you to play any one of those or is it your choice or do you have to play all?
I really wanted to go to Berklee to learn more advanced music techniques. Although, I also wanted to go to the University of Central Florida because I wanted to join their marching band. Ugh, decisions!
uuuufff Blue Bossa Love that tune --- played it on vibes with my combo a couple semesters back Do you have a video of you playing it on here or do you plan to upload a video of you doing so?
I don't have a video of me playing it here, but there's a michael brecker solo that I've been learning on and off for a while that I might post here in a while.
Just a thought about the half-step improvisation thing, that's notoriously common in black churches where the gospel songs are jazzed up in the first place, then modulated over time up for emotional emphasis w/the crowd. Also it's necessary if you're backing a singer whose drifting all over the place but that's another bag of worms, LOL. So, I think it may be efficient to play songs a half step or 2 up or down at least, but I've never auditioned for music school. just my $0.02
Yeah, I can totally see it being used in that context! I'd still advise practicing tunes in all 12 keys just because it's good for learning tunes in general, but for the audition specifically, going up and down a couple of half steps would probably be fine.
Hey, Carlos. First I wanted to say you've been a huge inspiration to me as a Tenor Sax player (also in Seattle haha). I'm currently a freshman in high school, and have maybe thought of going to Berklee. My biggest worry is the position I'm in right now, especially compared to the highest level players at my school. Namely I'm worried about being able to catch up in many fundamental skills, like soloing, tone, and intonation. I'm unsure where the next few years are going to take me, yet I still also have this dragging fear I won't be able to catch up even in high school. Any ideas on where to start moving forward?
Transcribe, transcribe, transcribe! That's what made the most difference for me - find solos you like and learn to play them! And do not worry - you have plenty of time to improve. 3 years is a lot of time to make some progress, as long as you put in consistent work.
This was really helpful for me because I'm in the process of auditioning for college and while I'm not sure if I want to apply to berklee or not yet this has really helped me grasp an idea of the processes involved so I have a better idea of what to expect. I know all schools handle their auditions pretty differently, so did you actually have to go all the way to boston just to audition? Or do they have representatives come to Seattle to audition people? Thanks for the insight, as this video was really relevant to me and helped a lot.
I’m graduating from Berklee in a few months, and plan to make a video detailing my experience at the school as a whole, sort of a new “review” for anyone who’s still interested in going! Stay tuned.
Just a question how do grades affect getting in? I’m a 2019 high school grad and I’m currently really struggling but music is what I care about. I really want to take music seriously and go to Berkeley but I think my grades are going to hinder me. How did grades affect you when applying? I’ve watched this before but like a year ago and now college applications are coming soon.
I was fortunate enough to have good grades going into Berklee, so I don't think my grades personally hindered my audition at all. I don't know a ton on this subject, but I would presume grades are not as big of a factor at Berklee as they are at other schools.
What if you are playing a non jazz instrument, would you still do improv? I play trumpet and contrabassoon and was wondering, would I audition on both my instruments? Do I need to audition for berklee with a jazz instrument to be in any jazz ensembles
I don't know if you can still answer questions, but is it ok to use a composition as your performance piece if you are going into jazz composition as a major?
Just wondering, but did you take private lessons for saxophone/take lessons in another instrument like piano, or were your seven years of playing all school experience? I'm planning to take a music program in university, but I'm worried because I haven't taken any lessons or anything like that playing saxophone as well, and my only experience in a music learning environment has been from playing in my school's concert and jazz band, as well as playing in an out-of-school jazz band for the past 6 years.
I took private lessons for both instruments. I took classical piano lessons for about 3 years, and tenor sax lessons for about a year and a half. Lessons and master coaching in general are great ways to improve, as long as you get the right teacher for you! I don't think you have much to worry about. If you find that other people are way ahead of your game, the only thing left to do is practice, and that's not a bad problem to have!
I’m a woodwind (a flute to be more specific) and I’m considering to apply to Berklee but I’m very anxious about the improv part seeing as my instrument never really gives me the opportunity to practice that skill (concert band life because jazz flute isn’t as popular as it should be) Any tips???
Hm, I'd recommend just starting with the blues! Look up some blues backing tracks and play along using blues scales and pentatonics! Another good thing would be to transcribe some simple jazz solos and learn those too :)
My admissions audition is next sunday for Voice! I am not worried about my prepared piece, or any of the other components of the audition, only sightreading. What if I have never in my life taken a music theory class? would It be okay to simply be honest with them and tell them I have no idea how to read music? That part is really freaking me out, and the idea to audition for berklee came to me about a month and a half ago after a close friend suggested I do it; so I didn't have enough time to basically learn a new language. I have watched one other video on here where the applicant also did not know how to sightread, and he still got into berklee, but it was back in 2008, so I'm not sure if their standards have gotten higher when it comes to that? Thank you!
Don't worry at all about your existing knowledge of Music Theory. They will not test you at all on your existing music theory knowledge. Most new students that come into Berklee are placed into a class called MAT (Music Application and Theory) which teaches the bare basics of music theory, so you won't be too out of place if you come in to Berklee not knowing much about theory. Berklee cares the most about your potential and work ethic as a musician.
I have some questions, hoping someone would be kind enough to answer. Do they ask you which style you wanna improv in while you audition? Also is the improv done on a BG track or they play an instrument along? And one other thing, is the improv from the practice exercises given on the website alone? As for the sight reading, from the exercises you're given, can they ask you to play any one of those or is it your choice or do you have to play all?
I don't know too much about that, but I don't think a capo is out of the question for a guitar player, perhaps as long as you don't use it as a crutch and more of a tool to get a better sound out of your instrument.
HELLO! Did you choose" Contemporary writing and production" or "Film Scoring" for major? I am a junior this year and I want to go to Berklee too for film scoring major :)
I haven't declared a major yet, though I am leaning towards CWP! I'd suggest reading through the major grids available on the Berklee website to see what sort of classes you'd be taking to pursue such a degree. In a year or so after I declare my major, I may be able to help you more :)
Hey Carlos. I have two questions: I am a classical musician: Vocalist and Pianist -- Is that an adequate background for the Berklee audition? (This essentially means my blues/improvisation knowledge won't be as developed) Secondly: The application asks for both a primary and secondary instrument - will I be able to play a piece for both Voice and Piano? My end goal is to do production/film scoring. Berklee is the ideal place for me in that regard :) Cheers, Chris
Hey Chris! That background is certainly fine, they understand your skills from where you're coming from. I don't know too much about auditioning on a primary and secondary instrument, but I think vocalists are able to play two pieces. I'd recommend focusing on vocals.
You're an experienced musician, I hope you don't mind me asking this: I'm just getting serious with learning jazz now (I've played a little bit in the past, but not as serious). Do you (or any experienced musicians reading this) have any tips for getting better at improv?
Listen, listen and listen, and transcribe, tunes, solos, licks, harmony clichés, listen all the music you can and transcribe it, it will fill (you with determination lol) your language and phrasing. Im still studying, and it can be tought, but jazz deserves it.
Thank you guys for the advice, I'll be listening to jazz/blues more often then. I'm a trumpet player btw, so I can imagine that listening to some famous trumpet players should probably help.
As someone who also plays a woodwind (clarinet), I was wondering if you play standing up or sitting down; I've only played sitting down for my entire 4 years with one exception in which I squeaked during a national anthem duet. Thanks!
insaneintherainmusic Oops! Sorry, I meant to ask whether you had to play sitting or standing during the audition(s), but your original answer was very helpful; thanks!
Oh! I think it's assumed that you'll play standing, but you can also probably play sitting if you want! The people listening will probably be more concerned with your ability to play regardless of what position you're in.
So should I play my transposition first then wait for the improve to play my jazz standard? What I'm asking is should my prepared piece be my transposition?
Do you mean your transcription? Yes, if you are preparing a transcription, play that for a prepared piece. Then for your jazz standard, choose another standard to solo over, and you will play alongside the faculty member present at your audition.
do you think it's possible to get into Berklee if you have only been playing guitar for a year? when my senior year rolls around I would have been playing for 2 years
My main concern is, how serious are they at the interview? Like if I say "Now for the fun stuff" at some point, will that be viewed as unprofessional? I just want to know how I should behave
It depends on how you want to project yourself! I'd recommend treating it like a job interview. Stay serious and confident for the most part, but it's okay to add some humor into your interview.
Does anyone know if you have to choose a single instrument to audition on or if you can use two? I'm a saxophonist and vocalist (both as strong as each other) and I don't know which to choose to work on
I'm pretty sure you can only audition on one, unless you're self-accompanying yourself as a vocalist. At Berklee, you can usually only have one primary instrument, but that doesn't prohibit you from setting up instruction on your secondary instrument with another teacher!
Im not from the U.S.A and i checked the scolarships apply , and it says to pay 150$ . Is it the right way to apply ? Bc i saw so many application and in confuesd , please answer today i need to send it by tommrow .
The interview part is certainly the same, though I'm not sure about the types of things they'll make you play. Should have clarified that in the video. Berklee has audition requirements listed on their website if you're interested!
+insaneintherainmusic Shiet, I'm the scrub who didn't watch and asked this question my bad. Only reason I'm ecstatic about this is that you're surprisingly near. =p
If I recall correctly, Berklee offers a lot of Game Audio classes that are really fun electives. They go pretty in depth with the process of creating and implementing audio assets and dynamic music for video games.
Yep! You'll have to do slightly different things from what I mentioned in the video for the actual audition (check online on Berklee's website for specific info), but the interview should be pretty much the same!
what you think you have to play to get there? BY the way I think it's wicked respectable of you to respond to your comments (at least while it's still feasible). I've heard a few buddies of mine play the absolute nastiest interpretations of various tunes and get bumped up to 2s and 3s in the performance scores.
I'm not sure what I'll have to play, but I'm learning a Donny McCaslin solo that's pretty hard. Maybe that'll move me up a bit! And thanks for the respect man, it can be hard to get to comments on a busy day, but I make an effort to reply to almost all the comments I get! Also did you mean bumped up TO 2s and 3s or by 2's and 3's...?
