Berklee, one of the most desired schools in my experience working with music students, has become a selective college, with an acceptance rate of 50%.
According to Berklee’s Common Data Set, 7,167 applied this past year, and 3,577 were admitted.
Berklee is known as a “microcosm of the music industry” as all kinds of music students study there.
Whether you’re a budding composer, songwriter, performer, producer, or future music business leader, there are majors at Berklee catering to your interests.
Berklee’s prestigious alumni list reads like a who’s who of the music world. Grammy-winning artists such as John Mayer, Quincy Jones, and Esperanza Spalding all honed their craft within these hallowed halls.
In fact, Berklee boasts more Grammy-winning alumni than any other institution, with over 300 winners, a testament to its impact on the music industry.
One can’t help but be struck by the sheer number of performance opportunities available at Berklee.
With hundreds of ensembles spanning every genre imaginable, including groups specializing in jazz, bluegrass, musical theater, and even niche interests like the school’s Balkan Choir, students can explore their musical passions.
The college’s state-of-the-art facilities, including over 25 recording studios (which is far more than any other music school), provide the perfect environment for budding artists to bring their visions to life.
For parents and students considering Berklee, know that you’re not just choosing a school – you’re choosing a launchpad for a career in music.
Let’s talk about Berklee today – its alumni, faculty, rankings, and more, so you can get an idea of the school, what it offers, and more.
Berklee Stats & Facts At-a-Glance
Before we dive in, here are some quick facts for you about Berklee.
Number of Students: 8,448 (source – this figure considers undergrads, grad students, Boston Conservatory students, and online students)
Tuition per year: $50,540 (source)
Scholarships Awarded Yearly: $90m+ (source)
Number of Grammys: 332
Berklee’s Notable Alumni
Berklee College of Music has been a launching pad for countless musical careers.
Grammy-winning artist John Mayer, who graduated from Berklee in 1998, has become one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary popular music.
Jazz luminaries like Esperanza Spalding, a 2005 graduate, have also emerged from Berklee’s halls. Spalding’s innovative approach to jazz has earned her multiple Grammy awards and critical acclaim.
In the world of film and television music, Howard Shore, who graduated in 1969, has composed iconic scores for franchises like “The Lord of the Rings.”
Pop sensation Charlie Puth, a 2013 alumnus, has taken the charts by storm with his catchy melodies and impressive vocal range.
Berklee’s influence extends to the realm of electronic music as well, with artists like BT (Brian Transeau), who graduated in 1990, pushing the boundaries of electronic composition and production.
In the rock world, Berklee has produced talents like Steve Vai (1979 graduate), whose virtuosic guitar playing has influenced generations of rock & metal musicians.
Arif Mardin, a 1961 graduate, became one of the most successful and influential producers in recording history.
Berklee’s global reach is evident in alumni like pop star Wang Leehom, who graduated in 1999 and has become a cultural icon in Asia.
Berklee Faculty
Living in the Boston area myself, I have personally worked with many Berklee faculty members and can attest to many of them being excellent teachers, including most of the following teachers:
Rishabh Rajan, a member of the Electronic Production & Design department, exemplifies Berklee’s commitment to staying at the forefront of music technology.
Jazz guitarist John Baboian is a master of his craft. His deep understanding of jazz theory and guitar improvisation, combined with his patient teaching style, has inspired countless students to explore the intricacies of the guitar.
Neil Olmstead, an accomplished pianist and composer, excels in laying a solid foundation for student musicians. His approach to teaching musicianship basics is both comprehensive and accessible, making complex concepts understandable to students at all levels.
For those drawn to heavier sounds, Joe Stump stands as an influential figure in metal guitar instruction. Stump’s virtuosic playing and deep knowledge of metal subgenres make him a revered instructor among aspiring metal guitarists.
Producer Prince Charles Alexander brings a wealth of industry experience to Berklee’s production courses. He’s worked with R&B and hip-hop royalty, including Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, and Faith Evans.
Among Berklee’s esteemed vocal faculty, Patrice Williamson stands out for her exceptional ability to nurture and develop singers of all levels. Her gift for breaking down complex vocal techniques into manageable steps is something I’ve witnessed her accomplish with many students.
Berklee College of Music Ranking
Berklee is usually rated among the top 15 music schools in the nation.
Here are some recent rankings Berklee has enjoyed:
- Niche ranks it at number 13 in their most recent list.
- Hollywood Reporter lists Berklee as number 4.
- Careers In Music ranks it number 1.
- Billboard ranks it among the best music business schools.
Although all ranking lists should be taken as a starting point, these publications reflect Berklee’s and its alumni’s accomplishments.
Mastering the Berklee College of Music Audition
Accepting about 1 out of every 2 students who apply, Berklee is more challenging than ever to apply to.
However, the core of getting into Berklee lies in its audition.
For Berklee’s audition, there are 4 major sections to focus on:
- Prepared piece(s)
- Ear training
- Sight-Reading
- Improvisation
For the prepared piece, you’ll want to show off your best playing skills. It doesn’t matter what the genre is, but whatever genre you choose, you should strive to play as well as you can idiomatic to that genre.
So, if you play a jazz piece, then give us a section of improvisation. If you sing a pop song, stick to the main melody, but don’t be afraid to make it your own, add flourishes, and even create a backing track arrangement yourself if you can.
For ear training, you’ll be expected to identify triads, 7ths, and sing back melodies as well as clap back rhythms.
For improvisation, you should be ready to come up with musical lines on the spot over chords. It’s often a blues progression or something similar.
For sight-reading, you’ll want to be ready to play back melodies notated on sheet music, and if you play a chord instrument like piano, sight-read a chord chart as well.
There is also an interview you’ll have to do at Berklee.
PS
I’ve helped countless students gain admission into Berklee, many of them with scholarships.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you find and get accepted into the best college program for you, schedule a 100% free, zero-obligation consultation with us. We can help you not only apply to your top choice schools, but also help you identify other options for you to try out.
We’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you and tell you about how we can help you, or the musician in your family, gain admission into the best college for your future.
