should i go to music college? do i need to read music? // Q&A

COME SEE US ON TOUR! - www.woooong.com/tour
check out my music here → woooong.com/spotify
learn guitar from me → woooong.com/guitarcourse
buy charts of my music → woooong.com/sheetmusic
Archetype Cory Wong GUITAR PLUGIN → woooong.com/plugin
Cory Wong Signature Fender Stratocaster → www.fender.com/corywong
BAND:
Cory Wong - guitar
Sonny T - bass
Kevin Gastonguay - keys
Petar Janjic - drums
Nêgah Santos - percussion
Eddie Barbash - alto sax, soprano saxa
Kenni Holmen - tenor sax, soprano sax, flute
Sam Greenfield - bari sax, bass clarinet
Jay Webb - trumpet, flugelhorn
Michael Nelson - trombone
Engineer - Dan Smith
Mix - Cory Wong
Lighting - Vin Pugliese
Videographer - Michael Bowden
filmed at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA

[@FoolishFrankie]

Eddie’s take on college was the most reassuring message I’ve ever heard

[@sethutkc350]

He’s right, too

[@fueledbykyle]

Extra props to Negah for putting up with these guys.

[@JochenVogel]

Extra props to her for being one of the guys.

[@matthewmorter7803]

Negah is low key my favorite one of the bunch, she always looks so joyful while performing, it's just a joy to watch :)

[@user-ms2rf5sh6d]

That sounds a lil inappropriate

[@v.k.healthlongevity9807]

As a fellow Brazilian its no surprise she can keep up with the boys. Probably has a bunch of brothers or cousins anyway. And knowing my fellow countrymen, I bet she rips the nastiest farts out of them all 😂 🇧🇷

[@Slappyhorse]

bro dont call the bass player that

[@woutertron]

A year and a half of jazz school really opened my eyes and ears to just how much there is to music theory and performance. It also taught me I'm not serious enough about practicing to get really good (everyone at music school is "good" but I was the bottom tier of that) and turn it into a profession that would sustain me both financially and spiritually until retirement age. So yeah, eternally thankful that I was able to go and I'll never have to wonder "what if".

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

Yup. My prefered style is classical. I was gonna go into school for piano, but I realized....if you don't dedicated every free moment of every day, you're just never going to accomplish anything in that genre. That's not a criticism. There are classical pianists absolutely manhandling the most complex pieces of music ever written, preserving some of the strictest artistic traditions humanity has ever produced. But I can't do that. I love music, I always will. I love teaching it, composing it, improvising, playing and learning with friends. But not on that level. Glad I never committed on that level

[@rfinnegan7106]

Perfect timing, my daughter is going for an audition at Berklee next week. Professional insight is just what she needed! Thank you!

[@caitlingill]

Did she make it

[@justmedee]

i fucking love this. i will intentionally like and comment on every cory wong vid just to support the content and help ensure it doesnt stop.

[@boyanboguitar]

What a cool trip down memory lane - the readers vs the feelers - the 4 years of schooling vs 1/2 semester; Yes, the lovely paper that the degree is printed on carries a hefty price tag :D

[@FarrinD12]

Man this episode made me feel so happy just seeing them all have such a good time!

[@TheBrotherreed]

You all are so fun to watch and listen to. Another thing worth mentioning about learning music and being in bands is how to get along with everyone. It seems like morale is generally high (gross understatement) in this outfit. Sometimes playing the gig is the easiest part of the whole deal. Everything else is the stuff that takes work! Bravo to all of you for keeping it fun on so many levels.

[@bradd.7829]

What I love is the quality of the people they all are as a band. Being a good person and finding others who are good people, too, is a huge part of making it all "work" as well. Great video!

[@markprater1]

I was on tour in Brazil using charts for the whole show. All was well until a wind gust blew my charts off the stage, and I was lost. I never used charts on any stage again; I memorized everything after that!

[@kennethdean4349]

Bummer! Clothes pins should be in everyone’s gig bag.

[@Guitargate]

That sword crushed me.

[@westieclo]

You guys are awesome. Love these videos.

[@scolhs]

Always love the energy you guys bring to these videos!

[@rhinoasauras3773]

As someone looking to go into music after high school these Q&As are so helpful, love you guys!

[@coskunguclu8591]

This is awesome - advice I have sorely needed!

[@watermylon6495]

This was SO FUNNY! Keep these Q&A videos rolling, I love it!!

[@geralddeloach1391]

Again, the edits are amazing!!!!

[@timovaneekelen7134]

I saw you guys at north sea jazz and I LOVED ITTTTTTT. You guys are amazing. And Sonny you are my favourite bassist😌

[@richie.messina]

love this so much ty Cory!!

[@JJW410]

Bangin musician AND great KZbinr!? Amazing content - thanks for all that you do Cory! ❤

[@rorywilson3474]

love mark just chillin

[@anyhandlewoulddo]

LOL what a great chapter!!! You have so much fun together that it is contagious 😄

[@seank997]

So excited to see you this Saturday in SF can’t waittttttttttttt🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@G_Demolished]

Reading music is important if you’re going to play a style that requires reading music. A good ear and some theory is enough for many.

[@ForeverBloom]

I won’t be surprised at all if no one believes me but I actually had classes with Petar at McNally Smith. I was there for 4 semesters before I left, but Petar was always very charismatic and impressionable. Very nice and genuinely funny person to have classes with. Not to mention insanely gifted, even back then. I’m actually kind of amazed that this was randomly in my recommended. I’m also a little at ease with this groups opinion about music school. I do find myself at times thinking what could of been if I kept going at McNally, but at the same time I have been able travel to places and accomplish more than I thought I would. Classes with Dave Stanoch, Paul Steuber, and Gordon Knutson will always have a special place in my mind and I am so happy seeing Petar thrive in music today. Cheers 🍻

[@thebeakgeek8292]

Great advice and production is top notch!

[@SharigramaOfficial]

Greetings and hugs super band, it's great to see you enjoy and have fun.. 🤟

[@stephenstange4194]

So much fun watching this. I am in the technical world and have a BA in math and a AA in electronics. The BA opened doors, the 2 year AA gave me the practical know how. Now, late in my career, no one cares about either. It’s just about what I have and can do. Thanks for making fun, thought provoking content.

[@genesis_tracks]

Editor went crazy here! Big ups to y'all man, hope yous are doin well!

[@ilyaorlov]

Thank you guys for these!!

[@lasagnahog7695]

I feel so spoiled every time this channel uploads. I'm in a bad way at the moment and these Q&A's (and of course all the music) are a bright spot.

[@elrafa782]

Still crazy guys. Love ya

[@snm1147]

Thank you guys. This is very inspirational video. I am self taught and have been playing guitar for about 18+ years now. I have always dreamt of becoming professional touring musician. Almost every day I regret for not learning theoretical side of the music. I think myself a good guitar player but now I enjoy playing guitar less because I am always stuck improving or learning music. So, anyone trying to pursue music as career please go to music schools, college or university once in your life time. Also this might not imply for everyone since everybody has different capabilities or ways of learning and teaching. I know some people who can learn 3 years worth of course in 3 months at home themselves and people who took 5 years to learn 3 years worth of course.

[@keepinbeat]

This videos is the definition of a good hang

[@Joe-bs9dj]

Love these videos, thanks wong notes!

[@hovis_esports]

learning music theory honestly helped my ears more than it’s helped me communicate what i’m playing to others (as a closet player this definitely doesn’t apply to me)

[@Diogolindir]

I think using theory to understand our instruments better is one of the best things we can do to ourselves

[@selimb33]

what i'am surprised about tho, is that no one talked about getting a teacher to learn music, that's how i started, and once i had a decent understanding of music, i went to a music school. There is no "right way" of learning, some methods will work great for some person, or won't. But as long as you like music, and put the work in, you'll get there eventually. Tho, the better you become, and the smaller your progress will be, so it's also very important to work smart, and be efficient : There are no geniuses, only work geniuses. The best musicians i've come accross were the one that outworked the rest of them

[@soundswaroop]

Fav thing to watch around

[@marcellskorka3102]

i just wanna let u guys know how grateful i am for you taking the time to shoot content like this!!!

[@stephendawg1]

1 year of guitar performance for me, learned theory, met some amazing musicians who went on to be very successful in the business. That one year has served me well. Made some lifelong friends too.

[@saskatoonguy]

Petar basically embodies the ole joke every band member has heard - what do call somebody who hangs out with musicians? A drummer! (For the record, man is a MONSTER on the drums. cool to find out he is also a college friend like KG)

[@stewartkeyes2511]

That was fun!

[@matto9734]

No mercy! 🤣 This format is always so great to learn something from.

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Those video add-ons are hilarious! 🤣

[@freight_train13]

This consistently looks like the most fun band to play with and just be a part of. 😂

[@MrDrasby]

There is so much joy it's actually insane

[@paulandamyw]

I LOVE THIS! Too much fun ;) Soooo real! HHHaaaa! Thanks, Cory!

[@brianenders2098]

I'm a guitar player. Use to play horn. I just assumed I'd never be able to make music as a musician, I'm so freaking jealous of these guys. I'd kill to play guitar for a living. To even be able to play every day. I should have gone down a different path and taken a chance because I ended up doing a mediocre job in a dead end career anyway.

[@johandypablofrias3453]

That was Fun !

[@TheMusicWiz]

Love you guys :)

[@Rovewood]

I love you Cory

[@NicholasHume]

I love the harmony of discussing the merits of education and theory while also featuring countless typos throughout the vidoe

[@kapers5772]

Man I wish I can play in a band some day and as much fun as you seem to have

[@atoexodus]

You guys having illegal amount of fun!! 😂

[@bassic6959]

music theory comes to me all the time. its not about learning something and walking away from it. I started by just playing my instrument and slowly through jamming with people I pieced together what I would call my knowledge of theory instead of learning it all in one neat class

[@jimib3]

Such good content

[@jovanj2717]

For composers, arrangers, producers, and audio engineers, music college grants you access to so many resources that cost a fortune up-front (wages for large ensembles, studio space, studio gear, etc). The tuition may be high, but you can pay it back over time rather than immediately emptying your wallet or be prevented from creating. Also, composition majors and production/engineering majors require technical skills that most performers -- and particularly, consumers -- never need to know or think about (For composition: orchestration techniques, notation, instrument registers. For production: acoustics, digital/analog technology, operating equipment).

[@AdamKibblemusic]

There are a lot of bad music college/degrees out there. So many!! If you get accepted by one without some sort of reputation don’t accept it! It’s not worth your time or money. Go to places with good connections and that will work you hard. Universities just want your money, not your career prospects.

[@neocollective]

LOL...great talk, and your editor is too funny 😂😂🤣😆

[@UserCaleb1138]

My mans really played the Halo theme at 4:50 and thought we wouldn't notice!

[@tophat802]

The drinking sound effect made me laugh so hard! Thanks for the great videos and great music!

[@supercussion6590]

The shades over the shades edit on Sonny was genius

[@matthewmorter7803]

I *kind of* did what Barbash was suggesting. I first learned piano in 4th grade, then got a bass in 6th grade, that has been my number one since then, and I also played trombone and tuba in band in school. I took private bass lessons all through school as well. So I certainly have basic theory down, I am in no way advanced though. but I went to music school for one year and almost the entire time was a review for me, so I switched and went to regular college for a year, then dropped out, so I have nothing to show for all that. I wish I could have benefitted from the networking of music school but at that time I was in a band, my ideal band, and so I didn't try to play with everyone I could, because I felt secure that my band was the thing I was going to do. But sadly the band broke up, drummer went off to do other things, I moved away. now I wish I had made more connections at music school. my old band was called Bungalouski, if anyone is into Jam bands they should go check out Bungalouski on youtube :) (search Bungalouski the set for the best quality video) and Cory, if you read this, check it out, I want to play bass with you! :)

[@eezy.knewsome]

the music theory answers reminds me of how the black church numbers system. It was certainly my intro to basic theory

[@LeifEkbergh]

I want to weigh in with a music education take. Here in Scandinavia, it's 200% worth it! I doesn't cost, we have great colleges here in Sweden. I'm currently in one for music teaching. I've studied music in community college for 3 years and also 3 years of music highschool. I'm extremely grateful for all of that learning time and all the network. High quality teachers as well!

[@TwoWrights]

I smiled all the way through this. I wish I was in a big rowdy positive band like this. Didn't go to music school. Still can't read music. Been singing and playing for 25 years though. I guess if you learn theory or go to music school, you'll be a better level of musician that other better level musicians want to play with. If you can't get over the campfire strummer phase, that's the level of musicianship you'll stay at. But that isn't that bad. Mumford and Sons and Taylor Swift have had hugely succesful careers, also Dave Grohl can't read music. There can be fulfilment in being satified at your level and mastering it. I'm seeing it both ways really.

[@justmedee]

when you strip it all down to its very bare essentials, at the end of the day music is just sounds made in an arrangement. Of course reading music can definitely help on the larger scale of things and really does show of music IQ and ability but so many amazing artists and songs have come from just listening to the noise. Does this sound good in my ears? Yes? Great lets make it a song and see if it sounds good to other people. Music can sometimes get really convoluted and pretentious sometimes.

[@nirandangol]

Yeah! Interesting

[@JohnLloydDavis]

These Q&A's are so good, I've learned so much from just listening to the opinions of these guys.

[@OssianEMills]

Depends on where you want to go, what you want to do, and who you want to be. My music degree path/education has taken me everywhere I've wanted to go, preprared me for what I was going into, and gave me the foundation to fill in the gaps that music college didn't. It's a lifetime of learning and growing; there's never a Certificate of Completion.

[@chipbenson8078]

You guys are also wonderfully Midwestern!

[@vietnammg]

I think if you got the chance to attend a good music school do it, especially with parent's support. It's a place where aspiring musicians come together and learn after all.

[@migrantfamily]

Banter is probably my favourite sport. This is super bowl stuff.

[@1975cdub]

Halo monks? Also I too bought the Bret Pappa Mark Lettieri. Very nice.

[@trevorbeach6863]

Love the fact that Sonny gets another pair of sunglasses over his sunglasses at 3:10

[@kirkydaturkey]

Every time I see you all laughing it just energizes my day lol.

[@ausserhaus]

very, very interesting, thanks alot. I always struggle - I play keys for 30 years now, there was an old upright standing in our cellar, that was the beginning, I had a piano teacher for two years, didn't understand anything about how music theory, never learned the name of the notes or chords - I've tried to but I quit and started playing what my ears heard. And I remeber the day I got "cantaloupe island" - it took my again years. But maybe I'm just not talented enough. Nevertheless I had much fun playing with others musicians at Blues Sessions over the years. I still love making music, but I will be limited in my skills. I will never be able to play Jazz or stuff like this. So: two weeks ago I decided to buy a Bass-Ukulele and had my first lesson just yesterday. Again i didn't understand what the teacher told me but this time I will do my best to keep it up.

[@cuervacho]

Guys, I'm one of those cats Cory talks about (stuck in diatonic chords)! :( So, you're telling me the solution is more advanced and complex music theory? Any books you can recommend? Anyway, you guys are so awesome and I admire you so, so much! I just love how much fun you have just being together and, most importantly, how much you love music. Much love from Mexico City :)

[@kennethharkenrider6201]

Y'all are too funny! 😂😂😂

[@jambajoby32]

I agree w Eddie I learned to read on my own @age 12

[@kirjian]

These dudes laughing is so infectious

[@Savantjazzcollective]

I wonna know where Petar got his glasses!

[@giac7baci]

My fav part is Mark looking out the window the whole time 😂🤙🏽

[@snickers6125]

I have a few freinds with music degrees and where they do beat me on sight reading and classical music concepts, I blow them out of the water in world music, advanced music theory concepts and microtonality, all from KZbin. Both are just tools and should be used for what YOU want but I find it really expensive for learning such a narrow view of music

[@MadeOnTape]

this is also a serious addition: Jack Stratton of Vulfpeck was NOT a music major, at least not when he started. I think he ended up getting a minor in audio tech? Point being, if you're comfortable with networking, you can still get a "regular" degree and hang out with the music kids. Better yet, my advice comes straight out of Jack's playbook: get them gigs.

[@ScamLikely9327]

Shit I don’t know how to read music but I’ve written songs on guitar and the vocals since I was a kid. I have just been blessed with a musical family and I know very minimal theory.

[@redbear4027]

The most important thing is to learn how to score and properly copyright your compositions.

[@mymixture965]

Music university is free here in Austria, I would never pay the prices of the US music colleges or universities.

[@BeyondtheRecord]

the editor putting sunglasses OVER sonny's sunglasses cracked me up like a goose egg thrown down from the 42nd floor

[@squidgysailor]

was the bus ride comfortable what bus was it? whats the best bus for a band?

[@tomboman200]

Cory the drip is insane! 🥶

[@richardbuckner8779]

Messy, but still, good fun and -I guess- good pieces of advice.

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Could someone share with me what these handheld Bluetooth mics they're holding are called? Excellent video. Refreshing and vulnerable. I like

[@LemonFlavoredTea]

Also interested, those mics sound great

[@smlinarcik]

Muisc Theory is mandatory

[@JochenVogel]

Man, I should have gone to music college 40 years ago! ;-)

[@jayj4142]

The correct answer to the “music college” question is if you’re good enough, nobody is going to ask to see your music degree during an audition. And if you’re not, you need a music EDUCATION degree to teach so you can feed yourself/family/dog/whatever.

[@carstenaltena]

It's been said that Stan Getz didn't know a hell of a lot theory. Didn't hurt his career anyways. By the way, you guys are the happiest band I've even seen!

[@gimmeagig]

I love you guys LOL

[@ChristianScott-hx1ut]

I'm thinking of getting back into music. Played on and off since I was 14, I'm 37 now (drummer, bagpipes, little guitar/bass). I also have some singing from a musical in high school. I just never hit it into overdrive, as far as making it my identity. Life came up. But what do you think of a 2 nd career going back into that world, at 37? I've enjoyed it, but I'm realistic about the fact you need to wear many hats to "make it". Should I just be a plumber and play on weekends. Or go full tilt back into it?

[@cinnamonbuns3372]

Okay but where can I buy Cory's shirt?

[@wildboy8137]

You need to ask yourself what your end goal is and how going to music school will help or hinder that. If you're going to be paying ridiculous sums of money for knowledge that will either make or break a career in music, don't waste it on a school or teachers that won't be able to get you what you want and help you meet your goals. 2:03 is about as true as it gets.