Berklee College of Music Audition Tips

[@LessonFace]

Want to learn more? Check out Yonit's booking page at www.lessonface.com/instructor/yonit-spiegelman

[@shermanngjazz]

This video was helpful!!! I recently got accepted by Berklee!!!! Edit: So I ended up not going to Berklee because I did not end up getting a scholarship and the tuition was just too much. I decided to attend UW Madison to major in data science while still taking a piano class at the same time.

[@liveofficial5330]

CONGRATS

[@NikGambardella]

Same here!!!! Congrats!!

[@birdvatcher7424]

congratulations dude!!!!

[@ayushmanbhalla8737]

i got selected today....

[@Mikaz24]

I'm starting in Fall in Valencia! Any words on how your first year went?

[@LuisGarcia-xr9xz]

I’m going to audition for Berklee in 2 years... Wish me luck!

[@tedah8909]

same!

[@denizbluemusic]

Me Too

[@sanjayshengale2849]

Me too

[@eshaalakhtar9911]

Matt Hunter Good luck!!!

[@Alex-yr8jh]

Me too

[@taihaw]

Great job summarizing the audition expectations. My son just had his audition this past Saturday and it was exactly as you explained it. He was ready for all the music portions, so we ran through the interview questions twice the night before and that was really helpful. Now the hard part, waiting!

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+taihaw Great! Thanks for your comment, I'm really glad it helped. And good luck with the hard part :) We've all been there but that will come to an end soon enough!

[@taihaw]

+Yonít Spiegelman He got in and was offered a partial scholarship! We only had to wait 5 days, which is good because I'm not a very patient person when it comes to this stuff.

[@rionasmelodies1153]

taihaw congratulationsss...

[@truthbeseen7428]

May you forever be blessed by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury and all the Gods of Music. Amen

[@willeek3760]

Marina Guarnieri none of them went to berklee /(-_-)|...

[@ryanyuu5580]

will:e k I don’t think that matters

[@stella717]

Thank you

[@Nysing]

Great video, but I still can't pass the most important step: tuition

[@kaladin783]

Yeah same

[@maximobass1055]

In the words of Samuel L Jackson ... "Correcta mondo!"

[@mandy9859]

Thank you so much for this! I still have 4 years before applying so I am hoping to be extremely prepared 😁

[@isabelarinconroa]

ME TOOOO

[@brunocoliveira89]

I saw this video back in the day 2015 and I passed with a scholarship and graduated in December 2019. All in this video is true!

[@LessonFace]

Congrats! Happy this video helped you :)

[@lesliecruzado2793]

I've always said to audition for whatever band, to apply for whatever job; to not disqualify yourself before the audition or the job interview, that they are paying somebody else to say "yes" or "no". I actually had a tougher audition for the "US Army Band". I hadn't been playing my main instrument for 3 years because my job at that time in the army didn't provide space for me to practice. However, even though I had to translate most of the technical terms, I didn't pass the audition by .007 of a point, and the judges decided to keep me for 6 months so that I could practice my instrument and give it another try 6 months later. The bad news were that my commander at that time didn't approve my stay with the army band for training purposes.

[@MarcG7424]

The old military adage If Uncle Sam wanted you to have something he would have issued it to you comes to mind

[@treypiraino1691]

Hi! I'm a drummer, I'm 18 years old and I'm graduating high school this June. I'm planning to stay in my home town for a year and then audition for a scholarship for 2017. This video really helped me familiarize myself with what I should expect and be prepared for when I audition. Thank you very much!

[@kushalranjit6716]

Did you get into Berklee?

[@charzard1000]

This was insanely helpful omg

[@josephvulaca259]

I'm a senior in high school and I play drums and piano and bass guitar..I wanna keep studying music..

[@MrLegoman9264]

Awesome video, more answers here than I've managed to find anywhere else. I have a question about the ear training session though. It is very easy to match a pitch with your voice and not know the note, but to play it back on your instrument immediately without poking around a bit first seems a bit hard. I could tell you what interval was being played in a heart beat, but during the audition would it be acceptable to have to check around a bit before matching the note exactly on your instrument? (I play bass). To know how to reproduce a note on your instrument you need to know what note is being played first, and to pull that out of thin air would be perfect pitch, something that few people possess..

[@fergieNH]

In 1968, I had that test! I had no idea if I past until later..... I did, but it was tough! It was tough with minor and major, especially when the root note was not the bottom note. It has since been made more difficult, but go for it anyway. This College is the best! Remember, it is you that has to absorb all.....then make it work for You!

[@HomesJerseyShore]

The tuition is now 60K per year. What did you do after you graduated?

[@ricktrelles495]

Excelente! Great tips! Thanks so much! I was not into an audition process but watching this video made me think about it! You rock!

[@thenetworkmystery]

I'm auditioning this afternoon, I'm really looking forward to it! The only part I'm a bit nervous of is the sight-reading-I'm not a great reader, but I think I'll be fine.

[@kiddo620]

Is it necessary to prepare a blues piece?? Does preparing gives extra credit in getting a scholarship?? Any advise for getting a scholarship,?

[@annagreiner5167]

I can read music and everything, I’ve played violin for 11 years, but I am HORRIBLE at music theory!!!!

[@stella717]

Does the pitch and ear tests comply to drummers/ percussion. Since we are more rhythmic than melodic

[@oluseyiajibola1922]

Hey! I am from Nigeria and would like to know the process to get into Berklee. The Audition process,venue(in Africa) and all. Thanks and regards

[@theodoraeloh61]

Me too😫

[@malevaristananda9344]

Hello! I have 2 questions to ask; 1. if i want to take film music, do they still audition our performance? Or we just hand our portfolio? 2. what kind of sightread do they audition for pianist? Is it a lead sheet or a score? Thank you!

[@xOALtoFrEak900Ox]

Hello I am a Violist, a bit rusty though. I've been meaning to major in music composition, I sort of play a little bit of everything, but my main instrument is viola, I would love to focus on strings. Is it hard to get into Berklee in general? I have taken music theory, I have been self taught most of my life (I have played for about 6 years), if anything, what type of piece could I play for the audition? Something I could plan ahead, perhaps concerto, Bach perhaps? Thank You!

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+David Çipriano Hi David, I highly recommend to go to lessonface.com and consult with a string player who could help you show the best of your abilities at the audition. I could definitely help you with general consultation about Berklee audition at lessonface.com as well. Good luck!

[@nro1634]

Thank you so so so so much for this video, thanks God I have 2 years to prepare myself but i think never is too early. By the way, i got a question, how can i auditionate if i'm from Colombia (South America)?

[@stelladavis1798]

So do you have to have perfect pitch? I can repeat a note singing but I can't say what note it is and play it on my violin or guitar without having to search around for it.

[@Zacharysharkhazard]

No, you don’t need perfect pitch, you do need a trained ear though and be able to play a melody by ear without a ton of messing around with your instrument.

[@ChopinIsMyBestFriend]

man i couldn’t imagine trying to go to music school not knowing how to read music

[@bluesyapple_juice5212]

Hi, I am thinking about auditioning for Berklee in a few years time. I was wondering if this audition process is still relevant?

[@smritisankar5590]

It is still mostly relevant. The order is kinda different now. I actually auditioned online last week for the five-week scholarship (it’s literally the same audition process as the Undergrad audition) and there’s an interview, and the audition consists of ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, and a performance of a song of your choice. They give you the ear-training, sight reading, and improv at the level you are comfortable with

[@briellej_]

Smriti Sankar I was trying to apply but I don’t see anything about the five week program on the application just the Valencia one

[@smritisankar5590]

Brielle J Oh that’s interesting. I think that might be the Undergraduate Application then. I just emailed Berklee and asked them if there were any audition spots available for five-week

[@anirudhkukreti5293]

Right now I'm in 10th standard....what should I do?

[@Avedis-G]

I’m wondering if you can be too old to go to Berklee? After playing professionally for 30 years as a drummer I still want to go but I wonder if they accept people my age (52)?

[@SisiStewart-tf5ye]

My grandson Jordon Smith is auditioning in about 8 days, Jordon is completely Blind, how will his audition be different? Thank you Jennifer Stewart

[@micah1234321]

bruh i watched this after my acceptance but they did not give me the sight reading beforehand lol they gave it to me on the spot and it was difficult because i auditioned with flute and some of the notes were below the flutes register and i wasnt sure if they wanted me to play it an octave higher but that was the weakest part in my audition

[@martinkitanski8986]

Is it hard to get a merit-based scholarship? How well should you perform on the audition?

[@soheelcanaan713]

thats a great tips . and very helpful thanks alot

[@cameronboudrot9634]

Will they ask you to identify cord progression and modes ?

[@BillyDrinksMilk]

Thank you for this video :) I have my audition this Saturday, really excited. Only question I have is, do they let you play along to your prepared piece if it's a cover?

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+William Jones Hi William! I'm not sure if I understand the question... you mean play along with the playback? Or just accompany yourself? I believe in both occasions it should be Ok. But of course if its you accompanying yourself and singing it will have a greater affect.

[@BillyDrinksMilk]

Thank you for the response! :) And yes, playing along with the song.

[@CoachingMusic]

Berklee College of Music is the place to study music

[@DedekindMusic]

Yes or Yes 😀😃😄

[@internetpolice6143]

if i dont know how to read music am i doomed?

[@amj.composer]

i suck at sight reading too

[@emmywillow6599]

LEARN NOW. it's super useful dood.

[@leomorales1764]

did you get in?

[@hansleber6090]

Would love to hear you play something :)

[@anuradhabodhinayaka7228]

I'm Sri lankan, yor lessons very very helpful

[@sushrutraj4214]

Mam if we get into Burklee then can we add a coarse for example if someone is selected for drumming(auditioned) can and he or she learn vocal or piano please reply

[@anirudhkukreti5293]

I'm from India....is my audition and interview gonna happen online??

[@andreascordier2089]

Hi, Thank you very much for your tips and your informations! I really want to study Drums and Berkeley sounds really interesting to me. I would prefer staying in Europe, so the Valencia Campus seems to be better suiting to me, but I don´t really understand if I can study there all the time. I can only find Informations about first year abroad and Graduate Program´s. I´m thankful for any help!

[@theclash435]

Hi! I would like to thank you for making this video, i also would like to ask you what kind of prepared piece would you recommend me doing( I play the drums). Berklee is doing audittions for the first time in chile! (OMGOMGOMGOMG) and i don't know what i should give them?!?! A jazz solo transcription would be recommended? Thank you!

[@shreymedley]

Thank you so much for this.....Great job. I have my Audition on 26 Jan in Mumbai, India. Just one Question Do they take Audition in front of people or students who came for audition or is it just one on one with the Auditioner?

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+Shreyash Tembhurne It's just one on one with two Berklee faculty teachers. Good luck!

[@shreymedley]

Yonít Spiegelman Thank you

[@rionasmelodies1153]

Shreyash Tembhurne How ws d experience..plzz tell me

[@gyanjyotimj]

Shreyash Tembhurne can u give me contact no..

[@brunocoliveira89]

Hi Yonit! Thanks for the video. I'll make the audition in one month and although I feel prepared, I feel bit more relaxed with your video :) But theres something I would like know: whats the level you need to be in if you want to have a full scholarship? Is something like "one mistake and you are out"? Thanks again and have a great 2016!

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+brunocoliveira89 Hi Bruno. Thanks for watching! Getting a full scholarship is a very complicated process and usually has a lot of variants to it. I don't believe one mistake will prevent you from it, but it's possible that a perfect audition won't get you there. But it you nail your audition and you have prepared great pieces, you are bound to get a great scholarship. Good luck!

[@WorldOfNikola]

Hey! Great tips! I am a bass player (kind of heheheheh) i was wondering if you got any suggestions to what to ply on the audition? I'm not really a jazz fan, but i can play it. But i understand that they want you to play what you're most comfortable playing, so lets say its Funk, or Hip Hop fusion. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+NikolaVOfficial I would say definitely go with what's your main genre but make sure that you show all your greatest abilities within that performance! Feel free to book a lesson with me if you want some extra guidance :) www.lessonface.com/music-instructor/yonit-spiegelman

[@Person-cv9dj]

Are you allowed to try to find the note on your instrument so meaning that you have a few trys to get it right

[@HA-yi9tq]

I don’t study any musical instruments before and I want to apply; Do they accept the beginners to apply in music school?

[@ryanyuu5580]

Probably not, I think they have some expectations

[@hansleber6090]

@Play so you have perfect pitch ? Spread it to the World!!!! LOUDER!!!! YOU HAVE PERFECT PITCH!!!!!🤣🤔

[@marry0680]

Question: If I'm doing an audition for vocal jazz am I allowed to be my own accompanist on the piano?

[@tessy7932]

Hi ! I have a question! I'm Portuguese and i choose my audition song Sam Smith - Lay me Down but i have a idea. ''And if i sing two pieces?'' One in english and the other in portuguese. Do you think it's good idea?

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+Tessy Hill Hi Tessy, I think it could be great but there's more things to think about- like which genres and the time frame you have, if you feel like, feel free to book a lesson and I can help you shape up the audition :) Here's a link to my Lessonface profile - www.lessonface.com/music-instructor/yonit-spiegelman

[@lincolnmaffemusic4365]

no. that's too simple.

[@isthiscash]

i really am planning to play an arrangement of sungha jung - nostalgia for my audition, how's that?

[@musicaldrawing4808]

Hey.. I'm in jazz, I got those blues down

[@runtyrebel4734]

Can u audition by singing and playing the guitar?

[@sophieadelman8550]

Where do I go on the Berklee website to download what you said to practice for the sight reading?

[@1999jessjess]

So if you are a bass player do you have to solo or just lay down a groove

[@chenillelau9543]

I have a question:) If I want to play back the notes on the piano in the ear training part is that ok that I need a little time to find the notes because I don't exactly know the name of them(instead singing it with 'ah' doesn't require to know the name)

[@ShanzehZahid-xt3qn]

does everyone who apply get an audition and interview.

[@pyx3lmus1c32]

if you are aspiring to be an electronic music artist, what should you be expecting?

[@paulariascos4889]

Hi, I want to major in piano performance at berklee, I have a more classical approach to the piano yet I am open to genres like Jazz, however, I would like to prioritize the classical approach. Is Berklee the right place to become an excellent classical pianist? furthermore, if I major in piano performance would and I would like to dedicate myself to classical music does berklee support the decision and takes this into account when scedualing classes and jam groups? I aprreciate your response

[@penglkarp]

Julliard is

[@RoxxieDymond]

What's the dress code? All black? or can we wear something colorful & casual?

[@RoxxieDymond]

@play I'm a music teacher so I actually tech that that stuff :) having perfect pitch is cool!

[@RoxxieDymond]

*teach

[@rolinzohuur8640]

Hi, quick question. For the sight reading...you said bass players will play a bass line...vocalists will sing a melody. What will piano players do?

[@rolinzohuur8640]

Or let me clarify, i know how to read music. But i cant read and play at the same time like in a split of a second. I might need some time to take a look at the paper. So how will this work out for me, or do you have any tips on that?

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

+Rolinzo Huur You'll get a piano part and 15m minutes to review it prior to the audition.

[@rolinzohuur8640]

+Yonít Spiegelman 15 minutes. Good. Thank you very much. Have a nice day Mrs. Yonít.

[@EmersonCapuano]

Is you voice a Contralto? Tell me about your voice extesion by curiosity :)

[@el_super_mi8155]

Thanks this really helped

[@victoke]

my daughter watched this...i went to J ♫♫♫♪

[@drums4metal]

what if you want to study composition?

[@kxyla7045]

About the sight reading ..am I doomed

[@skriya7098]

Main song karna chahti hoon kya main admission kar sakti.. Plz reply me

[@ArzunKarki]

Can't I get to learn vocal and guitar ? At berkle

[@gbustos544]

this sounds like middle school knowledge.

[@VallyreMusic]

Good information...

[@sroi1325]

Thanks ,Sant Kumar hooda

[@treypiraino1691]

So I'm an 18 year old progressive metal drummer. Been playing drums for 16 years. I can't really read music that well. You're saying if my audition is tomorrow and I can't read music... I still MAY have a chance to get into Berklee?

[@bernardjonathan1073]

a lot . My friend can't read music AT ALL (no joking) and got 20k scholarship. they don't really care about that , they care about your raw playing skill.

[@kushalranjit6716]

So did you get into Berklee?

[@paultighe1298]

So helpful

[@sriram181]

Can I play comfortably numb solo in my audition on my guitar ?

[@TheBiggerDavo]

Theyre much easier now it seems like

[@adeathguitarist3276]

Thank you sooooo much

[@sindhu8648]

Is the audition same for all the courses? I want to opt writing and composition of music, will they test my vocals for that?

[@yonitspiegelman1058]

Hi everybody! Thanks for all the great comments and questions. Unfortunately I can't answer all of your questions here, but feel free to write me or book a short session at my teacher profile on Lessonface and I'll be sure to get back to you soon! www.lessonface.com/music-instructor/yonit-spiegelman

[@maximobass1055]

I appreciate your talent and the lessons you provide. I have zero value for auditioning for a school. They can p*ss off. It's a business. Tell me what the price is... I'll let you know if I want to pay it. Academia ppl are seriously confused about how the real world works.

[@kazinamimi]

At the beginning of your video, was there a reason behind your choice to play most of your examples on the piano an octave HIGHER than what you were singing? It's a bit confusing when you didn't match octaves...

[@AnnyMendoza22]

thanks a lot

[@devinefaminiano3514]

hey hello I just to ask if how will be my exepenses when i go to boston cause im here in asia ..i just want to know if how much is taxi from airport to berklee and how muchis the apartment..

[@amorydelamor]

The audition seems easy. Lmao their not gonna ask you to build chords with alterations on the dominants? Or play scales and arpeggios on a chord progression while naming everything?...

[@heatherbonakim]

this was from 4 years ago i'm sure they changed some of the audition material... i heard from another video that the judges ask u what key ur comfortable playing in and when u tell them, theyll tell you to improvise something in that key?? im not sure tho

[@jeetmusicbwn4873]

may be english and challenge you that song must be the most popular song in the world,

[@krustytheaustralian1095]

Wtf why is this easier than my primary school scholarship audition?

[@pragyannath]

Lol

[@retro4454]

Don’t underestimate Berklee, my friend.

[@belowmiddlec1388]

I'm so glad I decided not to attend Berklee, at this point the standards are so low and the product they turn out is so below par, that I would regret having invested in it. Unless my dream was to earn $300/week playing casinos ... Gone are the days when Berklee meant something

[@CheckItTwice]

Anyone else notice the piano is a little sharp?

[@ejej444]

What age is acceptable to audition ?

[@callmeej8399]

Any age

[@ambitiondavid7409]

Can't love you less I do wish I can study at barkkle.

[@winnyjstew]

is there an age limit to audition to Berkeley ? please respond

[@AmitTiwariSixRealString]

no...but u must have ur high school degree or a GED

[@winnyjstew]

thank you

[@ped1232]

My audition is in an hour.

[@kirahcorell4228]

how did you do?

[@ped1232]

Kirah Corell I just got my response back two days ago. My audition went well and I got accepted!

[@kushalranjit6716]

@@ped1232 Congratulations. Just wanted to ask some questions. Did the interview go as instructed in the video? What was asked to you? And what instrument did you play? Hope you read this and reply. Thank you!

[@ped1232]

kushal ranjit just about. They didn’t check my interval identification. Just chord quality for me. They asked for my prepared piece. I improvised over a practice piece from their website of my choice and then sight reading which I passed the first one but I failed the second which was in minor. I went in with voice as my main instrument.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

I would never audition for Berklee because I know I wouldn’t make it.

[@jeetmusicbwn4873]

Hey mam , I am Indian music composer can you arrange a hindi song for my channel ,but i am so poor and ido not have enough money .

[@emersonsrandomvideos248]

My IQ is so less than average. Can i learn music?

[@robertsimpson5801]

The audio in this video could have used a little help... Fortunately, Berklee offers a Music Production Degree! :)

[@Weekendlore91]

I feel like i wasn't judged correctly at my audition. I couldn't sight read but i am gonna see if i can get the performance results. In high school i started a guitar club. i ooze the aura of a musician. Yeah i don't have classical training but THATS WHY I WANT TO GO TO BERKLEE. To this day i still make music. I am going to try again next year but i still feel that i was mis-judged or judge harshly.

[@rionasmelodies1153]

Adrian Espindola tough luck...😔😔😔

[@TrevorWicklund]

Adrian Espindola Did you get in?

[@koraybiber652]

you are very sweet

[@jokiboy9153]

If you can't solo over some blues without practicing you don't deserve to own a guitar.

[@Vpy2023]

Funny fact is - a real music genius or famous bands rarely come out of these colleges, these colleges are only good for their certificates and the hole they leave in your pocket 😂😂😂

[@billnorswether3720]

Students leave these schools equipped to earn a living in the music industry. Whether they become famous is a combination of skill, timing and luck.

[@mizzie837]

Didnt work. bad tips

[@coconuts1483]

Really?

[@rasheedlewis1]

Lol

[@josephanderson3889]

You fake your accent?