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

[@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 :)

[@정호홍-w8i]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@atoexodus]

You guys having illegal amount of fun!! 😂

[@FarrinD12]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@genesis_tracks]

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

[@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.

[@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).

[@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 🍻

[@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.

[@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.

[@rhinoasauras3773]

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

[@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

[@westieclo]

You guys are awesome. Love these videos.

[@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.

[@NicholasHume]

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

[@rorywilson3474]

love mark just chillin

[@marcellskorka3102]

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

[@JJW410]

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

[@seank997]

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

[@GeraldDeLoachMusic]

Again, the edits are amazing!!!!

[@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

[@trevorbeach6863]

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

[@richie.messina]

love this so much ty Cory!!

[@scolhs]

Always love the energy you guys bring to these videos!

[@UserCaleb1138]

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

[@Guitargate]

That sword crushed me.

[@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.

[@soundswaroop]

Fav thing to watch around

[@keepinbeat]

This videos is the definition of a good hang

[@coskunguclu8591]

This is awesome - advice I have sorely needed!

[@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.

[@timovaneekelen7134]

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

[@elrafa782]

Still crazy guys. Love ya

[@watermylon6495]

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

[@freight_train13]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@anyhandlewoulddo]

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

[@stewartkeyes2511]

That was fun!

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Those video add-ons are hilarious! 🤣

[@MrDrasby]

There is so much joy it's actually insane

[@johandypablofrias3453]

That was Fun !

[@migrantfamily]

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

[@nirandangol]

Yeah! Interesting

[@mymixture965]

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

[@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!

[@SharigramaOfficial]

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

[@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! :)

[@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)

[@cinnamonbuns3372]

Okay but where can I buy Cory's shirt?

[@RileyBaird-w5v]

Petar: *successfully fakes his way through a sight-reading gig* Kevin: “… and I took that personally”

[@kapers5772]

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

[@1975cdub]

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

[@matto9734]

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

[@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.

[@chipbenson8078]

You guys are also wonderfully Midwestern!

[@tophat802]

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

[@jimib3]

Such good content

[@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.

[@thebeakgeek8292]

Great advice and production is top notch!

[@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

[@neocollective]

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

[@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

[@acid-mask]

This may be an odd comment - but I have some learning disabilities (some visual perception disabilities) - and it has made sight reading a VERY difficult endeavor for me. However, I have studied music theory - and can read charts (just very, very slowly). So from a non- music reader, I can say - you can learn theory without being a music reader - and even then no amount of music theory study can replace a solid foundation on technique and just sitting down with records and other players learning by ear.

[@mil3ston3s]

I’m actually doing some research about music theory education, would love to hear more about your experience if you’re willing!

[@BeyondtheRecord]

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

[@eezy.knewsome]

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

[@DarkoP9.13]

Did Wes Montgomery go to school? Did Django Reinhardt? Did Louis Armstorng? Did Michael Jackson Beatles? MILES DAVIS - "although he skipped many classes and instead was schooled through jam sessions with masters such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker" What did John Mayer do ? Went to Berkley for semester or two (met others of course👍)and bolted. SCHOOL/HELL IS NOT for CREATIVE BEINGS Joni Mitchel ? Im sure there are many other SIGNIFICANT(Those who actualy contributed for the music of this world) artist that i didnt mention... But those who are FROM THIS EARTH realy want to pose AS ELITES/AUTHORITY... in actuality they only learn FROM what OTHERS(With SOULS) created Its ok to learn theory as much as you need AS LONG AS YOU RETAIN YOUR SOUL,LOVE in the hertz AND EMOTIONS, but ITS NOT OK to THINK MUSIC, Music is Emotion(energy in motion) not thinking Cory hinted at Left brain(technical,analitical,OVERLY CRITICAL) / Right brain(creative/emotions/rhythm etc..) Your emotions ,are the energies that GIVE TASTE to music,And they dont teach you how to feel in Sheol School MEANS HELL(look up etymology) = SHEOL, German -Schule 13Love for those who are in tune with their heart 13Raspect to Cory and Crew but then again what do i know... 😄 And stop with the g-d damn poking at Petar ,he from a neighouring country 😄😃😄🙂🙂Pozdrav od Makedonia

[@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.

[@jambajoby32]

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

[@AllHailKingGila]

Love these videos, thanks wong notes!

[@redbear4027]

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

[@damienlobb85]

Who edited this? The editing is fantastic and so underrated XD

[@kirkydaturkey]

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

[@ilyaorlov]

Thank you guys for these!!

[@paulandamyw]

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

[@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?

[@TheMusicWiz]

Love you guys :)

[@giac7baci]

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

[@Savantjazzcollective]

I wonna know where Petar got his glasses!

[@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.

[@cowbellthunder]

Does the Prince School of Negative Reinforcement have a Certificate Program? Like Defense Against the Dark Arts?

[@squidgysailor]

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

[@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.

[@guitarandotherthings6090]

You can dismiss school, but keep in mind all these people ended up on the Wong bus!

[@MaxHBass]

The Wong bus is the right bus

[@JohnLloydDavis]

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

[@kirjian]

These dudes laughing is so infectious

[@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!

[@smlinarcik]

Muisc Theory is mandatory

[@coleplaysjazz4716]

Cory Ive been accepted to the University of Cape Town makes me very scared that my degree in the future might be useless

[@TheEddiez06]

It will help. That''s for sure! enjoy the ride and connect with people. Be nice