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Berklee College of Music Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Berklee College of Music reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Berklee College of Music. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Berklee College of Music reviews, or contribute your own Berklee College of Music review if you're a current student there.

  • 23 out of 24 people found this review useful.

    Lynne from Suisun City, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    about the music business
    Am enjoying being here

    because I love the business
    Bang for the buck

    You can do anything you want as long as you put your mind up to it.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are serious about a music career either on the business side or the performing side of the music business; I recommend Berklee College of Music.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who love music and want to understand the music business.

  • 14 out of 14 people found this review useful.

    Emilio from Spring, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There is so much to offer here and all the faculty is there for you. They are so kind and helpful in whatever you need. All the classes you take really seem to mesh with each other. Which is really helpful when doing the work. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and will make you a better player!
    Am enjoying being here

    I do like is here. There is just so much music everywhere and so many people into the same styles as you. It's great meeting people and have awesome jam sessions.
    Bang for the buck

    It's totally worth every penny, even though it's extremely expensive.
    Tips for prospective students

    Practice hard and really impress them at your audition. That way you can get some money from them. It's really a lot of work, if you choose to do what you're given. But time management is key!
    Great for these types of students

    It's great for those that love music and know that their profession is going to be in music. It'll increase your all around musicianship and teach you more about the business side of music as well. Berklee offers everything a musician needs in the real world today!

  • 11 out of 11 people found this review useful.

    Logan from Edmond, OK

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Berklee is difficult, but if you want to learn and make yourself the best you can be, then this is it.
    Am enjoying being here

    Boston took awhile to get used to, don't bring a car here, HA! There is nowhere to park it. The classes are great and the faculty is as well.
    Bang for the buck

    It is expensive, but I believe it will pay off later. Get everything out of the classes that you can. Go talk to your teachers, often.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't decide to come to Berklee in April. You must decide well before that for several reasons. Take time to get the money you will need to attend. Also, spend much time getting ready for your audition. It's worth it.
    Great for these types of students

    Musicians, performers, film scoring, drivers, self motivators.

  • 9 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Andrew from Oakdale, CT

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Unlike other colleges, there are only like 20-30 people in your class. It's a lot easier to get the one on one help from your professor that can't be offered at other colleges. There is a wide variety of classes to choose from and you will have the knowledge needed to pursue any career in the music industry.
    Am enjoying being here

    What's better than going to a college specifically for something you love? Although Berklee is a music college, there are still a variety of liberal arts classes along with other classes. You aren't forced to just taking music classes. Besides that, the teachers are awesome and basically everyone is laid back. All the students are welcoming and it's pretty easy to find someone who has similar tastes in music as you!
    Bang for the buck

    Although it is very pricey, Berklee is probably the best college for contemporary musicians. With names such as Steve Vai, John Mayer or Quincy Jones who attended the college, it's definitely not something to look away from. You learn a lot and there is a wide variety of choices and combinations to suit your needs as a musician.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready to listen to and play a variety of music that you aren't familiar with. Entering students don't get as much freedom as the upperclassmen as far as class selection goes, so you may get stuck in something you don't like. And of course be prepared to practice!
    Great for these types of students

    Musicians of any type, songwriters, composers, etc.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Joanna from Boston, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning so much, in so many areas! Learning to be a performer, musician, writer, composer...the list goes on. I just finished my first semester there and scored a 3.95 GPA!
    Am enjoying being here

    Enjoying isn't the word--I'm in absolute heaven! This is what I was born to do and I'm loving every minute.
    Bang for the buck

    Yes, YES! And that's saying a lot because attending Berklee is, well, rather expensive. Don't let that throw you though--student aid and private loans can make your dream come true and believe me, it's very worth while!
    Tips for prospective students

    Just do it! Apply, and when you audition, have fun. That's the main thing that will make you shine.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who is sincere about becoming involved in the music scene on any level. Berklee is the best!

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Joshua from Brookline, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This college is what you make of it, getting A's isn't enough, I put the knowledge I learn every semester to serious use outside of school, as well as befriending my teachers and visiting them during their office hours.
    Am enjoying being here

    Berklee is an incredible place to network for your future. I have chosen my friends carefully and spent my time wisely. I made sure that the doors were opened for me so I have a career when I graduate.
    Bang for the buck

    Unless you're a Music Production and Engineering Major or an Electronic Production and Design Major (which I am neither) which are the best funded departments then NO, you are not getting any bang for your buck, all other majors should be charged significantly less tuition, this college is stingy with giving it's student body, those majors are only well funded because of their department chairs' being complete animals.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are going into any other Major besides MP&E or EPD, neither of which I am, then be ready to Network and create your own opportunities, you need to make your own bang for your buck here, which is exactly what I have done, but something I have seen from few of my peers.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for any music related career, there's Composition, Contemporary Writing and Production, Electronic Production and Design, Film Scoring, Jazz Composition, Music Business/Management, Music Education, Music Production and Engineering, Music Therapy, Performance, Professional Music, and Songwriting... so we pretty much have it all, but unless you're getting some financial aid, grants, or scholarships I think the tuition is a little over the top.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Jessica from Columbus, MT

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    berklee is extremely expensive, but i firmly believe you are getting exactly what you pay for. with the exception of a few, the teachers are highly knowledgeable and always willing to help with any question. the competition is high, and the learning experience is irreplaceable.
    Tips for prospective students

    save as much money as possible, practice your instrument more than you think is practical, and be prepared to meet a great amount of musicians and contacts that will help you in your career.
    Academic Rigor

    most students get very little sleep at this school. there's not as much homework is the sense of typing reports and writing papers, but there's a high expectation for practicing new materials daily. the homework that is given is always extremely time consuming, but very useful.
    Dorm Life

    there are very few dorms and most students live off campus. the dorms that are available are expensive, but convenient and fairly spacious/well kept.
    Food and Dining

    the cafeteria has a fair variety of buffet style food every day, but the hours are somewhat inconvenient.
    What to do for fun

    the school offers a lot of student activities for a small price or for free. it helps keep students connected with one another and creates a sense of belonging in the school.
    Bang for the buck

    the school is very, very expensive, but it's an incredible school.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the 939 cafe is a school owned cafe that hosts lots of live music every week. it's a great way to see new music or find an opportunity to perform.
    Great for these types of students

    dedicated, talented, focused, and goal oriented musicians.
    Clubs and Activities

    there's a variety of clubs from songwriting to racquetball and quidditch. the school also sponsors free classes every week for yoga, dance, basketball, etc.
    Greek Life

    there isn't a greek system in this school yet.
    Campus Safety

    the campus is in a fairly safe area of town and security guards are always present and available to escort anyone at any time.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Mauricio from Whitsett, NC

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Absolutely brilliant school to go to. Although I haven't started yet, just visiting showed me how incredibly dedicated both the students and staff are at what they do.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're on the not-so-rich side, like me, work way ahead of time to find scholarships!
    Academic Rigor

    Dedication everywhere you go!
    Dorm Life

    Very nice, but pretty costly, and not too roomy compared to most dorms. I'm considering renting a room near the city instead of this or renting an apartment.
    Food and Dining

    Absolutely wonderful.
    What to do for fun

    Almost anything! It's in Boston.
    Bang for the buck

    Berklee's pretty expensive, but I'm assuming it's well worth the price.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Isaac from Beverly Hills, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Berklee is the best contemporary music school to attend in the US. It ranges from all different styles from jazz to classical. The students and teachers are great sources of networks.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come with an open mind, and be ready to receive.
    Academic Rigor

    Berklee is an academically demanding school. You can take up to 10 classes a semester and each class has its own projects and test that ask a lot out of you.
    Dorm Life

    Berklee has its own dorms. Berklee students also have a choice of living off campus, which is more than a viable option, because Berklee is in the middle of a city.
    Food and Dining

    The caf, has pretty good food! for such a small school, i think it is great!
    What to do for fun

    Make music, and network.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Brandon from VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Berklee is definitely the place to be, for contemporary music. If you are at all interested in Pop, Rock, R&B, Jazz, Country, etc., Berklee is one of the best. From the experienced teachers, to the state-of-the-art facilities, to the vast amount of artists brought in over the course of the year, Berklee is a mecca of music.
    Tips for prospective students

    One tip for prospective students is to visit the campus to get a feel for Berklee. Tours are generally run in the midday during classes, so prospective students and parents can get a glimpse of a typical Berklee day. Another tip is to do some long-term planning, in terms of student loans. If loans are not an absolute necessity, don't get them.
    Academic Rigor

    Berklee can definitely be difficult for students who have not had any music theory training, and is still challenging for those who have. Teachers understand this and are very helpful during office hours and before/after class. Utilize this time if you need help!
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life at Berklee is wonderful. I've stayed in two of the three dorms (150 Mass Ave and 98 Hemenway) in my time here, and know several students at the other dorm (270 Commonwealth). 150 and 270 are definitely more open communities, while 98 is more for older students who are just looking for a quieter place to live. Each dorm has events throughout the semester, and all the RAs are awesome and helpful.
    Food and Dining

    Honestly, Berklee's cafeteria is just okay. Most would say it's awful, which it can be, but most of the time it's decent. I wish the higher-ups would invest more in it so the overall experience would be better.
    What to do for fun

    There's plenty to do in and around Berklee. Once the semester gets up and rolling, the Student Activities Center hosts Caf Shows at night around 10 PM. Also, there's a bowling alley right down the street from the 150 Mass Ave building, among other fun activities.
    Bang for the buck

    For as much as we pay to go here, I was literally expecting everything to be perfect. Berklee is far from perfect, but its pros far outweigh the cons. Students get the chance to work with seasoned veterans of the music industry and teachers who are active musicians. The skills you learn here will be indispensable once out in the real world.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Song Kwan from Brookline, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    what you put in is what you get. professors will try to help you. it is expensive so don't be careless
    Tips for prospective students

    know what you want to do after graduation.
    Academic Rigor

    just started so nothing too rigor but the workload is constant and seems like it will increase
    What to do for fun

    too busy practicing and doing homework to invest in other things

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Elizabeth from Fairhaven, MA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    berklee college of music is a place for dedicated, determined, and passionate musicians to thrive, discover, and gain knowledge beyond what they thought was possible.
    Tips for prospective students

    keep at it! remember... esse quam videri... to be, rather than to appear to be. (berklee's motto)
    Academic Rigor

    haven't experienced it yet.
    Dorm Life

    i haven't experienced the dorm life yet but will in september.
    Food and Dining

    went to my brother's orientation and the food is impeccable!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Natasha from Biloxi, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have improved so much since I started attending Berklee. My singing is so much better, and I understand my voice a lot better than I used to. I love learning here, and most of the teachers are outstanding people.
    Am enjoying being here

    From the future stars you meet to current stars (Bruce Springsteen visited when his son came to audition, and many more visit on a regular basis to speak with the students), there is always something interesting going on. Not to mention, you are surrounded by music everywhere you go. This place is amazing, and most of the upperclassmen I have spoken to say they hate leaving because the experience is so great.
    Bang for the buck

    While you have to learn, at least you're learning from experienced musicians who have done many inspirational things. They all have so many stories to tell, and most of them seem to be extremely passionate about what they're teaching. It is worth every penny!
    Tips for prospective students

    Go in with the right attitude and meet people! Don't go in thinking you're the best or that you're there to compete with those around you. Berklee, being a music school, is not nearly as competitive in spirit as one might think. When I was leaving, I was terrified I would never make friends because everyone would look down on me. I quickly learned that everyone is as impressed with your talents as you are with theirs, and it is a community of musicians, not some televised competition.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for people who are passionate about music. If you just enjoy playing here and there and have no real love for the music, you will hate it. Berklee requires that everyone understand music from the boring basics. Your first two years will be filled with boring theory and ear training classes that will drive you insane. If music is just a passing fancy for you, making it through those classes will be really tough. You have to love music. Be passionate!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Katrina from Pittsfield, MA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    There's so many programs and a lot of people who are willing to help you as long as you ask for it. There's also many resources for you to take advantage of!
    Will enjoy being here

    It's in a great part of Boston with many opportunites for networking!
    Bang for the buck

    It's incredibly expensive but when you look around the school you can see where the money goes to. All the equipment is industry standard and the buildings are very neat and organized. The education you will recieve here will defintely be worth the money you're spending, there's smaller classes which means more potential for one on one advice and help with your professors.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Brian from Naples, FL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Offer a great music program.
    Will enjoy being here

    Nice people, great atmosphere. Always have things to do outside in the city.
    Bang for the buck

    Costly, but great education.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go here its great.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone pursuing a degree in music for anything.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Brandy from Butte, MT

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Warm, accepting atmosphere. Knowledgeable, well-connected staff. Excellent location.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do your research before you audition. Read student blogs and learn from their auditions. Be prepared to work hard but because you love music, it won't feel like work...mostly.
    Academic Rigor

    I attended the summer program in 2011. There was alot to it but everyone helped each other which made the program really fun. I hear the curriculum is rigorous but definitely worth the effort.
    Dorm Life


    I stayed in the dorms for the summer program. The other participants come from everywhere but all have the same love of music. Typical dorm beds but the rooms were nice sized and in a really cool location.
    Food and Dining


    Loved those cheesy eggs!!!
    What to do for fun

    Chill in jam sessions, explore Boston, sing, sing, sing!
    Bang for the buck

    You can't put a price on the pursuit of passion! I believe wholeheartedly that Berklee is worth every penny.
    Great for these types of students

    Dedicated to their craft. Open minded. Hard working. Seeking the best education for their musical future.
    Campus Safety

    I felt really safe in and around campus.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Andrew from Durham, NC

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Be share you are ready to focus in on your music career. If your heart is not in it, than you are not ready.
    Great for these types of students

    Ambitious students knowing within yourself this is what you want.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Andrea from Plantation, FL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    hope to
    Will enjoy being here

    nt there yet
    Bang for the buck

    so they say
    Tips for prospective students

    What really are the odds of being able to have a paid career in music with a degree from berklee?