Need professional/experienced opinions....

[Compact Diss]

http://www.berkleemusic.com/

 

I'm interested in taking some of these courses. I don't doubt that I would learn a lot. I'm sure I would walk away with much more knowledge about music than I would if I sat here and tried teaching myself.

 

In your opinion/experience are these courses even worth it? It's money-money I wouldn't be given-it would be all out of pocket expense.

 

I know in my heart I want to be involved with music for the rest of my life. Whether it be photographing bands, producing, recording...whatever...

 

I'm just trying to set a path, a goal. My wife said to me "everyday it's something different with you"

 

True. I have to agree because one day I'm all about Jazz, the next day I'm going to a Metal show, next day I'm at a Blues Jam. I love music, I can't help it-and I love it all-I can't stay loyal to one style.

 

I know good music when I hear it, I know when something will be big-I know what people like to hear-I was a DJ for five years and wouldn't have been if I wasn't a music oriented person-it's not enough to read the top 40 and play it(although many do just that).

 

So I was looking into the above courses, I feel Music Theory would be the best step for me. A solid foundation, get my foot in the door with some real knowledge. It's a 12 week course, and I'm sure it's not a blow off online thing. I know I would learn something because that's what I'm interested in doing.

 

The thing is, is this something I want to spend many hours and money working on for a piece of paper that will hang on my wall. No, I want to do this for the benefit. I want it to lead me somewhere.

 

That's what I'm looking for--will this be worth more than the feeling of personal satisfaction I will get from it.

 

Any help, thoughts, support, discouragement is appreciated

 

[Virtual Jim]

I've always been skeptical about places like Berklee and GIT for a lot of reasons. I've heard a lot of hearsay that confirms that skepticism, but nothing I feel like I could base an opinion on.

 

Here's why I'm replying though. I know my alma matter lets alumni sit in on courses for cheap. If you went to school and live near yours, you should seriously check out if they do the same. I know my school wasn't really "known" for their music program, but I definitely know that the students that put in the most got the most out of it.

 

I can definitely not vouch for how good community colleges are, but solid music theory teaching is not something restricted to Berklee. If you're the typical guitarist, you might be floored by how much you don't know by any music theory couse, good or bad. I know I was.

 

Totally go for it though man. There are concepts that you'll learn that will help you in ways you won't even expect (ie. understanding modulation and applying it to dumb riff-rock).

 

Always remember that all the technical knowledge won't help you for a second unless you've got soul (ie. Steve Vai). Someone with both will rule the world. Examples: Zeppelin, Van Halen, Beatles, etc.

[Compact Diss]

but solid music theory teaching is not something restricted to Berklee. If you're the typical guitarist, you might be floored by how much you don't know by any music theory couse, good or bad.

 

Good words. I am checking out other colleges. I had checked out other colleges before but a lot restrict the course to full time enrolled students. I'll search again.

 

Thanks-

[Dave da Dude]

I would keep checking the local colleges. I believe that Boston has some excellent music programs. Even if you had to pay full price, how much more than the Berkely on-line courses would it be?

 

IMHO, I would think that music is something that would greatly benefit from face-to-face education.

 

YOu know, this has me thinking. Our local (Rock Hill, SC) school (Winthrop University) has a good music program.