Do I still have a chance of getting into Berklee college of music?
I’m a jazz guitarist and it’s my biggest dream to go there. I’ve just turned 16 and I really don’t know how good I should be to even have a chance at the audition.
I can play the major/minor/melodic and harmonic minor scales and Maj7, min7,7 and min7b5 arpeggios in all positions, but I’m not really a good sight reader…
I can read "real book like" lead sheets quite easily, but I have trouble reading classical guitar sheet music, counterpoint, etc… I’m also currently working on the books "Modern method for guitar" and "melodic rhythm studies for guitar" which I heard are one of the best books to improve your sight reading.
I try to practice at least 4 hours on weekdays and 8 hours on weekends, but can I really realistically hope to get good enough to audition in 3 years? I know a lot of classical guitarists who are so much better than me and I just don’t think I stand a chance against these people who have been playing and studying music since they were like 3 years old.
If anyone has any tips or can recommend any material to study, please do tell!
Also Please excuse my English it’s not my native language! 
Keep practicing! It’s very important to not get sidetracked and practice less. When I was in high school I practiced a couple hours more than what you have set and would’ve been set to go there, but I couldn’t because of financial aid. I tried auditioning again a few weeks ago and from practicing less these past 3 years I could see a noticeable difference and it cost me admission. So keep it up!
You will have to work on sight-reading, but it isn’t a HUGE part of the audition. Ask some teachers in school or friends to help you out, in three years you can definitely improve
Something that is important (obviously besides your prepared piece) is improvisation. They will definitely be asking you to do some improv with them as part of the audition. It isn’t anything too hard, they’ll give you a scale to play on and play an accompaniment with you.
They do an interview as well, basically the questions that are on the application, so be ready to speak about yourself, your goals, and why you love Berklee!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Confidence. The worst thing you can do is go into an audition thinking you won’t get in. You have to know that you can get in and that they will want you there, and that the audition will go great! Showing confidence (but of course not OVER-confidence) is essential, it gives an excellent impression in the interview and will help you feel more comfortable playing at the audition.
Best of luck! I’m sure you’ll do fine. And I completely understand how you feel, it has been my dream school ever since I discovered it six years ago, it’s wonderful and I’m sure if you try as hard as you do you will be a great addition to the community there.
Don’t trust our answers of even those of present or former students.
Contact the college (Almost all have websites)
mail, email or phone them.
Tell them you are interested in their school.
Ask for entrance requirements.
Ask for all brochures and information about your interest.
Ask about tuition and other expenses.
Ask about scholarships and their requirements.
Do this with every school that you would consider. Do it again during the first part of you Junior year.
Good Luck
References :
Keep practicing! It’s very important to not get sidetracked and practice less. When I was in high school I practiced a couple hours more than what you have set and would’ve been set to go there, but I couldn’t because of financial aid. I tried auditioning again a few weeks ago and from practicing less these past 3 years I could see a noticeable difference and it cost me admission. So keep it up!
You will have to work on sight-reading, but it isn’t a HUGE part of the audition. Ask some teachers in school or friends to help you out, in three years you can definitely improve
Something that is important (obviously besides your prepared piece) is improvisation. They will definitely be asking you to do some improv with them as part of the audition. It isn’t anything too hard, they’ll give you a scale to play on and play an accompaniment with you.
They do an interview as well, basically the questions that are on the application, so be ready to speak about yourself, your goals, and why you love Berklee!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Confidence. The worst thing you can do is go into an audition thinking you won’t get in. You have to know that you can get in and that they will want you there, and that the audition will go great! Showing confidence (but of course not OVER-confidence) is essential, it gives an excellent impression in the interview and will help you feel more comfortable playing at the audition.
Best of luck! I’m sure you’ll do fine. And I completely understand how you feel, it has been my dream school ever since I discovered it six years ago, it’s wonderful and I’m sure if you try as hard as you do you will be a great addition to the community there.
References :
Auditioned for Berklee