xavox

Hey everyone, I was wondering what are some good schools for majoring in music if you play drum set. I would prefer a program that would allow me to concentrate on rock instead of jazz, but I'm pretty open to anything. I'm not great at my instrument, just started playing a year ago, however I am very committed to music. I practice very hard for at least 3-4 hours a day. So far I know only of Berklee, but I do not know if I am good enough. I would also prefer somewhere warm. Thanks a lot!

violadad

xavox- Welcome. Most of the "normal" music performance programs are highly competitive, and admission involves an audition. I would assume the same might apply in your situation. You say "not great", so I don't know what effect that may have.

Suggestions for rock, "new" music might include:
Berklee is very competitive. Here's some other potential places to look for rock or new music: College of Santa Fe http://www.csf.edu/academics/contemporary_music/program

and the New School http://www.newschool.edu/jazz/

Belmont University: http://www.belmont.edu/music_undergr...sic/index.html

Use the "search this forum" feature using jazz and a number of threads with additional suggestions will come up.

xavox

Thanks for the reply and the links!
Well I am definitely good for how long I have been playing (1 year), but obviously other prospective students who have been playing for a lot longer would be better than me. I have heard several stories of average or even bad musicians gaining entrance into Berklee at least based on their interview alone. As in giving them a chance because they say music is their life, they promise to work very hard at it, etc. Can anyone verify this?

-Allmusic-

I think that Berklee has about 150 drummers, so you don't have to be "the best" to gain entry (I don't really know how good you have to be through).

Programs that take only 2-3 drummers per year are going to be intensely more competitive. I would look at size of program as a way of helping you determine places to audition.

I'd visit Berklee, and see what you (and they) think! Get a candid appraisal of your play from a teacher there, and you will know if it is a viable option.

Good luck!

BassDad

Berklee used to have the reputation of taking anyone with a pulse (and I don't mean a musical pulse). In recent years they have become more selective, to the point that their current acceptance rate is reported as 32% on the website of that company that administers the SAT tests. If the stories you heard are not recent, things may have changed. I agree with -Allmusic- that you should visit and get an appraisal from a teacher there, but keep up the hard work with your own private teacher and don't count on Berklee alone.