Juilliard vs. Berklee

Hi all, I'm deciding between Juilliard and Berklee for college and I need some advice. What are the main pros and cons of each school in terms of education, campus life, and career opportunities after graduation? Any insights from current students or alumni would be awesome!

Juilliard and Berklee are both prestigious institutions for studying music, but they differ in several key aspects. Here's a comparison that might help you make a decision:

Education:

- Juilliard: Known for its world-class conservatory-style education, Juilliard focuses on classical music, dance, and drama. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous classical training, strict practice schedules, and high performance expectations.

- Berklee: Primarily centered on contemporary music, Berklee offers a more diverse musical education, including genres like jazz, pop, rock, electronic, and world music. Berklee also offers courses in music production, business, and technology, providing a well-rounded education in the modern music industry.

Campus Life:

- Juilliard: Located in New York City's vibrant Lincoln Center, Juilliard's campus life is closely intertwined with the city's thriving cultural scene. Although campus life can be intense, students have access to numerous performances, internships, and networking opportunities in NYC.

- Berklee: Situated in Boston, Berklee has a more relaxed campus atmosphere compared to Juilliard. Boston is also a college town with plenty of opportunities to collaborate with students from different institutions. Berklee often hosts concerts, workshops, and masterclasses featuring students and famous musicians.

Career Opportunities:

- Juilliard: Graduates excel in classical music, with many securing positions in renowned orchestras, opera companies, and as soloists. Juilliard's strong connections in the classical music world and its commitment to student performance opportunities can help kickstart a successful classical music career.

- Berklee: Thanks to its diverse music education and close ties to the contemporary music scene, Berklee graduates have a wide range of career options, such as performing artists, session musicians, producers, composers, and music entrepreneurs. Berklee alumni have won numerous Grammy awards and continue to make a substantial impact in the contemporary music industry.

In summary, if you are passionate about classical music and seek rigorous training in a conservatory-style environment, Juilliard might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're interested in pursuing contemporary music and wish to gain experience in music production, business, and technology, Berklee could be a better fit. Ultimately, it depends on your musical interests and career goals.