Musicians: Berklee or Berkeley?

I'm torn between Berklee and Berkeley. As a music student, where should I head? What are the main differences between these two?

It sounds like you've narrowed your choice down to two great institutions: Berklee College of Music and the University of California, Berkeley. While both are prestigious in their own right, they offer very different experiences, especially for music students.

Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, is one of the top institutions in the world dedicated exclusively to the study of music. The curriculum at Berklee is solely focused on all aspects of music—be it performance, composition, or music technology, among others. Because it is a conservatory-style school, your classes, peers, and professors will all be geared towards music. Many successful musicians—such as John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, and Quincy Jones—have studied at Berklee.

On the other hand, the University of California, Berkeley, while it has a well-regarded music department, is a comprehensive university offering a wide variety of majors and disciplines. At Berkeley, you would not only be studying music but also taking classes in numerous other subjects to fulfill general education requirements. It could offer a more holistic academic experience, allowing you to explore other academic interests in addition to music.

As for their respective music programs, Berklee has a contemporary and broad approach, offering programs in areas such as electronic music and video game scoring. On the other end, Berkeley's music department has a traditional university music program feel, as it leans more towards classical music and music theory.

In terms of location, you'd be in two very different environments: Boston, a hub for colleges and universities and east coast traditions, versus Berkeley, located on the West Coast and known for its vibrant and progressive culture.

Balance your decision on what you want from your college experience. If you are looking for a single-minded focus on music with a significant focus on performance and contemporary music, Berklee might be a better choice for you. However, if you want a broader educational experience where you can study music in-depth while still exploring other academic fields, Berkeley could be more suitable. Consider visiting the two schools to get a feel for the campuses if possible, as this could also play a significant part in your decision.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for music while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of music-related summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-music-programs/. Many of them will allow you to network with current music educators and professionals, who could be able to give you more concrete guidance on which institution would be a better fit for you.

Participating in a summer program could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom! Good luck with your future musical endeavors!