Any Berklee on-line alumns out there?

[bishopr3]

Hello,

I shall try and make this brief as possible: I’ve been playing guitar off and on for 25 years and have become obsessed in the last 4 years. I’m a strong intermediate player (I think) with an above average knowledge of the theory and fretboard layout. I did 2 rounds of JG’s Blim course and fairly proficient in his courses through about level 5 with decent knowledge and understanding of the advanced levels as well. Additionally, I have retired and am currently 50 years old.

I have the opportunity (financial and logistical) to enroll in Berklee College of Music on-line. Perhaps starting with their advanced profession guitar performance certificate and continuing on to get B.A in Guitar performance. (FYI, I already have a B.S degree)

I am interested in others’ opinions if they have familiarity with this school (or any music school I guess) especially if others have done something similar; I’d love to hear your experience.

Lastly, I get this is not necessary to become a good musician. I have no shortage of on-line guitar courses to work through already. That is what I am currently doing (JG and others). They are helpful, I learn a lot, I improve continually, I practice regularly.

I think it’s the structure, the community and (quite frankly) the clout of attending “music college”. Also, a sense of community interaction. Mostly, I just want to be immersed and obsessed with music and the guitar. I want a source of healthy stress. The kind that is demanding and rewarding all at the same time.

My end goal is knowledge, ability and confidence that leads to some kind of performance and collaboration. My main fears are that I am looking for something in the wrong place. Or that I cannot keep up with the tempo of coursework.

So, has anyone else done something similar?

If you could do it, would you?

Thanks for reading.
Dan

[mathsjunky]

@bishopr3

My end goal is knowledge, ability and confidence that leads to some kind of performance and collaboration.

Hey Daniel -

Upfront Disclaimer … I’ve no experience of the Berklee courses.

Do you play at open mics? If performance and collaboration are the goals, then I suspect from your resume that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to jump in - in all honesty I think everyone with performance goals should get out there as soon as they have 3 simple songs under their belt. So often people put it off until they are ‘good enough’ and keep kicking that can down the road. I’m not sure how much an online course will help with IRL performance. There’s plenty of ‘healthy stress’ in OMs

If you already play OMs, then please ignore the above! I’m sure the course is very good and there’s probably a ton you can get from it, but I don’t see it as a fast track to performing and collaboration.

[bishopr3]

Your point is well made and well taken.