Hey there, hope all of you are alright!

I'm considering attending Berklee School Of Music in Boston (if anyone could tell me about their opinion and/or experiences about that school I'd appreciate that also!) and wanted to gather as much first-hand information about the area as possible...

I know that Boston is a very nice city and that New England is probably the most "European" part of the U.S., right? But what about the living standard, the overall cost of living there, the "typical" things about that place and all that someone would want to know while thinking about moving there?

Thank you very much in advance!

Done what exactly?

Cheers

Would you mind telling me about your experiences there and what exactly you did and how it helped you and all? First hand experience is what I'm looking for - it would be really helpful.

(Orgnote?)

You need to consult with Punkmistress!

Shanti0608 said:

You need to consult with Punkmistress!

I'd love to

and I shall

Dave1992 said:

I wouldn't say New England is the most European; each region of the United states reflects a different aspect and origin of it's European heritage and is this region is where you'll find the bulk of English and irish descendants..but it is picturesque in a way that europeans from Central and Northern countries would enjoy. Boston is a great college town, but like all big cities can have a rough element to it in some areas so you need to be a big boy and put on your streetwise bad ass in addition to your book smarts while there. Berklee is one of the most esteemed institutions you could possibly choose to pursue your music studies, and seems to have the midas touch when it comes to churning out successful,highly regarded musicians with concrete longevity in the music industry. If you can get in and go, then by all means go. I'm pretty sure you'll be all the richer for it in education, prestige, and career opportunities (particularly once you return to Europe).

While I've never lived in Boston (had family that lived there who in later years moved to another part of Massachusetts), I do know that though it's not as large as New York or Chicago,it's still a bustling little metropolis, very active. Because it's a college town heavily centered on academia (I think they have like over 50 colleges/universities, including Harvard), I found a lot of the people to be very intelligent...I would say way above average in comparison to the rest of the nation. So if you want to be in an environment where people aren't as mercurial or vapid as you would find in other places, kind of provincial, but still with all of the comforts you like in big city living than it could be good for you.

Dave1992 said:

Hey there, hope all of you are alright!

I'm considering attending Berklee School Of Music in Boston (if anyone could tell me about their opinion and/or experiences about that school I'd appreciate that also!) and wanted to gather as much first-hand information about the area as possible...

I know that Boston is a very nice city and that New England is probably the most "European" part of the U.S., right? But what about the living standard, the overall cost of living there, the "typical" things about that place and all that someone would want to know while thinking about moving there?

Thank you very much in advance!

Hey Dave

I am originally from Boston and moved away around 12 years ago.

The part of Boston you are talking about moving to is pretty pricey. But as long as you are willing to have a small commute you can find reasonably affordable housing nearby, (possibly within walking distance depending on what kind of place you want to live in while you're there).

Boston has great transportation coverage on the "T" (the subway system). Depending on where you decide to live, it is very safe and reasonably priced as well.

I've lived in 4 different cities now and spent quite a bit of time in a few others. I miss Boston a ton. I highly recommend you giving it a try.

Not sure if this helps, but please feel free to orgnote me or respond here if there's any other specific questions you have.

Ohhh! Dave to live in Boston...how dreamy.

I've never lived in boston, but I've been there many times. I'm about 2 hours away. It's a great little city. Can't really help you with the cost of living and all though. Painted lady lives in or around that area. there is a thread in the fan gathering forum about a New England area meet up. Lots of folx in that thread are from the area.

John Blackwell went to berklee I actually met punkmistress at berklee for the tribute to John's daughter Jia after she died.

Hope to see you in Boston Dave.

good luck.

Dave1992 said:

Hey there, hope all of you are alright!

I'm considering attending Berklee School Of Music in Boston (if anyone could tell me about their opinion and/or experiences about that school I'd appreciate that also!) and wanted to gather as much first-hand information about the area as possible...

I know that Boston is a very nice city and that New England is probably the most "European" part of the U.S., right? But what about the living standard, the overall cost of living there, the "typical" things about that place and all that someone would want to know while thinking about moving there?

Thank you very much in advance!

You also might want to look into the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut. Berklee is the name that a lot of people know, but from what I understand, Hartt has a very reputable music program and is considered as such by professional musicians. I feel like Berklee is all about the name recognition. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Berklee is a bad school but if you're serious about studying music I would definitely look at multiple schools and see what will be the best fit for you. I think the cost of living would be less in Connecticut, but you'd still be able to travel to Boston, NYC, etc. I've only visited Boston twice and I wasn't so crazy about it so I won't comment on that...

oops, sorry, I meant to include the url for Hartt: http://harttweb.hartford.edu

.

[Edited 11/30/10 6:45am]

I go to Northeastern which is about a 10 minute walk from Berklee and I absolutely love Boston! It's not as big as other American "big cities" as someone else pointed out, but it's got its own unique charm. Depending or where you want to live, rent can be anywhere from $500-$1000 per month. I'm not sure what kind of housing Berklee offers, but I have a few friends from there so if you want I can ask them. A lot of students and berklee dropouts prefer to live in Allston and commute via the "T" So you'll have no problem finding musicians

I'm not in Boston now because I'm interning in NYC at BMG, but if you plan on visiting anytime from January-June next year you should let me know!

Thank you all so far! This is quite helpful and I'm sure I'll have many more specific questions in the next couple of weeks/months...

jone70 said:

Dave1992 said:

Hey there, hope all of you are alright!

I'm considering attending Berklee School Of Music in Boston (if anyone could tell me about their opinion and/or experiences about that school I'd appreciate that also!) and wanted to gather as much first-hand information about the area as possible...

I know that Boston is a very nice city and that New England is probably the most "European" part of the U.S., right? But what about the living standard, the overall cost of living there, the "typical" things about that place and all that someone would want to know while thinking about moving there?

Thank you very much in advance!

You also might want to look into the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut. Berklee is the name that a lot of people know, but from what I understand, Hartt has a very reputable music program and is considered as such by professional musicians. I feel like Berklee is all about the name recognition. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Berklee is a bad school but if you're serious about studying music I would definitely look at multiple schools and see what will be the best fit for you. I think the cost of living would be less in Connecticut, but you'd still be able to travel to Boston, NYC, etc. I've only visited Boston twice and I wasn't so crazy about it so I won't comment on that...

oops, sorry, I meant to include the url for Hartt: http://harttweb.hartford.edu

.

[Edited 11/30/10 6:45am]

Thank you for the link. I had a quick look and it seems that this particular school is rather classical music orientated. I would prefer an education in rather comtemporary music and its business, including not only practising a certain instrument, but also learning about the creative art of making music and the technical stuff - my dream would be to become a professional pop-musician with the option of producing or becoming a studio musician later on.

For Boston, for Boston,
we sing our proud refrain
for Boston, for Boston
'tis wisdom's earthly fane
for here are all one
and our hearts are true
and the towers on the heights
reach the heavens own blue.
for Boston, for Boston
'til the echoes ring again

For Boston, for Boston
thy glory is our own
for Boston, for Boston
'tis here that truth is known
and ever with a right
shall our heirs be found
'til time shall be no more
and thy work is crowned
for Boston, for Boston
thy glory is our own

CarrieLee said:

For Boston, for Boston,
we sing our proud refrain
for Boston, for Boston
'tis wisdom's earthly fane
for here are all one
and our hearts are true
and the towers on the heights
reach the heavens own blue.
for Boston, for Boston
'til the echoes ring again

For Boston, for Boston
thy glory is our own
for Boston, for Boston
'tis here that truth is known
and ever with a right
shall our heirs be found
'til time shall be no more
and thy work is crowned
for Boston, for Boston
thy glory is our own

I wondered when you'd show up.

Lammastide said:

CarrieLee said:

For Boston, for Boston,
we sing our proud refrain
for Boston, for Boston
'tis wisdom's earthly fane
for here are all one
and our hearts are true
and the towers on the heights
reach the heavens own blue.
for Boston, for Boston
'til the echoes ring again

For Boston, for Boston
thy glory is our own
for Boston, for Boston
'tis here that truth is known
and ever with a right
shall our heirs be found
'til time shall be no more
and thy work is crowned
for Boston, for Boston
thy glory is our own

I wondered when you'd show up.

I'm actually not a Boston girl anymore. I'm in a little city in Rhode Island and I'm much happier here!

CarrieLee said:

Lammastide said:

I wondered when you'd show up.

I'm actually not a Boston girl anymore. I'm in a little city in Rhode Island and I'm much happier here!

Shorty said:

CarrieLee said:

I'm actually not a Boston girl anymore. I'm in a little city in Rhode Island and I'm much happier here!

close enough.

Well you can't say that to someone from Providence or Boston! It's funny, when I was always in Boston you just didn't like anything about Providence. Now that I'm around Providence, you have to hate Boston! So silly! I still like to go into Boston for shows and stuff, but the traffic makes me so angry sometimes it's not even worth it.

Hi Shorty!!!!

I live in South Windsor, Connecticut, about a 15 min drive to/from Hartford. If you want to know the cost of living in Hartford County area org note me and I'd be happy to share the pro's and con's of living here. The Hartt School is an excellent choice and worth checking out.

Best of luck.

Stephanie

CarrieLee said:

Shorty said:

close enough.

Well you can't say that to someone from Providence or Boston! It's funny, when I was always in Boston you just didn't like anything about Providence. Now that I'm around Providence, you have to hate Boston! So silly! I still like to go into Boston for shows and stuff, but the traffic makes me so angry sometimes it's not even worth it.

Hi Shorty!!!!

Hi Carrie! if we have a meet up...you gonna come?

yeah but you're a Boston girl at heart...right?

shit I NEVER drive in....ugh! LOL

Shorty said:

CarrieLee said:

Well you can't say that to someone from Providence or Boston! It's funny, when I was always in Boston you just didn't like anything about Providence. Now that I'm around Providence, you have to hate Boston! So silly! I still like to go into Boston for shows and stuff, but the traffic makes me so angry sometimes it's not even worth it.

Hi Shorty!!!!

Hi Carrie! if we have a meet up...you gonna come?

yeah but you're a Boston girl at heart...right?

shit I NEVER drive in....ugh! LOL

When is the meet up?

You already sound like you are not choosing Boston, but as far as your concerns about learning certain genre of music such as Pop....didn't Quincy Jones go to Berklee? When I go to Berklee performances, I see many different styles of music, perhaps you should visit the college because you seem to have a limited impression.

IMO....Boston is THE place to be for college. Public transportation is readily available so no need to drive, there are housing situations for any budget (and yes...the neighborhood lifestyles vary with the income level). Every neighborhood has a personality, and basically, its all about finding the right spot for yourself. There are also nearby towns/Cities that offer very short commutes to Boston. Boston has awesome bike paths, and a lot of green space. Traffic is a bitch if you leave home by car at the wrong time in the morning.....but if you ride the public transportation, you wouldn't even notice the traffice.

Shanti0608 said:

You need to consult with Punkmistress!

I was thinking the exact same thing, since she's from Boston.

<---- Born and raised in Boston, still here. I live in Southie for the past 5 years.

Berklee or the Conservatory of Music are great schools.

Berklee is a sister school to Northeastern Unniversity, Massart (the college I went to), Museum of Fine Arts College, Wentworth, and The Conservatory. I think a few more colleges too. Boston in that section has maybe closer to 1,000 colleges, most of them are private and excellent schools.

Boston shuts down completely at 2am. Boston is only about 10 miles wide. Its compacted with so much in a small area, lots to see in small areas.

Berklee is at the top of Newberry St, if I remember correctly, its a great town to stroll through and a shoppers paradise.

Eating here is the best! Lots of great cheap eats if you know where to look, apartment hunting is a bitch here, so is driving/parking. So many students acquire roommates and take public transportation.

You'll love it and its diverse!

Housing is set up for college students mostly, lots of young people from all over the globe are here. But please practice street smarts, it is still a city with all kinds of people, I love this town.

CarrieLee said:

Lammastide said:

I wondered when you'd show up.

I'm actually not a Boston girl anymore. I'm in a little city in Rhode Island and I'm much happier here!

I adore Newport! Its so nice there, great shopping!

Dave1992 said:

Thank you all so far! This is quite helpful and I'm sure I'll have many more specific questions in the next couple of weeks/months...

jone70 said:

You also might want to look into the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut. Berklee is the name that a lot of people know, but from what I understand, Hartt has a very reputable music program and is considered as such by professional musicians. I feel like Berklee is all about the name recognition. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Berklee is a bad school but if you're serious about studying music I would definitely look at multiple schools and see what will be the best fit for you. I think the cost of living would be less in Connecticut, but you'd still be able to travel to Boston, NYC, etc. I've only visited Boston twice and I wasn't so crazy about it so I won't comment on that...

oops, sorry, I meant to include the url for Hartt: http://harttweb.hartford.edu

.

[Edited 11/30/10 6:45am]

Thank you for the link. I had a quick look and it seems that this particular school is rather classical music orientated. I would prefer an education in rather comtemporary music and its business, including not only practising a certain instrument, but also learning about the creative art of making music and the technical stuff - my dream would be to become a professional pop-musician with the option of producing or becoming a studio musician later on.

It's TOTALLY not classical music oriented. I know a professional musician who went there for composition, then switched to jazz theory and studied with Jackie MacLean. I would have to ask, but I think this person did also learn a bit about the "music business."

CarrieLee said:

Shorty said:

Hi Carrie! if we have a meet up...you gonna come?

yeah but you're a Boston girl at heart...right?

shit I NEVER drive in....ugh! LOL

When is the meet up?

Shorty said:

CarrieLee said:

When is the meet up?

I just had to start a new thread about it...the old one is dead and the link I posted in the new one is not working right. No set date yet but I think Jersey and Punk might try to be up for it in feb (18-20)

Keep me posted!

I forgot to ask....have you even been accepted into Berklee?