GUITAR SCHOOL

[Dejan Sajinovic]

Does anyone know anything about some guitar schools around the world were you can learn only things oriented to guitar. I know there´s one in L.A. and I´ve heard that Satriani and Vai are teaching there. Is it really true?

I´m sure that players like Hammett, Battencort and Gilbert went there during their early age.

Also, does anyone know how much it costs and how good you must be to get in there.

It would be a dream to move to sunny L.A. and only learn and play guitar all day long. But I really don´t know anything about it so if you know somthing (anything), tell me.

Thank you very much!!!

[FretSlug]

Guitar schools? Universities perhaps?

I know there's a place called Berklee, Vai, Satriani, Di Meola have studied there, and ofcourse Petrucci as well. Ask Lalimacefolle, I bet he knows better.

Then there's a place called GIT (Something like guitar institute of technology, not sure though).

I bet some people from Guitartricks have gone to Git, or Berklee, but I don't know who.. Hmm.. My English is quite bad today.. Hmm..

[Gulder]

Well, if you want to go to such a school I suggest you allready start saving !
It's about $3000 for a maximum of 30 points. I don't know how their system works, but from what I've read you need to have 140points(or something around that number) to graduate as a full professional. So you get your points by your grades. I don't really understand how the schoolsystem works there. And besides, the chances they let you in are pretty slim. You need to send a demo tape, etc. And ofcourse they only choose the students who they think have the most potential.

I'd really like to talk to some one who went to such a school too, just to be informed.

The git has a catalogue on their website with all the information you need. You only need to fill in your personal information and then you get to download a acrobat file which all the information is nicly categorized in. Just search for it on their site.

It wasn't much but I hope it helped.

Latz, Gul

[lalimacefolle]

There's two famous schools for guitar:
Berklee, based in Boston, that lots of famous guys have attended (Quincy Jones, John PETRUCCI, Steve VAI, Al di Meola, John SCOFIELD etc...) where lots of cool folks hang around. The only problem is that it's VERRRRRY expensive...

The GIT (guitar institute of technology) is a part of the Musician's institute, in LA. Paul GILBERT has attended the GIT, and that's the only one I can remember.

Those schools are state of the art schools, you learn with pros, working musicians, you get to play with your idols when they come through master classes, you can record things in their studios, and they are really opened towards the music industry world...

As for the system Gulder, that's pretty much the same as every University in the world:
For every semester class you take, you get a credit (if you pass of course) and you can take up to 30 credits a year (I don't know if that's the correct number, but it's for the example) that means you have 15 classes per week, some are master classes, some are open counseling, or one on one instructions with a pro.
So you need to attend the school several years to actually have the diploma, nothing new there. If you pass every class you have taken, to get 120 credits, you must have attended the school 4 semesters (4 times 30).

As for getting in, of course you send a tape, but the chances aren't slim. Why would they kick some guy that's ready to pay 3000 dollars for 6 months of instruction? As for scolarships, now there's a slim chance. Even Steve VAI payed to attend Berklee.

Those schools also offer non-diplomas classes, like summer workshops, so you might want to check this out to.

[zeb985]

I know this wont help but the most famous music school in the U.S. would have to be Juliard (dont know if the spelling is right) located in New York.

[lalimacefolle]

isn't the Julliard based on classical music?

[pstring]

A new school that just opened is PSIAM, an alternative, internet based learning opportunity. PSIAM offers an open, self paced curriculum and also an easy payment plan. Just pay pal your $3000US to me, pstring, Dean of PSIAM, and I'll get started typing up that diploma.......

[James8831]

there are some schools in the UK that warrant further investigation...

http://www.guitarist.co.uk/features/features_page.asp?ID=3911

May be a bit easier to get to...

[firemelody]

LOL! *runs and sends her check right away*
Wow I feel like a better guitar player already ;)

[pstring]

Originally posted by firemelody
LOL! *runs and sends her check right away*
Wow I feel like a better guitar player already ;)

I'll feel better as soon as I get the check!

[zeb985]

Its possible that Juliard only teaches classical. But still a chance to be taught by the best thats a big opportunity if he could pull it off. Not only that classical music is some difficult stuff to play atleast I would think and if he could do that he could branch off in his spare time and play what ever style he wanted. Just food for thought though.

[Gulder]

Originally posted by lalimacefolle

As for getting in, of course you send a tape, but the chances aren't slim. Why would they kick some guy that's ready to pay 3000 dollars for 6 months of instruction? As for scolarships, now there's a slim chance. Even Steve VAI payed to attend Berklee.

Well, they have to choose between alot of students right ? But they have only a maximum capacity so it would be obvious to chose some one who is good and pays the $3000 than some one who has little chance to succeed and pays. Ha well, I really don't know what I'm talking about since I don't know anyone who went there. It was only a guess. In belgium the university system works quiet different (and better imho), but you can't judge if you haven't tried them both ;)

Oh, and another question. Is it worth it ? Yeah sure, there were some great names like vai, gilbert, ..., but what about all the other people that graduated ? What do they do now ? I understand that some people get a job as teacher, or even as a famous soloist/group guitarist, but that I think is a very select group, no ? What are the chances you are going to earn your bread after you've graduated from such a school ?

EDIT: => FretSlug, I thinkyou misunderstood my point I don't want to be famous, besides If I wanted to go to such a school I wouldn't be able to pay it anyway. I just wondered if you can earn your living when you graduated from such a school. What are the options afterwards except going for teacher or in a band... and how big are the chances you'll earn your money playing a guitar and will you be able to live from it ?

Anyway, thanks.

Ltz, Gul

[Edited by Gulder on 05-06-2002 at 11:38 AM]

[FretSlug]

Is fame the only thing you want? ;) Probably most of the guitar players who have graduated from those schools are the top guitarists (or technically most advanced, and ofcourse in theory too) who live on the face of the earth nowadays. I'm not saying that they are the best, I'm just saying that they must be very good.

I think that most of the people who try to get in these schools have the ambition to be "the Best" or the just want to be good, and they want to advance in their studies.
Take John Petrucci for an example, I'm almost certain that he wanted to become a better player by attending to Berklee, and you see the results.
Of course, I'm not speaking for Petrucci, so I don't know what he thought as he sent his tape to Berklee, but I suppose that thoughts like this could have been in his head.

[pstring]

An education at one of the big name guitar schools is just like any education, once you graduate it's up to you to decide what you want to do with it and a diploma from an institution is no guarantee, it might let you get a foot in the door of a few places, but it's still going to be up to you to make things happen...........

[lalimacefolle]

People see me play and they think I'm good, guitarists see me play, and I have to tell them I have attended Berklee so they tell me I'm good...

[FretSlug]

You've been in Berklee? As a student or in a summer guitar system you mentioned before?

[lalimacefolle]

summer school dude, I ain't got enough money to afford more than 2 weeks...

[James8831]

Originally posted by lalimacefolle
People see me play and they think I'm good, guitarists see me play, and I have to tell them I have attended Berklee so they tell me I'm good...

:) LOL -ahhh the egotism of the guitarist,"Im better than you UNTIL you tell me you've been to the top school"
...who needs ears...
I bet if told people that they'd let me be even more sloppy "He must know what he's doing..." hahaha..

[aiwass]

I know a guy who attended berklee, and he says that there is no demo required. All you do is pay and take a placement test when you get there. And you have to get chosen, of course. But reportedly, there are no demands about skills when you apply.

[lalimacefolle]

Hmmmmmmm, I'm gonna check the books from Berklee, but I remember there was a demo tape required... I might be wrong too, since the university of Florida sent me papers too...

[aiwass]

He also told me that there were some beginners, too. (By beginner i mean people swithcing to a new instrument from another).

[lalimacefolle]

My wrong, it was the GIT.
Berklee only asks you what classes you have been to, which book you have studied, and what your career goals are. No level requirements.

[aiwass]

That's awesome, though. Less nerves before attending then.

[lalimacefolle]

Who's paying for you dude?

[aiwass]

Who? Me? My parents, I guess. That is, if I finally talk them into letting me go to a music school at all...

[lalimacefolle]

did you mention the price?

[aiwass]

When they are counting on Stanford or Oxford or Ford Fiesta, they'll be glad to pay for Berklee...

[lalimacefolle]

well, don't tell them Berklee is a music school, it's close to the MIT, so tell them you want to go into music Business (they offer that program too) but take it as a minor, and Major in guitar...

[aiwass]

They already know i wanna be a musician, although they use every chance they get to try to persuade me. I think they've given up though. Hehe.

[lalimacefolle]

well, berklee isn't just a music shool, it's THE music school.

[Dejan Sajinovic]

Can anyone tell me step by step how to get in G.I.T.

What I need, how much money I need for 1 year, how good I must be (give me some exampels) little about the classes and if you think that it´s good for development.

Also, does GIT have a homepage where I can get futher information our a magazine.

PS. Is Gilbert still teaching there. I would love to be his student.

[Gulder]

If you post a question it is normal nice people answer the question. They don't expect you to look at the answers... but they might get bored by being asked most of the questions twice. So I suggest you READ THE REPLYS on the post you've started here and you'll find your answers.

Btw, allready such an ego and you aren't even in the showbizz ! Congrats !

[aiwass]

Look who's talking!! "Belgian beer rocks! So do I!"...

[Dejan Sajinovic]

What a hell are you talkin´ about "GULDER"? Go back yourself and read all replys and see if anyone have written a site adress of GIT. And what´s all that ego crap about. Is it just because I´m interested in guitar education and because I won´t to improve my playn´. I didn´t write that I want and will be greater than Gilbert I just sad that it would be a amazing experience if he would teach me somthing in person and if you diagree with this than you can...yeah you know what I´m talkin´ about don´t ya.

[aiwass]

Don't mess with people from Sweden! Or any other nordic country, hehe...

Musicians institute of technology (and GIT): http://www.mi.edu

[lalimacefolle]

Isn't Ia (freak kitchen's guitarist) swedish, dude you have the best guitar player in Europe, and you wanna go to LA?

[Gulder]

Originally posted by aiwass
Look who's talking!! "Belgian beer rocks! So do I!"...

It means that I play 'rock' music, not that I rule... but I espected this kind of answer :)

[aiwass]

Funny enough, I find that the world's best guitarists are either from america or from nordic/scandinavian countries. I dunno why, though... And i am willing to prove my case, too.

[TommyBoyFury]

by the way aiwass, the best guitarist that have became famous is what you are saying. Theres probably some reall good guitarist in the UK who havent got famous,(in fact i know one who plays just like gilbert). I think its the stupid music industry that controll the music, and at the moment only the crap bands get in the charts.

There is a Guitar Institute in London, the advert says its Europes first and foremost dedicated guitar school. They offer 3 yr Batchelor of music Degree. (grant funded)
It says people like Radiohead, Jamiriquai and many others graduated there.

http://www.guitarinstitute.co.uk
Iam thinking of going there my self. But the accomadation will cost a fortune in London.

[James8831]

Originally posted by aiwass
Funny enough, I find that the world's best guitarists are either from america or from nordic/scandinavian countries. I dunno why, though... And i am willing to prove my case, too.


Ritchie Blackmore, Jimmy Page,Slash,Alan Holdsworth,Albert Lee,Keth Richards,Ronnie Wood,Pete Townsend and many others were all born in the UK for your information, and I think we had the "best" discussion somewhere else..of course it's a matter of TASTE.

[aiwass]

Oh i do not mean to act discriminating (although i might unintentionally do so). My point is, however, that some cultures breed more guitarists than others, and subsequently some cultures breed more shredders than others, or jazzers or classical players... You get the picture.

[aiwass]

And by the way, from nordic countries: Yngwie, Alexi Laiho, Torben Enevoldsen, Mathias Eklund, Alot of cool players in black and death metal bands, Marcus Paus, Terje Rypdal, Haakon Hogganvik, Lars Eric Matsson, Eivind Aarseth...

These are all shredders and jazzers. Why you've never heard of many of them? Cuz most nordic countries aren't too important in the bigger picture, and also sport lousy marketing.

[lalimacefolle]

Originally posted by aiwass
Oh i do not mean to act discriminating (although i might unintentionally do so). My point is, however, that some cultures breed more guitarists than others, and subsequently some cultures breed more shredders than others, or jazzers or classical players... You get the picture.

You know, I've lived in different countries, and what's amazing is that even obscure players have quite a cult following anywhere, and incidentally, even if the club scene is quite feeble, it exists. Lots of shredders are everywhere, as black metal players, as jazzers etc... Except that in the US, millions are put in the release of Sheryl Crow's and Alanis' CDs, does it means there's only beautiful chicks singing rock songs in the us??? I dont think so...

[chris mood]

uh, sorry lali, but we only let beautiful chicks sing rock songs here in the U.S., in fact I hand pick'em myself, how am I doing so far?

[aiwass]

Pretty good... But britney was a big mistake.

[lalimacefolle]

Britney is british... :D

[James8831]

Originally posted by aiwass
And by the way, from nordic countries: Yngwie, Alexi Laiho, Torben Enevoldsen, Mathias Eklund, Alot of cool players in black and death metal bands, Marcus Paus, Terje Rypdal, Haakon Hogganvik, Lars Eric Matsson, Eivind Aarseth...

These are all shredders and jazzers. Why you've never heard of many of them? Cuz most nordic countries aren't too important in the bigger picture, and also sport lousy marketing.

True good point..But, I do think Yngwie wanted to be Ritchie, at least at first.

[James8831]

Originally posted by lalimacefolle
Britney is british... :D

Not sure if 'm laughin,cryin or feelin patriotic

..as long as she can indulge in effective acts of fellatio..thats ok.;)

[chris mood]

uhh...can we say that?

[James8831]

British.. it's a mildly dirty word,..but :)

[lalimacefolle]

Wow, the forum didn't *** the word out!! Cool... Chris, I have just received my 7 stings. Give me your favorite chords :)

[aiwass]

Has anyone heard her (britney's) newest single "I love rock and roll"? And I thought her performance on "Walk this way" was bad...

[BlackBox]

To tell the truth, Im not a britey fan. But I really like Hoobastank. Someone wanna burn me the cd and send it...? lol.

[chrisbs]

As someone who attended Berklee, I can tell you honestly, it does not matter where you study, ie, music school, regular college, etc/.
The key is finding a skilled, compatible private teacher.
The history, theory, etc you can learn anywhere, it is the applied music (lessons) teacher that counts.
If you can find this person in a $2000 yr community college, go for it and save some money.

http://www.fretland.com
all guitars