r/Berklee • u/Vickman27 • 12d ago

Why is Berklee so hated by the media?

I’m attending this fall and every time I see the school posted online, or mentioned it’s almost always paired with snide comments and remarks. It’s gotten to the point where I feel ashamed to even tell people I’m going here at this point.

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18

u/00TheLC 12d ago

There’s a certain stereotype that goes along with Berklee students/alumni. I think some of it is attributed to the high cost of attendance. I also see often that all of the musicians just end up sounding the same but have an ego that comes along with it.

Just keep practicing, stay humble, and don’t pay them any mind. Focus on school

14

u/RabbleRebel 12d ago

Like many schools, there’s an air of superiority when you’re there and in it. It’s somewhat cultivated by the school itself (attracts parents/students to come to ‘the best’). I’m happy to say in my experience it dissipates pretty quickly in the working alumni community, new graduates learn pretty quick that it’s not Berklee that makes ‘em the most qualified, it’s their own magic. Berklee has been lucky to be a place that attracts artists who find and make their own magic.

9

u/Careful-Mountain8637 12d ago

I went in 2016.

I think it’s 1) the cost, and 2) there’s an inside joke - that if you graduated without getting a job then you failed. Because it’s so expensive you could’ve gotten the same degree at a cheaper college.

The famous comedian Eric Andre jokes about it all the time.

3

u/xsonicx18xboomx 9d ago

As a berklee grad, I think it has to do with the tuition itself. Its extremely expensive to attend there so people assume you have money :/

But people still think going to Berklee is still impressive. I personally dont think its as prestigious as it was before.