t_huth21
I can't speak about Berklee because I didn't even apply. Yes, they are more jazz oriented, but there's plenty of jazz and fusion at MI. The program is tailored for people who have some musical knowledge already. This means that not only do you have to be a good rhythm/lead player, you need to know how to read music, know music theory and ear training.

Having said that, if you feel you are weak in one or more of these areas, you can probably still get in, but probably for the 2 year degree (GIT). After you catch up, you can switch to the degree program if you want. This can be intimidating, but for example, I didn't have any formal ear training in the past, but I've played by ear for years so I aced the test (it was pretty simple, though).

In my case, I knew Berklee was financially out of the question. Because of the fact that not only did I get in here but I also skipped a couple of levels, I know I would have passed the admission tests at Berklee too. But like you said, it's pretty expensive. On top of that, I don't care for the weather over there either.

One thing you should know is that we have professors here that either went to Berklee and/or taught there, so some methods are going to be very similar, like modern music theory and stuff...

So how do you do it? There's two tests, written and live playing(I think it's pretty much the same at Berklee, I can't remember). After you apply (they'll ask you questions about music theory and stuff to see if you know, first) they'll send you a packet with a written test that you'd have a set amount of time to finish and send back(a week or so). Also, you'll have to tape yourself playing set things (blues, rock lead, set rhythms, read some charts, scales, chord inversions). For this tape, you'll have to do one take, no edits. Then you put all this stuff together and send it to them and they'll let you know.

How is class? Pretty fucking sweet I'll say! Like any college, you'll determine your progress, but it's all out there for you. There's a lot of options that you can use to learn. I find myself not having enough time to do everything I should be doing. We joke all the time that we know people who go to med school or whatever and how they tell us about this crazy partying and drinking they have going on and how we never do that, because we're freaking studying all the time! lol... Like I said, it's up to you... When I hear a classmate writing a kick ass solo for the improv class, I get inspired and go write more music... I pay a lot of money to go to school so I should take it seriously, right?

Hollywood? It's alright, I guess. I don't care about famous people, so I'm annoyed by the hundreds of jaywalking clueless tourists most of the time. I don't consider myself a star-struck person, so when I see famous people at my grocery store, I honestly don't really care. There's a bunch of weirdos here too, so that's... interesting... I'll be leaving this crazy area when I graduate, but the town in general is pretty good. I love the weather and the art scene is pretty cool, too...

I don't know if I left something out... Let me know...

Hey Joe...

Your playing Halifax Aug2 ..awesome !

FYI ..I own a bar 10 min from the concert venue www.montes.ca where the Police Experience are playing Friday night . I hear Marco Minnemann is drumming for the night. Concert promoter is binging a bunch of people over and you more than welcome to join them if your in town. I have my Cornford Hurricane standing by as well.

On a bit of a mini- vacation in Hot Springs, Ar....tired... need to go home to rest.

Joe seem very uncomfortable in this video

Personally after seeing this first minute or 2 of joe being out crowded room? the camera guy got alittle too upclose and this is where I think joe kinda decides to leave the room...

Joe Satriani, could you give us some input on this?

enjoy your day

Michael Schumacher back in F1... actually racing. 2009 is obviously the year of the sporting comeback (for old men LOL). Lance Armstrong, now Schuey... who's next!?

Hi Joe/Foot land, its been awhile. Things are great, gettin married soon and a baby on the way. She'll be here in early December..... Can't wait....!

So I am a little confused and have been out of touch with the site for quite some time and this may have been answered already but,............

Why is Chickenfoot gettin no closer than Lake Tahoe to the NorthWest... Damn it! As I remember it's been more than two years since Joe has been to portland....

Anywayz, hope all is well with everyone. Fires are gonna start as soon as the lightning gets here in central Oregon and I will be busy again.

Take care!

Hey Joe,

I've been playing guitar for a few months now and I really love it. I got started because of players like you who have always sounded great. When I first heard you perform (it was a video of you playing "Surfing with the Alien") I was in awe. I called my dad over and he instantly recognized you and started telling me how great of a player you are. Since then you have really become an inspiration for my guitar playing and how people should treat their fans (Like how you do online lessons, podcasts, etc.).

Anyway, I think Chickenfoot has been the best thing in music in YEARS! I would just like to say you and hopefully Chickenfoot really need to play in the central Florida area. My dad and I would love to see you guys in concert!