Contemporary or classical music school?

[nicnok]

Hi, I know most of members here are discussing more about classical, but I just want to have some advices from pianists because I don't know who I can ask now

Here is my story: I'm from Vietnam. I had studied classical (piano) for twelves years in my hometown. But then I wanted to pursue contemporary music study. My mom wanted me to come to Singapore (even though I don't like), so I chose to study at Lasalle. This is a horrible school I have ever attended  . I then heard of Berklee through my friends, some of them planned to go there as well. After that, I decided to apply and went for an audition hold in Malaysia this year. My choice of repertoire is a Pop tune by Beverly Craven ( Promise Me) but I reinterpreted it in classical style. I added a solo part in between (as the school required) creating some blues lines. I don't know about Jazz, I just started learning with a private tutor 6 months before the audition. I thought I was doing well in the audition, the 3 examiners seemed to be satisfied and happy during the audition. They also showed that my short improvisation in Blues was good. But then when the result came out ( it took 2 months, and I had to sent so many emails to the school for asking), it says I have not been admitted to Berklee for the September 2011, fall semester. Should I tried to reaudition next year? And if so, what is the best choice of piece should I play?

Also, I asked my friend about other schools. She recommended NEC in Boston ( also a very good school) but it's a classical oriented school. Should I go back to classical? I'm a bit confusing now. Has anyone ever been in the same situation? I really really need advices from those who experienced in the field.
Thanks a lots
 

[ongaku_oniko]

I can't advise you on your auditions, but I will say that in my opinion, if you want to do contemporary, go ahead! Don't do classical just because you think it might be easier; chances are it isn't, and even if it is, is that really rewarding? Do you really want be stuck with something you don't want to do for the rest of your life?

I say work hard, and if you really want to do it, you'll get it. Good luck!

[nicnok]

Thanks so much. Yup, I'll truy my best . 

[countrymath]

Contemporary musicians with classical training rulez.

[oxy60]

I'm very concerned about Berklee and what they are teaching. They appear to be more of a commercial establishment than a school. A drummer took my advice to not go and then ended up getting a REAL job as a drummer for a major band.

Legitimate academic institutions have music departments. Many of those offer contemporary as well as classical. I live near two universities and there are lots more. Why not go legit?

[nicnok]

Do you know any recommended universities? I heard some universities of states are even better than Berklee? there are so many positive and negative comments about Berklee. 

[oxy60]

Which state do you live in? Check with which ever schools are close by and see what you turn up. Here in California residents pay an "in-state" rate which gives the most education for the least money.

As an example near me, a music student can study with the drummer of Sting at one University and at another college take master classes from Sheila E. These are both accredited academic institutions where your credits are transferable.

[ongaku_oniko]

Here is my story: I'm from Vietnam. I had studied classical (piano) for twelves years in my hometown. But then I wanted to pursue contemporary music study. My mom wanted me to come to Singapore (even though I don't like), so I chose to study at Lasalle. This is a horrible school I have ever attended   . I then heard of Berklee through my friends, some of them planned to go there as well. After that, I decided to apply and went for an audition hold in Malaysia this year.

nothing against ya, oxy, but really, which state?

[nicnok]

I don't live in U.S  . I'm from Ho Chi Minh city ( South of Vietnam). In my hometown, Jazz is something exotic, alien. Only the minority of people here know Jazz, the rest will give u this answer when u ask them : " Jazz?!! Never heard of it ! "  . I didn't know much about Jazz, so when I came to Singapore, I took Pop. By the time I stay here, I started having a few Jazz lessons with a private tutor (he's a good player but a bad teacher ! )  I also started listening to Jazz and fell in love with smooth Jazz  (really really love it) . I want to be a smooth Jazz player, so I took all of my courage to apply for Berklee. I'm now working on Jazz theory as much as I can, searching for some online Jazz lessons. I want to pursue my dream , but I'm afraid I would not enter the right school where the teachers have no care for me. I just want to learn with those who do teach with their hearts. That makes a good student.
I have a list with a bunch of schools, I've read a lot of reviews but I still cannot decide which one apart from Berklee

[oxy60]

My mistake. I missed the introductory remarks.

Forget the states. It will be way too expensive.

My problem with Berklee is when they teach they leave things out. It is like taking classes from the American Idol judges. That is not an accident, they have another course available to explain the missing parts.

[ongaku_oniko]

Look, just because people are from Viet Nam doesn't mean they're poor...

...

Saigon eh? I love the Pho in Saigon.

[oxy60]

It's way too expensive for us.

[ongaku_oniko]

ya, but that's cuz you're middle-class (probably)

rich people in asia, especially communist China/viet nam are really RICH.

[nicnok]

So sorry I'm not that RICH. Berklee does offer scholarship . That's what I want. I'm really keen on learning contemporary music
Thanks for your advices. It does HELP me A LOTS!