I love this video! Suscribed! I went through the GIT 18 month program spanning 2006 & 2007. When I decided to go I asked myself the question, would I go if it turned out I couldn't find work as a musician when I got out. The answer was *yes* , I wanted to be a better musician and player because I *needed* to for inner growth. I'm so glad I did! I remember how elated I was for killing Kashmir and Highway Star in LPWs, and how embarrassed I was to be the one responsible for a massive train wreck of "Rebel Yell" LPW (we won't go there). The LPWs, I agree with you, are one of the biggest advantages of Musician's Institute. One more point on the environment at GIT. It's the people. The teachers are the best in the world, but what you learn from fellow students can't be understated. Students from all over the world, in any class the player to your left may be from Japan, the one to your right may be from Iceland or Italy, all struggling with the latest concept you were given, helping each other out. My favorite teachers there were Ross Bolton, Ed Finn and Dan Gilbert, (you haven't lived until Dan Gilbert calls you "freakazoid"). I remember my mind being completely blown when I first walked into an Allen Hinds open counseling, then finally learning some of his legato technique. I'd recommend GIT for any guitar player who is passionate about the instrument. You *have* to go to this school! Do it because you need to. It is a lot of hard work, a test by fire, but you will be given all the keys to unlock the instrument, that is not hyperbole. I went at an age older than any of my fellow students, (I turned 50 y.o. while there), though I did tour the school back in 1977 when it opened, I was 20 y.o. then and met Howard Roberts, unfortunately in those days could not afford the school so waited thirty years. In hindsight I should have doubled down and gone in 1977. Sorry for rambling on so much, I tend to do that when GIT comes up.
John Kelley Brown Hello! I'm 51. I'm a successful touring musician from Mexico. 34 years career, many bands, Music Production... I'm researching this school for my 16 year old son. I want him to be better prepared than his old man. I switched from keys to guitar later in life and I would love to really command the instrument. Your comment is really inspiring for me! I never considered, until now, this program for myself... 🤘😎⚡️
I know this is a year old post but just saw it. I had bought a Ross Bolton funk learning VHS tape growing up. He was great. I was so sad when he passed and at a young age. I’ve never forgotten him. He shouldn’t be forgotten just because he’s not here. When someone says whose a great funk player, I always mention his name. He still matters as far as I’m concerned. There’s lots of stuff on utube with him sharing his funk.
@@roymoderatto , hey, sorry I didn't see this until now. I think you owe it to yourself. I gave up a successful career at Cisco Systems designing printed circuit boards to go to GIT. I have no regrets, it was the time of my life. It's true, I still don't make a living as a guitar player, but I play all the time and record original music, (I'm on Sound Cloud, search "John Kelley Brown). After graduating GIT I got back into printed circuit board design, but designing products for high-end music recording at Apogee Electronics. The time I had at GIT was wonderful, I grew in ways I didn't know I would, got to jam with greats like Scott Henderson, Albert Lee, Allen Hinds and more. You will be among students from all over the world, helping each other out, and these kids never treated me like an old man. Do it man, do it! It's the best decision I've ever made.
@@kcussrebutuemos4815 Yeah, you know someone is a great teacher when you can hear them in your playing. I hear Ross often coming out of my guitar amp speakers.
@@plexibreath this is really interesting. im in Canada, im 33 now i feel too old! been playing since I was 12...not sure what other options there are for 'shorter' term guitar programs, i already have a degree and work in IT but my passion is music . . . do you feel your playing really improved while there?
Hey Michael, Beth Marlis, Director of GIT 2000-2009 here! I just ran across this video, it’s great to hear you articulately sharing your experience and how it changed your life. Big congrats on your successful career!
Yeah, it's never been about being brilliant. People that work hard, keep moving, keep progressing, stay optimistic, never give up.... those are the folks in life that make it. "Making it" might not be what you originally planned, but you will make it.
you could add show up on time, know the tunes, don' t play too loud, not too much gear, dress properly, are likable, sober, good looking, have the right hair and a good smile
GIT and Musicians Institute made me a musician. I was there in 2007 after 11 years of studying guitar, music and harmony, and they teached me to focus back in the basics, to understand the fretboard, and what is more important: realize that music is more than all that. Music is to play songs, to have a repertoire, and to share it with other musicians. All songs are One Song, Chas Grasamke used to tell us. Dale Turner, Beth Marlis, Chas Grasamke, Tom Kolb, Dan Gilbert, Carl Schroeder, Keith Wyatt, Allen Hinds, Carl Verheyen, Scott Henderson... I am so grateful for all the knowledge you have shared with us. My school From Madrid To Hollywood is the result of all the things I learnt there, and I still have the 12 rules of efficient learning from Carl Seashore in the wall of our school. THANKS GIT AND MUSICIANS INSTITUTE! 😀🎸🎶
Mike, I appreciate the vid on GIT. I too am a GIT grad, I attended as an 18 year old in 1980, the 3rd year of its existence. Don Mock, Joe Diorio, Tommy Tedesco, Howard Roberts, Pat Hicks, and others were our faculty. It was a 1 year program with a short break over holidays. Heavy jazz/fusion focus in the day. I graduated and gigged for several years and then went to the dark side and became a lawyer 😎. I still gig and record today. I LOVED my experience at GIT. I would not trade it for the world. Thanks again for the vid.
Hey, I was there from September of 1979 to March of 80 then a 6 month break returning from September of 80 through March of 81. We were both laboring under Carl Schroeder at the same time. I ran into Bob Mann, a rocker with a big hair and sunglasses look, when I was playing in a restaurant in Paris in the 90's. Small world and getting smaller.
Hello Michael, Thank you for posting this video. I was a BIT graduate (2004-2006), and what you said, pretty much summed up the same feelings I have when I attended Musicians Institute. I had wanted to attend MI since I first heard of it in the mid 80's. I realize now that I would not have been ready back then, having only just started playing bass; but also realize that in that 19 years, I gained a lot of experience - playing in several bands, get to experience some uncomfortable musical situations (which were great for building confidence), and of course experience some life lessons! When I was finally ready, I was in my mid 30's, and I was like a kid in constant wonder of the whole experience of not just moving to another country, but having the almost "pinch me moment" of finally getting to do something I had only dreamed about before. I didn't know a soul when I arrived in Hollywood, but I can't emphasize enough, the love and support of the people I met, (both fellow students and MI staff members) who took me under their wing, and without whose support, I may not have done anywhere near as well. Once classes started, I pretty much lived at the school. I used to arrive for my first class in the morning and after classes, find a practice room (my favorite was right next to the library; in the classroom where they held additional ear training classes - something I really needed and attended), where I would work on, practice and assimilate the information from my class work:, it came to me slowly. I saw so many great players, who seemed to pick it up really quickly. Not me, I had to go over it again and again, slowly and would stay there until the last shuttle bus of the night would drop me off at my apartment. I think the biggest thing which helped my playing, was all of the different opportunities I had to play. Not just playing, but being critiqued, and getting exposure to many different styles of music. I was one of those "crazy" students, who used to play as many LPW's as I could. My first week there, I got 7 of the required 10! I just loved any opportunity to play my bass - especially in an ensemble setting. With the LPWs, I could stay behind and play again in the next hour, or wander over to another one, play that and then come back to the first one. I would also use free periods on my timetable to sit in and play bass in the guitar Open Counseling. It was great! Of course I had my fair share of train wrecks and being kicked off stage sometimes; but I always came back, and was given another chance. The uncomfortable musical situations, I mentioned before had given me some preparation to bounce back. Didn't mean to make this post too long, but it's hard not to when I think about how much I loved my time as a student at MI. My goal was to become a better musician and MI gave me that, but much more; the introduction and appreciation of so many styles of music which has been so beneficial in my musical growth, and goals of becoming a more well rounded musician. It was the best 18 months of my life!
1990 graduate. Amazing experience. Still working on the universe it opened up for me 30 + years later. Love what you do Michael! Yes one of my buddies there got a $6M record deal while still in school.
My teacher Dave Celentano is also GIT, he was there same time as Paul Gilbert, and shares similar stories from time to time. Truly the best of the best from what I know.
GIT graduate here! I was there March '88 - March '89. Best single year of my life! I'd hop in a time machine and go back to those days right now, if I could.
I went to git 02-03. I did not graduate because I failed my sight reading exam. Major bummer. The only teacher I really liked was Ken stiger the metal teacher. Joy Basu was my private instructor and he was great. I was a metal head looking to be Paul Gilbert. Most instructors turned their noses up to the metal kids. But luckily there was a few of us that stuck together. Got a gig playing in the studio with the band orgy. Not through the school but because the singer lived next to me lol. He knew about the school, perhaps that's why he gave me a chance. I spent weeks in the studio with him learning about recording. Hince why I failed sightreading. Mi made me a better musician. Life changing experience. In hindsight I wish I would've got into other styles like I am now. I did see Johnny hiland there which was killer!
As a GIT graduate from 1987 I agree with everything you say about my experience in LA. Norman Brown was my private instructor and I was very involved in Car Schroeder's LPW. Trial by fire for sure!
1988 Grad here Paul Gilbert was my instructor of course here I am a Texas blues rock “Mike Campbell ” type player, so I arrived at the height of the 80s shredders 🤦🏼♂️, but Paul Gilbert Who is one of the best players, today and he encouraged me due to my “feel”, he would always tell me- he inspired me tremendously even though a wife -kids and a mortgage, made it hard to pursue music but I also went into a getting my degree in computer science which is what I do now, but still play today in band at age 59 lol- loved my experience there and I learned a lot there.god I am old lol
I graduated September ‘93. An utterly magical time! I did have a wake up call when I returned to England to find that bands seemed to want to wear Cagoules and strum semi acoustics haha! I still managed to have a varied, hard, fun and rewarding life of music since then. If GIT is still as good as it was I’d recommend it to everyone! Even if just for the incredible experience 😀
I wanted to go so bad back in 1986 after HS...life had different plans...I did end up taking lessons from Steve Lynch in the late 90's I went into a local music store in Federal way to ask about lessons and the girl said yeah hang on one sec and she walked back and talked to someone and out walked Steve Lynch... I about fell over. It was a short lived experience taking lessons but man he had so many cool stories about GIT and Howard Roberts, that's as close as I will ever come to going
Thanks for this video! I’ve been checking out MIs guitar program for ages and must say that the teachers and players that come out of there are absolutely INCREDIBLE! It’s definitely the live playing aspect that makes the players there so great. Also just being in the same vicinity as those players will undoubtably make you a much better player. I live in Cape Town, South Africa and would happily drop everything to attend MI but unfortunately with our currency being so crap it’s waaaay too expensive to be able to attend. MI will have to remain a pipe dream for me 😅 PS. I bought your Udemy course and it’s helped a ton! Thanks for making that 😬 you are a legend 🤘
thanks for video, I attended in 86-87 for me the inspiration and seeing what was possible on guitar by seeing players like Paul Gilbert, Frank Gambale, Jennifer Batten each week in open counseling was what pushed me to get better. At the end of your video someone asked what students should know before going to G.I.T. I actually have a video where I show the new student prep guide from when I went there and walk you through the weekly/daily practice regimen that G.I.T. recommended for incoming students 🙂 (at least at that time probably still similar to now)
My experience with Musicians Institute was pretty much the exact opposite of most reviews from students/alumni. I struggled heavily when it came to my studies, and found that most teachers and students wanted nothing to do with you if you weren't already at a certain level on your instrument. The people there really know how to make someone feel stupid when someone is inexperienced or trying to learn something new. I felt very discouraged being there, and found it to be a very cliquish and cold environment. Impossible to make friends or any type of connections. I'm currently stuck in non-music related day job and have struggled to get gigs due to the lack of help and guidance I needed. It seems like administrators only want to hear positive stories about graduates who succeed after MI, and have no concern with those who are struggling. Forget about any type of career assistance or job placement; anyone who receives assistance is someone who can make the school look good and attract new students.
Totally agree with you! I had a similar experience there, I graduated there in 2002. MI is a place to help you get your playing to the next level if you already have at least one or two years of serious study somewhere else; not to learn from cero or almost cero. If you go there knowing nothing or at a very basic level you better go somewhere else first. The problem is that they sell the idea that you can go there knowing nothing and they will make you the next Paul Gilbert. If you want to be a well rounded musician MI is not the place. The MI of the 80’s doesn’t exist anymore, its long gone. When Pat Hicks sold it, the new owners changed drastically the focus of MI from a school mentality to a business mentality, the purpose was not to teach anymore it was to make revenue; and still it is. The truth about MI is that they only want your money.
I went in 2011 and everything you said is absolutely true! The only thing I would say that’s different now is the work placement program has some big auditions and also some just bought advertisements which is sad to see. I loved my time there but was very eye opening on all your faults and you only get how much you put in. You can skate by if you want but you shouldn’t be attending this type of school if that’s the case. All the best!
I have walked out of some Dead shows shaking my head at the train wreck witnessed. However, the reason they followed me all over the country was because when they were "ON"....it was as if the most perfect audio that the universe could ever put forth was happening....and you just experienced multiple eargasms with 20,000 other folks from all walks of life....where's the next show?
Dude! Great to see videos again..I've been catching them on the TV lately and not able to comment. The thing I love about you is you waste no time getting philosophical! ... but you always stay on point. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective with us about GIT (which is now something totally different in this age, esp if you are a coder hahahah, or from England). But seriously I love the idea about seeing value in being forged in fire, crossing genres, and playing for the experience of getting better. I wish someone would have shown me that focus a long time ago. No matter the genre or context, there is ALWAYS something to learn and a huge opportunity for growth. So what exactly do you learn at a conservatory? It's hard for us who don't know, to make the comparison.
I’m a Palmisano too! From Jersey. Went to GIT in 1992. I honestly got everything out of going to open counseling and playing workshops. The core classes were a waste of my time. I didn’t care for the core class teachers. They were essentially robots teaching out of the white book. Better use of my time was networking, playing with open counseling teachers, jamming with other students and worked my ass off. I ultimately ended up working for a major label because of the networking. I can teach and play gigs because of GIT. It’s what you make of it and had the time of my life…
I was supposed to go to GIT back in the early 90’s. I never got there. I still became a pretty good guitarist. I do wonder what I missed and how different my playing would be had I gone.
Music is about getting the basic theories down and getting your chops.....and applying it to make it your own. Like EVH said .....gotta keep playin....it's music....and if you don't I'm gonna come looking for ya!
Great video and I appreciate the advice! I just want to be a better musician and I have learned much from you and your friends, thanks from Western North Carolina!
Man, well said! Happy to have come across this! So you were there in like 2008 ish? I'm sure I'd recognize you (with a photo of back then), but the time has weathered my skull, lol! (I've taught there since 2000; seems I *must* have at least had you in Theory/Ear Training?) Congrats on all yer arse kickin' mayun!!
Totally bombing is a huge motivator and makes those fleeting moments where the sound is right where it should be more addictive. Just one of those moments is all it takes to set you chasing for the next one for what I think of as the eternal hunt lol
Do you think it's still worth it for someone like me? I don't expect to make money out of it, I'm kind of settled down with life, and I already have a career in IT. I'm purely doing it for my personal learning and enjoyment.
I live in NY. I can't uproot my life to go to MI in California. What do you think of MI online? As for the experience of embarrassing yourself in front of your peers, it's a necessary evil which I need to experience. I have ridiculous performance anxiety and stage fright. My hands literally shake when I play in front of people.
Thanks for this video!!! I have been wanting to go to Musicians Institute for the Guitar program but I am uncertain of how much experience or knowledge I need to have to apply. Do you have any advice for applying? Thanks 🙂
I know exactly where my skill is, if anything I think I'm too hard on myself. I wouldn't get humbled cos I know where I'm at. I'd just learn from people.
I was there 87-88, 18 yrs old and playing like an 18 yr old drummer does on the big stage in front of Tim Bogert, Paul Gilbert, Scott Henderson and little did I know John Frusciante as a classmate! I cringe more now knowing how I played in front of those great musicians!! I did practice A LOT and burned out fast. Had to stop playing outside of class to get through it… regret never playing with the big band! My roommate was in the class a level down from me but imo was a better drummer, I guess my audition must have been better. In hindsight I would’ve worked a lot harder to try and get to berklee even though I’ve been told it’s a crap show there too
Anakin Reinhardt Wanna elaborate? I’ve been considering musicians institute but I don’t know if I could get in or even what to do there as an international student.
I started out as a music major, but I quickly switched. This was in the year 2000 but I recognized that the music industry was a self imploding pile of shit and if I was going to go that route, I would likely end up playing music I'm extremely bored with or maybe even can't stand just to find a paying gig. Maybe if I had enough time and money to put something together...
Hahahaha you're lucky you got the charts in the metal LPWs. LOL. I was there in '95/96 and there were train wrecks every single week because we didn't get squat. It was a lot of fun and absolutely great when it was great. Not to mention that I got to jam with Ray Luzier (current drummer for Korn) about a hundred times while I was there.
Good job. As a GIT graduate myself, I found attending very inspirational and motivating. It helped me immensely with my musical career. While my experience was slightly different, a lot of this still rings true. I used to have page on my website about this since I get questions from time to time even now. www.guitarmadesimpler.com
How would the online guitar program work? I find it hard to believe you get a good education online. Anyone who has experience online please let me know.
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I love this video! Suscribed!
I went through the GIT 18 month program spanning 2006 & 2007. When I decided to go I asked myself the question, would I go if it turned out I couldn't find work as a musician when I got out. The answer was *yes* , I wanted to be a better musician and player because I *needed* to for inner growth. I'm so glad I did!
I remember how elated I was for killing Kashmir and Highway Star in LPWs, and how embarrassed I was to be the one responsible for a massive train wreck of "Rebel Yell" LPW (we won't go there). The LPWs, I agree with you, are one of the biggest advantages of Musician's Institute.
One more point on the environment at GIT. It's the people. The teachers are the best in the world, but what you learn from fellow students can't be understated. Students from all over the world, in any class the player to your left may be from Japan, the one to your right may be from Iceland or Italy, all struggling with the latest concept you were given, helping each other out. My favorite teachers there were Ross Bolton, Ed Finn and Dan Gilbert, (you haven't lived until Dan Gilbert calls you "freakazoid"). I remember my mind being completely blown when I first walked into an Allen Hinds open counseling, then finally learning some of his legato technique.
I'd recommend GIT for any guitar player who is passionate about the instrument. You *have* to go to this school! Do it because you need to. It is a lot of hard work, a test by fire, but you will be given all the keys to unlock the instrument, that is not hyperbole. I went at an age older than any of my fellow students, (I turned 50 y.o. while there), though I did tour the school back in 1977 when it opened, I was 20 y.o. then and met Howard Roberts, unfortunately in those days could not afford the school so waited thirty years. In hindsight I should have doubled down and gone in 1977.
Sorry for rambling on so much, I tend to do that when GIT comes up.
John Kelley Brown Hello! I'm 51. I'm a successful touring musician from Mexico. 34 years career, many bands, Music Production... I'm researching this school for my 16 year old son. I want him to be better prepared than his old man. I switched from keys to guitar later in life and I would love to really command the instrument. Your comment is really inspiring for me! I never considered, until now, this program for myself... 🤘😎⚡️
I know this is a year old post but just saw it. I had bought a Ross Bolton funk learning VHS tape growing up. He was great. I was so sad when he passed and at a young age. I’ve never forgotten him. He shouldn’t be forgotten just because he’s not here. When someone says whose a great funk player, I always mention his name. He still matters as far as I’m concerned. There’s lots of stuff on utube with him sharing his funk.
@@roymoderatto , hey, sorry I didn't see this until now. I think you owe it to yourself. I gave up a successful career at Cisco Systems designing printed circuit boards to go to GIT. I have no regrets, it was the time of my life. It's true, I still don't make a living as a guitar player, but I play all the time and record original music, (I'm on Sound Cloud, search "John Kelley Brown). After graduating GIT I got back into printed circuit board design, but designing products for high-end music recording at Apogee Electronics. The time I had at GIT was wonderful, I grew in ways I didn't know I would, got to jam with greats like Scott Henderson, Albert Lee, Allen Hinds and more. You will be among students from all over the world, helping each other out, and these kids never treated me like an old man. Do it man, do it! It's the best decision I've ever made.
@@kcussrebutuemos4815 Yeah, you know someone is a great teacher when you can hear them in your playing. I hear Ross often coming out of my guitar amp speakers.
@@plexibreath this is really interesting. im in Canada, im 33 now i feel too old! been playing since I was 12...not sure what other options there are for 'shorter' term guitar programs, i already have a degree and work in IT but my passion is music . . . do you feel your playing really improved while there?
Hey Michael, Beth Marlis, Director of GIT 2000-2009 here! I just ran across this video, it’s great to hear you articulately sharing your experience and how it changed your life. Big congrats on your successful career!
Thanks Beth! GIT was amazing. Hard for me for the reasons I state in the video but I remember how helpful you were at every step!
Yeah, it's never been about being brilliant. People that work hard, keep moving, keep progressing, stay optimistic, never give up.... those are the folks in life that make it. "Making it" might not be what you originally planned, but you will make it.
you could add show up on time, know the tunes, don' t play too loud, not too much gear, dress properly, are likable, sober, good looking, have the right hair and a good smile
could sticky this on my wall.
You may not believe it, but sometimes it's mega hard to understand that.
WISE words my friend!
GIT and Musicians Institute made me a musician. I was there in 2007 after 11 years of studying guitar, music and harmony, and they teached me to focus back in the basics, to understand the fretboard, and what is more important: realize that music is more than all that. Music is to play songs, to have a repertoire, and to share it with other musicians. All songs are One Song, Chas Grasamke used to tell us.
Dale Turner, Beth Marlis, Chas Grasamke, Tom Kolb, Dan Gilbert, Carl Schroeder, Keith Wyatt, Allen Hinds, Carl Verheyen, Scott Henderson... I am so grateful for all the knowledge you have shared with us.
My school From Madrid To Hollywood is the result of all the things I learnt there, and I still have the 12 rules of efficient learning from Carl Seashore in the wall of our school.
THANKS GIT AND MUSICIANS INSTITUTE! 😀🎸🎶
Mike, I appreciate the vid on GIT. I too am a GIT grad, I attended as an 18 year old in 1980, the 3rd year of its existence. Don Mock, Joe Diorio, Tommy Tedesco, Howard Roberts, Pat Hicks, and others were our faculty. It was a 1 year program with a short break over holidays. Heavy jazz/fusion focus in the day. I graduated and gigged for several years and then went to the dark side and became a lawyer 😎. I still gig and record today. I LOVED my experience at GIT. I would not trade it for the world. Thanks again for the vid.
Hey, I was there from September of 1979 to March of 80 then a 6 month break returning from September of 80 through March of 81. We were both laboring under Carl Schroeder at the same time. I ran into Bob Mann, a rocker with a big hair and sunglasses look, when I was playing in a restaurant in Paris in the 90's. Small world and getting smaller.
Hello Michael,
Thank you for posting this video.
I was a BIT graduate (2004-2006), and what you said, pretty much summed up the same feelings I have when I attended Musicians Institute.
I had wanted to attend MI since I first heard of it in the mid 80's.
I realize now that I would not have been ready back then, having only just started playing bass; but also realize that in that 19 years, I gained a lot of experience - playing in several bands, get to experience some uncomfortable musical situations (which were great for building confidence), and of course experience some life lessons!
When I was finally ready, I was in my mid 30's, and I was like a kid in constant wonder of the whole experience of not just moving to another country, but having the almost "pinch me moment" of finally getting to do something I had only dreamed about before.
I didn't know a soul when I arrived in Hollywood, but I can't emphasize enough, the love and support of the people I met, (both fellow students and MI staff members) who took me under their wing, and without whose support, I may not have done anywhere near as well.
Once classes started, I pretty much lived at the school.
I used to arrive for my first class in the morning and after classes, find a practice room (my favorite was right next to the library; in the classroom where they held additional ear training classes - something I really needed and attended), where I would work on, practice and assimilate the information from my class work:, it came to me slowly.
I saw so many great players, who seemed to pick it up really quickly.
Not me, I had to go over it again and again, slowly and would stay there until the last shuttle bus of the night would drop me off at my apartment.
I think the biggest thing which helped my playing, was all of the different opportunities I had to play.
Not just playing, but being critiqued, and getting exposure to many different styles of music.
I was one of those "crazy" students, who used to play as many LPW's as I could.
My first week there, I got 7 of the required 10!
I just loved any opportunity to play my bass - especially in an ensemble setting.
With the LPWs, I could stay behind and play again in the next hour, or wander over to another one, play that and then come back to the first one.
I would also use free periods on my timetable to sit in and play bass in the guitar Open Counseling.
It was great!
Of course I had my fair share of train wrecks and being kicked off stage sometimes; but I always came back, and was given another chance.
The uncomfortable musical situations, I mentioned before had given me some preparation to bounce back.
Didn't mean to make this post too long, but it's hard not to when I think about how much I loved my time as a student at MI.
My goal was to become a better musician and MI gave me that, but much more; the introduction and appreciation of so many styles of music which has been so beneficial in my musical growth, and goals of becoming a more well rounded musician.
It was the best 18 months of my life!
1990 graduate. Amazing experience. Still working on the universe it opened up for me 30 + years later. Love what you do Michael! Yes one of my buddies there got a $6M record deal while still in school.
My teacher Dave Celentano is also GIT, he was there same time as Paul Gilbert, and shares similar stories from time to time. Truly the best of the best from what I know.
GIT graduate here! I was there March '88 - March '89. Best single year of my life! I'd hop in a time machine and go back to those days right now, if I could.
I went to git 02-03. I did not graduate because I failed my sight reading exam. Major bummer. The only teacher I really liked was Ken stiger the metal teacher. Joy Basu was my private instructor and he was great. I was a metal head looking to be Paul Gilbert. Most instructors turned their noses up to the metal kids. But luckily there was a few of us that stuck together. Got a gig playing in the studio with the band orgy. Not through the school but because the singer lived next to me lol. He knew about the school, perhaps that's why he gave me a chance. I spent weeks in the studio with him learning about recording. Hince why I failed sightreading. Mi made me a better musician. Life changing experience. In hindsight I wish I would've got into other styles like I am now. I did see Johnny hiland there which was killer!
Joy is awesome! We’re classmates. Great player.
As a GIT graduate from 1987 I agree with everything you say about my experience in LA. Norman Brown was my private instructor and I was very involved in Car Schroeder's LPW. Trial by fire for sure!
Thanks for watching!
1988 Grad here Paul Gilbert was my instructor of course here I am a Texas blues rock “Mike Campbell ” type player, so I arrived at the height of the 80s shredders 🤦🏼♂️, but Paul Gilbert Who is one of the best players, today and he encouraged me due to my “feel”, he would always tell me- he inspired me tremendously even though a wife -kids and a mortgage, made it hard to pursue music but I also went into a getting my degree in computer science which is what I do now, but still play today in band at age 59 lol- loved my experience there and I learned a lot there.god I am old lol
I start class tomorrow, currently everything is online, still nervous but happy, and super excited. Love the video!
How’s it going?
I like your take on G.I.T. I graduated there in 1986, Great experience, I am sill teaching and performing in bands and doing solo acoustic shows
I graduated September ‘93. An utterly magical time! I did have a wake up call when I returned to England to find that bands seemed to want to wear Cagoules and strum semi acoustics haha! I still managed to have a varied, hard, fun and rewarding life of music since then. If GIT is still as good as it was I’d recommend it to everyone! Even if just for the incredible experience 😀
For sure!!
I graduated kit september 93 too! oh my gosh~ nice to meet you here!!
I wanted to go so bad back in 1986 after HS...life had different plans...I did end up taking lessons from Steve Lynch in the late 90's I went into a local music store in Federal way to ask about lessons and the girl said yeah hang on one sec and she walked back and talked to someone and out walked Steve Lynch... I about fell over. It was a short lived experience taking lessons but man he had so many cool stories about GIT and Howard Roberts, that's as close as I will ever come to going
Thanks for this video! I’ve been checking out MIs guitar program for ages and must say that the teachers and players that come out of there are absolutely INCREDIBLE! It’s definitely the live playing aspect that makes the players there so great. Also just being in the same vicinity as those players will undoubtably make you a much better player.
I live in Cape Town, South Africa and would happily drop everything to attend MI but unfortunately with our currency being so crap it’s waaaay too expensive to be able to attend.
MI will have to remain a pipe dream for me 😅
PS. I bought your Udemy course and it’s helped a ton! Thanks for making that 😬 you are a legend 🤘
thanks for video, I attended in 86-87 for me the inspiration and seeing what was possible on guitar by seeing players like Paul Gilbert, Frank Gambale, Jennifer Batten each week in open counseling was what pushed me to get better. At the end of your video someone asked what students should know before going to G.I.T. I actually have a video where I show the new student prep guide from when I went there and walk you through the weekly/daily practice regimen that G.I.T. recommended for incoming students 🙂 (at least at that time probably still similar to now)
I went through the one year GIT program in 89 and was a zombie by the middle of the 3rd quarter. I can’t even imagine a 2-4 year program!
My experience with Musicians Institute was pretty much the exact opposite of most reviews from students/alumni. I struggled heavily when it came to my studies, and found that most teachers and students wanted nothing to do with you if you weren't already at a certain level on your instrument. The people there really know how to make someone feel stupid when someone is inexperienced or trying to learn something new. I felt very discouraged being there, and found it to be a very cliquish and cold environment. Impossible to make friends or any type of connections. I'm currently stuck in non-music related day job and have struggled to get gigs due to the lack of help and guidance I needed. It seems like administrators only want to hear positive stories about graduates who succeed after MI, and have no concern with those who are struggling. Forget about any type of career assistance or job placement; anyone who receives assistance is someone who can make the school look good and attract new students.
Totally agree with you! I had a similar experience there, I graduated there in 2002. MI is a place to help you get your playing to the next level if you already have at least one or two years of serious study somewhere else; not to learn from cero or almost cero. If you go there knowing nothing or at a very basic level you better go somewhere else first. The problem is that they sell the idea that you can go there knowing nothing and they will make you the next Paul Gilbert. If you want to be a well rounded musician MI is not the place. The MI of the 80’s doesn’t exist anymore, its long gone. When Pat Hicks sold it, the new owners changed drastically the focus of MI from a school mentality to a business mentality, the purpose was not to teach anymore it was to make revenue; and still it is. The truth about MI is that they only want your money.
You don’t need to go to a school like MI to be a good musician, as a matter of fact you don’t need to go to a music school at all to be one.
You’ve got excellent presentation skills. Many thanks. Will check Beato’s in the future.
I went in 2011 and everything you said is absolutely true! The only thing I would say that’s different now is the work placement program has some big auditions and also some just bought advertisements which is sad to see. I loved my time there but was very eye opening on all your faults and you only get how much you put in. You can skate by if you want but you shouldn’t be attending this type of school if that’s the case. All the best!
I have walked out of some Dead shows shaking my head at the train wreck witnessed. However, the reason they followed me all over the country was because when they were "ON"....it was as if the most perfect audio that the universe could ever put forth was happening....and you just experienced multiple eargasms with 20,000 other folks from all walks of life....where's the next show?
Coming here after Ricks recommendation and enjoyed your talk throughly . Thanks .
Dude! Great to see videos again..I've been catching them on the TV lately and not able to comment. The thing I love about you is you waste no time getting philosophical! ... but you always stay on point. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective with us about GIT (which is now something totally different in this age, esp if you are a coder hahahah, or from England). But seriously I love the idea about seeing value in being forged in fire, crossing genres, and playing for the experience of getting better. I wish someone would have shown me that focus a long time ago. No matter the genre or context, there is ALWAYS something to learn and a huge opportunity for growth. So what exactly do you learn at a conservatory? It's hard for us who don't know, to make the comparison.
I’m a Palmisano too! From Jersey. Went to GIT in 1992. I honestly got everything out of going to open counseling and playing workshops. The core classes were a waste of my time. I didn’t care for the core class teachers. They were essentially robots teaching out of the white book. Better use of my time was networking, playing with open counseling teachers, jamming with other students and worked my ass off. I ultimately ended up working for a major label because of the networking. I can teach and play gigs because of GIT. It’s what you make of it and had the time of my life…
I was supposed to go to GIT back in the early 90’s. I never got there. I still became a pretty good guitarist. I do wonder what I missed and how different my playing would be had I gone.
Complex material and ideas extremely well-expressed and communicated.
Music is about getting the basic theories down and getting your chops.....and applying it to make it your own.
Like EVH said .....gotta keep playin....it's music....and if you don't I'm gonna come looking for ya!
TRAIN WRECK. Great name for my band.
Great video and I appreciate the advice! I just want to be a better musician and I have learned much from you and your friends, thanks from Western North Carolina!
Great story!!! I'd love to hear more :-)
My dream is to go to GIT ... unfortunatelly i cant ... but thanks for this video ... really inspirational ...
Man, well said! Happy to have come across this! So you were there in like 2008 ish? I'm sure I'd recognize you (with a photo of back then), but the time has weathered my skull, lol! (I've taught there since 2000; seems I *must* have at least had you in Theory/Ear Training?) Congrats on all yer arse kickin' mayun!!
Ah, 2005!
Totally bombing is a huge motivator and makes those fleeting moments where the sound is right where it should be more addictive. Just one of those moments is all it takes to set you chasing for the next one for what I think of as the eternal hunt lol
Exactly
Do you think it's still worth it for someone like me? I don't expect to make money out of it, I'm kind of settled down with life, and I already have a career in IT. I'm purely doing it for my personal learning and enjoyment.
I live in NY. I can't uproot my life to go to MI in California. What do you think of MI online? As for the experience of embarrassing yourself in front of your peers, it's a necessary evil which I need to experience. I have ridiculous performance anxiety and stage fright. My hands literally shake when I play in front of people.
ElDuderino502 you have issue like I have.
I play pretty good but I play infront of people my hand shake 😁😂
Start by playing in front of one person and also start with "easy" songs first to warm up.
Thanks for this video!!! I have been wanting to go to Musicians Institute for the Guitar program but I am uncertain of how much experience or knowledge I need to have to apply. Do you have any advice for applying? Thanks 🙂
I know exactly where my skill is, if anything I think I'm too hard on myself. I wouldn't get humbled cos I know where I'm at. I'd just learn from people.
I was there 87-88, 18 yrs old and playing like an 18 yr old drummer does on the big stage in front of Tim Bogert, Paul Gilbert, Scott Henderson and little did I know John Frusciante as a classmate! I cringe more now knowing how I played in front of those great musicians!! I did practice A LOT and burned out fast. Had to stop playing outside of class to get through it… regret never playing with the big band! My roommate was in the class a level down from me but imo was a better drummer, I guess my audition must have been better. In hindsight I would’ve worked a lot harder to try and get to berklee even though I’ve been told it’s a crap show there too
Used to be a dream of mine to go there. Sounds like a really good bad time
I always just assumed I wasn’t even good enough to GO to G.I.T.
I was correct. 😩
Rich Monks not true at all!!
Anakin Reinhardt Wanna elaborate? I’ve been considering musicians institute but I don’t know if I could get in or even what to do there as an international student.
Hey Michael, what do you think about the California college of music? is it also worth to do, like MI in terms of networking? thx!
I started out as a music major, but I quickly switched. This was in the year 2000 but I recognized that the music industry was a self imploding pile of shit and if I was going to go that route, I would likely end up playing music I'm extremely bored with or maybe even can't stand just to find a paying gig. Maybe if I had enough time and money to put something together...
Hahahaha you're lucky you got the charts in the metal LPWs. LOL. I was there in '95/96 and there were train wrecks every single week because we didn't get squat. It was a lot of fun and absolutely great when it was great. Not to mention that I got to jam with Ray Luzier (current drummer for Korn) about a hundred times while I was there.
You should link the video you talked about. I e been searching for a while but Rick beats posts a lot of videos. It’s pretty hard to find.
Was Schroeder still teaching when you went?
Totally interested just can’t see paying 50k to learn guitar.
Good job. As a GIT graduate myself, I found attending very inspirational and motivating. It helped me immensely with my musical career. While my experience was slightly different, a lot of this still rings true. I used to have page on my website about this since I get questions from time to time even now. www.guitarmadesimpler.com
How would the online guitar program work? I find it hard to believe you get a good education online. Anyone who has experience online please let me know.
how many PRS Guitars do you own?
Just a completely wrong picture of what GIT was.
2 minutes in…..and I have no idea where you’re going with this. 😂
Man I want a PRS Se Paul’s Guitar.
I dont see Rick's channel?
What is GIT?
100% agree
Very helpful
so many years ago LEARN YOUR CHARTS LOL
I'm from India
Could I get in.?
shill