Pee Dee youth to attend Berklee College of Music

Carson Lee, a student at The King’s Academy, soon will be able to say he has something in common with some of the most notable figures in the music industry.

Lee, a 18-year-old guitarist, has been accepted to Berklee College of Music located in Boston.

“Every since I started playing guitar, I knew that (I wanted to go),” Lee said. “Berklee is a really prestigious school.

“A lot of the artists that I like (have attended) the school,” he said. “It seems to have a good reputation.”

Lee will be able to walk the same halls as several prominent alumni including one of his favorite artists, Steve Vai, a 1979 graduate.

Other notable alumni include Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer and Quincy Jones.

To be considered for the school, Lee had to fill out an application, participate in an audition and interview with the college’s board of admissions.

“I was nervous, but (playing music) is one of those (areas) that I feel more confident in,” Lee said. “It’s easier for me to play in front of someone than it is to talk (to them).

“A lot of times I can’t express myself verbally, but through music I can express a side of me that I can’t (say to others),” he said. “I feel like I said something through my music.”

Berklee offers a Bachelor of Music program and a four-year program leading to a professional diploma, according to its Web site, www.berklee.edu. Both programs provides students with the necessary tools needed to develop his or her musical talents and prepare them for a career in the music industry.

Lee said he wanted to attend the school so he could learn the skills he needed to become a better musician and have the opportunity to be around people who share a passion for music.

“I just want to be educated in music,” Lee said. “What I told (the) Berklee (board of admissions) in my interview is that I may not be the best player, but I’ll be the hardest worker. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Lee will major in music performance and will learn the skills, concepts, and methodology needed to demonstrate a level of proficiency on his instrument.

To do this, Lee will have private lessons, which will include proficiency-based exams, instrumental or vocal labs, and performance studies classes.

Attending Berklee also will help Lee learn how to read music, a skill he said he is interested in learning.

“That’s one area I want to improve in,” Lee said. “If I can learn to read music that will only make me much more open to playing with other musicians.”

Lee began playing guitar at age 13. By age 16, he was teaching others to play the instrument he grew to love during his guitar lessons with teachers Kevin Smith and Jim Stevens.

“They really helped me out a lot,” Lee said. “Not only have they been teachers, but they have been mentors, too.”

Lee said he isn’t trying to become a musical superstar, but hopes Berklee will help him determine his future in music.