Hi, for all the classical music people out there, I’m a Canadian student who has been studying classical music for 10+ years. I’m currently in between RCM grades 9-10, which roughly translates to ABRM level 8. I’ve never won any awards or medals, but I’ve never entered a competition before. I’m certainly not going to play at Carnegie Hall anytime soon, but at my level in Canada, I’d be able to audition for music programs at most good Canadian universities. I’m not going to be studying music, however. I know that a mediocre arts supplement can detract from your application, so my question is, would it even be worth it submitting, or will I just be compared with people who are on a completely different level?
If you are not going to study music why would you submit a music supplement? My DD (non music major)(nit Princeton) was ABRSM level 8, just listed it under her “awards” and as an extra curricular activity.
You don’t have to major in music to submit the Arts Supplement. Princeton, like most other schools, has various musical ensembles for non-music and music majors alike, and they appreciate those with musical talents with which the students can contribute to the life of the school community. The important thing is that, should you choose to submit the Arts Supplement, the quality of your music should be at a very high level. As you yourself have noted, a “mediocre” quality could hinder rather than help your chances. The way I personally judge as to whether one should submit the Arts Supplement or not is if your music is at a conservatory level.
“I personally judge as to whether one should submit the Arts Supplement or not is if your music is at a conservatory level.”
@TiggerDad is about right, unless you have done something else using your music when your music level is not at a conservatory level.
Princeton admitted Annie Zhou last year. You can google her and find her performance on Youtube. For HYP, the level of piano playing is largely above the average level at a typical conservatory.