advice on piano as an EC?

Applying to College
1

<p>So after a 2-year long hiatus, I've been practicing (self-teaching) myself piano. I've played piano since I was around 3 (according to my mom, but I really don't believe her), so let's just say 5. </p>

<p>The reasons I stopped doing regular piano lessons were:
1. Lessons were expensive and far away
2. I wasn't really that into it, and hardly practiced, so it kind of made piano lessons pointless</p>

<p>Now I practice piano around half an hour a day (I know, not a lot) but it's self-directed, and my mom is telling me I should take up piano lessons again. I really like piano now, and love playing, but don't know if I should be dedicating a bunch of time to it. Plus, I'm not THAT good. I definetely am NOT in the running for national competitions or playing at the White House, lol :p. </p>

<p>It all depends on me, I guess. Concievably, if I started practicing seriously and more, I might be able to place in a few regional competitions (maybe I'm being to optimistic). But this would take considerable time and I'm not sure if I can put the effort in.
Plus, the reason I've recently found time for piano is because I am not allowed to play sports for the time (due to an injury). I'm concerned that when all my activities start up, piano will get left behind in the dust.</p>

<p>Plus, I'm the "well-rounded" applicant, and participate in a lot of activites, but don't do any of them extremely well (like nationally or something). And I'm Asian/White, so its kind of an very unoriginal EC. And I probably will apply to several very competitive colleges, and people who do play piano will probably be MUCH better than me. </p>

<p>I don't know if I want to send a supplement and have it scrutinized by the music department, either. </p>

<p>I'm pretty happy practicing on my own, with no pressure if I can't practice regularly. Basically, lessons would give me the oppurtuity to perform in contests/ get feedback. </p>

<p>Considering that piano is not my passion (I just like doing it) and that I have a ton of other activites, should I try for lessons and a higher level of commitment or not?</p>

2

<p>Yes, take it as an elective class!! Enjoy.</p>

3

<p>^ Can’t. No room in scheldule, and elective class is for beginners. I was talking about private lessons.</p>

4

<p>It will not help your college application. Take lessons if you enjoy playing. There are people that have been taking lessons since 3, and they are not going to send a supplement because they are not not conservatory quality. I am speaking for my younger daughter. </p>

<p>When it comes to musical instrument, dance or sports, it takes dedication and talent.</p>

5

<p>^Agree, don’t do it for colleges.</p>

6

<p>Yep, I’m definitely NOT conservatory quality. Should only people of conservatory caliber send in supplements?</p>

<p>Instead of weekly lessons, I was thinking maybe I should just continue teaching myself, and learn a few pieces on my own and then go to a teacher once or twice a month for pointers, or something (for all I know, my technique could be getting progressively worse).</p>

<p>Basically, piano is a hobby… but I don’t know if I should list it on my application or not. Just wondering, can it hurt me if I do, since it might make my EC’s look like a laundry list?
Is there a way to list it as a hobby, not as a serious EC, but still show I’m interested and proficient in music? It just seems unfair that after 12+ yrs of lessons plus $1000s in lessons I will not get any credit for piano. </p>

<p>Should’ve played the basoon or something, lol;)</p>

7

<p>you can list it, but I would list more important ECs instead. half the applicants play piano (and half of those are probably at the highest conservatory level). it’s just like that.</p>

8

<p>Why not? In the application add the Piano experience, classes, activities, and any volunteer hours you have dedicated playing the piano. Good luck!</p>

9

<p>List it as a hobby, but don’t waste their time with sending a CD unless you’re conservatory quality. Admissions officers have to get music professors to evaluate those CDs, so don’t annoy them by wasting their time unless you’re really good.</p>

<p>Playing an instrument is an OK EC, but unless you’re a prodigy who’s playing at Carnegie Hall or winning major awards, it’s not likely to boost your application in a major way.</p>

10

<p>Won’t help your college app since everyone seems to play some instrument these days.</p>

<p>I would, however, encourage you not to give it up if it is something you enjoy.</p>

11

<p>Whether to continue lessons is a personal choice. Play because you want to, seek instruction if you enjoy it and wish to advance technically and musically.</p>

<p>Normally, proficiency (even at an advanced level) will not make a difference in terms of helping an application in general admissions, it’s but one or two data points, particularly after years of a dedicated pursuit.</p>

<p>On occasion, certain underrepresented instruments may be a plus, but piano, violin, and flute are not among them. Depending on the institution, an advanced bassoonist, oboist, english horn or violist, perhaps a harpist might get a nod over an equally qualified applicant if there is a specific need. Some programs have been known to offer small scholarships for music even to non music majors. </p>

<p>If you do decide to send a supplement, please read through this thread <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/603633-regarding-art-music-supplements-please-help.html?highlight=supplements[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/603633-regarding-art-music-supplements-please-help.html?highlight=supplements&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>and the additional links within.</p>

12

<p>I probably will not send a suppplement…I wouldn’t be conservatory quality unless I threw myself at the piano and practiced 5 hours a day for the next 2 years. I’m pretty sure I don’t want to be a music major. I would probably say I’m much more advanced than the average piano player, but not nearly good for conservatory. I feel like I’m inbetween, too good to not do anything with piano but at the same time too bad to be considered “exceptional” and to be serious about piano. </p>

<p>But looking back, I’m regretful because if I had been more dedicated and actually practiced like an hour a day for those years and years of playing, who knows? I might have been really good now.</p>

<p>But I’m glad I learned piano, and even though I’m not taking piano lessons, I can pretty much learn any piece I feel like. I’m just lacking in knowing whether or not I’m making mistakes that I shouldn’t be. I think I will throw an occasional noncommited lesson back into the mix, maybe once or month, depending on how many pieces I’m learning, or how much I’ve been practicing. It can’t hurt, and it would make me feel a bit better about neglecting piano for so long. </p>

<p>Thanks for all of the advice:). It cleared up some things I wasn’t sure about.</p>