<p>Ok - most of the applications are in, the portfolio sent, the resume submitted. But with these kids of ours things are happening for them all the time. What sort of accomplishments do you think it's worth sending a note to a Music Adcom about - which things will make them sit up and take notice, and which will have them rolling their eyes and tossing it into the folder?</p>
<p>Of course, a National Award would be worth talking about - but, for instance, Honorable Mention in NFAA and not Finalist? Winning a concerto competition if it's for a youth orchestra? A scholarship offer to a summer program? Where is the line?</p>
<p>I’ll agree with your first two examples. The scholarship to a summer program is “iffy”. I think it would depend on the program. More noteworthy along those lines are admits to the fellowship summer programs, which are normally restricted to undergrad, grad students, and emerging pros. These do on occasion take a promising and accomplished hs junior or senior. </p>
<p>Again, these are small datapoints in audition based programs where the audition results are the determining factor, but all things being equal a few more points of note can’t hurt.</p>
<p>For the schools where the main issue is academics, those are good hooks. For the conservatory level schools and major performance schools at universities, i.e. Indiana, Michigan, etc., once you are given an audition, that is what counts, especially where there are multiple teachers for the instrument. If you are a harpist, and there is one harp teacher, and you have won every competition ever, had a wonderful bonding exploratory lesson, and your audition is less than perfect, it might be ok. But if you are a singer, who wins all the local roles, contests, etc., and you show up not singing your songs well…nothing you add to the portfolio helps. By all means, prepare an audition CD before auditions season begins, include all the requirements for your schools, and when audition day comes, if you are ill, DO NOT SING, but rather show up, offer the CD, let them interview you and see you and witness your performance personality, all important parts of the package.</p>
<p>Things that show initiative outside of school, perhaps? Recording a single or album and releasing it independently to iTunes and the like? Or the student setting up and promoting a small tour on his or her own accord? (It is possible! Hit up the cafes that are all ages…) Or something like the student saving up, purchasing equipment and opening up, running and promoting their own recording studio as opposed to simply seeking an afterschool job? You could send in the advertisement for the studio to the school. </p>
<p>Honestly, if I were an admissions person, these are the types of things that would impress me: Action that shows creativity and initiative outside of being guided and instructed by a teacher. Things that prove the student is understanding of the self-motivation and sheer determination that it really requires in these times to actually make a living as a musician…</p>
<p>My S is applying for Music Composition, and, although there are auditions on his primary instrument (cello), those are secondary to his portfolio of compositions.</p>
<p>With these children of ours on this music website, I’d guarantee that for every one of them something interesting has happened to them or a new opportunity has arisen since they sent in their applications -whether commissions, performances, awards, recordings. My question was really what would it have to be to make a difference to an admission counselor, or, at the very least, to be of interest to them.</p>
<p>With this group, and the high level of experiences and ability, again, I think the answer depends on the relative level of the accolade in relation to </p>
<p>(a) the level of school and (perceived) competitiveness of the applicant pool, and
(b) the number and level of what you’ve already submitted on the apps.</p>
<p>Anything that reinforces the experiences you detailed on the apps is worth mentioning, especially if it involves an honor, accolade, performance beyond the norm of these reported experience.</p>
<p>Anything that demonstrates “kicking it up a notch” is worth reporting, including but not limited to a competition win or placement (professional local, regional orchestra sponsored competition or commission, for example); solo or featured performance within same; composition premier by a pro performing group, etc.</p>
<p>It’s a tough call. Without citing your specific reason for asking, you’ll have to guesstimate the relative worth of the additional material. </p>
<p>A new detail may raise eyebrows at Podunk U, but have far less of an impact at Oberlin, Eastman or NEC.</p>