So I’m thinking of submitting an art supplement of my instrumental music (alto sax). I know that it differs between colleges, but in general, can I submit two different jazz performances of me playing a solo in both? For the most part, my sound is the main voice of the videos, but there’s a bit of other sounds here and there. If I were to do this, then I would have to edit the other parts of the performance other than the solo. Will they allow me to do this? And I don’t have a video of my performances, they were both audio recorded, is this OK?
Also, I’m afraid that sending this supplement might make the adcoms assume that I’m all over the place. I’ve had business internships, created a startup online business, coached soccer for a while, but no where does it say that I play the alto sax because I wanted to take other academic classes instead of Jazz Band. I play for a recreational district church band in my community, but didn’t put it on my common app because I felt that it would’ve looked too insignificant and I just didn’t have enough space.
If anyone is interested in listening to my solos, feel free to PM me!
I encourage you to rethink the process of submitting a music/art supplement. The way I recommend you proceed is to have someone, ideally a music teacher who’s been deeply involved in your music training, work with you on the selection of music samples and on the production of the art supplement. That person ideally would be one who is in a position to write a reference letter for you and send it to admissions. The reference letter would not be in place of the required reference letters but a supplementary letter. The best supplements are ones that are properly edited and “professionally” packaged. A music professional, ideally the teacher I allude to above, should be able to help you create that kind of supplement. Rely on that person’s judgment.
This said, In reading your post I have an impression that you are self taught and that the music professional I allude to above doesn’t exist. To create a supplement based on the opinions of the cc community is not a good alternative. My sense is that if you proceed as you describe in your post that your supplement would do harm to your application, this not because of the reasons you give but rather because the supplement may very likely come across as amateurish.
^ I have advised the OP the same thing, and have listened to his clips. He is undoubtedly talented, but the clips are very brief, audio only, and not at all packaged. His saxophone performance also is not currently connected to anything in his application. IMO, the chance that a supplement would do harm to the OP’s application is much greater than the chance that it would help.
The alternative would be to produce a proper length, finished supplement, and to connect it in the OP’s application to his ECs and interests. That’s a lot of work given where things currently stand, and I don’t think it makes sense in the context of the choices the OP has made.
I am aware of some current applicants who are very talented musicians, but for whom music has taken a back seat to other interests and activities, and who have chosen to leave it off their application because of this. Presenting a clear and coherent narrative is generally preferable to presenting a jumble of disconnected activities, and leaving out minor interests and activities can be a very effective strategy.
My daughter was in a similar situation. Played violin for 8 years but never joined orchestra in HS, as she had no roomin her sched. We had her violin teacher write a letter, of whihc her counsellor included the relevant info into Her (guidance counsellor) letter. Also, my dsughterMy R participated in anadjudciated music festival for 8 years. Are you able to,include anything like that? Failing all that, be honest. List in in your ECs, you will be able to say how much time you spend playing, and how long you have been doing it.
@Lindagaf Yes, I’ll have no problem getting a music LOR and writing down my years of experience outside of school, but probably not in my counselors rec since she already finished it.