I have been learning various types of music since I was like 6. I plan on doing a music supplement to the schools that I am applying to. How much do they count in admissions?
Depends on the school and the quality of the supplement.
They help if you’re very, very good at whatever you’re doing as it shows a high level of achievement in music.
If you’re ok but not amazing, then it actually might hurt your application.
Another factor to consider is the type of supplement. Colleges get many more and higher quality violin and piano supplements than they do basson, composition, or conducting supplements.
To submit a violin, piano, etc. supplement, you need to be excellent (have won considerable awards).
To submit an basson, viola, tuba, etc. supplement, you need to be very good. The more obscure, difficult, or unpopular the instrument, the more “unique” your supplement is.
To submit a composition, conducting, etc. supplement, you need to be good. The larger the ensemble, the more “unique” your supplement is; for example, there are more (but still very few) piano solo compositions than baroque orchestra compositions.
Yeah… I am looking into doing a slower Romantic period piece. I also have bern taking singing lessons and feel I am a better musician there. Thanks!