When HYPS schools ask for arts supplements only when they are "truly outstanding, but at what level of skill does truly outstanding constitute? I’ve been playing for 7 years and can play the accompaniement piano to multiple songs from Broadway musicals and movie soundtracks (probably most advanced music I play), at what level difficulty would you say that is? I realize there are songs that are far more advanced but sometimes more simple songs come off better as well.
BUMP
I’d like to know this for visual art as well
My guess is that’s not the kind of thing that would help your application, and in fact it might detract. The type of supplement they’re looking for would be beyond the ‘hobby’ level. the level should be such that you could win awards at competition.
But don’t just take my word for it, look for other threads that discuss the same topic. In the end you have to self-assess and make the decision yourself. Perhaps you could ask your music teachers (or other people you trust) what they think.
Take a look at Yale’s info on the supplements. They are pretty clear in stating what their expectations are.
https://admissions.yale.edu/supplementary
As for the visual art, I recommend you ask others what they think if you are questioning what your level is? Have you been to a portfolio review yet? You would probably get really good feedback at one of those sessions.
There are many applicants who submit music at either near professional or professional level as a part of their applications to HYPS. So, a good way to visualize your chances is what kind of evaluation your supplement would receive side-by-side with the supplements submitted by these applicants. If the applicant’s supplement is at a high school orchestra level, it could very well detract than help.
I think that in order to help an application that an arts supplement should be really outstanding – close to conservatory level. It doesn’t sound like you are there.
To give you a general idea of the level I play, I can play Mozart’s Rondo a la Turka and Debussy’s Claire de Lune. These are the most advanced pieces I can play, and I don’t know if that changes your original impression at all.
That being said, what if you have another arts talent, such as culinary arts or playwriting- how would you be able to convey those talents?
Bump
You can talk about it in an essay if it’s really a key part of what you are.
Follow the college’s admissions instructions if they will accept a script/excerpt/short performance.
Getting back to the original question.
If it’s not to the level of a conservatory or art school submission, then it would probably only serve to detract from the application.
What level would you say would be at “conservatory level”? If you had to rate Debussy’s Claire de Lune, or Mozart’s Turkish March in terms of difficulty level, 1 being beginner and 10 being conservatory level, how hard would you rate them? I’m just trying to see where I am currently and where I need to be by application submission time.