<p>So I've been in band for 4 years now in high school... and had the same teacher for 4 years. </p>
<p>I'm really stumped on who to ask for my recommendation letters... and I figured asking my band teacher would be a good idea since I've had him for 4 years now. </p>
<p>If i'm not planning to major in music... would it still be a good idea to ask him to write one for me?</p>
<p>I’m asking my director for one. But I took ap music theory last year, so I had him for an “academic” class. Not to mention I’m applying as a music major. Most schools that I’m looking at want letters from math, science, english, social studies sorts of teachers, so I’m using it as an extra one. Id say try and find a core class teacher first.</p>
<p>Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using CC App</p>
<p>Depending on the schools you’re targeting, they usually want rec letters from academic subjects. A band teacher rec letter, at best, should be a supplement (i.e. the least important one).</p>
<p>Which university are you applying to? Stanford says they prefer core academic subjects like math, science, English, social studies, or foreign language. If you’re good at music, then you can send in an arts supplement (doesn’t have to be your major) and then a recommendation letter from your music instructor would actually be required if you decide to send that supplement. Check your prospective school’s website to see their supplement and recommendation preferences, if they have any.</p>
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<li><p>It is a good idea to see if the target college has a preference. They might not. </p></li>
<li><p>If they don’t, you want a recommendation from a teacher who knows you well, and can speak to your strengths. If that’s your music education instructor, that’s fine. </p></li>
<li><p>Music is an academic subject. You learn problem solving, teamwork, perserverance, mathmatical thinking, critical reasoning and a host of other things. Our band directors are in high demand as references and LOR, and our students go to Princeton, Stanford, Harvard and Penn; Syracuse, Dartmouth, RIT, RPI, PSU, SUNY, and many other schools in addition to trade schools. Don’t be a snob. These professional teachers’ thoughts are not the “least important” opinion you have to share.</p></li>
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<li>If they specify “teacher in an academic subject,” no, since you’re not going into music and it’s not music theory.</li>
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<li>Argue that to admissions all you like. The fact remains that they determine what is and is not academic for their purposes. Music is not considered an academic subject with respect to teacher recommendations unless you are applying specifically to a music program.</li>
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<p>Bottom line: Music teachers shouldn’t be considered for recommendations unless you’re applying to a music program.</p>
<p>S1’s best recommendation was from his music teacher, he was accepted everywhere he applied and is a senior poli sci major. An extremely common occurence at our hs, where 1 in 4 students are involved in a music ensemble (which include Honors and weighted classes) While the OP might want to ask if the college cares, I stand by my original response. The US Congress specifically lists music education as an academic subject in its reports and categories. I am disappointed you think otherwise, but to each his/her own.</p>