Brainstorming...

College Essays
1

<p>So, I looked at Stanford's website and one of the common app. questions was "Describe a historical figure, fictional character or creative work that influenced you." Or something like that. </p>

<p>I play clarinet and I'm very passionate about it. But it's going to remain a passion and a hobby, not a career b/c I don't want to ruin music by making it an obligation like that. There was this solo that I started preparing freshman year, performed sophomore year and went to state with. And I continue to refine it even now.</p>

<p>Would that be a good essay topic? Or is it cliche? I was thinking of instead of writing how much I worked on it, take a more music theory-ish type of approach and break down the solo and compare it too the struggles and accomplishments of life. It's Mozart, so it's pretty light a bouncy with a somewhat dark section in the middle and the last page is arpeggios and very difficult. Is it worth a shot??</p>

2

<p>bump 10char</p>

<p>edit: When I say brainstorming, I mean, is this idea good or should I think of something else?</p>

3

<p>People have definitely worked the music metaphor before, but they tend to go with historical figures, books, and movies more often than musical compositions. So quick answer: no, what you reference here isn’t especially cliched or overused. Whether the “ups and downs of life” part gets a little melodramatic will ultimately come down to execution. And while I like the idea of attacking it from a music theory angle, there’s something strangely noble sounding to me about the fact that you’ve been perfecting this for the last several years out of sheer passion. It might be a nice thing to reference in passing.</p>

4

<p>I’ve actually narrowed it down to the “ups and downs” of my music career. I think that would make it sound less weepy.</p>