<p>Hey everyone.</p>
<p>Aside from all the numbers and stuff, the hook/strongest part of my application is music. I play drums in a technically challenging, fusion/avant-garde group that has opened up for several nationally touring acts, and electric bass in a pop rock band that has won competitions.</p>
<p>I'll have an album out with the rock group by September (that we have been working on for the better part of half a year). I expect it to get reviewed by local/major (hopefully!) newspapers. I gig regularly with both bands, and also put in a lot of time practicing on my own, etc.</p>
<p>It seems to me that the majority of people submitting a music-based Art Supplement are classical musicians who can record a Schoenberg violin concerto and submit that, but my situation is somewhat more difficult. Is it appropriate to submit popular music, as opposed to classical or jazz? I can play jazz adequately on bass (eg comp through a standards chart, although I don't play upright) and well enough on drums that I'd feel comfortable submitting a drum solo, if that would be more appropriate.</p>
<p>Has anyone been through a similar situation? I feel that this is important enough to my identity to make sure it is well represented in my application. Thanks!</p>
<p>PS I have written or co-written all the songs in the rock group (we play all originals) and help with composing duties in the fusion group (the music is strictly written out, with a lot of odd meter changes, hits, etc).</p>
<p>It qualifies easily as an EC, potentially worth a data point or three. Don’t mistake it as a hook or an “in”. I’ve written numerous posts before, but they tend to address the student you describe. </p>
<p>Here’s one past thread similar to your question: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/560823-music-supplement-non-classical-instrument.html?highlight=supplement[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/560823-music-supplement-non-classical-instrument.html?highlight=supplement</a>. There’s one or two more, which I haven’t yet been able to locate. I’ll link them when I can dig them up.</p>
<p>You might want to peruse these as background:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/750340-impact-arts-supplement.html?highlight=supplements[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/750340-impact-arts-supplement.html?highlight=supplements</a></p>
<p>Pay attention to the submission guidelines for each school. Recording media, duration, and sometimes selections/repertoire is suggested. Consider that your submission may be reviewed by a (music) grad student. T/A, music faculty, or a faculty committee. The process is institutionally specific. If the school says no arts supplements, don’t send it. Address your skills, experiences and passions in an essay.</p>
<p>Since you fall “outside the box”, it may behoove you to contact a music adcom (not the clerk who answers the phone) and discuss your background. They may have specific advice and recommendations.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to how the Common App addresses supplements.</p>
<p>found the link: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/656197-music-supplements-just-q.html?highlight=ethnic[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/656197-music-supplements-just-q.html?highlight=ethnic</a> It addresses non-standard repertoire, and similar caveats and parameters follow your background.</p>