<p>Hello!
I am currently in the 10th grade and I want to learn an instrument over the summer. I go to a selective private school and their college councilor recommended I avoid common and stereotypical Asian instruments, like the flute, violin, piano, etc. I am interested in playing either the tuba or trumpet. Which one gives a better edge in highly selective college admissions?</p>
<p>If you play an instrument for which they “need” a player for some purpose, then you might have an advantage. </p>
<p>This is going too far. Choose an instrument that appeals to you, not one that will benefit you in college admissions. Anyway, I doubt learning an instrument over the summer will sufficiently prepare you for a college orchestra.</p>
<p>French horn?</p>
<p>You really should play whatever instrument you have the most passion for. All your efforts will fall completely flat if you have no passion, because good music only comes if you love what you’re playing. If you love playing the piano, then do it. Not everything has to revolve around college. And if colleges sees that you have actual, genuine passion for the instrument, then they’re going to recognize that, regardless of how “stereotypical” it is.</p>
<p>Basically: do whatever the heck you want to do, but do it with PASSION.</p>
<p>Lol at people trying to speak of music as something more than a tool to halt progress and occupy minds </p>
<p>but yes OP, an unusual instrument in orchestras across colleges will probably pah dividends</p>
<p>For string instruments, viola would probably be your best option. But do what you will love, not what colleges will love!</p>
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<p>Did someone actually say that? That’s horrible!</p>
<p>If you were an accomplished violinist and took up the viola, that might give you an edge. But I doubt that any instrument that you first pick up in 10th grade is going to make any difference in college admissions if you’ve never played an instrument before and have no musicianship skills. Music is hard work. </p>
<p>Learn to play an instrument because you want beauty in your life. </p>
<p>any instrument, as long as you have passion for it</p>
<p>Just to put it out there, the cello is a sexy-sounding instrument. </p>
<p>I’m not biased or anything. </p>
<p>I can’t believe someone actually asked a question like this. I honestly doubt playing an instrument would really give you much of an edge. Just play what you want to play, not for the sake of college of all things. Shisus.</p>
<p>But the clarinet’s a really sexy instrument. 
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<p>You honestly shouldn’t try going about it that way since demand for particular instruments can fluctuate based on how many people in that section are graduating, etc. Of course, there’s always going to be plenty of pianos, violins, and flutes so if you really care that much then by all means choose something other than those.</p>
<p>Also considering that you’re starting this late, unless you’re extremely talented in music (in which case you would’ve already be trained in something,) it’s not really going to be impressive since if you want it to be taken seriously, you should record an arts supplement.</p>
<p>I seriously can’t believe your counselor told you that. </p>
<p>You don’t just play an instrument to play it. You play an instrument because you have a passion for it, because you love music. You play an instrument to produce beautiful melodies. Music is an art. Not just something to play specifically for college. </p>
<p>And choose ANY instrument you want. It’s your choice 
-I think oboes and violins are the two sexiest instruments ;)</p>
<p>If you start in 10th grade, you won’t be playing at a high enough level to make colleges “want” you, regardless of which instrument you choose. Just pick something you like.</p>
<p>Pick an instrument that interests you. At the end of the day, it will have zero affect on college admissions. You will not get to the level of skill that other applicants who have been playing their instruments for a decade already possess.</p>
<p>Thanks for the the responses everybody, I love hearing from you guys!</p>