<p>Firstly, I wouldn't totally quit. I love music and and it has been with me way too long for me to give it up forever. </p>
<p>But I really do not want to or have the dedication/passions to continue music as seriously as I do...
My mom is convinced that if I do not study music I will not get into a good college. However, my academic record is hopefully going to be very good (I'm a freshman right now; I got A's in all the high school courses I took in 7th and 8th grade and I'm doing pretty well this year.) Also, I take my art studies very seriously and would much rather spend more time drawing than playing music. </p>
<p>If I stop playing as seriously I can still say that I:
Studied violin for 10-11 years
Studied piano for 6 years
Won 4 merit scholarships in piano
Accepted into all-state
Accepted into school honor program in piano
Member of youth symphony for 2 years (though I plan to continue this, so 5 years.)</p>
<p>I suppose that's a fair amount of music stuff but I have time to do more, even though I would rather not...</p>
<p>So: How much will music help me? Will finishing the piano honor program and getting more merit scholarships (I didn't get one this year...) be really beneficial? How much does it matter? Is it worth spending all these extra hours on something that could help me but doesn't help me at the same time? </p>
<p>Thank you for any advice...I am so conflicted right now.
(I posted a similar thread earlier but this one asks a different question.)</p>
<p>Unfortunately colleges can’t see your passions unless you have a lot of awards/honors/distinctions in the field. </p>
<p>Do you have a lot of art stuff to put on your resume? If you do, go ahead and pursue it with 100% energy. I recommend the Scholastic Art competition this fall. Go for gold.</p>
<p>If not, stick with music. You’re already on track for a lot of music awards throughout high school. Do a lot of music stuff. I’m sad that you’re not as passionate in music as you were before. Any way to rekindle that passion? Music and art are both beautiful.</p>
<p>And about “how much does it matter”-- it matters a lot. Your mom’s right that passionately pursuing music, along with good academics, is most beneficial. Academics alone can rarely get you where you want to go.</p>
<p>I second the suggestion of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards!</p>
<p>I quit taking piano lessons last year after about 9.5 years of lessons. I never competed for awards, but I played in numerous ensembles, was pretty good, and enjoyed it. However, I realized I didn’t have time to continue.
Now I’m contemplating quitting the school band, even as the principal in my section. Time and the fact that I don’t find it fun anymore are influencing my decision.
Pursue what you really want to do. If you’re going to completely quit when you’re in college, why play now? (That is, if you don’t enjoy it, of course!) </p>
<p>I disagree with DK. Your passion comes from your ability to continue, and while as a human you should quit if you don’t find it interesting, in terms of college admission, you need to continue. Not only are you in a great position to earn more awards, your ability to continue to dedicate yourself to music for over a decade shows your persistence and, obviously, passion. </p>
<p>Think about it this way: If you quit during high school, they may think that although it is a passion, it is a passion your not making time for, due to high school. That or they don’t think it’s your passion. Either way, it is better to continue, unless you’re doing something really extraordinary (cancer research, starting a business, etc.). </p>
<p>@woandering is right from a different aspect. If your sole purpose is to impress adcoms, continuing will help. </p>
<p>One more thing. If any part of your music is taking up a class period, and you’d really prefer taking another class, go ahead. Don’t let it hinder anything else you might learn during school. </p>
<p>“Unfortunately colleges can’t see your passions unless you have a lot of awards/honors/distinctions in the field.”</p>
<p>Ridiculous.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice 
I don’t really like playing music though I feel obligated to and that it looks good in college. Music isn’t my passion even though I have the most achievements in it. I never did have a true passion for it-- practice was reluctant and forced. I only enjoy causally playing every now and then, playing songs that I like, which definitely does not include playing boring music my teacher gives me or stressing out on auditions and competitions. </p>
<p>And thanks for recommending the scholastic art competition! </p>