Hi everybody! I just joined CC about 2 minutes ago. I am kind of new to this forum stuff. I have been reading CC for some time now and finally decided to officially join the CC community. I am currently a Freshman in HS. I was wondering how well you need to play an instrument for admissions officers to actually care. I am kind of worried because I have read some articles saying you need to be REALLY good at an instrument for it to matter. Thanks!!
It sounds like you are not planning to major in music.
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If you aren’t planning to major in music, some colleges will accept a music supplement. Others won’t. If your music supplement is meh, I wouldn’t submit it.
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If you are applying as a music major, there is an expectation that you will be strong on your instrument. BM programs and most music education programs require an audition as part of your college acceptance process for these majors.
Our kid was number one state ranked on her instrument. She wanted to play in the college orchestra and did so. She had a sample lesson and did take lessons all four years. She was first chair in her college orchestra for four years.
Her musical skills did not have any impact on admissions at her college. We know this…because we asked.
At some colleges, a strong musician might have an edge.
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@thumper1
Hi! So you are correct. I do not plan on majoring in music. I actually plan on majoring in Neuroscience or Genetics. Saying this, I have been playing piano for about 11 years, won several regionals, gone to state a few times. Playing the piano is my strongest ec. Saying this, I wanted to make sure that it would be good enough to get into colleges. Thanks!
Schools which use “holistic” admissions – that is, they look at the entire student profile and not just the student’s gpa/test scores and possibly course rigor – generally are looking for students who will contribute to campus life and be a valuable member of the community. That’s why schools using holistic admission are interested in extracurriculars, to see what else a student does outside of class.
Extra curricular activities are not just limited to what a student does in terms of high school clubs and activities, but what else they do outside of class – do they work part time, take care of younger siblings or an elderly or sick relative, volunteer in the community etc. Unless a student is being “recruited” for a specific activity, typically to be a member of a college varsity sports team but could also include audition-based performing arts programs, colleges generally don’t give “more” credit for being better at sports or music etc. Colleges generally are interested more in the student’s engagement with the activity, did the student grow through it, impact others, develop leadership and responsibility through that activity? So generally, music is not better or worse than sports, student government etc., and being 1st chair vs. not does not impact college admissions. What matters is how does the student engage with the activities they are involved in – do they enjoy it, do they grow through it?
Broadly, high school 1st years can think about what activities they enjoy, inside and outside of high school, what do they want to continue to be engaged with, how can they grow in that activity. If you enjoy your instrument and are excited to be part of high school orchestra, ensembles etc., consider what else you might do with music. Is there a local youth orchestra an option, and if so, find out about auditions. Does your state run individual or ensemble music competitions and do you enjoy that process, if so, see if you can compete through your school. There is no “magic formula” for college admissions, especially for 1st year of high school – focus on developing good study habits, challenge yourself, keep good grades, and explore all sorts of opportunities to figure out what you want to be involved in outside of class. Enjoy!
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@Midwestmomofboys
Hello! So I play piano and I have (and plan on) impacting the community through music. I currently perform at receptions for a small community school in our area. I also plan on performing at senior homes after Covid-19. And I have a dream to start a club at my hs where we run fundraisers and use the funds to buy pianos for kids in low-income areas. So, yeah, I’m trying to impact the community through music. Thanks!!
I’d suggest you listen to the supplements episode of Inside the Yale Admissions Office, which is a podcast by Yale admissions officers. They discuss how musical supplements are viewed in the admissions room. You can find the podcast wherever you normally listen(Apple Podcast, Podcast Republic, etc.)