<p>I was wondering how much of an impact my arts supplement (piano audition) would make. I wish to apply to various CC top universities (UNC, Emory, UVA, etc) but my academics are sub-par (3.4 GPA, 2120 SAT, various 4's and 5's on 10 AP's).</p>
<p>However, I am "above average" at piano. I have numerous awards and have performed at prestigious performing centers.They include solo concerts at Carnegie Hall and Strathmore Hall, alongside group performances at the White House, Kennedy Center, United Nations, Pentagon, many embassies in Washington, D.C, to name a few. I also have many state-wide 1st place competitions, but I don't think they place much impact. (My teacher is vice-president of an international music organization and has connections). Some pieces that I can perform well are Liszt's Spanish Rhapsody, Chopin's 2nd Scherzo, Beethoven's complete Appasionata, and much more.</p>
<p>Thing is, my main major is business. Therefore, I wish to apply to universities that have a strong undergraduate business program (as stated before, UNC, Emory, UVA) and allow dual degrees in business and music because I do not want to give up music nor give up my chances at a music scholarship.</p>
<p>So, how much impact would my arts supplement make?</p>
<p>Sort-of Off-topic: How much of an impact does volunteering make? I have volunteered... 0 hours. Do I need to get off my butt and start volunteering now (I will be a senior in high school in the fall)?! Also, where does volunteering show on the application or resume or where ever?</p>
<p>A friend’s son just got into a few in the HYPS world with no volunteer hours. He was worried about it, but it didn’t matter. No hook - just a 4.0 and decent (not perfect) SAT’s. Your GPA and accomplishments are enough to get into a great school.</p>
<p>yerda, the experiences that you summarize indicate a conservatory level talent, and you would most likely be competitive in a number of the top performance programs. UNC, Emory, UVA are typically not on a list for those considering a primary focus in music performance and I understand your wish for a dual pursuit. Consider programs like Northwestern, Bard, Oberlin where your stats may be borderline, but the music may be enough to sway an admittance academically.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to the quality or depth of the business programs at these institutions, but they are historically supportive of dual tracks. Bard mandates it for performance majors. You may want to consider James Madison U as well.</p>
<p>I also speak from an orchestral instrument standpoint (strings) and piano by nature of the rep may or may not benefit (as much) from the largesse of non major music specific scholarships. It will be very school specific.</p>
<p>I would urge you to arrange a visit and a lesson with the music department and piano chair in conjunction with any on-site investigations. Sitting down and getting feedback and a “read” of institution philosophy/policy and their “desire” for your skillset. Sway of musical talent witin an academic admit is very institutional specific. You can usually glean this from direct contact. </p>
<p>In regards to volunteering, rethink your past musical experiences. Many serious music students have little “free” time to devote to extensive service oriented volunteer activities, but on the same token have given gratis performances in nursing homes, community/school events, charity functions, gratis mentoring or lessons.</p>
<p>If you have, list these. If you haven’t, then consider what you can do to incorporate some of these into your schedule within the coming months, or seek some type of volunteer/service activity, be it within or outside of music.</p>
<p>“seek some type of volunteer/service activity, be it within or outside of music.”
I would highly suggest volunteering in your field of talent–music. It is more beneficial that you use your talents and share them with your community rather than, for example, working at a hospital when you don’t even have any interest in going into the medical field.</p>
<p>UNC and Emory both have strong piano programs. Definitely send in a recording of your playing. It wouldn’t hurt to contact the piano faculty directly to let them know of your interest as well.</p>
<p>At UNC you have to be a music major to get a music scholarship; not sure about Emory. (Both schools encourage double majors, minors, etc.) Even if you’re not a music major you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get involved in music activities at either of these schools. UVA’s music program is much less performance-oriented.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I am seeking to enter more towards a college with a better business undergraduate program. However, I will definitely take the advice and apply for Oberlin and Northwestern (it has a good graduate business program), in addition to UNC, Emory, and UVA (though according to two of you, my music won’t help much here =/ )</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have any information on how the music departments are at Darthmouth, NYU, and University of Notre Dame?</p>
<p>I will definitely volunteer and try to incorporate my music. How would I find local opportunities to perform at gratis concerts and performances? I’m not sure how I would find information on these opportunities or what to type in Google. </p>
<p>Where is volunteering reflected on an application? Is it somewhere on the Common App?</p>
<p>If I were you I would focus on getting admitted as a music major in a school that will ultimately allow you to double major with business. If they have a small music major, you will stand out and may get in with your lower stats. Even if the school does not have a performance major, you may still be able to get music lessons and the school will want you for their ensembles. I think that may have helped D stand out for Barnard, although her grades and EC’s were good.</p>
<p>Definitely look into GW. They have a $15M Presidential music scholarship (merit) and they will give you lessons with the only expectation being that you need to be involved in their music/theatre community. It would be easy to pursue both business and music there.</p>
<p>You would not be able to double major in music and business at NYU. You can apply to be a music or music business major (Steinhardt), but you would not be able to double major with Stern. There are business minors that are available for music majors.</p>