I am a junior and just created a rough draft of my common app essay because I want to try and eliminate all of the stress when college apps come around. I chose my own topic for the essay. I wrote about how I discovered a beautiful song after my grandfather’s death, which inspired me to pursue music. I wrote about how the lyricism appealed to me and my situation at that certain time and how I discovered the emotional complexity and depth of music. I also wrote how it inspired me to start playing the guitar and exploring the possibilities in music. I feel like this is a bit too cliche because a lot of people write about a death in the family. However, I feel as if I added a bit of a twist by throwing music in there. I am extremely passionate about music and it is one of the most important factors in my life. What do you guys think? Is this topic too cliche?
It could be a bit of a cliche, but it all depends on how you wrote it. Would you like me to read it over for you? You can PM me, if you’d like.
Be careful about this, the common app has 5 options, none of which are “pick another topic,” I’m sure you’ll be able to fit your essay into one of them, but make sure before you start going overboard on a lost cause. Also be weary that the 2015-2016 topics have not yet been released, so everything may change.
My advice for your essay - do not talk too much about your grandfather, you can mention it, but make sure you focus on yourself. If you can make the majority (75%+) about your passion for music as opposed to your grief over your grandfather, I’m sure you can write a fine essay, which won’t be seen as cliche.
You’d have better luck going over to the Essays board and asking for input there. There are plenty of reliable essay-readers over there who you can PM your essay to. 
Music is a favorite CA personal statement topic for many applicants every year. But I did see some essays involving music of those who got accepted & matriculated to various of prestigious institutions across the country. The topic does not matter, rather the content of the essay.
If you want me to read your rough draft, send it via pm.
You can read Kwasi Enin’s essay: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,20802850,00.html
Oops! I thought topic of choice was one of the prompts. I guess that was an older prompt I saw. But yeah, I could definitely fit it into one of the newer prompts