<p>Some good advice above. If you are trying to decide whether to make a recording, just keep in mind that they are completely optional and certainly not expected if you play an instrument. The reason you would make a recording is if you honestly believe that it will enhance your application. It is difficult to gauge accomplishment at an instrument when one has never participated in statewide/national competitions and/or a prestigious pre-college program (i.e. Juilliard, perhaps MSM). Thus as NorCalDad says it is important to have a reliable objective judge to give you an honest recommendation.</p>
<p>With regards to NorCal's recommendations for factors to take into consideration when making a recording, I just have a few quick comments:</p>
<p>Selections: As I said before, I believe Bach is an absolute necessity especially when auditioning on piano. The ability to successfully perform Bach is the most widely acknowledged indicator of musical and technical ability. As I assume most people in this thread will be auditioning as non-majors, I recommend (as stated before numerous times) a prelude and fugue or a suite/parita. The other selection is up to you; a contrasting piece is highly recommended. If you decide to go with a Chopin waltz/nocturne/mazurka you should supplement it with an etude as well). Mendelssohn, Schubert, Brahms, Lizst, etc. are all good choices from this time period with many pieces that will fit within the time constraints.</p>
<p>Length: I think half an hour might be a tad on the long side, especially for one who is not planning on majoring in music. Those evaluating your recording will likely not even listen to the entirety of a 15 minute (the standard length) recording.</p>
<p>Quality: The recording should be made in the studio with a sound engineer. The idea of performing in a church was an excellent one as well (it probably also saved some money and sounded just as good if not better). Two to three hours of recording time should be expected at a rate of $60 - $100+ per hour. A word of caution: DO NOT EDIT the recording (this includes autotuning, etc.). Each piece in the recording must be made in one take (a break between movements is generally considered acceptable). If splicing is detected your recording will be thrown out without question.</p>
<p>Audience: Usually when a school accepts musical supplements they will forward your recording to an evaluation committee who will then evaluate your performance (usually on a scale of 1-5) and send the evaluation with comments back to admissions. Thus, a good recording does play a role in admissions; in addition the school could be in need of your specific instrument (more of an issue for instruments other than piano) and this could play a huge role in admissions.</p>