Music Arts Supplement?

Hi guys, I’m applying to some of the Ivy leagues and am wondering if I should submit the following arts supplement in music:

  1. Bach Italian Concerto, 1st Movement - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb6UH0ex4_g
  2. Rachmaninoff Prelude in G# Minor - See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13UlKWgwdZI for what it sounds like.
  3. Fantaisie Impromptu, Chopin - See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75x6DncZDgI.
    Of course, my recordings are not as good as those by professionals, but I would say they are fine (no mistakes, some degree of expressiveness).
    Would submitting hurt my chances?

I would only submit an arts supplement if it is the same quality as someone who has a good shot of getting into a conservatory. If not, it will not help your application and could harm it. Your recordings should be evaluated by someone who knows those standards.

Whether or not submission is worthy does not necessarily depend on the pieces, but rather how well they are performed. Without hearing the actual recordings, no one can tell you if they’re worth submitting.

I will say, that submitting all 3 pieces is too long as that is probably over 20 min of music when played by a non-professional (assuming you’re taking a slightly slower tempo). You want to stick to 10-15 min max of music.

I agree with @uskoolfish that the recordings should be at or at least near conservatory level to be worth submitting in order to help your applications. The standards are much higher than being “fine” “no mistakes” and “some expressiveness.” I recommend that you get them evaluated before sending a supplement. Of course in the end it is your application and your decision.

If you do choose to send an supplement you should contact the college (unless it is clear on the website) and ask if they accept music supplements and in what form and what length.

FWIW my D was a very nice (but not truly outstanding) violin player. Played for 10 years, private lessons, assistant concertmaster in HS orchestra etc. and she didn’t even think of sending a music supplement with her college applications. And she played in her college orchestra for all 4 years.