Hi guys!
I was wondering, since there are so many music competitions out there, do colleges know which ones are prestigious and really hard to get, and which ones are easy? For example, one candidate has over 10 awards at small (not really prestigious) competitions, while another candidate has 1 award at a big prestigious competition?
Thanks for any insights!
And I meant selective colleges like the Ivies
Depends on what you mean by the Ivies. Yale, for instance, has an amazing music program so I would assume for sure they would know the difference. Are you looking at the award as a general resume builder for college or as an artistic resume builder for a music school/conservatory? And what kind of award do you mean specifically?
If you’re using music as a resume-builder, the selective schools will recognize that right away. They have plenty of experience with such candidates. Winning many small competitions will not hurt your application; winning the Tchaikovsky competition may not help it, either. 
I’m looking at them as maybe for general resume? It’d be competitive international awards, for example, Cleveland international competition for young artists, Hilton Head and those of similar caliber?
Oh. Well, I do have a lot of passion for music, it’s not for building up resume but I’d need proof to show excellence and commitment. Would competitions be a good way to demonstrate this? Because it requires hard work and dedication at a high level to win I’ve seen many applicants get in with music awards in the past.