<p>I was wondering, how important samples of music are for princeton ed? I sent in 4 songs that I composed, played and recorded with a friend. The trouble is, though I play guitar and keyboard, I'm don't consider myself a performing musician. I'm a composer/arranger and I record at home (dont worry about the quality, its close to commercial).</p>
<p>Also, I don't have formal training or any awards or whatever. I taught myself music over the last 4 or 5 years.</p>
<p>The genres are pop, techno, dance and rock (again, not orchestral as the admission office expects!) Two of the four have Hindi lyrics.</p>
<p>I also sent in the cue sheet to the first song with english translation of the lyrics, a page detailing my experience with music and other such info, mentioning that i don't have formal education.</p>
<p>Just because it's not classical or because you don't consider yourself a performing musician doesn't mean that this isn't a great accomplishment. I think it speaks a lot about your talents and interests and of course that's a good thing. I think it's very cool, anyway.</p>
<p>I haven't, and it's been over a month now. Will they be giving feedback? I hadn't heard that they were...that's cool that there are other composers out there! Young songwriters (although that's not exactly how I'd describe myself) UNITE!</p>
<p>Reason I asked was that I need advice on whether to send CDs to other colleges or not... I've only sent the princeton application so far. Also, colleges typically look for performing artists to fill places in their bands (like athletes).</p>
<p>I wouldn't say that it holds very little weight, especially since Rapelye has a new "creative arts" initiative. But we'll see. Who knows? I know it can't hurt, so yay for that, at least. My interviewer wanted to make sure that I had sent in an arts submission, since apparently it can care at least some weight, y'know?</p>
<p>I think the arts supplements can carry weight if they're good (or maybe because I sent in two art supplements, I'd like to believe that). It just seems that with the arts section highlighted in the viewbook (which stressed for applicants to please send in supplements) and with the starting of the new arts evaluation forms this year, Princeton seems to be serious about fostering its art scene.</p>
<p>Edit: More thoughts. When I brought up the issue of art supplements with my regional adcom, her face lit up and she became very encouraging. And I don't think her positive reaction was a faked response. She seemed genuinely happy I was interested in the visual arts and creative writing scenes. (Apparently, they get few students expressing passionate interests in those categories.)</p>
<p>Exactly. That's the same thing that happened when my interviewer and I discussed it. I think Princeton's getting serious about attracting students who are exceptionally talented in the creative arts.</p>
<p>Hi,
I recorded a CD to send to colleges, but it has only 2 vocal pieces on it. Should I send it to Princeton and such? (I sent it already to Harvard, where I applied early, so I can't do anything about that now.) Or would I be better off sending in a cassette tape (can't do another CD) with more pieces? Also, would it help if I included another instrument (piano) in the recordings?
(I posted something like this in the Harvard section, but they don't seem to want to reply.)
Thanks very much!
morwen</p>
<p>The part about music performance/composition follows:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Music
The music department welcomes visits and auditions;
call 609-258-6078 to arrange appointments. Please send
submissions in the form of CDs (preferred) or cassette
tapes; no videotapes or DVDs. Also, please do not submit
orchestral or ensemble work unless you have a prominently
featured solo. Instrumental music<a href="except%20piano">/i</a>
Include a 10-15 minute submission of solo work that
shows contrasting examples of expression and technique.
*Piano music
Include a submission of three works that best demonstrate
your level of technical and musical accomplishment. Choose
one from each of the following lists:
Any one of the 48 preludes and fugues of J. S. Bach
Any 19th- or 20th-century solo worknot concerti
The first movement of a sonata by Mozart, Beethoven, or
Haydn Vocal music
Include a 10-15 minute submission of two songs from the
classical literature in contrasting styles that best demonstrate
your level of technical and musical accomplishment. For
example, the two selections might be an Italian art song and
a German lied. Composition
Include a clean score and, if possible, a performance/MIDI
realization of the composition.
<p>ooh the guy i met in the arts department told me that in the past, it carried little weight, but that with rapelye, they are able to secure a few students that they REALLY want. </p>
<p>he also e-mailed me with some tips on what to include (of the portfolio stuff he saw)...because the admissions department reviews the material as well, even though they have no basis :)</p>