<p>Hi. This is a question I've seen a couple of times on here but have seen very different answers to.
Of course, music can be very beneficial for an applicant if they have have performed important recitals/concerts, or have received awards recognizing their talent.
I have been studying piano for 4 years. I picked it up independently in 8th grade and I have taken weekly lessons with an independent piano instructor (e.g. not a conservatory or anything like that). I'm a level 7-8 on the RCM scale. I haven't participated in any competitions nor have I played at a venue, I have given a small recital but nothing big.
How will this affect admissions? </p>
<p>It’s basically an EC for you that you don’t have much “dedication” (based on achievements) for.
It won’t make your application for sure.
If you have space in your EC list, then mention it. It should be close to the bottom, unless you really feel strongly about it…</p>
<p>Not much impact.</p>
<p>Ugh, reading threads like this always makes me feel like my whole life is a joke. All my ECs were like this. </p>
<p>It’s not going to have any major impact, but most colleges (outside the top 25 or so in US News, and similar LACs) don’t care all that much about ECs as long as you have a few. </p>