Hi all, I have a deep passion for music and play 5 instruments at an advanced level (Flute, piccolo, flute, cello, and gayageum- a traditional Korean harp-like instrument). I, however, am not planning on majoring in music, maybe at most a minor.
My best instrument is flute and I have won numerous awards, have been a state musician, give lessons, and am the principal (head flutist) at my school.
I want to apply to Columbia University and read on their website that the music portfolio is optional and I want to make myself as competitive as possible.
My grades, extracurriculars, test scores and such are all pretty well established- would it give me that extra spike to submit a music portfolio?
I’m a dancer, but I was in the same position. Look at it this way – if you include links to your flute playing on your Additional Info section, admissions officers are not obliged to look at it, and probably won’t. Even if they do, they’re not musicians, and won’t be able to tell the difference between a good and extraordinary flautist. If you submit a portfolio, people from the music department will see your work, and their recommendation (if it’s good, which I’m sure it will be) will add quite a bit of weight to your app. Furthermore, you’ll be able to explain your awards and performances in more detail on your music resume that’s part of the portfolio, which is loads better than the 35 words you get on the common app.
I’m not a dance major, and submitted a portfolio anyway. I got into Columbia University, and even got a personal letter from the head of the dance department congratulating me and telling me he was impressed by my choreography. He even encouraged me to participate in some of the shows they have coming up, which was cool of him.
Though you don’t plan to major in music, I’m sure you’ll want to continue music in some way once at Columbia (especially in NYC, where music scene is amazing). By submitting a portfolio, not only does it show your passion for music, but if you’re good, it will catch the eye of the music department and put you on the map for future opportunities. I would HIGHLY recommend submitting a portfolio – it’s only $5, and it certainly can’t hurt.
For an arts supplement to be a plus it needs to be of a very high (conservatory level or close to it) level. If your flute playing is of that quality (you can ask a music teacher at your HS for an opinion) then it would be fine to send in a supplement.