<p>i know that athletes can be recruited to schools but what about music?
lets say that the school's symphony orchestra conductor really really needs a french horn player because three are graduating that year. can he go to admissions panel and say something like "if there is a good french horn player who has the right qualifications (sat scores, grades, ECs) for this school, please accept him"
idunno. just wondering.</p>
<p>You might want to post this on the music forum and even better spend some time reading similar posts and discussions on that forum. Everything depends on your level of skill and the specific colleges. In general, most students and parents tend to over-rate music skill and over-value the importance for admission considerations. There are tens of thousands of all State and very good musicians. If you apply to a conservatory or strong music program, you will need to compete by audition. The ivies and other elite schools are buried with applicants who are academically strong and who are also very good musicians. Music proficiency might be useful at schools with rankings of say 75-100 or lower. Some attractive merit scholarships might be offered. Don't count on admissions knowing that the orchestra could use a specific instrument and don't count on them to be able to evaluate music skills. Contact and interview with the music department. Be prepared to discuss your achievements and demonstrate your skills.</p>
<p>bumping. anyone else?</p>
<p>unfortunately, most music schools have neither the time, the money nor staff to recruit. that doesn't mean they won't show the money if they want you.</p>
<p>you'll have to do some homework finding the school you like, finding out how many seniors are graduating, win some national/regional awards, and audition. you'll also need some smarts at Rice, Northwestern, Vandy, Oberlin and other fine music schools connected with universities.</p>
<p>if you are a marching band person you are in demand.</p>
<p>This does happen -- I know for a fact that my chorus director at Brown will sometimes have applicants sing for him, and then decide whether or not to push for them to the admissions office. It's not nearly the same as recruited athletes at some schools, though, where the coach can pretty much guarantee a certain number of admits. He told me he's had some success, especially with transfers, but he really doesn't have the final say.</p>
<p>I know students who have gotten full-rides for their music abilities. Always they are exceptional musicians, and usually on less-common instruments.</p>
<p>Marching band is often a condition for brass players.</p>