My daughter has an extensive music resume. I need some advice on how to present this to the colleges. We will be recording two of her songs and sending them that. However, she performed many other songs in different styles and genres, and I would like to submit at least a sample of these so that they can understand her level of performance and the extent of her commitment. Please give us some suggestions.
You’ve got to realize that colleges deal with tens of thousands of applicants. UCLA got over 100,000+ applications last year. Although they’d love to hear an extensive sample, time definitely isn’t on their side. They only have a few minutes per application (unfortunately) and they’ve first got to power through seeings grades, test scores, ECs, and so many other things. The supplements and portfolios in the arts, music, and architecture, are typically a smaller part of the application: It’s not going to be a make or break factor for her, but it’ll definitely help her look better and polished.
My suggestion would be to submit one of her longer, more sophisticated standout pieces that definitely highlight her advanced level. If it’s her own composition, that’s a plus one. Try and really focus on the activities section to outline her musical achievements and commitment. On the “activities” section (ECs) make sure she indicates the amount of time per week she dedicates, as well as her achievements. If she has more to include past the 150 characters given, there’s always the additional info section with 650+ words. Definitely mention that she’s involved in various styles and genres on the application. As for the song supplements, just pick her best one or two, cross your fingers, and hope for the best.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much for your response.
I recommend that she create an online website featuring her experience and skills in music, and as many of her music performances as she cares to include. She could mention the website link in the application, or leave it up to being found in a search result if an admissions rep or music professor searches her online. You can test out the search first to see if a search of her name pulls up the website or not.
More and more admissions reps, scholarship committees, employers, etc. search applicants online. It is always wise to plant great information out there to be found. This is a tip that not many people share, but it works to supplement what is in applications. Conversely, when students ignore their online presence and only some wild social media photos or posts come up with a name search, it can have the opposite effect and harm an application. Of course, the likelihood of any search being done depends on what types of universities and programs she is applying for, but proactively creating an online presence that gives the impression she wants to make could help.
If she prefers to keep everything private, it is possible to have such a website password-protected, and she could just share the link and password as needed should someone specifically request more examples of her music performance.
Yes, we are thinking that perhaps we can create a YouTube Channel with all of her music.
Thank you so much for your reply. Very helpful.