Hey everyone! I have a question regarding music supplements. I sent a supplement of a very unique instrument (harmonium) and a couple of my colleges did in fact view it, but some did not. The ones that did, however, only viewed 1 of the pieces I sent. One school only viewed the first 20 seconds, the other only viewed the first minute of the 2 minute long piece. I was wondering why that is the case. Is there a reason why they do not view the entire supplement, and is it entirely possible for some universities to not at all view one’s music supplemental?
Music supplements are reviewed by music faculty, not admissions, generally.
Admissions at its discretion, forwards some, but not necessarily all, supplements for the faculty to review. They will review as much as they think necessary.
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What factors are involved if it is “necessary” for admissions to forward supplements to faculty? I was a bit concerned, due to how a school only viewed half my performance.
Admissions officers are not experts in music (or art, etc) so they don’t know what they are listening to or how to evaluate. That’s why they farm out to those with expertise.
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Are you applying as a music major? If not, admissions may feel that they don’t need any further input to make their decision.
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If it’s a supplement to show your EC rather than for the major, they probably don’t need to watch the whole thing. They can get what they need from just a portion.
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Right, but you may not also be forwarded as well. Is there a reason for why?
I see. That makes sense! No, I am not a music major.
Yes, makes sense. It was to show my passion for music, for I am not majoring in music.
Depends on the university, but if they need no further information to make their decision, then there is no reason to forward into the faculty.
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You can post this on the music major forum for more responses.
I have been telling people for years that when applying to colleges as opposed to conservatories or schools of music, that only 2 or 3 minutes of their recording may be listened to.
A supplement also may include a music resume and letters of recommendation related to music. If those are impressive, admissions may be able to make a decision without involving faculty.
A supplement can be helpful regardless of whether you major in music or even whether you plan on participating in extracurricular music.
This happened because you are not applying for a BM program, which involves prescreens and auditions.
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Sounds good. Could be a good or a bad thing!
I only sent in a music resume. Def not that impressive (finding opportunities for harmonium are rare, so I had to create opportunities for myself) but hoping for the best.
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I can imagine it is hard to find opportunities but your submission showed that you do the hard work and have the discipline and commitment that music involves- no matter how much they listened to 
I think it’s pretty cool that you play the harmonium. Good luck!
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Aw, why thank you! Much appreciated!
By coincidence I just talked to someone about a new piece composed for a trio that included a harmonium!
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How do you even know how much they reviewed your submission?
views on youtube?
yep!
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You can tell how long they viewed the piece from YouTube? Interesting!