<p>Hi guys,
I'm preparing a music supplement (clarinet)with my teacher since I've been playing for a while and I'm the first chair in my school's Concert Band.</p>
<p>I was wondering..
Who listens to the music supp CDs?
How does it affect admissions decisions? (if at all)</p>
<p>Also, how "good" should you be to even send in a supplement?</p>
<p>you didn't say if you will be pursuing a music major, but i think you aren't, as a major wouldn't have a choice. so i'd say YES, to a supplement. my kids did so, and neither were music majors. it shows additional talent and effort in the application process. i think the admissions office sends them on to the appropriate music dept. good luck! where are you applying?</p>
<p>Yeah they send them to the music department and they rate the music on a scale of 1-9 (9 being musical prodigy, 5 being typical musician, and 1 being average or weekend musician). THis is on the princeton's scale according to A for Admission. I wouldn't recommend sending in a supplement unless you're decently talented and considering pursuing music in college as well as part of the music department. Otherwise, why would they care if you can play the clarinet well?</p>
<p>Consider the school to which you are applying, their music program and try to estimate (with instructor's guidance) where you might fit within the peer group. </p>
<p>If you're talking of the Ivys it will have no bearing unless you are at least conservatory level or above, won or placed in some competitons beyond local, have recorded, played semi professionally or profesionally.</p>
<p>If it's a school with a noted conservatory attached like Oberlin, Hopkins/Peabody, Rice/Shepherd and many others exceptional talent is the norm, but it may not necessarily be a waste. Most have participatory opportunities for non-music majors, in tiered levels at some larger schools.</p>
<p>A number of medium to smallish privates, LAC's may have music programs, and your talent may well be beneficial in terms of an admissions point or two, or may even result in a small scholarship being offered just to play in an ensemble. You don't even need to be a music major. Certain "under represented" instruments like viola, bassoon, tuba, potentially harp can be desperately wanted/needed at some programs, which may work to your benefit.</p>
<p>It's all relative. You cannot overestimate the incredible talent that is out there. Do not confuse proficiency with talent, or intermediate ability with artistry. Try and self assess across a broad spectrum.</p>
<p>Follow any stated guidelines for submission for each school. They vary widely. Send to the address and personnel indicated. Do not fudge your submission by electronic editing. Those versed can spot it immediately. Chose a lesser piece(s) that you can nail rather than a "harder" piece that you may struggle with. They are not looking for perfection, but for tehnique, intonation, and musicality. Even the pros blow it. Who listens varies... could be TA's, GA's, committee,or applied faculty. This depends on internal school policy.</p>
<p>Good luck. If you're solid, proficient, do it. It can help. In most cases it will not harm your application one bit.</p>
<p>There have been numerous prior threads on this topic. Please search the forum. I get very tired of repeating myself.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Sorry about that. Thanks for the helpful info, violadad</p>
<p>happycollegemom - I'm applying to a top LAC. why do you ask, does it make a difference?</p>
<p>^I think happycollegemom wanted you to be aware of a couple of salient points: MANY music undergrad programs (not just conservatory/conservatory level) are audition based, or audition concentrated, rather than stats driven admits, particularly true for performance, music ed, composition majors, a bit less so for music academics in theory, ethnomusicology, music therapy. Criteria will differ between disciplines, with performance normally judged to the highest standard. Most of these are BM programs more musically intense than a BA music program, which have fewer music credit requirements and a broader liberal arts/academic requirement.</p>
<p>If you're submitting a supplement to show a particular talent or accomplishment to reinforce your general app, it's irrelevant. You may or may not choose to play recreationally or for credit at college. At most schools, there is normally some participatory ensemble activity available, and this can be audition based, tiered by level or accomplishment, or open to all... students, faculty, and in some cases local community.</p>