Musical/Artistic Abilities and Admissions: What if you're only average?

Applying to College
1

<p>I've only been here a little while, but I get the sense that average is a word that most people here would not like applied to them. However, the reality is that no one can be perfect at everything. </p>

<p>With that in mind, I'm wondering about myself and my musical skills in relation to college admissions. I play violin, a pretty competitive instrument since so many play. Because I have other passions and time commitments, I simply can't devote the 2hrs a day to practicing that some people can. 1 hr a day is my usual, but I'm really only average as a violinist. While I can play well, participate in district orchestra, and do solo recitals (not professional) several times a year, I'm definitely not a virtuoso. </p>

<p>Despite all that, I really love violin. The hour I spend practicing every day is a great destressor. It's a welcome break from homework, sports practice, and the frenzy of every day life. I'm not unaccomplished; I'm just not really outstanding. I'm in the top orchestra at the school, I'm vice president of Tri-M this year (junior), I plan various music activities for that, and I perform pieces in recital a couple times a year, once at a solo festival for a judge. </p>

<p>So the question is this... what really matters in admissions? The fact that I love it and have multiple areas of involvement to prove it, or my actual skill relative to others? Orchestra and my related activities are a decent part of my EC involvement. It's not all of it by far, but it's a decent portion. Would it be a bad idea to submit a performance, since those are evaluated by the music faculty there? If my performance is not good, would it seriously hurt my application? </p>

<p>*Note: I'm not applying to any music schools/conservatories, nor do I intend to pursue a music major.</p>

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<p>I think you're underestimating your ability! I thought the same thing about my flute playing - I go to a school with a really strong music department and always have felt inadequate next to my section leader, who has won many competitions in the area, and also at competitions where I never came near 1st place. But, I sent a tape of my concerto that I had worked very hard on to a few colleges this fall. It wasn't flawless (my section leader could've done 1000 times better, I'm sure), but it was still good. Already, I've receieved a music scholarship from one school (Hendrix) and been named a finalist for the music scholarship at Davidson. I audition on campus in about a month to see if I get the scholarship, but only 10-15 make it to the finalist round, so it's already quite an honor. I never would've expected this because I never thought of myself as <em>that</em> good. Davidson is no easy place to get into, also, so I'm thinking my flute playing may have helped me a bit with that. (Actually, I haven't technically been accepted yet, but I'm hoping my logic is right in thinking that they're not going to invite someone to "Scholars Weekend" for an audition if they're not going to admit them).</p>

<p>If you feel really confident about a piece or two that you're working on, go ahead and make a tape! If you're satisfied with it, definitely send it.</p>

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<p>As a violinist, I totally know how you feel. My section leader is a kid that I knew from when I was young. While he started earlier than me, I was older than him, and he routinely beat me in competitions.</p>

<p>That being said, I don't think it matters how good you are per say, as long as you're involved. When I applied for University of Michigan, one of the essays was about Individuality, and I expressed that through my violin (well I wrote it about how my violin makes me an individual). I think when adcoms see that, the fact I competed in competitions, and went around other countries to play, makes me a unique applicant because of the fact I love it so much.</p>

<p>However, in terms of a tape? I wouldn't do it. An NYU adcom once told me that sure, I could send a tape, but if I wasn't auditioning for music school, why bother? They're judging me on my academic skills, and how well I'd fit into the school, not musical talent. If you're not applying for the music school, or a music major, then don't. Show that you love your instrument through essays, and lists of EC, but not a tape.</p>

4

<p>Elorax,
How refreshing to hear from someone both so honest & so balanced! And I'm sure a grounded admissions committee would like to hear the same.</p>

<p>While it is true that things like awards, recognitions, nat'l & internat'l involvement (in any e.c.'s) are a plus in admissions, your own perspective is also true & valid, particularly in the very way you express it. I'm also sure that many people who do play instruments, including stringed ones, possibly once had the passion but may not have it as much any longer, & merely stay in it for the purpose of their college resumes. </p>

<p>What your own musical involvement shows about <em>you</em> is that it is sincere, it is not for ego or to beat your competitors, and that, rather than driving you to be part of the "extreme" aspect of high school years, allows you to maintain balance. I don't even want to paraphrase what you say, because you express it better than anyone else could. </p>

<p>If I were reading your file, I would judge you both to be a person who is playing out of passion, and to be a person who has a grip on life. Both show character.</p>

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<p>From my perspective as the mom of a violinist, I am very impressed with your self-awareness and self-assessment. And don't sell yourself short -- with all the demands of academics and ECs on high school kids' time, practicing consistently an hour a day is even more impressive for a student who does it for personal enrichment and for the love of it. Make sure that this comes through in your total application package, with or without an accompanying recording. If you are a solid musician you are likely to find lots of performance opportunities in college that will match your level and commitment. I think making a tape or CD might be a good idea, for the experience, and if you are satisfied with the results, by all means send it along with your application. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Elorax-</p>

<p>Welcome. Any sustained involvement you've had on the violin in terms of private lessons, school or youth orchestras, Tri-M, etc., coupled with principal positions held, awards, officer status within clubs, is a plus on your application.</p>

<p>In conjunction with your other EC's it would serve if nothing else to show a sustained level of committment on your part. And, if your EC's range from sports to community service, it would serve to provide an indicator of a broader level of interest on your part. In effect, a more rounded individual, a trait many schools are looking for when selecting candidates.</p>

<p>You haven't said if you want to continue to play in college. Depending on your school choices there may be many schools that will allow you to continue the instrument as an avocation through private lessons, orchestra/ensemble participation, etc.</p>

<p>This varies widely by school. I suggest you may want to search the Music Major forum of CC as there are a number of threads detailing those types of options. You may decide to select schools for your plan of study that will allow you to continue a level of participation in the violin if music is an important part of your life.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

7

<p>Hmmm - if you're doing things like All-State or youth orchestras, you're probably alright. It won't be a * hook * necessarily, but it will help out. IF you are indeed selling yourself short here, make a recording and send it in (make sure to start it early!!!). If you've got awards to back your talent up, then by all means, you should send in a tape. Also, though you may not actually major in music in college, write that down as your choice of majors because that will likely help you in the admissions process. You aren't obligated to pursue what you write down on your application. good luck!</p>

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<p>"Also, though you may not actually major in music in college, write that down as your choice of majors because that will likely help you in the admissions process. You aren't obligated to pursue what you write down on your application."</p>

<p>I disagree strongly with the poster's statement. To declare a music major in your application, you are then subject to the requirements of admission to that major. In a nutshell, these are extremely competitive, may require a prescreening tape and letters of recommendation, and an on-site or taped audition submission. While specific majors (ethnomusicology, music therapy, music education for example) may or may not require an audition on your primary instrument, the rules are very program specific for any college with a music major. And, these rules vary widely from school to school.</p>

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<p>^ It all depends where you are applying.</p>

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<p>I'm going to reply poster by poster. </p>

<p>Bluetissues: I'm pretty confident in my assesment of where I am musically. I would like to record some things anyway, since next year will be my last with my current teacher. I've been taking lessons from her for many years now.
Re section leaders: My section leader takes lessons from an NSO first violinist, and practices three hours a day. No joke. She's a fantastic violinist, though. It's great to hear her perform. </p>

<p>Cvjn: That's exactly what one side of my internal arguement says. The other side thinks it would be weird if an applicant with significant involvment in music and music extracurriculars didn't send in something. That's why I asked. :) </p>

<p>Epiphany: Thank you very much. Those are some lofty compliments! </p>

<p>Orchestramom: Like I mentioned, I'll probably make a tape either way. I can always get directors and other music folk I know to listen to it for me and tell me if it's worth sending. </p>

<p>Violadad: I would like to stay playing. Some places I'm looking have active music groups, and a couple have pretty good orchestras. I'm not dead set on being in an orchestra though. I've always wanted to try Irish fiddling, since it's part of my heritage, but I don't really have the time to devote to picking up something new right now. In college I might be able to find someone willing to teach me, and hopefully I'll have the time to devote to it. That's the backup plan, I guess. Thanks for wishing me luck! :) </p>

<p>fhimas88888888: Nope, no all-State for me. It's insanely competitive here in NoVa. I'm not selling myself short, either. I am an accomplished violinist, and I've grown a lot as a musician over the years. I'm proud of where I am, personally. Compared to others, however, I'm far from exceptional. </p>

<p>I definitely don't plan to major in music, so I wouldn't put that down on an application. Like violadad said, there might be extra requirements for music majors. Additionally, trying to cheat the system like that seems like a risky idea to me. You only get to apply to a college once. I'd rather not play games with it.</p>

11

<p>Here's my experience. My son is an average trumpet player, having played since 3rd grade and practicing 45mins - 1 hour/day with excellent lessons and lots of ensembles. </p>

<p>He submitted a video of himself playing trumpet to two of his schools that offered music scholarships for non-music majors. He ended up at a liberal arts college (he is an econ/poly sci major) with a nice merit scholarship. Additionally, he got a music scholarship for $1000/year and free music lessons. He's enjoyed orchestra and jazz band. By the way, the school he ended up at specifically told him that they liked that he was a musician.</p>

<p>When he looked at schools we also discovered that in many instances schools with the strongest music departements (and lots of performance majors) offered some of the fewest opportunities for non-music majors. Just a thought.</p>

<p>So that's the scoop.</p>