Non-orchestral Musical Application

Applying to College
1

Hello! This is my first post, but I have been admiring existing forums for a while. I want to apply to some more selective schools (specifically Vanderbilt) and will most likely be a biology/biomed major. However I want to minor in musical production and have an extensive musical background outside of school. I play piano, guitar, and drums, and I sing as well, but the classical resumes don’t really apply. Excuse my lack of knowledge on the application process, I may sound completely idiotic right now.

Is there a way for me to show these skills in my application? I am a junior in high school, so I still have time to put something together. Should I put together some written songs and produce an album? Start a YouTube channel? If I do this, will they care?

Another side note, I currently work as a paid intern at my church leading a band of high schoolers in Christian music and teaching instruments individually.

Thanks for the help in advance!

2

You will show your musical ability and involvement by including all of your related activities on your application. In general colleges are not looking for a confirmation of what is in your application. But if you want to send a musical supplement you:1) should contact the school – ask if they accept them and if so what format to use and how long it can be and 2) IMO your musicianship should be of a very high quality (ex. conservatory level or close to it).

3

When my S applied to college, music was an important activity for him. He created a website and linked videos of performances. He provided the website’s URL as his arts supplement. He did not plan to major in music (and didn’t) but he did stay involved in music while he was in college.