<p>Will colleges regard my passion for music as a strong EC even if I don't take part in these competitions?</p>
<p>I've been playing classical guitar for about 6 years and electric for about 5. I'm in an orchestra and a classical quartet as well. I'm in a band that has played all over the state, and I write/record our music (amazing quality too- you dont need big bucks to make good sounding music ;D). I plan on sending in two pieces as an arts supplement- one jazz-influenced song that I wrote and recorded and another song that's purely a guitar solo, but is also very classical/jazz influenced. I have a job at a guitar store as well. Oh, and the song that I wrote will also reflect part of my heritage as it has me playing a sitar in it and is heavily influenced by Indian music.</p>
<p>I don't believe that music should be competitive, so I never really looked into music contests, etc.</p>
<p>Basically...is it worth it to send in these supplements? Or do they only consider music as a strong enough EC if I am the state's best guitarist according to some contest?</p>
<p>I've been playing piano for approximately 8 years. But I've never competed. Will I put it down as an EC? No, despite the fact that my parents obviously think it's the bomb-diggity for college apps. :)</p>
<p>You, however, have more than a slight appreciation for music. It's become a passion. You play in the band, you work in a guitar store.... See, you have a passion and you pursue it actively. While it may not look as good as playing at Carnegie hall (but what does?), it's a big part of who you are, and who colleges will accept. </p>
<p>And if you do decide to mention it (do!), then I'd be sure to mention the large part you play in writing music. That comprehensive leadership position may garner you more respect than most competitions. </p>
<p>It's like the student who was accepted to Williams because he redesigned a mailroom computer system. Not-so-shiny job, brilliant application of knowledge. With you, you've got a less-prestigious presentation of your passion, but you've actively pursued it, making a mark on the music festivities you DO partake in. Kudos!</p>
<p>I have played piano since 2nd grade. I've competed but only managed to gt an honorable mention at district. as you can see I'm no prodigy, but I have actively pursued it in a number of ways. I've played at nursing homes, on saturday evenings at a local coffee shop, and I was hired by my school to be an accompanist for the choir. I've also been selected by audition to play at the Dayton Art Institute.
I put it down as one of my 7 activites on the Common App, but I was reluctant to do so. i did it mainly to add some variety. I didn't want to add yet another club that I was vice-president of or something. Of course, I continued the list in Additional Info</p>
<p>For you, definitely, DEFINITELY put it down if you are as passionate about it as you sound. There's more to it than prestige. Maybe write an essay about how you think music shouldn't be competitive (I agree!). Plus you have many activities like me to back up the passion</p>
<p>and ppl say you should do things you love for fun and NOT to get into college! college apps are just hypocritical. i think if you want to get in you should write about music in one of the essays or short answers, and leave the EC space for stuff that you've won awards in, if you want to get in. i don't think music is a "hook" or a mini-hook for colleges, especially for ppl like me who're asian. they want diversity...which too goes against the "do things you love" motto they want us to believe!</p>
<p>I have won awards in music though. From the orchestras I've gotten awards for being an outstanding guitarist, my band has won the school-wide talent show (and every one of us wants to take part in the battle of the bands this year), and I've won awards from a music school for pieces that I've written.</p>
<p>I just don't like the fact that some people play piano just to enter competitions and win awards. =/ Perhaps I can write an essay about that?</p>
<p>Music is a HUGE part of my life, and I realize that its not a hook, but it is definitely something that I spend a lot of my time doing. So...hopefully that'll be counted as an EC.</p>
<p>you seem to have many "awards" from music, which is good enough. perhaps you can also embellish how much you like music in ur essays, and how it's not just a resume-padder</p>