<p>I'm a junior in high school who will be applying to Stanford next year. While I don't want to major in it, I'm very interested in music -- specifically piano performance. I've been playing the piano for 11 years, am pretty advanced, and have won some competitions. If I were admitted to and attended Stanford, I'd like to continue taking lessons.</p>
<p>Would someone mind elaborating on Stanford's music/piano department? Would I need to submit an audition tape or anything along with the standard application, and if so, would that improve my chances of being admitted?</p>
<p>I think to become a piano major you just have to do some simple audition stuff. Play a few chords and scales, a song or two, and maybe if I recall some improvisation (I checked, this is basically what it is). Stuff that you could probably do in your sleep.</p>
<p>If you are an outstanding pianist, by all means submit a tape; it can only help your application. Stanford posts specific directions for submission on their website. I might be wrong, but I believe you must audition in order to take piano lessons in the music department, even if you are not a music major.</p>
<p>icecream334… if you are actually amazing at piano, please go perform a live audition at stanford. one of my friends didnt have the greatest test scores or anything, but absolutely beasted his live audition, and as a result was admitted early. Stanford loves musicians.</p>
<p>haydare, what would you consider an amazing pianist? Haha… also, the arts application says it is for people of “exceptional talent.” I’m not too sure what that means. I realize I’m good, but I’m not sure how good I would need to be. I think I’ll ask my piano teacher.</p>
<p>You don’t have to anticipate being a music (or whatever) major to submit a tape or schedule an audition. My understanding is that Stanford likes people who are passionate enough to have achieved excellence at something, even if it is unrelated to their major. My S sent in a dvd of his performances in the discipline he was involved in, and was careful to follow the guidelines on the website. We lived too far away to schedule a live audition. I think his dvd helped his case for admission.</p>