Hey everybody!
I am a freshman in HS currently. Even though I am still quite new to the whole “thing”, I am quite stressed out as I feel that I am not making myself stand out in any way. Most of my fellow friends are involved in clubs, I am not. Other kids are involved in school sports, I am not. All I do is play the piano. Recently, results have arrived from a piano competition and I got 3rd in the state (NC). I additionally got 1st in my city (Charlotte). Is this something worthy of college application? In the past, I have routinely won regional competitions but that was prior to hs. Thanks!
When you list piano as an EC, you can put those prizes with it to show your accomplishment. Congratulations!
You have some exciting years in front of you. Rather than thinking of them as some kind of extended test for college, get as much out of them as you can. As this year ends, think about what you enjoyed this year and what you didn’t. What would you like to do with your time? What feels like time wasted? What do you dream of for yourself? Give yourself the gift of thinking about your life and being intentional about it. Trust me, it will fall into place this way.
1 Like
You can also post this in the music majors forum regardless of your possible majors.
Music is very helpful in getting into schools. Including top schools. You would want to submit a music supplement to the Common Application, with a recording/video, a music resume (including those awards) and letter(s) of recommendation from a teacher or two.
Depth of involvement with piano will be more helpful than breadth of EC’s meaning simply accumulating other activities.
Consider a summer program, maybe conservatory prep, anything you WANT to do to develop your musicianship, but don’t do anything just to get in.
On the other hand, is you want to explore other interests, that’s fine too. And you can still submit a music supplement if your talent justifies it. Congrats on your awards.
2 Likes
Thank you @compmom, I always appreciate your in-depth answers.
I do have to find some summer programs to try and turn this into a spike. Right now, it is more of a bump.
Right now, it is more of a bump.
Love this!
Yes pursue piano accomplishments and activities more IF you love it. If you want to do other things, that’s fine too. You are in early high school and have plenty of time. I do think it can be kind of spoiled if you think too much too early about college admissions 
Ultimately, if you follow the path that fits you in high school, you will find a college that fits you as well.
1 Like
I DO love to play piano, some days more than others and I was thinking maybe starting a Piano club would work well at our school. Even had a name for it… Project Piano. lol
If you love it, then yes, summer programs or performance outside of your school in one way or the other will help you develop. Taking theory and even music history during high school is a good idea too. Good luck!
ps the club sounds interesting…do you go to a large high school?
Fairly large (3500+) with a large instrumental populace.
I took entry Music Theory this year. I might take some more music-related courses if I have a gap in my schedule as AP Physics, AP Calc and so on would take 1st priority.
I actually performed at a recital a couple weeks ago and I have a more formal recital on Thursday. I regularly perform for the non-profit that “sponsors (don’t know if that is the best word)” my music education.
1 Like
Wonderful! Enjoy high school and all you are doing…
1 Like
You’ve gotten some good responses, but maybe another idea… are you at all affiliated with a church? Starting in middle school, I would play the organ during Xmas/Easter seasons when the choir wanted to do parts from the Messiah. We had a good organist (I don’t do foot pedals!), but the Messiah was too much for him. I also was a back-up for weddings. My junior/senior year of high school, I played piano year-round for a Unitarian Church. Their choir did lots of cool stuff (Mozart Requiem, Brahms Requiem, Bach’s b minor mass). I also would have to come up with 30 seconds of a prelude to open the service and a 3-4 min meditation piece each week. It did a lot for my sight reading ability. In college, I also accompanied instrument/voice majors. (I was an engineering major who also took piano lessons as a class each semester.) All of this was great $$$ for a teenager. Much better than babysitting.
TBH I don’t know how I got started, but perhaps your teacher could give you some ideas.
1 Like
No, our family is not. Saying this, I do want to make my first job teaching piano. Still trying to figure out the right price. Don’t want to charge too much or too little. Thanks!
I would say that playing at Senior Living homes definitely help!
1 Like