I am not sure if I am using the right words, but I am sure many preparing-to-be music majors have made up their own songs/tunes/compositions while in high school. For example, S has been coming up with some nice bass solos, some multi-track b ass pieces as well, using Garage Band. I have encouraged him to record whenever he is coming up with a song because he did once forget how one of his previous songs went. Given that it is easy enough to record/mix/master music, and given that I think his stuff is getting interesting enough to listen to, I wonder about (1) how do you copyright, publish, or whatever you should do to put your mark on the music to show it is yours and (2) what ways of making the music available make sense - iTunes, other. The purpose is two-fold. One purpose is to practice those things that will need to be known in the future anyway, regardless of college attendance - how do you crank out your music. The second purpose is can this help with college admittance. For example, the UNT bass audition for undergrad page says “OPTIONAL: In addition to the video, you may also submit a supplemental publicly released audio CD or DVD recording in which you play.” Any thoughts?
First creative works are automatically copyrighted. Yes you can apply for a copyright, but it is not necessary for artistic work. Keep in mind that winning a copyright case legally, especially if it is against a big company means you have to have clear documentation (i.e."Notes and records showing creative process, dates and times for the first time the file was created on your computer, when the work appeared in public, when the company produced their work). Sometimes for an artist having your copyright be violated can be a good thing. For example Christmas Tree shops and Urban Outfitters regularly troll Easy and steal from visual artists. If they are caught and challenged doing this they will often make quite generous settlements with the artist.
My son and his friends use Soundcloud to publish their work. They also use Bandcamp for full albums.
As for college admissions…it can never hurt to send a supplement if you think it will contribute to admissions officers getting to know who your son is. But there is also guarantee the supplement will get looked at or listened to. The most important thing for your son is Grades, Recommendations and his Audition. But you already know that.
I think this has been posted when you asked before but here goes:
The best ways to distribute or sell your music seems to change on a yearly basis.