<p>So, are only exceptionally talented musicians supposed to send music supplement?
I am mostly self-taught, so I had no strict training or competition awards or anything (and I am Canadian, and Canada does not have many music competitions).
I heard that for some schools like Ivy schools only want people sending supplemental things when they have exceptional talents, while other schools do not require the applicants to be necessarily super good at it and encourages to send it if it adds another dimension to the applican'ts character.
I love music, but I don't think I am exceptionally good at it.
Should I send a music supplement or not? Will it hurt my chances?</p>
<p>Here's a link to a sample. I composed this myself.
<a href="http://files-upload.com/files/480507/moonwook.rar%5B/url%5D">http://files-upload.com/files/480507/moonwook.rar</a>
it's in rar file.</p>
<p>This is how I think of it... Schools recruit exceptionally talented athletes to improve their teams. In the same way, they recruit exceptionally talented musicians to improve their music department. Like if the admissions office listens to your tape and says "I think the orchestra director would like to hear this" and sends it off, and the orchestra director says "I want that player," then there's a swing in your admission decision.</p>
<p>In terms of a serious passion for music, I think you're trying to show the admissions committee how passionate you are about it, not neccisarily how good you are. So an essay that talks about your music might suffice.</p>
<p>But, I don't think sending a supplement will hurt your chances... I think you should look at in in terms of "will this song show them how much I love music and why that makes me an interesting person, or would an essay do better?"</p>
<p>I'll have to agree almost completely with bluetissues. Be aware that there are some exceptionally talented players at the Ivy's, across a broad range of instruments. Many of these talents are equal to those at any top notch conservatory, yet for any number of reasons, are not pursuing music as a career (or in some cases are deferring music work for grad school) and are seeking bachelor's in unrelated disciplines.</p>
<p>You call yourself "not exceptionally good", but against what benchmark? If you can consistently hold your own in ensemble play with high level players, you may be better than you think. Have you had honest assessment of your skills from competent musicians or teachers? If they rate you highly, you may have more talent and ability than you realize. Many musicians are their own worst critics.</p>
<p>If you think your playing is impressive, by all means send a supplement. It may help you particularly if it's an unusual or URM instrument (bassoon, viola, euphonium/tuba tend to fall in that category).</p>
<p>I seriously doubt it would hurt you.</p>
<p>thx for the replies
so... supplemental materials are only for people interested in joining orchestra and etc..?
I spent significant amount of time playing music (I played 4 different instruements at Christian Contemporary Band)... but it really doesn't count as EC nor do I have significant achievements for it... </p>
<p>so.. any more opinions.. ?</p>
<p>niceshrp- Alot depends on where you are applying. Many schools with well known established music programs allow particpation for music majors only, and some have tiered performance groups... one for music majors, one for the general university community. Some even open up spots to the local community.</p>
<p>It's pretty school specific, and hard to make generalizations.</p>
<p>I suggest looking at the music department webpages (or calling the music department) for your schools of interest to determine their specific policies. </p>
<p>If you are competent/proficient across four instruments, many schools would love to have your participation. </p>
<p>There is also the potential for some small scholarship money for ensemble particpation even if you're not a music major. Again, it's pretty school specific.</p>