<p>So, in getting ready to apply to colleges as a rising senior, I was looking at some applications, pitt's in particular that allow you to send in a musical recording as supplemental material. Now, I don't plan on majoring in music, maybe not even a minor, but playing guitar has been a major EC of mine for years, and recently I have recorded a video of me playing a bach violin sonata on guitar. Is this something worth sending in to colleges in general, as someone who will not be majoring in music?</p>
<p>Many people send in music supplements even when they’re not music majors :]! Send it in, but make sure it’s good quality enough that it will actually help you in the admission process. </p>
<p>Also, I was under the impression that when they say “recording”, it means a sound-only recording instead of a video, so double check on that as well. Make sure to send in the supplement in the proper format.</p>
<p>I’m under the impression that many schools won’t accept music supplements in video form. Check their Web sites. But sending in a supplement when it is not related to your intended major is completely fine.</p>
<p>Yea, I was planning to just extract the audio and send that. The other concern I had about it was the sound quality might dampen the effect of it, as it’s just a camera recording.
It’s not bad quality, but it is just a regular video camera, nothing professional. But, as long as they can hear my playing clearly, I think it should be okay?</p>
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<p>Yes, they are evaluating your playing, not your sound engineering skills.</p>
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<p>A regular video camera should be fine, but… can’t you record it again so that it’s better quality:/? You can check out the music major forum on the details of making a music supplement recording. I think the poster there will be more knowledgeable about the process.</p>
<p>Probably much more than you ever wanted to know: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/970182-submitting-arts-supplement.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/970182-submitting-arts-supplement.html</a></p>
<p>Follow the links.</p>
<p>Consider your level of talent, and if it will help define “you” as an applicant. Ot will mean different things, at different schools. Check if the school WANTS or encourages creative supplements; don’t just send it blindly.</p>
<p>Check the parameters as to when and where to send it, appropriate length and submission media. If you have specific questions unanswered or that are unclear from the website, call the school and speak with an admissions counselor familiar with the requirements. The typical clerk answering the phone in most cases will not have the appropriate answer.</p>
<p>The links I posted in the “How strong music EC thread” are specifically addressing music supps and some out of the box scenarios.</p>
<p>try going to a nearby music store and asking if they know where you can get it recorded. my friend did this and got access to a professional recording studio for an hourly rate. it’s worth it.</p>
<p>^^ You don’t even have to go that route. Many high schools, community colleges will have the facilities and programs, and you can get an excellent recording (usually made by students in the programs) at a cost far less than what a recording studio would charge. </p>
<p>Plenty of “how to” threads in the music major forum when it comes to making submission level recordings.</p>
<p>Oh, yea I’m sure I could do it in better quality, and I might consider doing it with my (cheap) recording setup - but right now I’m at the point of wondering if it’s even something I should send in to begin with, not really a thing I’m willing to pay or even spend the amount of effort to get it professionally recorded.</p>
<p>As for how good it is… I happen to be kind of proud of it, but I may be biased. It’s taken me months to learn and perfect this piece, something my guitar teacher learned in college, as well as him wanting to post my video on his website… but then again, I play guitar mostly just for fun, and I really have no idea what the level of skill most guitarists have entering college.</p>
<p>Edit: Also, just wanted to add that I am applying to schools that are not super selective - No ivys or anything where everyone applying is a musical prodigy or cured cancer or anything.</p>