<p>Ive been playing viola for about 8 years now. I will list it as my top EC when I apply to Stanford, Caltech, and MIT. Although Ive never played competitively, ive played in a lot of different orchestras, and i have been accepted into the regional orchestra here. Im not amazing or anything, but I am decent. If I do send in a recording of myself, would it hurt my chances at all if Im not as good as theyd expect me to be? Would my chances be hurt if I dont send in a recording, since ill list it as my most important EC?</p>
<p>I doubt it would hurt your chances either way. I'd send the recording.</p>
<p>bumppppppp</p>
<p>Send it... something unique.</p>
<p>i sent one, but i'd recommend sending 2 - 1 to admissions and 1 to the music department. things like music recordings can be lost in the shuffle at admissions, also, they might not be able to distinguish someone who's been playig for 8 years from someone whose so so and been playing for 8 years, and someone whos great and been playing for 8 years.</p>
<p>while at a lesser extent, playing an instrument is just like a sport. An orchestra needs players just like a football team does. If you're good enough to be in that orchestra it will help, otherwise its just like saying "i have a varsity letter in whatever sport, but road the bench the whole time"</p>
<p>I've heard from admission officials that you have to be amazing, participating at competitive levels (at least state or national) if they want to hear it. Otherwise it's a waste of time for the music department to listen to it. Supposedly schools get a lot of people sending in "bad" recordings.</p>
<p>No, if you are not extremely good, it won't hurt your chances.</p>