<p>Just a “note” from the parent of a very talented (me, biased? Nah!) classical singer. From my son’s experience: grades, courseload and teacher recommendations are far, far more important to Ivy League admissions than talent, unless it’s nationally exceptional. You would be amazed at how many incredible musicians also have fantastic grades, or perhaps I should say how many people with fantastic grades are also incredible musicians. My son decided he’d rather work on his ECs and social life than increase his GPA and he was rejected by two Ivies last year, despite getting encouragement from music teachers in both schools who heard him sing in person (he also had Ivy-worthy SAT scores but those just don’t count as much as grades). There are several threads on this topic. Not to be discouraging, just cautionary: keep up the grades!! But still send in the CD. Just don’t count on musical talent to trump academics at Ivy League Schools.</p>