Should I submit a music sample?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>I am NOT planning on becoming a music major or minor. I play two instruments - a string instrument and the piano. </p>

<p>I am not AMAZING at the stringed instrument but I can play pieces fairly well and have fared well at competitions like All Region Orchestra. I have, however, been playing the piano for more than a decade. Again, I'm not the type who has been accompanied by the New York Philharmonic or anything, but I would say that I play fairly well.</p>

<p>In the Common App activities section, I did list both orchestra and piano as ECs. Do you think submitting a music sample will help my chances (do you think NOT submitting one would hurt my chances?)?</p>

<p>If so, does the piece I play have to be of the highest caliber in terms of difficulty?</p>

<p>Also, should I submit one for both instruments or just, say, piano? (I have an officer position in the orchestra and All Region merits.)</p>

<p>Thank you!!</p>

2

<p>Also, it says on the Penn website: “There are some students for whom some additional information can be beneficial, but we recommend that you think very carefully before sending in supplementary material.”</p>

<p>I already plan on submitting a research abstract. I don’t want to ruin my chances by submitting too many things. </p>

<p>Do you guys think it’s necessary to “prove” that I’m musical? Or will just stating on the CA that I’ve been dedicated to piano since I was 5 suffice?</p>

3

<p>I’d recommend you don’t send it, especially since you’re already sending in a research abstract.</p>

4

<p>It’ll be sent to the music department and reviewed (probably by brad smith, the conductor of the symphony). Music supplements will get an honest evaluation. Since you said you’re only decent/good, it won’t make your application or anything.</p>