<p>Hey guys, im applying this coming fall to the most selective schools. I am a reasonably good clarinet player but i do not know whether or not i should submit a cd for the colleges, as they seem to discourage it unless you are really good. </p>
<p>Info about me:
-have been playing for 7 years
-began with 2 yrs of private instruction
-one the better clarinets in high school
-regional honor band, first chair in symphony orchestra for half a year
-this past year i have taken my foot off the pedal and have not been playing as much
-definitely would like to do something with clarinet in college (thinking about music theory minor)</p>
<p>So given the circumstances, would it be beneficial to submit a cd? on one hand, i know that i would definitely like to play in college. on the other hand i have heard that the cds are often reviewed quite harshly. Please help!</p>
<p>Your passion for music will go on the record when you submit your
CD! This is a good thing to do even if you are just good and not
superb/gods gift to clarinet players.</p>
<p>H,Y,S will expect world class, however you will be received well at
M, P, Caltech and other schools of equal caliber.</p>
<p>so it has basically boiled down to 2 questions:
1. is it worth it to do it (keep in mind that clarinet is a pretty popular wind instrunment, so there might be more competition.)?
2. can i record this at home with above average equipment?</p>
<p>any past experiences will be really helpful!</p>
<p>No, do not use a casual recording environment.
Go to your school's music room or solicit the help of
your school's music club to help you get a professional
recording that does not have amateur artifcats. If you
have not been recording for years chances are that you
will not know most of the tricks on getting clear sound
recorded digitally.</p>
<p>I followed my advice here (though my instrument was not the
clarinet) and had outstanding results from P,M and S; It may
have helped in my H and Caltech admittances as well (not sure).</p>
<p>Also, so a search on music/hook/supplement, and you'll get prior posts and some actual experience.</p>
<p>Having said that, my comment in the thread I directed you to applies to the Ivys, and a few Ivy like top schools. Beyond that, it is very school specific.</p>
<p>Please:
-make sure the school accepts supplements. Many will not.
-consider your level of talent (and instrument) and where you're applying. Schools with attachments to conservatory level programs, or their own reknowned affiliated music programs/departments often have a wealth of talent among non-music majors.
-Read and follow the criteria posted on the school's site as to rep, length, and type of submission media. Label and send as directed. Pay attention to deadlines.
-Ditto MIT012's recording advice. Also, do not cut and paste the best of a couple of takes. Do a number of recorded takes and pick the best one. Technical editing is fudging it.
-At some programs, you might even be offered a small scholarship to commit to ensemble play, even as a non music major. Amounts range from a few hundred to a few thousand, depending on the school/program's need for your instrument or talent.
-An accomplished player is usually welcomed.</p>