Stanford Arts Supplement Inconsistencies?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

Under this webpage https://music.stanford.edu/academic-programs-and-centers/undergraduate/prospective-undergrads/recorded-auditions-slideroom you’ll see “I’m a performer. What should I play?
Prepare two OR THREE short, contrasting pieces that demonstrate your current level of ability. A typical audition is about ten minutes.”
While under this PDF https://admission.stanford.edu/pdf/ArtsPortfolio.pdf it states
“Instrumentalists & Conductors
Submit up to TWO pieces that demonstrate your ability in a variety of styles, periods or tempi. Taiko and conducting
submissions require a performance video.”

Which one is accurate? Is it a maximum of 2 pieces or 3?

2

One thing is consistent:

https://music.stanford.edu/academic-programs-and-centers/undergraduate/prospective-undergrads/recorded-auditions-slideroom

https://admission.stanford.edu/pdf/ArtsPortfolio.pdf

Personally, since quality>quantity, and being limited to 10 minutes, I would keep it to 2. But I doubt that an application will be tossed if 3 quality pieces totaling less than 10 minutes are submitted,

3

Hmm, I have 3 quality pieces that combine to just under 10 minutes, each providing a unique purpose. I don’t want to sacrifice one of those pieces, but also don’t want to risk being seen as unable to follow simple directions by submitting an extra. I guess the risk is worth it though.

4

I think following the simple directions and knowing that the deadline for an arts supplement is earlier than the application deadline is perceived more highly. :slight_smile:

If you’re concerned over 2 vs. 3, contact Stanford directly. Good luck.

5

Hope you contact Stanford! My youngest along with a ton of others will encounter the same issue as they start the application process for real; might not be for 3 months for some. You are obviously a go getter who can make things easier for other students by alerting the school to the issue. You’ve actually probably already done that by asking here. Thank you!

6

Here’s my two cents: upon receipt of the application and supplement, the recorded auditions are sent to the music faculty for review. Their written input is attached to the application and presented as a packet to the admissions committee on time to be reviewed with the rest of the applications. That is why the arts deadline is earlier …they need the lead time for the arts department to review first and still get the application to the committee by the general deadline. (And remember BOTH arts supp and common app are due early)

The first link you provided is from the music department. They are the ones who will actually be hearing your audition. The second link is from the general admissions page. They’re the people who are simply reading the evaluation from the music faculty. In my opinion, if you follow the guidelines from the first link you’ll be fine. But do let us know what you find out.