I was slightly confused by some of the terms of the supplement. It said that videos must be “unedited,” so does that I mean I cannot take out any background static or even add in the title/composer of the piece? If I have to vocally announce it I guess that’s fine but I’m just making sure.
Also, for someone who just plays piano (I’m not a composer or anything) would I be under the “instrumentalist & composers” section? Why is “composers” included there if there is another section for composers?
The I&C said that you can submit up to two pieces of music as an instrumentalist to demonstrate your abilities, but I saw a video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-vwiVhyPNM) that had three. There was also another done by a percussionist that had I think four but they were different instruments (first was xylophone and then large drums but not a timpani [I forget if they have a name]) so he might have submitted two supplements.
I was all like “ooh I have this variety of 5 songs that will fit under the 10 minutes and it shows my variety of learning!” and now it appears that’s not a possibility so I’m a little bummed. But alas, life moves on.
Bump. Although maybe this should be in the college admissions forum…
My ds submitted a piano supplement. I found this list of accepted instruments. One difference I saw (somewhere on the site) between composers and instrumentalists was the time limitations. Composers do not have the same time restrictions. You might nose around a bit more on their site.
https://music.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduates/prospective/art-supplement
What level of player are you, @MasterLillyclaw ? You should be aware that musicians who submit supplements are very high level performers. My ds had studied for twelve years. While he wasn’t a Julliard-level musician, he was absolutely playing at a conservatory level. They are expecting two pieces that are contrasting in style from standard rep. Think Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn Sonata movements, Chopin Etudes, Bach Fugues, Liszt, etc. It is absolutely essential that you follow their rules regarding time limits and number of pieces. Pay no attention to the fact that others have not followed the rules. YOU should follow their guidelines to a T. At this level of play, it can often be a challenge to find two pieces that fit within this time frame. Stating that you have five pieces that you could fit within ten minutes to show your versatility makes me wonder if you are playing at the level that they expect. Not trying to be discouraging. Just sharing what they are used to.
Yeah, I’ve been looking around on their site a lot.
I’ve been playing piano for about 9 and a half years (10 in November). I’m not a master musician at Julliard-level either, but I play plenty of classical songs. I’ve just had more than classical learning and was hoping to be able to express that in my supplement (classical, jazz, more modern, and music I’ve found on my own).
I have longer songs I can play too, I had just planned on playing multiple (and some faster) ones to show my diversity.
@Hoggirl You’re not discouraging, you’re being really helpful 
One more question, though (I like clarification XD): since it says no editing, does that mean I will announce the song/composer before playing the songs?
Thanks for your answers!
My ds is quite versatile in his playing as well. It doesn’t have to be classical - just at a high level. If you are amazing at jazz, that could offer a great contrast with a strong classical piece (songs have words, you know!). But, I would throw in your best, most serious, most polished pieces. You have to remember that you are going to be compared to some mighty fine musicians. Are you applying REA? Note that there is an extremely early deadline for the music/arts supplement AND most of your app if you are. I forget when it is, but it is SUPER early. All your stuff has to be in by that date, too. Not just the music part. I do believe that the deadlines for the teacher/counselor recommendations are the same, however. Again, check and re-check! But, IIRC, the entirety of the portion of the Common App over which ds had control was due earlier than the regular REA deadline.
I asked ds (he is home for the summer), and he doesn’t remember if there is somewhere that the pieces are listed on the supplement or what. He submitted two selections from a recital. No speaking, no announcing, plenty of coughing and shuffling from the audience. Perfectly fine. My suspicion is he listed his pieces somewhere on the form that was submitted. He just can’t remember. Sorry.
Yeah, I’m applying REA. Don’t worry, I’ve printed out pages to remind me of deadlines! I’m staying super-duper organized so I don’t screw up :3 (And it’s October 15th for the arts supplement, Nov 1st for the normal REA deadline)
And it’s fine that you/he can’t remember, I’ll just send an email over to Stanford if no one else is able to explain for me.
@MasterLillyclaw - I looked again, and it appears that jazz may be distinct, so pairing a jazz and a classical piece might not be allowed. Sounds like you are paying attention to the details. I wouldn’t e-mail them unless you absolutely have to. Not good to “bug” them. I think as part of the upload you list the pieces/composers (meaning you just type in what your selections are). There is a form you submit that will include various identifying info.
Good luck!
It described the different songs you can have: “a variety of styles, periods or tempi.” So yeah, I don’t think you could pair a jazz and classical. (At least as far as I know, since I thought that style was kinda a subsection of genre, like how there are different types of jazz [swing, rock, latin, etc.])
This is what I was told as far as editing:
“Titles are fine. That bit [them saying “no editing”] is just saying no sound editing–that kind of thing. Just don’t manipulate the performance. You can add titles and cut off the part where you go over and switch off the camera.”