<p>so i've had this orchestra teacher for 4 years in a row. i don't plan on majoring in music but this teacher knows me well from all my other teachers.
the common application says the teacher must teach an academic subject, so does that mean I can't ask my orchestra teacher for a recommendation? thanks.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can use a recommendation from your orchestra teacher as one of your two required rec letters since orchestra is not considered an academic subject, but if you think he/she can write an amazing letter for you that may somehow greatly enhance your application, you can send it as an extra rec in addition to the required two (but only if this one is going to be really, really, really good though). Some schools may have restrictions on whether additional recs are allowed, so make sure to check the specific guidelines for each college as well.</p>