<p>If I love to sing (I probably sing about 1 hour a day for fun XP all my friends love my singing) and would join a choir if I go to MIT, but is not in any choir in high school because of schedule conflicts, should I bother submitting anything?
I wouldn’t have the “Music Resume” nor the recommendation letter from any music teachers.
I basically self teach myself by recording and hearing my mistakes, and then try to correct them later. (did this since 7th grade , and I have improved a lot)</p>
<p>Anyone want to hear something I recorded myself to see if it is worth sending?</p>
<p>According to Wikipedia, the</a> humanities "conventionally... include ancient and modern languages and literature, history, philosophy, religion, visual and performing arts (including music)."</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>I had one from my theatre director and one from my band director, as I recall. (People as old as I am -- am I right in thinking that applicants used to have to send in two math/science and two humanities recs?)</p>
<p>ohh interesting
so i could technically get my art teacher to write a rec for me too! ( already asked english teacher )
but if i get a rec from him, he wold probably force me to apply to Otis or UCLA art (accepted 40 people a year from the country) cuz he thinks i have a good chance and what to see if i can get in</p>
<p>back to the thread topic:
so what kind of people should bother sending music portfolios?</p>
<p>niceilike: I am very familiar with the ABRSM exam, and I would say it depends on what type of Grade 7 player you are. If you're getting a distinction (above 130), then go for it, but I'd be cautious if you're getting below a 120 (merit) at that level. Using myself as an example, I had passed DipABRSM performance my sophomore year, and I sent 4 recordings of myself (Chopin Revolutionary Etude, Brahms Rhapsody Op. 79 No. 2, Beethoven Sonata Op.2 No. 3, Bach Prelude/Fugue No. 2) and was accepted to MIT. If you reach Grade 8 or beyond, definitely send a recording, but at Grade 7, I would feel more comfortable with a distinction. What repertoire are you working on? I'd be more than glad to listen to some of your work.</p>
<p>rainynightstarz: Good musicians should send in music portfolios. If you feel as if your accomplishments (on your resume) do not accurately reflect the amount of effort and dedication you place on music, then definitely send a recording.</p>
<p>yea i'm not really any kind of beast-but i think in a recording i could do well-I usually do bad on scales in the exams because i don't practice, but do pretty well on pieces (25-28/30). the scales is what keeps me in the 115 area. but if i decide to make a recording i'll be sure to send it to you for your opinion-thanks for offering</p>
<p>My advice would be to submit a portfolio if music is enough a part of your life that you can't imagine your application being complete without submitting it.</p>
<p>and i'm not sure if this is right, but the way i see it, if it's not amazing-a music professor or whoever is listening tells the adcom-"it was nothing great"-i don't see how that could HURT you-if you aren't a pro at violin doesn't mean you aren't one at math.</p>
<p>niceilike: That's true; a recording will never hurt your application, but you have to keep in mind whether it will be worth your time or effort to make the recording. When I made my recording, it took me only an hour to record, but for edits, I spent a lot more time. That's not even including the time it'll take for you to practice and brush up.</p>
<p>rainynightstarz: Again, it can't hurt if you send a recording, but if you don't have a teacher and have never done a competition, chances are that your recording won't be good enough to make a significant contribution to your application. I can listen to your music and let you know what I think as well.</p>