I have played classical piano for 11 years, and am now a rising senior. I have preformed all my life and am pretty good, and have begun learning to play by ear and experiment with other genres. However, I have never really participated in any competitions, so I can’t really prove my worth to colleges and show them how dedicated I have been my entire life with this activity. I am hoping to apply to schools like John Hopkins, Cornell, UDel, and welllllllll just schools like that for most likely biomedical engineering. Would it help my chances of admissions if I submitted a few recording of my pieces?
Regardless of your future plans, if you are Carnegie Hall ready, sure; if you are not, a supplement could actually lessen your chances…
Alright so for example I just preformed in a recital Brahms rhapsody in G minor and I’m pretty confident I play the piece well- Always score high in Guild auditions but I don’t really have any other indicators…
Are you planning on participating in their music program, even if you aren’t majoring in it? If so, and if you are that good, then yes, it could help. The most likely outcome is that it won’t really affect it either way since they won’t want to put the effort into it unless you really make an impression on them.
As far as lessening your chances, that depends, but I doubt it unless the department is known for working closely with admissions. Or of course, if they have specific rules about what sort of supplements they accept and you break those rules, which then would reflect on you as a student in general, not just as a musician.
Another strategy to consider is working your passion for classical music in one of your essay, particularly if you have dedicated much of your life to it. There’s always college prompts asking about what makes you unique, what are you passionate about, what makes you who you are, etc., which music would fit in perfectly.
If you are playing at a conservatory level (and it sounds as though you are), then I would submit a supplement. Doesn’t mean you have to be good enough to get into a tippy top conservatory, but playing that level of pieces and playing them WELL. Most schools want two pieces in contrasting styles with a time limit of ten mintues or so. One does not typically mix in any improv or different genres. There are usually very specific requirements. Music supplements are typically akin to pre-screen auditions for conservatories. Check the rules for each of the schools you apply to, and make sure you don’t deviate from what they want. Some may even require musical resumes and a rec from your teacher - yes, even if you don’t plan to participate at college. But only submit what they want. Many schools get gazillions of supplements and not following the rules can be annoying.
I would argue that Guild Auditions are a type of competition - you are competing against yourself! Have you done them for several years? National or International levels? I would definitely include your participation in those on your application. My ds did them when he was younger but then changed teachers who shifted him to MTNA competitions as well as to a separate state competition. But, most profs are going to be familiar with Guild Auditions.
Perhaps there is a way you can work in your recent exploration of other genres and your ear training somewhere in your app. My ds had several ways in which he participated in music behind his private instruction and competitions: volunteered with church youth band, accompanied the school choir (also volunteer), gigged for Christmas parties, played at charity events, composing, etc. I think this really showed that he was multi-facted in what he did with his music and that it was truly a “passion” of his. There is more than one way to show one’s “worth” as a musician besides compeitions (though that can help,too).
Good luck!