<p>I'm considering submitting a music supplement along with my application, but have some basic questions concerning it:</p>
<p>1) Yale's website suggests sending in 2-3 songs of contrasting styles, yet stress that more succinct supplements are usually better. Is there a time threshold I should know about before picking the length of my pieces (say, 10 minutes)?</p>
<p>2) In describing the different styles, Yale does not mention Broadway in any way, yet asks that the submissions "demonstrate abilities in the areas of tone, technique, and interpretation." Does Yale base a prospective student's tone/technique/interpretative merit on the specific style or a general sense of talent/training? Since Broadway requires a much different tone than, say, Classical, would a Broadway-style song be a wise choice?</p>
<p>I speak as a prospective student (who plans on submitting a music supplement of his own), so don’t quote me on any of this, but: 1) I would keep it as short as possible. Amherst College, for example, asks for 10 minutes or less. Adcoms/music professors don’t really have much time to spend listening to each applicant’s tape. 2) I think picking songs of diverse styles is a good idea, and showtune-type songs are quite different from classical vocal music.</p>
<p>After giving much thought to the question of <em>whether</em> to send a voice supplement my daughter did send one in. She chose 3 short pieces that added up to about 9-10 minutes total. Not sure if anyone even listened to her supplement, but it didn’t hurt her because she did get in. And she is currently singing at Yale.</p>
<p>What genres to include really depends on what you sing best. And what showcases your voice and your talents best. Ask your voice teacher for guidance.</p>
<p>Thanks folks! I contacted my voice teacher today and she tended to agree with you. As it stands now, we’re thinking of two semi-short pieces: a classical Italian or German piece and a show tune, as I’ve success in both of those genres these past few years.</p>
<p>Regarding your daughter, vicariousparent, is she singing in student-run groups or under a faculty director? I’m curious to know whether such faculty directors would give input on submitted music supplements or even whether they use them after the admission process to aid in choosing upcoming members for their ensembles.</p>
<p>Yes, you are overspeculating Admission to singing groups- student or faculty run- is by audition.</p>
<p>The vast majority of music supplements are never listened to. But if yours is sent on for being evaluated, then it will be listened to by someone in the voice department (possibly faculty, most likely grad student) just to see how ‘legit’ your claim of being a good singer is. </p>
<p>Now if your voice is like Bryn Terfel, then yes, the faculty member might remember your music supplement.</p>
Admission to singing groups- student or faculty run- is by audition.</p>