columbiaorbust91

So I've been reading threads about submitting music supplements and how I shouldn't consider doing it unless it's studio ready and whatnot. Well, I spend a lot of time in downtown Chicago with my cousin who's big in the underground rap scene and so I've picked up turntables and messed around a lot for the last four years. It's something I love doing, and I have mixtapes and CDs all over the place of beats I've made...some that have been used in live performances by Chicago artists. Besides writing, it's probably my biggest hobby/passion though I've been kinda iffy about talking about it in my application. Do you think it's worth my time submitting some of my work? I don't know how appreciative Columbia music department would be of hiphop/beat mixing haha. I can PM you samples if you're interested, too.

Thanks!

undisclosed

the thing with rap is that unless you're a fan or well-versed in it; it all sounds ridiculously similar and low-brow. Just like classical music still has this air of being complex and worldly simply by being "classical" rap is the exact opposite.

Unless your samples show huge, objective, creativity and variety I don't see it as doing much for you- the adcoms won't be experienced in this sort of music I garantee it. Sure you may gain some ''diversity'' points but other than that....Eh.

An alternative would be that you simply write about your passion and put a resume listing all the uses your music has had and the artists that have used it- maybe even a standard rec letter from one of them.

Sell them the skill, not the genre. My $0.02

Skraylor

If you were applying to CMU I would say go for it but to Columbia, no.

Just wanted to add that. I agree completely with what undisclosed said.

columbiaorbust91

That's the thing, it's beat mixing so its just instrumentals mostly. and I use "hip/hop" very loosely. It's more electronica, ambiance, indie-like music. I say rap because rap artists have purchased my beats and asked to use them for their rhymes. If I do go ahead and submit stuff I'd be including a resume with references and such. Do you still think its a lost cause?
Thanks!

thebeef

It's not a lost cause! Write about it! A lot of CU admissions officers are younger people and in NY it's hard not to be exposed to all different types of music. PM me some samples too.

Also, you should come so that I can rap over your beats.

KB24yo

PM me some. My friends all mess around with beats so I'll tell you how yours compares