Reaching out to jazz faculty
piranhavator
195 replies38 threads Junior Member
Hello,
After getting deferred from Harvard I have actually become very fond of the idea of studying music at Columbia. I would have the possibility (if I get into the extange) to take lessons at Juilliard and pursue a special concentration in jazz while working towards a liberal arts degree in music. I really like the idea of Columbia’s core curriculum because I have a strong background in the humanities.
I am among the top jazz musicians in the United States (I was selected as the only person on my instrument in the country for jazz band of America, I am a Youngarts winner, and I have recorded an album with internationally known professional jazz musicians). My stats are on par for Columbia (4.0 unweighted GPA, 35 ACT, 780 on 2 subject tests) but they are not enough to get me in alone.
My question is, should I reach out to Columbia jazz faculty and let them know I’m out there? Will this give me an edge in admissions or even a possible hook? The strategy of reaching out proved useless with Harvard (deferred) but I know Columbia has more jazz than Harvard on campus.
I doubt I’ll get in if jazz won’t help me as there are kids from my school with published research and perfect test scores.
Let me know what you think. Thanks.
16 replies After getting deferred from Harvard I have actually become very fond of the idea of studying music at Columbia. I would have the possibility (if I get into the extange) to take lessons at Juilliard and pursue a special concentration in jazz while working towards a liberal arts degree in music. I really like the idea of Columbia’s core curriculum because I have a strong background in the humanities.
I am among the top jazz musicians in the United States (I was selected as the only person on my instrument in the country for jazz band of America, I am a Youngarts winner, and I have recorded an album with internationally known professional jazz musicians). My stats are on par for Columbia (4.0 unweighted GPA, 35 ACT, 780 on 2 subject tests) but they are not enough to get me in alone.
My question is, should I reach out to Columbia jazz faculty and let them know I’m out there? Will this give me an edge in admissions or even a possible hook? The strategy of reaching out proved useless with Harvard (deferred) but I know Columbia has more jazz than Harvard on campus.
I doubt I’ll get in if jazz won’t help me as there are kids from my school with published research and perfect test scores.
Let me know what you think. Thanks.
This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: Reaching out to jazz faculty
I do wish you the best of luck. Columbia is a great school with a great jazz program, and located in the jazz mecca that is NYC. If you get in and decide to attend, I think you'd enjoy it there.
The legendary cellist Pablo Casals was asked why he continued to practice at age 90. He replied "Because I think I am making progress."
Again, I wish you the best of luck.
Devotion to jazz will certainly help. "Character is also important." I am sure your written statements about "being the best" do not reflect your attitudes in person, but do keep in mind that personal qualities matter as well
Did you decide against a music school?
One reason I think competitions and even early successes in the arts can sometimes be problematic, is that they do give an impression of being "the best." Attention is sometimes lavished on precocious young people. Things can change once you are a freshman- not saying they will- but as jazzpianodad said and Casals indicated, you have a lifetime of growth as a musician ahead of you. Enjoy and good luck!
I just want to say that I am in awe of your talent and brains! What a great combo! I would imagine that it makes things a bit difficult as from what I can see - most musicians are very focused on their craft to the exception of many other things. Bravo to you to want to try and do both. Columbia sounds like the perfect program for you. I wish I could offer up some advice - but just wanted to send you a bit of encouragement.