<p>I play three instruments. I’ve played the piano for 11 years, the violin for 6 years, and the erhu for 2 years. Should I do an arts supplement? I’ve won awards for the violin. I’ve played the erhu for charities. I’m not a prodigy on any of the instruments, but I’m experienced technically. Which instrument if any should I perform?</p>
<p>no, arts supplements are for those who wish to major or minor in music (may be used as part of an audition process to get into the school of music), and/or have won numerous meaningful and competitive awards (eg all state, national music festivals). Colleges have enough materials from you to view, they don’t want to hear the average or above average player (especially on violin, there’s way too many players). Think about it this way, people who submit supplements may have played solo at carnegie hall. How would your playing stack up against theirs?</p>
<p>It depends - I am very, very dedicated to theatre, but I’m not sure if I want to have it be one of my majors - if I did, I’d do a BA programme rather than a BFA programme. If the colleges to which you’re applying offer BAs in music, NOT BFAs, you’re truly good at your instruments, you love playing them/have spent a lot of your time devoted to them, and plan on continuing them in college, then go for it. When I’ve asked colleges the same question about my theatre portfolio, they’ve said the same thing.</p>
<p>Out of those… hmm. I like the idea of submitting an erhu supplement because it’s so unique (and such a beautiful instrument). A lot of other people will be submitting supplements for piano and violin, but erhu would make you stand out more. HOWEVER, though music faculty will be reviewing your supplement, because it’s an Eastern instrument, they may not have as good of a grasp on what they should be looking for/how to tell how talented you are, versus piano and violin, which they would have a good idea about.</p>
<p>Good luck; let me know if you have any more questions!</p>
<p>@LAMuniv Music faculty don’t often see music supplements. Only if the supplement is very good and they want further evaluation or if its sent directly to the music department, say as an entrance to the school of music supplement. This varies by college of course.</p>
<p>I can’t tell you about theater, but the above is what i’ve found to be a general consensus for music (my brother’s at a conservatory and I received two full tuition music scholarships, so I’ve done quite a bit of research on it).</p>
<p>All of the colleges I’ve looked at specifically say that music faculty review supplements, but maybe it’s just the type of colleges I looked/am looking at (small, private LACs). I have hardly any knowledge about conservatory programmes, but for BA programmes, I have talked to adcoms about music supplements (I originally thought I would submit a classical piano supplement rather than a stage management portfolio), even though I wasn’t interested in majoring in music. They all had the same response.</p>
<p>OP, several questions, if you don’t mind: are you considering majoring in music, do the schools you’re applying to have a BFA or a BA programme, and what kinds of schools are you looking at (i.e. large research universities, LACs, etc.)?</p>
<p>(Also to OP): I recommend you also ask this in the Music Major forum as well - even if you aren’t planning on majoring in music, these guys will be able to help you out: <a href=“Music Major - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/</a>. Most of the posts are specific to conservatory programmes, but if you use the search function, you’ll be able to find some helpful posts :)</p>
<p>Looked into this as well - and our takeaway was not to do supplements where there was a music school (ie they simply listen to too many kids who are majoring in music) but there might some value in a school with a small department (or none) and a lot of ensembles to fill. Best to contact the music department at the schools and ask them specifically if they like to get supplements and if so, how are they handled in the application process. The other question to ask is if they prefer a full piece or excerpts from various pieces or types of ensembles/instruments. </p>
<p>^ This is what I’ve heard as well. Also, colleges will post their specific requirements for their music supplements on Slideroom (if they want you to submit a Slideroom supplement). Keep in mind that there is a small additional cost involved with submitting a Slideroom supplement.</p>
<p>I feel like an art supplement as in painting and drawing is more common, i have never heard of somebody submitting music as a supplement though… </p>
<p>@thegrant lots of people submit music supplements. I’ve had the opposite experience actually. Mainly because most schools require one for a music major (to get into the school of music).</p>
<p>My D submitted supplements for dance and music, even though she plans to major in Engineering. She felt like it would show versatility and commitment. Most colleges have said to submit a supplement if you plan to pursue that activity in college. Also, some have arts scholarships even if you aren’t majoring. </p>