Music most assuredly can be a hook (was for my child) at each of the four schools to which the OP is applying. However, a high level of performance and commitment on an orchestral instrument is much more impactful to admissions than on piano. My understanding is that pianists have to be really great and advanced (think Juilliard-prep students playing Rachmaninoff concertos, for example) for it to make a significant difference in admissions. But if the music directors think the OP is a great violinist who will really help their orchestras, her chances for admission are improved.
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