<p>I am not going to be a music major. Should i still contact the music programs at colleges? And will it help me get into the colleges?</p>
<p>If you’re not going to be a music major, there is no point in contacting the music program. It won’t help anymore than playing sports or any other EC will (unless you’ve been playing for awhile and have played in some impressive solos at landmark locations). At best it shows talent. At worse it’s just another EC (which isn’t bad at all).</p>
<p>Many people have played instruments in high school. Unless they were applying for a music program, they didn’t make it any more important than it already was.</p>
<p>Disagree. If you are at the level where you could be considered conservatory-quality, then absolutely send a CD of some of your repertoire. I would avoid contacting music departments depending on the school, but if you have the resources/time/talent, then a (truly) high quality CD can only help you.</p>
<p>nygirl, you’ve gotten two answers, neither is right or wrong.</p>
<p>First, you need identify your level of talent, training, experience. Are you average, semi-committed, had years of training and immersion experience, awards, accolades or competition placements? Do you care if you ever pick up an oboe again or could not live without it? Or does it not matter either way?</p>
<p>If you have an honest desire to play in college, even recreationally, I would suggest you try and make contact with the music departments of the schools that interest you. The opportunities for interested students vary considerably, as does the quality of the program. Some include lessons, some don’t. Some will welcome proficient, average level players. Some might even offer small scholarships for a committment to participate even as a non-music major. The parameters are school specific and will require investigation. Details are usually within the school’s music website. In most cases you will be able to find a suitable level to continue to play if that is your wish.</p>
<p>If you don’t intend to continue to play, there’s no need for direct contact.</p>
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<p>The short answer is probably not. The long answer is it might add a data point or three.</p>
<p>Using music as an EC is quite common, and it can range from standard one to three years
of high school experience to years of high level training from an early age, intense summer immersion, competition placements and “From the Top” appearances. The importance will vary, and some schools may even take the top end as a tipping point. </p>
<p>The talent level can be important. There are many conservatory level players entering college who don’t go into music. They may cease playing altogether, or put it on hold for academic pursuits. There are also students with advanced skills and proficiencies that don’t want to major in music but wish to continue to play. This point is the key.</p>
<p>The specific instrument may also play a role. A talented oboist, bassonist, violist, harpist, tuba or euphonium player may well be a plus in many smaller programs, where many ensemble/orchestral spots may be unfilled or under filled.</p>
<p>All other things being equal, if a program wants or needs an oboe spot filled and one candidate plays and is willing to continue, the other does not play, it can sway an admissions spot.</p>
<p>In reality, the answer depends on you and your proficiency and intent, and the schools you apply to.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>