<p>would the fact that i can play both the violin and the chinese violin, or the “erhu” as it’s affectionately known as an effective hook?</p>
<p>I should think the erhu would be a selling point. If you make a CD of your performance, it could be evaluated by an ethnomusicologist.</p>
<p>How many other people can play erhu? I love the sound of it, and I love listening to Chinese ensembles. If you can organize an ensemble locally, and perform together, THAT would be a hook, I think. </p>
<p>What’s the name of your favorite erhu piece? </p>
<p>I had a friend who plays pipa, who now lives out of state. She played “Yizu Wuqu” (I think that’s the usual name for that piece) once at a party I was at, which was heavenly.</p>
<p>um… not many people in america that’s for sure 
i find it difficult to make an ensemble, as it was difficult enough for me to find a symphony to play in “semi-professional” thankyouverymuch :D… i don’t have a favorite piece, but my i like “dun lee chrun” i really can’t spell the person’s name but they play beautifully… as for a recording, i’m not sure the adcoms would appreciate it, as i’m trying to learn pekingese opera style 
so far… self taught, and using a ‘borrowed’ instrument, hopefully this summer i can buy one in taiwan and find a teacher :)</p>
<p>Please don’t take this the wrong way, but if you want to go to Harvard or Yale you’ll be better off being able to throw a football 50 yards or a baseball 95 mph. Yes, I’m a cynic, but I’m also a realist. I’m also an Ivy League parent.</p>
<p>IMO a questionable hook. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>How sincerely are you interested in the instrument? Some might conclude that you are merely trying to fabricate a cool-looking hook. Do you study Chinese, Chinese culture, history? Is the instrument somehow harmonious with and integral to your life or is it a dissonant addendum? </p></li>
<li><p>Are you any good at it? If you don’t have a teacher, perhaps you are not, when compared to your skill at violin. Mediocrity at an EC won’t help much at a top school. At a minimum, without some sort of recommendation or history of performance, the Admissions Office will have difficulty evaluating this hook.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>IMO a useful hook is a significant, sincere and passionate expression of your inner self. Will the Admissions Office believe that your interest in this instrument qualifies?</p>
<p>Cujoe169 - If the erhu gets you out of NJ then I say it’s served you well! But on a more serious note, I don’t think the erhu qualifies as a hook. But the fact that you have extended your musical talents with additional instruments is proof to me that you are the kind of student MANY fine institutions will gladly accept. Best of luck with you college applications.</p>
<p>i’m asian… so i guess it could show cultural roots? i’m not amazingly good at it, but i’m proficient, as compared to the violin, i guess you could say i suck… the reason i took an interest in this was partially because my grandfather loved the instrument, but could never play it, i thought i’d try to pick it up :)</p>
<p>@browninfall - i have tried the baseball thing, couldn’t hack it… when the other kids are throwin low 80’s and you’re throwin 72 it’s not good… lol</p>
<p>Hey, I like the part about your grandfather, you could build on that. Then it won’t matter if you are any good, since you have a good reason to take up the instrument besides trying to get into college. :)</p>