If my instrumental ability is, let’s say, at a Julliard-level or any other high conservatory-level, could that be considered a “wow” factor even though I don’t have a single national/state award for music or anything in general? And of course this will be demonstrated through a music supplement. Thanks.
Now this caught my attention. What instrument do you play? Where are you auditioning at? And why have you not tried any competitions or youth ensembles, orchestras, etc?
@Chopinspiano Not sure if that was sarcastic or not but I’ll roll with it haha. Sax. Not auditioning, only sending a music supplement for admissions purposes. Long story short, financial/family situation. It’s all explained within my music LOR (I even received a direct request from one of the officers of my all-states jazz band to audition). I emailed random music professors from Berklee, my local CC, etc. They all said above-above-above average remarks (I don’t want to sound boastful in any way, and that’s why I mentioned the Julliard-level and conservatory-level). One professor even said that he was surprised that I’m a high schooler.
Would that be equivalent to a kid who felt they played baseball at a NCAA top school level even though they didn’t play in any showcases or win any awards?
What are you planning on studying?
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If he thought you were Juilliard good, wouldn’t he have just offered you a seat without an audition?
Are you applying as a music major? If so, then I assume you would have to audition and your audition would stand on its own. If you are applying as something else and hoping that your music ability would be a hook, then I don’t think that would happen. If you have no third party verification (such as awards, titles, etc) that you have the skills you say then it isn’t going to really help. If fact it make lead to some skepticism as you have found in the responses to this thread.
@iwannabe_Brown there are technicality issues there with all state. It could happen, but its the same reason a hooked applicant would have to send an application even though they know they’d be accepted to certain schools
I would say that it is a very strong EC but unless the school is recruiting orchestra/jazz band members, it is not likely a “wow”. And I would guess that music supplements are taken with a grain of salt as they don’t know for sure who actually played on the recording – I would think you will need to audition at some point.
Why would you not audition for All State?
Playing an instrument at an extremely high level can potentially be a “wow” factor, but only if it’s presented properly. In my opinion, a music supplement, with nothing else, is unlikely to have much effect.
I see it as analogous to sending a football coach film of some great punting, passing, or blocking, but with the player wearing a helmet so there’s no way to know if the player and the applicant are the same person. The coach might be intrigued, but he’d need more before he’d support the application.
Not sure what “Julliard level” means in jazz.
If you’re a killer player like you indicate, your supplement will get passed up the food chain and you’ll get a good response. It will be a “wow” factor.
Unfortunately I have no way of knowing how good you really are and frankly I don’t trust the opinion of most “experts”. Let’s just assume you’re right.
Awards may mean something to admissions but as far as the “jazz” part of the music dept, the lack of awards shouldn’t mean jack, unless they’re complete morons.
Just make sure you include a couple classics and kill it. And I mean like Cherokee in several different keys and in tempo but starting out as a ballad. Or maturely interpert a standard ballad (like an obscure Strayhorn tune) then go doubletime feel, with some amazing reharmonizations, etc.etc. If you have stylistic breadth even better.
Play like you’re auditioning for the Mingus’ Big Band in NY. Do you get it ?
Unlike classical there really isn’t an issue of there not being a “slot” for you if you’re at a elite level.
Also try and send a video or a video link not a CD.
The great veteran players love it when hot shots come out of nowhere.
FYI I used to teach at Berklee and NYU in the Jazz depts , just so you know i’m not coming out of nowhere with this.
For everyone asking about state, I mentioned it in the thread already but I’ll reiterate it. Long story short, financial/family issues, unless you want to get specific then PM me (which would be awkwardly strange to be asked about from a stranger but oh well haha).
@me29034 @happy1 @sherpa I’m intention for using my music supplement is for admissions purposes. If I were to audition, then it would be an live audition for admissions (which I would have no way of affording each plane ticket) or auditioning for selective ensembles once I get in.
And for those mentioning about third party verification, it’s not like I have absolutely nothing haha. I’m a part of my church’s community-based all-adult jazz band (currently 1st chair of sax section) and the head of the church just happens to be a former music professor at a music conservatory from another country, who’s writing a LOR for me. Would this be enough “verification/credibility” for the sake of my music supplement? Unfortunately, I don’t have any state/national awards but only local awards due to lack of opportunity.
I ask purely because I’m interested in how All State works in other parts of the country. No need to elaborate on personal details about your family/financial issues but can you clarify how your state would require a student to pay or otherwise put themselves in financial stress in order to audition for All State?
In Texas the All State process doesn’t cost the students a penny. If a student makes it all the way to the level of an All State musician, they attend the Texas Music Educators Association conference at no cost to them. Transportation, hotel, and food is covered and they are given a modest stipend for spending.
Good luck on your education adventure!
I’m extremely late and idk why I didn’t get the notification for this but no there was no sarcasm in my 1st comment merely curiosity! 
I’ve attended some really good music camps where the faculty was composed of highly talented musicians that have traveled to perform and are professors at colleges, and they have told me(at least for their colleges) that music auditions/supplements good be a significant boost but only if you are planning on majoring or minoring in music or for scholarships.
Also a lot of colleges now allow you to submit videos in lieu of live auditions in the instance that the student couldn’t afford it, though this may only be useful if you’re not a senior.
I wouldn’t worry about your lack of awards. Not everyone has those opportunities. Let your talent speak for itself!