<p>Just reread my post. When I said “you don’t need to advertise that” I meant to adcoms, not us. I don’t mind if you brag to us, but let the colleges think you’re completely devoted, especially since you obviously play quite well.</p>
<p>We wrestled with this same question. All 4 kids have taken piano since kindergarten, but S2 really excelled and enjoys it. He practices 3-4 hours a day, when time permits, just because he loves it. Has won some local competitions, repeatedly asked to play at school events, and received compliments from other teachers, but we have no idea how he compares. He will not major in music (unless he is able to double major with it) but would like to minor in it, if allowed.</p>
<p>He decided to send a CD of a few of his pieces along with a letter of recommendation from his piano teacher. We figured that even though he’s not ready for Carnegie Hall, he’s pretty good and if nothing else, it supports the piano hours he listed on his application and shows longtime comittment and dedication.</p>
<p>My D recently made the decision NOT to pursue a performance degree, though she wants to continue playing (violin) for her own pleasure, and will definintely look for performance opportunities when she gets to college. (A lively vibrant musical scene for non-majors is one of her priorities.) But I am not sure if she’s going to submit a CD or not, she’s still a little undecided about that. Music has been her major EC – at least 20 hrs/week when you add up orchestra, serious level of practicing, private lessons…) and it shows up as such on her “brag sheet,” as well as her separate music resume, which also indicates her performance repertoire (another way to give an experienced reader an idea of your level of accomplishment). </p>
<p>I am pretty sure, based on the level of detail it reflects, that her application will paint an accurate picture of her musical accomplishments, whether or not she sends in a CD. (co-concertmistress of major statewide Youth Orchestra in addition to 5 years in regional YO, performances at Tanglewood, Carnegie Hall, European concert tour…)The recording would be nice, but given all the stress of applications, essays, senior year classes, etc, I’m certainly not going to push her to do this.</p>
<p>So just be aware that there are other ways besides a recording to demonstrate your musical talent, interest and accomplishments.</p>
<p>Stewy,</p>
<p>I would advise you to send a CD to any of your schools that mention the possibility and to ask other admissions offices whether they accept music supplements. </p>
<p>At the very least, submitting a CD documents an additional level of interest, and at some selective schools where they turn away many qualified applicants (particularly where the drill is for the applied music teachers to rate the CDs and send a rating or evaluation letter to the admissions office), it can help set you apart from other applicants with similar academic stats and ECs.</p>