<p>I play a pretty unique instrument that I’m guessing a very small percentage of the applicant pool plays (the instrument’s sitar; it’s an Indian classical instrument). I’m pretty good at it, but I am not by any means an amazing/masterclass player. To show my creative side, I created my own Sitar composition, and did a fusion piece with Saxophone (another instrument I play), and I’m going to record it. My question is, if I send this into the admissions office of a particular college would it:<br>
a)benefit me because I can show my creativity and diverse talents
b) look bad because I’m not planning on majoring in music/I’m not the most amazing Sitar player
c)look bad because whoever listens to it (music department, adcom, etc.) will be unfamiliar with Sitar and won’t know what to do with it.
d) do no harm at all
If it is indeed a good idea, would I send the CD directly to the admissions committee? How would I go about doing this. Also would it get sent to the music department of the college directly?</p>
<p>The thread here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/738525-how-strong-music-ec.html?highlight=music</a> is general background. Specific supplement thread links in posts 28,79 and 154, some of which will bring you some “out of the box” scenarios.</p>
<p>It may be worth a data point or two, it may be worth nothing at all. It is completely contingent on the school, if they accept supps (and in what medium), and how they may weigh a supp in assessing admissions. Typically schools using a holistic rather than a straight grades/stats based approach are the ones that will accept or encourage supplements.</p>
<p>Pay attention to specific guidelines for EACH school’s submission parameters, they will vary, often widely. As for your specific situation, I would advise contacting the schools directly and speak to the admissions officer that oversees musical supplements. </p>
<p>The other issue is assessing your level of talent. Granted, it is not a typical western instrument, but average or intermediate musical ability is commonplace. Do not forget that you are competing within a national, and often an international pool of talent.</p>
<p>My sense is mostly (d), and typically it wouldn’t be listened to.</p>
<p>The exception would be if you play regularly in venues that have a significant knowledgeable audience, that you are known as a sitar player in your school and community, that you’ve possibly traveled and played to a significant audience outside of your community. Have your received positive formal reviews? In this case showcase that aspect of yourself in the application.</p>
<p>Also what is your intent regarding playing when you get to college? Is there a significant connection between your interest in continuing to play and the colleges (and their communities) to which you’re applying? If so make that clear in your application.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice violadad and I’m sorry I didn’t realize you already had numerous posts on this subject. I haven’t done public concerts, but I’ve been playing for 5 years and I have considerable talent. I would definitely continue playing in college if there were opportunities (they would probably be rare). If this couldn’t hurt me, but could only help, is there any harm in sending something?</p>
<p>At the admissions infosession at Harvard, the rep said that they enjoyed any form of creativity. He mentioned that they were about to reject a kid, when he sent them a unique trumpet composition which made appreciate his creativity and led to his acceptance. Now I know this case is likely an anomaly, but would colleges give me a plus for creativity, and going out of the box?
Also thanks to fogcity for your input.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Herein lies the rub: musical self-assessment is extremely difficult. Have you self taught, or developed under a private instructor? Five years of playing is NOT necessarily a long time for a string instrument. A lot depends on your musical training and background. Now having said that, if you have acknowledgments and accolades from knowledgeable sitarists who have mastered the instrument, or music professionals, you have a valid benchmark. </p>
<p>It will hurt if you send a supp to schools that do not want one. It will hurt if there are stated parameters that are not followed. It will hurt if your talents are “average” and the school suggests that only those with “exceptional” talents (be they musical, artistic, or otherwise) should submit.</p>
<p>Otherwise, it should not hurt you. On the same token, realize it may not help you either. If it is part of “who you are”, it is a plus, provided the caveats above are met.</p>
<p>Look for some past posts by Northstarmom, who has commented often on the intricacies of EC’s in Ivy, particularly Harvard admissions. The anecdote does not surprise me, but on the same token realize that the student was admitted because a number of things were equal, and his submission reflected what the school wanted or needed in assembling the profile of that admission pool. It would not surprise me that in addition to that composition the student had serious composition training and background, and a conservatory level ability on trumpet. And all his other factors for Harvard admission were highly competitive.</p>
<p>Thanks violadad…i did not mean to come off as headstrong/snobbish by saying I have considerable talent…I am taught by a professional renowned teacher but I’ll have to think carefully before sending in this supplement, because I am not exceptional/conservatory level. Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>Read EACH school’s parameters. You need not necessarily be at conservatory level for it to make a difference at some programs. Some specify exceptional, or above average. At those that do, submitting below that level can hurt you.</p>
<p>Ask your instructor, as he has a broader range of experience in assessing talent and skill sets across a broader base. Submitting artistic supps are in many cases judgment calls, but the more professional music feedback you have, the stronger the chances of your submission having an impact.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>