Hey folks! I am a clarinet player from Texas submitting applications to various colleges and universities. I was principal chair of my intensive at Interlochen and was first chair E-Flat Clarinet at TMEA All-State in 2023. I have had lessons with many high-level professors, one of whom told me that I would easily get into a specific, moderately prestigious school of music.
I have, however, recently become worried that my clarinet playing will not be up to snuff. I have not been taking lessons lately (long story), I didn’t qualify for several competitions this last year (some of which should have been an easy admission) and I haven’t been practicing as much as I did junior year since I decided not to go into music. I have no idea what to do, especially because music is a major part (indeed, the main part) of my application. I have two pieces that are in good enough shape to be able to play for this (Osborne Rhapsody and Stravinsky Three Pieces).
The places I’m considering submitting are
Macalester
Richmond
Wesleyan
Colby
Grinnell
Middlebury (unsure if I’ll apply here)
I have an Instagram page that showcases my playing ability that I can send to anyone who DM’s me. I can also send any auditions I have, but I’m not going to post it on this thread. TIA:)
I would definitely submit artistic supplements. As I’m sure you know, these are all LACs and not conservatories. They are looking for folks with a variety of skills, and may (or may not be) looking for clarinet players. The supp will demonstrate your interest and ability in music. That said, I don’t know what the admissions offices do with supplements (that is, if they forward them to profs in the music department or not), but even if they do, I’m guessing that the music department’s assessment will not push the needle greatly. (It isn’t like an athletic coach with spots for players). So I’d submit to show interest and ability to the AOs, especially if it ties in with your essay (and I’m sure it will with your ECs). FWIW my D submitted art supps to LACs last year (for studio art) and my best guess is they helped to differentiate her app from others.
So I had a recent conversation with someone on the inside at Stanford about this and here’s what they told me: they (the music teachers) review artistic supplements every year. If the person is decent, likely to fit into existing departmental ensembles (which given your experience would definitely apply to you) it would be helpful. If the person is extraordinary (=competitive for Curtis or Juilliard) and fits a critical need, it would be extra helpful. But the bottom line is that it can’t hurt – at least not at Stanford. I’ve heard similar from someone who teaches at Duke. Do it! (caveats apply: don’t wear sweatpants, do a decent job with production, etc.)
I remember one school admissions officer (I can’t remember which school) said that supps will only help your application, they won’t hurt. So don’t worry that your playing isn’t as good as it could be, I think the supp wouldn’t hurt your chances regardless.
Do it. My daughter threw together a last minute art portfolio by literally taking pictures of her sketchbook (!) and wound up getting a fine arts scholarship at her LAC. Absolutely worth it.
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