Just asking for honest feedback. I have recorded a take for my art's supplements for college. I will not be applying for a performance arts college and just thought that colleges like to see applicants that have musical talent.

Is that true?

Audition Tape

I also made an application tape, back when I applied to general liberal arts colleges. (I remember very clearly: I put on the first movement of Prokofiev's 6th, an original composition, and a few improvisations.) I think it helped.

-J

I think if it's at least pretty good, it can only help -- and this is pretty good! (I listened to some of the beginning.) And something else - since this isn't for a performance program, I think actually what they'll appreciate getting from the video just as much as your music is that they get an impression of you as a person. I think that part of it will be beneficial, because I think you come off very well.

About the playing: There are rhythmic issues (which you may know about!) and so I don't think this would be good if it were for a performance program, but for what you're saying, I think your playing will be seen as impressive. There is much in this Bach that is excellent.

Hey Conner,

I agree with Mark - this is really nice playing for a non-music major, and you seem like a nice guy. Just watch your comma usage when you write your application essays

Actually I thought it was fine without any commas.

(You probably would have wanted a comma or two in ^^ that sentence....)

I think he meant apostrophes.

It's an Arts Supplement, not an Art's Supplement.

Or, if someone named "Art" were submitting, it would be called Art's Arts Supplement.

Oh OK.


And that's just the beginning!

Suppose we were talking about "the science of art." That would be "art science."
So, if we're talking about the ART of art, which is what we usually do, it's "art art."

So if someone named Art were submitting a supplement of that....

Whoops, guess I'm not infallible either! Yes, of course I meant apostrophes.

To answer the OP...nobody seems to really know how arts supplements work or how much weight they get in the application process.

I get the feeling that every school is a little different, and the range of ability for the applicants varies greatly.

I think that unless you're playing poorly (which you're not), including an arts supplement can't hurt.

What's difficult is that you're at the mercy of perception, which can be a tricky thing. For example:

Your video is edited using different camera angles. I can see a situation where any of the following could occur:

1) It's a bonus - they understand that editing this kind of project is difficult and shows that you have a familiarity with audio/video editing techniques.

2) It's not a bonus - They find the editing distracting.

3) It's skimmed over quickly - "oh, a piano player, that's nice" - and they move on after watching 30 seconds.

4) It's a huge bonus - a member of the faculty review committee has a particular interest in what you have to offer.

5) It doesn't make much of a difference - because all the students have a good arts supplement and nobody stands out.

Thanks for all of the enthusiastic replies! It's nice to hear that at the very least I've had a chance to spend the time editing and playing piano (two activities I rather enjoy); and based on the feedback that it's not the worst performance I feel rather good that I put the effort in to make the video.

The worst part of the whole situation was that set up to have a sound tech record the whole thing, but he showed up over 40 minutes late. My dad and I decided to wing it shortly after he was supposed to arrive. As soon as the guy showed up and we sent him home and it stressed my out. My performance tanked. What started as a recording of Bach's 2nd French Suite turned into a Debussy that I didn't realize was recorded, a self-encore Chopin Nocturne and 55 seconds out of an hour's worth of footage of Bach...

Here's to finishing my application tonight! It's been difficult trying to cram a life's worth of knowledge into 6 essays and an activities roster. Thanks for lifting my spirits just when I need it