Over the years, I’ve prepped dozens of students for live recordings (which we are well equipped to do at my studio) submitted as music supplements for college applications. I do believe these can help any applicant, not just those applying as performance majors. Some who have spent several years at the piano and have reached intermediate-advanced levels choose to write about music in their college essays or highlight their involvement in school orchestras and jazz bands, with the recordings adding a real-life dimension to what’s presented in the written application. I’m not completely sure how the process works, but I’m sure the admissions department sends these to the music faculty for review. A strong player can get favorable ratings, helping with their overall admission. (Even earning a prestigious scholarship!)

Here’s Sebastian Perry with his submissions: “Esquisse” Op 76 #1 (Jean Sibelius) and Invention #13 (J.S. Bach). We wish him all the best as he begins his studies at Babson College, Wellesley, MA!