Are some instruments more competitive for colleges/conservatories?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My Asian daughter picked the violin. She's the poster child of what not to be and what not to do, ha! I jest

Any non-solo instrument will be less competitive than the leading solo ones: violin, piano, cello, flute, clarinet. People don't choose instruments because they're "classy" (shudder - OP, please don't be that person!), but because they're portable and they've heard many concertos with the leading voice of that instrument. It inspires them, and it's practical from a daily use point of view. Few parents want to lug a full-size harp or double bass around, you know? Those don't fit into every car! Also, a few instruments are sometimes not recommended for beginners, like the oboe. Some teachers recommend starting on the clarinet, then moving to oboe. Same for contrabassoon or harmony clarinet.

Same! My DD is a soprano (voice) — as is everyone else.

[Anonymous]

It really comes down to what the schools need. This cycle, I think they were asking for oboes. Next year, it could be bassoons.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:rare yet needed instrument is good

What sorts of instruments are needed?

Don't think like that, because you can never predict what colleges will need for their orchestra or band on any given year. There is no constant shortage in one particular instrument. It's just that maybe their Principal violist graduated, and they're looking for a brilliant violist the year your viola-playing kid applies. I hope you understand this is a total lottery situation.

If your kid want to make it all the way to 12th grade with their instrument, he or she really needs to think about what they like about this instrument (ask teachers and students about all the nitty gritty - for example, French horn has that spit problem, oboe you're always fiddling with reeds, etc). Otherwise they will abandon it before it helps for college applications!

That's true. I guess I'm just wondering because many of the school bands/orchestras I known (including the one at Oberlin) have none of the instruments my kid is interested in, and I worry that applying with them would be a total non-starter.

What instrument(s) is your kid interested in?

- Taiko drums
- Contrabass clarinet
- Pennywhistle
- Vuvuzela
- Tenor horn

How old is your child?

4th grade but musically passionate beyond his years.

He's a bit young for wind/brass instruments. Maybe you can get him started on percussion, and see how he likes it (not Taiko drums), and when he's older, he can decide if he wants to go down that path, or choose a different instrument.

Not really. FCPS starts strings in 3rd and band in 4th. Before that, it’s record (Ugghh!).

Strings can be started early. After all, there are 2 and 3 year old violinists. FCPS starts band in 5th grade ( DD’s school started strings in 4th).