Settle an argument- playing an instrument appealing for college entrance?

[Anonymous]

I’m Asian I say yes, it’s important; my husband says it doesn’t matter. He went to a mediocre public school, didn’t play an instrument, he did play football in high school. DH was a heavy partier in college but is now a high level executive. I tell him times are different and now everything counts; a commitment to an instrument shows perseverance, diligence, and accomplishment. He says blah, not vital; a person can BS they played an instrument...

[Anonymous]

It's something to write an essay about, but won't be a hook unless you are Julliard caliber. Unfortunately, the money you have invested in lessons and an instrument would be better off in an athletic endeavor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's something to write an essay about, but won't be a hook unless you are Julliard caliber. Unfortunately, the money you have invested in lessons and an instrument would be better off in an athletic endeavor.

There are many talented musicians playing in university orchestras which have a need for certain instruments. So many, in fact, they have to hold what's called 'auditions.'

Maybe you've heard of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's something to write an essay about, but won't be a hook unless you are Julliard caliber. Unfortunately, the money you have invested in lessons and an instrument would be better off in an athletic endeavor.

There are many talented musicians playing in university orchestras which have a need for certain instruments. So many, in fact, they have to hold what's called 'auditions.'

Maybe you've heard of it.

And you can bet the 'athletic endeavor' had better be of the Julliard caliber. Nobody is recruiting a mediocre athlete.

[Anonymous]

It means nothing unless you truly excel.

[Anonymous]

Did your husband benefit from white privilege? He sounds dumb.

[Anonymous]

I truly hope this isn't an argument about why your four year old must suffer through Suzuki violin even though she cries every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It means nothing unless you truly excel.

+1 it's just like anything else. Anyone can take lessons for ten years, but that just shows the family has resources to pay not that a child is dedicated or even happy playing it.

[Anonymous]

I’m with you, OP. A long time playing an instrument shows commitment, roundedness, and a bit of culturedness. By itself it’s not much unless super-talented, but as part of a package it’s an enhancement.

Tell us more why you’re arguing about this. Does your child want to quit and you don’t want him to?

[Anonymous]

It's a hook if you excel and plan to play in some type of ensemble in college.

[Anonymous]

Lol......way to reinforce asian stereotypes.

Your husband is correct.

[Anonymous]

Not really. Basically, it’s only a handful of schools where (non-sports) ECs make a big difference and those are schools where you need to be exceptionally good at them as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m with you, OP. A long time playing an instrument shows commitment, roundedness, and a bit of culturedness. By itself it’s not much unless super-talented, but as part of a package it’s an enhancement.

Tell us more why you’re arguing about this. Does your child want to quit and you don’t want him to?

Yes, DC wants to quit; Since I bought the instrument and paid for the lessons this year, I advised her that she had to play for the rest of the school year- finish Elementary school. I hate fighting, I think I’ll give up this battle. I know she won’t be playing in college never mind high school.

[Anonymous]

What matters MOST, OP, is having excellent grades at school and excellent SAT/ACT scores.
Then it matters that those grades are in advanced classes, not in regular classes.
Then it matters that the child can show he did something else apart from studying for those, and that's where the extra-curricular stuff comes in.
He has to have extra-curriculars in this country.
Whatever he likes best and is good at, because he has to show he persevered and reached a top level.

In my (Asian) house, we love music. Sports are out, because we're very put off by the sports culture here (we love to hike, but the unfairness of college applications dictate that excellence be quantifiable and compared to others).
So my kids sing in a semi-professional choir and one of them plays an instrument. It's a very common one, so she would have to be extra-top-notch to use it as a college hook. But that's the one she loves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It means nothing unless you truly excel.

+1 it's just like anything else. Anyone can take lessons for ten years, but that just shows the family has resources to pay not that a child is dedicated or even happy playing it.

Nobody takes lessons for ten years to be mediocre or just along for the ride, and I come from a family of musicians, am one myself, and know a bunch of music teachers. Any teacher worth their salt is going to let you ride unrpductively.