Listing playing guitar as activity on amcas app?

[ravens11]

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I taught myself to play guitar while in college (about 3 years ago) and have recently started writing music, but I don't play in a band or anything. Should I list this on the work/activities section on the amcas app?

 

[JaggerPlate]

I taught myself to play guitar while in college (about 3 years ago) and have recently started writing music, but I don't play in a band or anything. Should I list this on the work/activities section on the amcas app?

It depends on how much you rock?? I mean, if it's something you really want to discuss in potential interviews or feel makes you unique then sure. However, I think a lotttt of people in college own a beat up old acoustic and can strum a chord or two. It's up to you how you want to use up one of your activities spaces. Just my $.02

 

[Picklesali]

I taught myself to play guitar while in college (about 3 years ago) and have recently started writing music, but I don't play in a band or anything. Should I list this on the work/activities section on the amcas app?

A lot of people put musical endeavors on their AMCAS - however, since you aren't involved in anything formal, I would leave it out unless you can't think of anything better. If it is something that you spend a significant amount of your time pursuing, than you should definitely find some way to mention it - either in the activities section, your PS, or other app essays.

 

[radxbandit]

I taught myself to play guitar while in college (about 3 years ago) and have recently started writing music, but I don't play in a band or anything. Should I list this on the work/activities section on the amcas app?

yes, i'm mentioning it on mine. what kind of gutiar are you playing?

 

[Livingapparatus]

depends, how good are you?

 

[Chemist0157]

If the AMCAS went to the trouble to have a "Hobbies" option in the Work/Activities section, medical schools must want to see them. Every EC does not have to be relevant to medicine (many of ours definitely are not). Adcoms want to see that we have good GPAs/MCAT scores without studying constantly and that we do have some uniqueness through our hobbies.

If guitar is a topic that you can spend some time talking about it (because it may come up in the interview), I'd say go for it. I'm considering incorporating all the camping/canoeing/hiking I've done through the years since it all started in Boy Scouts and continued after I got my Eagle. It's not medically-related, but it is a significant part of my life.

 

[ravens11]

yes, i'm mentioning it on mine. what kind of gutiar are you playing?

I have a fender acoustic and a gibson les paul electric (thanks to atlantic city). I figured mentioning gambling as a hobby wouldn't be too wise, even though I've made a fairly large sum of money playing 5/10 nl hold em in the past year....or would it?

Or were you asking about the style? If so, i'm mostly in to classic rock solos (I'm past the basic riff phase): GNR, hendrix, etc. I only got into theory about a year ago and my play has improved immensely since then.

I've written my own music, but I've never been in a band or done anything formal so I more than likely won't list it; however, I could see myself trying to get into a band while in med school just for fun.

I was just wondering because I have seen mods say to list activities such as a pottery or art classes. In my oppinion, teaching ones self a musical instrument is much more impressive than going to a once a week class for 2 months and saying that you know how to make a bowl at the conclusion.

 

[Livingapparatus]

On the les paul, single cut or double?

Put it in your hobbies it wont hurt, I seriously doubt they are gonna ask you the third note in F dorian scale and then pull out a guitar and ask you to play a piece.

 

[radxbandit]

On the les paul, single cut or double?

Put it in your hobbies it wont hurt, I seriously doubt they are gonna ask you the third note in F dorian scale and then pull out a guitar and ask you to play a piece.

that would be the best interview ever.

 

[ravens11]

On the les paul, single cut or double?

Put it in your hobbies it wont hurt, I seriously doubt they are gonna ask you the third note in F dorian scale and then pull out a guitar and ask you to play a piece.

Double cut.

True I guess it wouldn't hurt. But as a previos poster said, it's the lack of formality thing that I think might hurt me. Even though I practice 1-2 hours a day on average, Adcoms might group me in with the typical frat boy who owns a guitar and might be able to play the opening riff to "smoke under water," but besides that, can't play worth a damn.

Am i good enough to be in a band? Yes. Have I? No. This second answer will group me in with that frat boy.

 

[Richie Truxillo]

I listed it on both my apps. Made for great conversation during interviews.

 

[The Nephilim]

I listed it. Works out great. I was actually on a mini-tour when I stopped in at one school for an interview. I told them that and got in. 😀

But yeah, I don't think it matters that you haven't been in a group or anything. An interest is an interest. You can define yourself however you want. Doesn't have to be through "extracurriculars."

 

[Livingapparatus]

that would be the best interview ever.

absolutely.

Man those double cuts are HOT. I have a single cut right now with a Carvin MTS head and a Marshall 4x12 vintage and nothing sounds so good. What kind of music you all play?

Where do you all reside? Once were all accepted we should have a celebratory jam session.

 

[radxbandit]

absolutely.

Man those double cuts are HOT. I have a single cut right now with a Carvin MTS head and a Marshall 4x12 vintage and nothing sounds so good. What kind of music you all play?

Where do you all reside? Once were all accepted we should have a celebratory jam session.

I'm in a band right now that plays pretty much modern rock (link is in my sig). I'd be interested in playing more jam stuff that isn't so structured, improve my chops. My Marshall just got fried from a fluke short circuit, it sucks so bad, I'm back to my crate head that I used my frosh year of high school🙁. Rockin a tele right now, but I'd like to get a different one. I have my eye set on the Thinline series with the humbuckers. I just can't afford a les paul, which is what I would prefer more than anything.

I agree, brew + jam session would be the perfect thing to do after getting accepted. What model LP do you have?

 

[Livingapparatus]

Les Paul Standard with honey burst = my love

I havent played the thinline's yet, but if les paul is what you want try out the studios same sound quality without the frills for about half the price.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

I listed it on my AMCAS application, and I play out regularly (every week, actually). It never came up during my interviews, but it filled a slot on my application.

Stable currently looks like: Gibson Les Paul Standard (amber burst), G&L Legacy (2 'buckers in blue burst), G&L Legacy (tobacco burst w/ single coils), Takamine EF341 acoustic, and a G&L L2000 four string bass. (I'll leave amps, cabs, and effects for a later conversation but if you can get your hands on an amp built by Bruce Egnater you should! I've owned both a MICA TOL100 and a MOD100 and fell in love both times.)

 

[radxbandit]

I listed it on my AMCAS application, and I play out regularly (every week, actually). It never came up during my interviews, but it filled a slot on my application.

Stable currently looks like: Gibson Les Paul Standard (amber burst), G&L Legacy (2 'buckers in blue burst), G&L Legacy (tobacco burst w/ single coils), Takamine EF341 acoustic, and a G&L L2000 four string bass. (I'll leave amps, cabs, and effects for a later conversation but if you can get your hands on an amp built by Bruce Egnater you should! I've owned both a MICA TOL100 and a MOD100 and fell in love both times.)

dude good call on the takamine acoustic. i use my dad's takamine, it's a spruce top/rosewood back. he bought this great acoustic guitar and played it for a couple of years, then he put it away for some reason, but the case he used must have preserved it perfectly. So he finally (25 years later) he took it out when i was a kid and wanted to learn, and ten years following, the sound is still clear and warm. i think they can make some great guitars.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a not-too-pricey but versatile amp head? The crate that I've had to revert back to is embarrassing on stage, and it just doesn't sound good.


And for the OP, let's hope you get a music lover for your interviewer so you can talk music instead of medicine 😀

 

[Katatonic]

I'm certainly going to put it on mine. I've been playing since 7th grade, been in a few bands as well. I play moslyt metal and write my own stuff that ranges from acoustic to heavy rock (think Isis) to death/black metal. Oddly enough I play the most when exams are about to happen as it keeps my stress levels way lower than they would be otherwise.

Guitar: Ibanez RG-570 w/EMG-85 & EMG-81 (inactivated single coil)
Amp: Peavey 6505+ head through a Randall 4x12 cab. Also a Randall combo amp with a Digitech Death Metal pedal for keeping the volume down. 😎

 

[Katatonic]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a not-too-pricey but versatile amp head? The crate that I've had to revert back to is embarrassing on stage, and it just doesn't sound good.

What's your definition of "not-too pricey"? And what kind of music do you play? I personally love my Peavey (it's around $1100 now I think). It's good for a lot of high-gain distortion but honestly sucks for anything clean (unless you're running a nice pedal through the FX loop).

 

[radxbandit]

What's your definition of "not-too pricey"? And what kind of music do you play? I personally love my Peavey (it's around $1100 now I think). It's good for a lot of high-gain distortion but honestly sucks for anything clean (unless you're running a nice pedal through the FX loop).

i play more during exams too, it's both good and bad if you know what i mean. I'm thinking 600-700 with decent clean and gain so that i can dip into different genres with good tone capability. the last amp i had was the marshall avt 150 which was a tube hybrid. it just went on sale for 500 so i might get another one, it had so much to offer. 4 channels, 2 gains, tons of great effects, extra eq. theres also a $350 MG model, but i've never played it and it's solid state so i don't know if it really yields the "marshall" sound. i'm tempted to pick up something completely different though, so any input is appreciated.

 

[JFrusciante]

Good thread. I was wondering about this too- I play guitar at least a couple hours everyday and it's a huge part of my life. BTW I play an acoustic Taylor big baby and a sunburst Americn Strat (like John Frusciante of the red hot chili peppers).

 

[Livingapparatus]

Carvin MTS around 1000 but it hits absolutly everything you need except for the heavy metal. Dont go with the Marshall MG its a POS I had one for a practice amp and it blew out in 6 months.

Jfrus- Did you hear him on the Mars Volta CD? its preety wild

 

[radxbandit]

Carvin MTS around 1000 but it hits absolutly everything you need except for the heavy metal. Dont go with the Marshall MG its a POS I had one for a practice amp and it blew out in 6 months.

Jfrus- Did you hear him on the Mars Volta CD? its preety wild

Yeah, I had my doubts about such a low-priced/solid state. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[al112987]

1) I will first say, double cut les pauls are blasphemous except for a single exception which a double cut les paul junior. Those are ok.

2) what about building amplifiers as a hobby? I'm about to start a JTM-45 build a few weeks once I get all the components together.

 

[1956Goldtop]

Oh man, I love how this turned to a gear convention!

My rig in past years has been my Marshall 1960a 412 cabinet with celestions, Peavey XXX head/ Marshall JCM2000 head

I usually play Viper guitars but I would like to get a Gibson SG someday (maybe!)

I also want to set up a rack rig someday, but that is a long way into the future.

 

[Livingapparatus]

Yeah, I had my doubts about such a low-priced/solid state. Thanks for the heads up.

no problem

I like how you labeled your bands music "tropical"

goldtop I hear you on the rack, what kind have you looked at? Everything Ive seen is easily 3k+

 

[DrDre311]

I taught myself to play guitar while in college (about 3 years ago) and have recently started writing music, but I don't play in a band or anything. Should I list this on the work/activities section on the amcas app?

I can't remember if I put it on my med school application, but I listed playing guitar on my ERAS (residency) app almost as an afterthought and I got asked about it a fair amount. I think it helped my app because residency PD's want to know what you do outside the hospital to keep yourself sane. I found myself talking about my 60th anny sunburst Tele (that's my baby there) and all the different stuff I like to play--I got the feeling if I hadn't had a sizeable guitar collection and known a lot about music the interviewers might have thought I was bull****ting.

Don't put it if you're just some dude who can play like 5 bars of Stairway and hack through a couple Dave Matthews songs. But if you really have a passion for playing music, some skill, and good general knowledge of music, then if you're asked about it you can highlight how playing guitar helps you deal with stress in a positive fashion. I would assume that med school admissions types are like residency PD's in that they want to see that you have a way to cope with all the crazy stuff that comes with med school/residency.

If you're a musician or an artist I think it's definitely a good thing to put on an app. Just make sure you can follow through if asked. I never got asked to actually play guitar during an interview (although I'd have been psyched to do it--I had planned to play an instrumental version of Little Wing a la SRV) but I was asked to draw on several occasions and I even had to carve some anatomic features out of soap.

 

[Livingapparatus]

I never got asked to actually play guitar during an interview (although I'd have been psyched to do it--I had planned to play an instrumental version of Little Wing a la SRV) but I was asked to draw on several occasions and I even had to carve some anatomic features out of soap.[/quote]

WHAT?

ohh and SRV for life, I have watched live at austin at least 100 times. Really the first player to inspire me.

 

[al112987]

Oh man, I love how this turned to a gear convention!

My rig in past years has been my Marshall 1960a 412 cabinet with celestions, Peavey XXX head/ Marshall JCM2000 head

I usually play Viper guitars but I would like to get a Gibson SG someday (maybe!)

I also want to set up a rack rig someday, but that is a long way into the future.

No 56 goldtop in there?

I love a good les paul more than anything else, I bought a studio my freshman year of HS and it has served me very well, but now GAS is edging me towards a '58 VOS (in ice tea sunburst, sick guitar). Now if only I had 3 grand lying around...

 

[DrDre311]

I never got asked to actually play guitar during an interview (although I'd have been psyched to do it--I had planned to play an instrumental version of Little Wing a la SRV) but I was asked to draw on several occasions and I even had to carve some anatomic features out of soap.

WHAT?

ohh and SRV for life, I have watched live at austin at least 100 times. Really the first player to inspire me.

I guess I should mention that I'm a plastic surgery resident. It's not all that uncommon to have to carve stuff out of soap or draw in plastics interviews.

Also, the one impulse purchase I allowed myself when I graduated med school and started residency (instead of a sweet TV or something) was a Vintage Hot Rod '62 Strat. I've had the Tele longer, so it's got a little more soul in it and it's still my baby, but I play the hell out of that Strat when I get the chance.

 

[MossPoh]

I put it. I merged it as a "Musician/Artist" thing though.

I play drums and guitar. Some minor band stuff during college, but more to cover for my friends at house parties and what not. It is still an important part of my life and think it is much more interesting and important than 4 hours at a free health clinic or something. The artist thing is because I have been doing stained glass since I was in 3rd grade. It is not as much lately, but I made a bunch of pieces for fundraisers and what not.

I am exclusively acoustic right now. I have a Takamine 6 string and Martin 12 string. When I get the money I'm going to pick up an electric. Probably like a highway one tele or MIM HSS Strat. I am stuck because I want a composite acoustics guitar (probably a 7i- http://www.caguitars.com/Models.aspx) and then a Sunrise Pickup/ Undersaddle Transducer/Mic combo for my 12 string, which means more expenses since I'd need the blender and all that crap. SO, whenever I get my 5,000 dollars or so for all that crap I'll tell you. Selling a Tama Starclassic (maple) in British Racing green if anyone wants it.

 

[1956Goldtop]

No 56 goldtop in there?

I love a good les paul more than anything else, I bought a studio my freshman year of HS and it has served me very well, but now GAS is edging me towards a '58 VOS (in ice tea sunburst, sick guitar). Now if only I had 3 grand lying around...

God I wish I had a 56 goldtop - my life would truly be complete. I am gassing for one those so badly. I'd say that I'm gassing about equally for an SG supreme in emerald burst though!

 

[Jacobian78]

No speak of effects whatsoever? It'd be interesting to see what everyone is running in terms of board/processors.

 

[Nic Dawson]

I don't see any reason that it could hurt you, and others have mentioned several reasons it might help.

I plan on listing my bass playing, mostly because of the time (14+ years) and achievements (Charity benefit concerts, CD recordings, chair in symphony, playing in nursing homes, etc).



And for the gear heads - Cheap samick 5 w/ custom p/u config, Conklin GT5 fretless, and Warwick Thumb BO 5...Korg effects processor, Ampeg SVT-4 head and a no-name custom 410 cab/115 ext cab.

And when I want something easier to play😀, GS series Tak acoustic, Gibson LP (single cutaway) or the Ibanez Artcore...all played through the bass rig for now, with an RP7 pedal board if needed.

 

[ACSurgeon]

I taught myself to play guitar while in college (about 3 years ago) and have recently started writing music, but I don't play in a band or anything. Should I list this on the work/activities section on the amcas app?

No.

 

[1956Goldtop]

To answer the original question, I think it would be foolish to include it unless you have been involved in some formal musical endeavor. It may look as though you are fishing for activities. You could always bring it up during interviewers as you are basically guaranteed to be asked about your hobbies and pastimes.

 

[wjin06]

I put something similar on my app last year and all my interviewers seemed to appreciate the fact that I had a life (that wasn't necessarily "formal") outside of my med school ambitions. My hobbies also made for a way to talk about laid-back topics, which is always appreciated during interviews.

 

[Livingapparatus]

God I wish I had a 56 goldtop - my life would truly be complete. I am gassing for one those so badly. I'd say that I'm gassing about equally for an SG supreme in emerald burst though!

well if you dont have the 3k-4k you can get this one for .5k

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-1956-Goldtop-Electric-Guitar?sku=518320

but the only similar things with these guitars are the color.

 

[radxbandit]

I never got asked to actually play guitar during an interview (although I'd have been psyched to do it--I had planned to play an instrumental version of Little Wing a la SRV) but I was asked to draw on several occasions and I even had to carve some anatomic features out of soap.[/quote]

WHAT?

ohh and SRV for life, I have watched live at austin at least 100 times. Really the first player to inspire me.

amen. SRV is incredible, an inspiration to myself as well. i love his cover of "let me love you baby"

 

[neuroscientist]

who plays piano? are any of ya listing that? i wonder if more people play guitar or piano... both are probably pretty common I'd think.

 

[Livingapparatus]

who plays piano? are any of ya listing that? i wonder if more people play guitar or piano... both are probably pretty common I'd think.

I play piano but I do not get the same satisfaction from piano, I find I can't get the full spectrum of emotions that I can get from guitar. But many people will disagree with me on this one.

 

[al112987]

I play piano but I do not get the same satisfaction from piano, I find I can't get the full spectrum of emotions that I can get from guitar. But many people will disagree with me on this one.

I feel the same way, to me, the guitar is such an expressive instrument because its range of sound is so dynamic and dependent on a player's style. A piano is so limiting imo, its hard for me to "feel" music playing piano. Maybe I'm just ham handed. Plus, I'm not a piano player and it was years after picking up guitar that I actually started to feel like I was connecting.

 

[al112987]

well if you dont have the 3k-4k you can get this one for .5k

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-1956-Goldtop-Electric-Guitar?sku=518320

but the only similar things with these guitars are the color.

And pickup configuration.

Unfortunately though, spending the money on a Gibson just isn't what it used to be. I'm happy with my guitar but will probably not shell out huge bucks for another Gibson unless I can go VOS/custom shop. The standard production line puts out way too many duds these days, and I just can't get used to the weight chambers, it just doesn't feel like a les paul without the weight.

 

[chad5871]

who plays piano? are any of ya listing that? i wonder if more people play guitar or piano... both are probably pretty common I'd think.

I play piano and I am listing it. But I'm lumping it with my other performing talents, calling the experience "Performing Arts," and going into more detail about each in the description section.

I feel the same way, to me, the guitar is such an expressive instrument because its range of sound is so dynamic and dependent on a player's style. A piano is so limiting imo, its hard for me to "feel" music playing piano. Maybe I'm just ham handed. Plus, I'm not a piano player and it was years after picking up guitar that I actually started to feel like I was connecting.

I play piano but I do not get the same satisfaction from piano, I find I can't get the full spectrum of emotions that I can get from guitar. But many people will disagree with me on this one.

I think that the piano can be an extremely expressive and emotive instrument, but it takes a long LONG time before a player can get to that level of ability. Once you can "feel" the music and it just flows out of your fingers, you can add improvisations to the melody, harmony, dynamics, etc. and truly make it expressive and unique. Most, if not all, instruments are this way - it takes years and years before the skill can develop into an art. 😀

 

[Livingapparatus]

I think that the piano can be an extremely expressive and emotive instrument, but it takes a long LONG time before a player can get to that level of ability. Once you can "feel" the music and it just flows out of your fingers, you can add improvisations to the melody, harmony, dynamics, etc. and truly make it expressive and unique. Most, if not all, instruments are this way - it takes years and years before the skill can develop into an art. 😀

I absolutly agree but with guitar it was so much more me.

My dad used to play guitar and we never had a piano so thats probably why.

 

[Livingapparatus]

And pickup configuration.

Unfortunately though, spending the money on a Gibson just isn't what it used to be. I'm happy with my guitar but will probably not shell out huge bucks for another Gibson unless I can go VOS/custom shop. The standard production line puts out way too many duds these days, and I just can't get used to the weight chambers, it just doesn't feel like a les paul without the weight.

True but once you get a good one there good for life.

Also true but I do get sick of that 10 pound juggernaut after an hour!

 

[chad5871]

I absolutly agree but with guitar it was so much more me.

My dad used to play guitar and we never had a piano so thats probably why.

I think a lot of it is what you grew up/learned first. I started singing when I was 4 and playing the piano when I was 6, and although I learned to play some other instruments when I was a bit older, they never really felt as natural to me.

 

[Livingapparatus]

I think a lot of it is what you grew up/learned first. I started singing when I was 4 and playing the piano when I was 6, and although I learned to play some other instruments when I was a bit older, they never really felt as natural to me.

I hope I am remembering this correctly but didnt you say were almost on broadway?

 

[chad5871]

I hope I am remembering this correctly but didnt you say were almost on broadway?

😳 Yes, when I was 15.

 

[ZagDoc]

I think its your discretion. Worst case scenario they just ignore it, I don't think it will hurt your app at all. Best case scenario an interviewer wants to talk to you about it and it reflects well on you as a person and makes you memorable in their minds.

I included it on mine under activities (also taught myself in college), but thats also because myself and a friend organized and put on several concerts raising awareness for sexual violence causes and various charities in the area. At one of my interviews, the very first question from my interviewer was literally "so... who's the greatest guitarist of all time?" He thought Hendrix, I argued Clapton has had a greater influence on the modern evolution of the instrument. Took up a good 15 minutes of our interview time. Also got the acceptance there.