Listing playing guitar as activity on amcas app?

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ZagDoc said:
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 Hendricks, 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.
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clapton w/ cream=😎

clapton solo= 😴

and I hate to be "that guy" but its hendrixs!

hendricks is a gin
 
i have a feeling that once i have a steady income i'm going to spend way too much of it on guitars that i "have" to have
 
radxbandit said:
i have a feeling that once i have a steady income i'm going to spend way too much of it on guitars that i "have" to have
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I've already started fantasizing about the guitars, drum kit and equipment for my min studio.
 
Hendrix ftw.

I put a lot about music in my AMCAS but that's because I was a music major. I played guitar in our university's jazz band and taught guitar for several years and listed both activities.

It was a really easy, nice subject to talk about at interviews. My interviewer asked me to send him some recordings that I'd made and when I got the acceptance call he asked me to play some kind of special music for orientation, lol. I play all kinds of guitar but my degree is more in the classical style so that's the kind of recordings I sent to him.

I think it depends really how much time you've spent with the instrument whether or not you should list it. Guitar was a huge part of my life during high school and college and I've spent a ton of time playing and performing, so it's a part of myself that I'm completely confident about and am comfortable sharing with other people.

I think the point of entering AMCAS activities is to show the adcoms that you have done impressive things with your time so far and convince them that you will continue to do so in the future. If your accomplishments with music make you stand out, by all means list them. If you are a beginner and haven't performed/taught/composed/recorded, maybe it isn't a good idea.
 
MossPoh said:
I've already started fantasizing about the guitars, drum kit and equipment for my min studio.
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Yeah man, I would love to be able afford my own studio. That's a life goal.
 
coldweatherblue said:
actually the man's name was Hendrix and he was the greatest rock guitarist of all time. 😎
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What kind of jazz are you into?

Ive always liked jazz fusion ie Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin but some of the classic Davis, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis and Coltrane also.
 
Livingapparatus said:
What kind of jazz are you into?

Ive always liked jazz fusion ie Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin but some of the classic Davis, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis and Coltrane also.
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Di Meola and McLaughlin are really good.. they were some of the first jazz guitarists that I got into. Even though I play a lot of classical guitar, I've never played jazz much on the nylon string, most of the stuff we played in our band was for electric guitar. Those guys play some amazingly fast rest-strokes and improvised modal runs. Our band played old stuff; Ellington, Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, some old Ella tunes; mostly old standards although we played a little fusion like Weather Report. I like fusion and progressive jazz like Medeski Martin and Wood, especially for the improvisation, but honestly I came to jazz from a blues background, so I listen to the old stuff the most. Cheers.
 
Jacobian78 said:
No speak of effects whatsoever? It'd be interesting to see what everyone is running in terms of board/processors.
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I use a Digitech Death Metal footswitch with my onboard chorus (high depth/low rate, gives that classic In Flames distortion sound from Black Ash Inheritance...if anyone knows what I'm talking about) when on my Randall combo. With my Peavey head+Randall cab, I just use the onboard lead channel with no effects.
 
I only included the fact that I was able to play guitar (and a few other instruments) because I played it in a formal capacity, and listed it under said endeavor. In contrast to what other people said, I think it could potentially hurt you to put down guitar playing on one of your AMCAS slots, especially if you do it as a pastime and nothing else. Honestly, I was considering putting down things such as self-recording a few EPs under my bands and solo projects, but that is something better left for a conversation during an interview rather than in an AMCAS primary application.

take this advice with a grain of salt, since I am not an ADCOMM (though I did have some decent success with the past application cycle).
 
Katatonic said:
I use a Digitech Death Metal footswitch with my onboard chorus (high depth/low rate, gives that classic In Flames distortion sound from Black Ash Inheritance...if anyone knows what I'm talking about) when on my Randall combo. With my Peavey head+Randall cab, I just use the onboard lead channel with no effects.
Click to expand...

I have a DD5 (digital delay), a boss digital chorus, boss digital flanger, boss digital tuner, and a crybaby in my pedals lineup. One day I hope to go analog with some of these especially the delay.
 
I'm putting in that I've played piano since 4th grade on my app. In the description I'm gonna say that I used to play typical classical stuff but have since moved onto improv and transposing popular songs onto the keyboard in my free time. I don't see how that is any different than saying you played guitar, whether you have been in an organized band or haven't.
 
Schwerbert said:
I'm putting in that I've played piano since 4th grade on my app. In the description I'm gonna say that I used to play typical classical stuff but have since moved onto improv and transposing popular songs onto the keyboard in my free time. I don't see how that is any different than saying you played guitar, whether you have been in an organized band or haven't.
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I think you mean transcribing - make sure to use the right terminology if you put it on your AMCAS (I definitely think you should!)
 
chad5871 said:
I think you mean transcribing - make sure to use the right terminology if you put it on your AMCAS (I definitely think you should!)
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touchee.

hahah, I even knew that, just had a brain fart. I'm definitely not changing the key of the stuff I TRANSCRIBE :]
 
Let me just say this is an awesome thread. I had no idea there were so many guitarists on SDN 🙂

Personally, I played bass in a band in hs and through college. It was pretty much my one big extracurricular because it involved a lot of practicing, rehearsal, and shows. I emphasized it and my own solo guitar playing on my AMCAS and every interviewer asked about it. I wouldn't hesitate to put it if you really are that into it -- I think the interviewers can tell. Most players' eyes light up when you start asking them about their gear, as evidenced in this thread. Rock on.

While we're listing equipment:
Takamine EG544 electric-acoustic, Epi LP standard, Ibanez RG7620 7 string -> Behringer Vampire (hey it's cheap) w/ FCB1010 midi foot controller (awesome). Morley Bad Horsie, Rocktron Banshee talkbox, and the Behringer are my effects. I also have an Ernie Ball Stingray 5 that I break out for bass duties -- that is one sweet instrument.
 
bretticus said:
Let me just say this is an awesome thread. I had no idea there were so many guitarists on SDN 🙂

Personally, I played bass in a band in hs and through college. It was pretty much my one big extracurricular because it involved a lot of practicing, rehearsal, and shows. I emphasized it and my own solo guitar playing on my AMCAS and every interviewer asked about it. I wouldn't hesitate to put it if you really are that into it -- I think the interviewers can tell. Most players' eyes light up when you start asking them about their gear, as evidenced in this thread. Rock on.

While we're listing equipment:
Takamine EG544 electric-acoustic, Epi LP standard, Ibanez RG7620 7 string -> Behringer Vampire (hey it's cheap) w/ FCB1010 midi foot controller (awesome). Morley Bad Horsie, Rocktron Banshee talkbox, and the Behringer are my effects. I also have an Ernie Ball Stingray 5 that I break out for bass duties -- that is one sweet instrument.
Click to expand...

tisk tisk

Do you like the ernie ball guitars? I have seen petruccis but havent gotten to try it out.
 
ravens11 said:
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?
Click to expand...

Do it. It's fun. It's different. It's something you do.

bth
 
bretticus said:
Let me just say this is an awesome thread. I had no idea there were so many guitarists on SDN 🙂

Personally, I played bass in a band in hs and through college. It was pretty much my one big extracurricular because it involved a lot of practicing, rehearsal, and shows. I emphasized it and my own solo guitar playing on my AMCAS and every interviewer asked about it. I wouldn't hesitate to put it if you really are that into it -- I think the interviewers can tell. Most players' eyes light up when you start asking them about their gear, as evidenced in this thread. Rock on.

While we're listing equipment:
Takamine EG544 electric-acoustic, Epi LP standard, Ibanez RG7620 7 string -> Behringer Vampire (hey it's cheap) w/ FCB1010 midi foot controller (awesome). Morley Bad Horsie, Rocktron Banshee talkbox, and the Behringer are my effects. I also have an Ernie Ball Stingray 5 that I break out for bass duties -- that is one sweet instrument.
Click to expand...

great call on the sting ray. we tracked with the 4-string sting ray (music man) on all the songs on our last record, such a quality instrument. it was so versatile we ended up using it on all the songs. what kind ofm usic did you play in college?
 
YESSSS You shoud definitely save up for it. Nothing like the twang of a tele, especially that one!

btw radxbandit, your singer (and the general style of the band) reminds me of old school Anberlin (am I the first that's said this? probably not)

Your sound is solid. Keep on groovin
 
Livingapparatus said:
tisk tisk

Do you like the ernie ball guitars? I have seen petruccis but havent gotten to try it out.
Click to expand...

Like I said, cheap. At such point that I have some real disposable income, I will definitely be getting a Mesa, Marshall, or maybe a 5150, but for bedroom jamming, it's decent enough. Also, it's not like the Epi is going to sound that great no matter what you put it through; the Ibanez is decent, but it really needs the pickups to be replaced before I'd consider it high quality. I'm like you with the EBs though, I have seen the Petruccis but never played one. If it's good enough for him though, I'd guess they are sweet 😉 G3 came around last year, and he is just amazing -- I'd give anything to be able to play Glasgow Kiss! Hell a large part of the reason I got my 7-string was so I could play some of Glass Prison by DT. That is just some sweet music.

radxbandit said:
great call on the sting ray. we tracked with the 4-string sting ray (music man) on all the songs on our last record, such a quality instrument. it was so versatile we ended up using it on all the songs. what kind ofm usic did you play in college?
Click to expand...

Yeah I love that instrument. We've made several recordings over the years, and it always sounds great. It's also built like a truck and weighs what you'd expect for that. I had to buy a padded strap so it would stop killing my shoulder! 😱 I got used to it though. Our music was kinda your generic radio rock, nothing special. It was fun to play in clubs and stuff though, and that's all that mattered to me. We are on unofficial hiatus now due to personal circumstances with a couple of members, but med school would make it difficult for me to keep up with the practice schedule we had anyway. Med school band is fun, but it's definitely not the same level of commitment.
 
Anyone play the new Van Halen amp?

I have played one and it was quite a let down from my expectations, but than again it was at Guitar Center
 
1956Goldtop said:
YESSSS You shoud definitely save up for it. Nothing like the twang of a tele, especially that one!

btw radxbandit, your singer (and the general style of the band) reminds me of old school Anberlin (am I the first that's said this? probably not)

Your sound is solid. Keep on groovin
Click to expand...

thanks! i'm actually the singer as well. speaking of anberlin, i'm extremely excited for their new record. what did you think of cities?

i agree about the thinline. i like the twang/clarity but also with some great rock rhythm potential because of the humbuckers. also gives it some more sustain. i need some encouragement haha because it's such an impulse move.
 
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bretticus said:
Like I said, cheap. At such point that I have some real disposable income, I will definitely be getting a Mesa, Marshall, or maybe a 5150, but for bedroom jamming, it's decent enough. Also, it's not like the Epi is going to sound that great no matter what you put it through; the Ibanez is decent, but it really needs the pickups to be replaced before I'd consider it high quality. I'm like you with the EBs though, I have seen the Petruccis but never played one. If it's good enough for him though, I'd guess they are sweet 😉 G3 came around last year, and he is just amazing -- I'd give anything to be able to play Glasgow Kiss! Hell a large part of the reason I got my 7-string was so I could play some of Glass Prison by DT. That is just some sweet music.



Yeah I love that instrument. We've made several recordings over the years, and it always sounds great. It's also built like a truck and weighs what you'd expect for that. I had to buy a padded strap so it would stop killing my shoulder! 😱 I got used to it though. Our music was kinda your generic radio rock, nothing special. It was fun to play in clubs and stuff though, and that's all that mattered to me. We are on unofficial hiatus now due to personal circumstances with a couple of members, but med school would make it difficult for me to keep up with the practice schedule we had anyway. Med school band is fun, but it's definitely not the same level of commitment.
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hey man, nothing wrong with radio rock. there's something to be said about writing a catchy and accessible song, it takes a lot of work. my band also produces that style which, i agree, is very fun to play live. and yeah, i agree, the sting ray is one heavy duty piece of equipment. i can't imagine how lame it would be to not be able to write and jam. do you still have regular time to indulge in the music with all the med work? i sure hope so.
 
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radxbandit said:
hey man, nothing wrong with radio rock. there's something to be said about writing a catchy and accessible song, it takes a lot of work. my band also produces that style which, i agree, is very fun to play live. and yeah, i agree, the sting ray is one heavy duty piece of equipment. i can't imagine how lame it would be to not be able to write and jam. do you still have regular time to indulge in the music with all the med work? i sure hope so.
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Meh, I don't think making something catchy and popular is bad, it's more that a lot of it really does sound the same. As far as time, I rarely feel so crunched that I can't play for an hour or so a day -- maybe the week of an exam or something. Usually it's fine though. Jamming with other people is more difficult just because of scheduling. If you have people that aren't in med school it will probably be easier, but like I said, I play in a med school band. It is doable if people want to make it work.
 
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