Playing a Musical Instrument?

[HealthHare]

I play the Ukulele.

What instrument do you play?

How are you going to talk about it on your App?

How good does playing an instrument look on your App?

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[tabascosauce]

es aight. it could be one thing they look into in your interview but i dont think it will GET you an interview in the first place. that would be the job of your mcat/gpa and PS. nomsayin? when u gonna let me clap dem cheeks

 

[hitsugaaya]

I play the Ukulele.

What instrument do you play?

How are you going to talk about it on your App?

How good does playing an instrument look on your App?

I play three instruments, guitar, piano and recorder. Music and rhythms was the theme of my personal statement, and the way I used it ranged from talking on how I used music as a means of relaxation, to how practicing with musical instruments shows the practicality of doing things hand on.Hope this helps.

 

[Whatyousay]

If you're Asian, playing an instrument won't help you at all, because every single Asian has learned to play either the piano or the violin at some point in their lives.



I'm just kidding. I think.

 

[rexxx]

I play guitar, mostly acoustic.

I guess I'm just going to list it as a hobby... don't think I can make a big deal out of it, but I dont have a lot of other "hobbies".. so thats something at least.

 

[Geekchick921]

I learned violin first. I haven't played one in years. I still have my trumpet, that I've been playing since I was 12. I used to be able to play a few songs on the piano, but that's about it.

I listed the trumpet on my AMCAS, but I think I bundled it with singing because I felt like I'd be saying the same things twice otherwise. I think if it's something you've been playing for awhile it shows dedication, diligence, creativity and hey... dexterity, too, that's important. I think it's always good to have some things unrelated to medicine on your app. It makes you like a well-rounded person and not just a premed robot. Lots of doctors play instruments, too. In fact, some schools even have an orchestra or band. It's definitely worth mentioning if it's an activity you feel is meaningful.

 

[Person0715]

I play the clarinet and taught myself the recorder. Music had always been a part of my life and I don't ever think I can give it up. In the future I hope to attend a school that has some type of orchestra or band, which, fortunately, most probably do.

I don't think playing an instrument will necessarily wow someone reviewing your app since a lot of other people play instruments, but it provides you with something other than science stuff to talk about during your interview. And if playing an instrument has been something you've been doing and enjoyed, it is definitely worth mentioning on your application.

 

[carlogu]

My faculty interview started off with blues guitar........he seemed to like it........I think that it shows that you can do more than sit in the library.....

 

[carlogu]

ohh yeah, as others have stated, it may not be interesting to play an instrument just for the sake of it..... if you just say "I kinda play ukelele" people wont see it as an interesting fact.....a lot like the research experience actually......

 

[Self]

I play guitar, bass, saxophone, some piano, sing, and can write a decently catchy tune. I played guitar, sang, and was the main songwriter in a in a band for 4 years, a significant portion of my time before I made a serious push for medicine. We played no less than 4 live gigs a month and recorded two full length albums, but release only one. It was a rock band, but I pointed out how taking on that responsibility takes initiative, organizational skills, people skills (there are a LOT of 3rd parties you need to deal with), and leadership (dealing with your own bandmates).

So for me, it's a big part of my application that I talked about within the EC section, but I didn't spend a lot of time on it in the essay. Earlier failures in school led me down that path, so I chose to spend the essay explaining why medicine as well as why did I experience that failure early on.

 

[violetchild]

I play cello (since age 9) and I've performed with several orchestras. If I have more sporatic activity in college than in high school, can I still put this on my apps? Or should I continue playing and join a symphony? Is it even worth the time/energy (as far as how it looks on applications)?

 

[HealthHare]

I play cello (since age 9) and I've performed with several orchestras. If I have more sporatic activity in college than in high school, can I still put this on my apps? Or should I continue playing and join a symphony? Is it even worth the time/energy (as far as how it looks on applications)?

Only do it if you'll enjoy it.

 

[violetchild]

:cry: If I did everything I enjoyed, I would never sleep.

 

[gettheleadout]

I play cello (since age 9) and I've performed with several orchestras. If I have more sporatic activity in college than in high school, can I still put this on my apps? Or should I continue playing and join a symphony? Is it even worth the time/energy (as far as how it looks on applications)?

Hobbies and artistic endeavors are supposed to be the very activities you don't do simply to make your application better...

 

[Snuke]

I've played French horn since I was eleven. I made several audition bands, kept it going throughout college even though it's not connected to my major. If an essay asks about another passion, that's what I'm talking about. I recorded a few pieces and I'm bringing a CD to my interviewers to prove my dedication.

Here's hoping it'll break me out of 'just another biochemistry major!'

 

[rexxx]

I play cello (since age 9) and I've performed with several orchestras. If I have more sporatic activity in college than in high school, can I still put this on my apps? Or should I continue playing and join a symphony? Is it even worth the time/energy (as far as how it looks on applications)?

playing an instrument for the sake of putting in on an app sounds really bizarre to me.

do what you already enjoy for hobbies.. don't worry about if you should make yourself do things more often so you can list them on your app.

 

[ceasefire]

If you're in competitions or play with a group for shows, it's worth listing. Most other things are not worth listing. Exception: I'm sure if you play the theramin or something for a group at a homeless shelter, clinic, daycare (etcetera) it would be worth listing. This is what I was told by an adcom member.

 

[HealthHare]

es aight. it could be one thing they look into in your interview but i dont think it will GET you an interview in the first place. that would be the job of your mcat/gpa and PS. nomsayin? when u gonna let me clap dem cheeks

I agree, it prolly won't get you an interview, but it definitely can be a conversation piece in the interview.

I guess it's all about how you sell it in the interview.

 

[PressPforPi]

I've been playing the guitar as a way to relax since I was around 14. Always kind of jealous towards people who play the piano though. I've always wanted to learn how.

 

[rexxx]

I've been playing the guitar as a way to relax since I was around 14. Always kind of jealous towards people who play the piano though. I've always wanted to learn how.

I wish I still played piano! My grandmother was a piano teacher and forced me to play when I was little.

I quit as soon as I moved away from her and now I want to go back to it eventually. Still taught me how to read music for guitar, though.

 

[tabascosauce]

I agree, it prolly won't get you an interview, but it definitely can be a conversation piece in the interview.

I guess it's all about how you sell it in the interview.

I agree with this post 100%. its just another conversation piece in the interview unless you somehow were very dedicated to it and it really somehow influenced your world-view.

you are absolutely right..

 

[Donald Juan]

I have played the piano since I was 6, and I am very active in the music program at my university. I am talking about this in my application and pointing out how I play the piano just like the greatest doctor of all time, House, also plays piano. I believe this will be a key selling factor in getting me into medical school.

 

[paul411]

Interestingly enough, playing/composing music came up only in an interview at the only medical school I got in to. I think it helped me.

 

[tman5890]

Interestingly enough, playing/composing music came up only in an interview at the only medical school I got in to. I think it helped me.

That means I need to go learn to play an instrument ASAP!

 

[HealthHare]

If you're Asian, playing an instrument won't help you at all, because every single Asian has learned to play either the piano or the violin at some point in their lives.



I'm just kidding. I think.

Do I get extra points for playing an instrument and being URM???

 

[Darwinism]

I make hip hop beats. I'm fairly confident that this the only reason that I got in.
😀

 

[HealthHare]

I make hip hop beats. I'm fairly confident that this the only reason that I got in.
😀

They must have liked your shadowing of Dr. Dre

 

[Slowpoke]

If you're Asian, playing an instrument won't help you at all, because every single Asian has learned to play either the piano or the violin at some point in their lives.



I'm just kidding. I think.

I was not as privileged with tiger moms & dads.

I played video games growing up, I can tell you by heart the location of the buttons on the SNES control pad and would gladly show you how to do numerous fatalities on MK3, obtain flutes to skip worlds in SMB3 (allstar version) and how to beat lavos in 2000AD.

 

[PressPforPi]

I was not as privileged with tiger moms & dads.

I played video games growing up, I can tell you by heart the location of the buttons on the SNES control pad and would gladly show you how to do numerous fatalities on MK3, obtain flutes to skip worlds in SMB3 (allstar version) and how to beat lavos in 2000AD.

Amen brotha!

 

[Slowpoke]

amen brotha!

🙂

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

A little guitar and a lot of harmonikay. Think I should bring a harmonica to the interview just in case I get asked to play?

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

Been playing the trumpet for over 13 years now and the guitar for about 5. My whole PS revolved around me tying in my development as a musician to the development of my interest in medicine. Interviewers seemed to love it! One of my interviewers used to play trombone so we ended up talking about jazz band and music for the first 5 or so minutes of the interview (it was approx. a 20-25 min. interview, so that's a relatively big chunk of time). Music is a huge part of my life, so I there was no way I was not going to talk about it in my interviews. 🙂

YMMV.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

Playing guitar for about 6 years now. It would be fun if they had me play at an interview, I could break out a Metallica riff. 😀

 

[violetchild]

Sorry, I realize that previous post made me sound like I was just using music to pad my application. I truly love playing my cello. It's an awesome experience that I feel brings me to a whole new level of intellectual understanding. I played in my high school symphony, and then with SYS and in Disneyland and the Mondavi Center. I had a quartet and we played at the CA State Capitol, and I played the cello for my high school's production of Les Miserables. I haven't been practicing all freshman year, although I have to perform in front of over 100 people in September. I want to join a symphony, I'm just not sure a I'll have time with all the pre-reqs for med school, hospice volunteer(which is what i want to do for clinical by the way), trying to get research opporunities. Where does music fit in? Do you sacrifice music for your medical career? Is it worth it to continue playing when those skills you learned come to nothing once you are a doctor--always having to care for patients. My question is, simply:

Is it worth it?

 

[hownowmauvecow]

Sorry, I realize that previous post made me sound like I was just using music to pad my application. I truly love playing my cello. It's an awesome experience that I feel brings me to a whole new level of intellectual understanding. I played in my high school symphony, and then with SYS and in Disneyland and the Mondavi Center. I had a quartet and we played at the CA State Capitol, and I played the cello for my high school's production of Les Miserables. I haven't been practicing all freshman year, although I have to perform in front of over 100 people in September. I want to join a symphony, I'm just not sure a I'll have time with all the pre-reqs for med school, hospice volunteer(which is what i want to do for clinical by the way), trying to get research opporunities. Where does music fit in? Do you sacrifice music for your medical career? Is it worth it to continue playing when those skills you learned come to nothing once you are a doctor--always having to care for patients. My question is, simply:

Is it worth it?

I would say if its something you love its always worth it. And its not like once you are in med school or even a doctor you have to stop. You can always do 10-20 minutes here and there or more if you so chose. But if it helps you to rewind and stay sane then I would say do whatever you can to keep it in your life. I was in a similar position although unfortunately the decision to continue playing was taken out of my hands.

 

[HealthHare]

Sorry, I realize that previous post made me sound like I was just using music to pad my application. I truly love playing my cello. It's an awesome experience that I feel brings me to a whole new level of intellectual understanding. I played in my high school symphony, and then with SYS and in Disneyland and the Mondavi Center. I had a quartet and we played at the CA State Capitol, and I played the cello for my high school's production of Les Miserables. I haven't been practicing all freshman year, although I have to perform in front of over 100 people in September. I want to join a symphony, I'm just not sure a I'll have time with all the pre-reqs for med school, hospice volunteer(which is what i want to do for clinical by the way), trying to get research opporunities. Where does music fit in? Do you sacrifice music for your medical career? Is it worth it to continue playing when those skills you learned come to nothing once you are a doctor--always having to care for patients. My question is, simply:

Is it worth it?

I usually can get in half an hour during the week. An hour or more on the weekends.

All depends on time management and how you prioritize music.

 

[jeffreylei]

I only play the piano T_T

 

[golgiapparatus88]

I play the drums, guitar, and piano but I really only mentioned drumming on my app. I began giving drum lessons and made my own little home business for about 4 years starting when I was in high school. I actually made it one of my most significant activities.

 

[CuttingCorneas]

With any luck, you'll get invited to more parties. Talk about live entertainment. 😀

 

[rexxx]

I would say if its something you love its always worth it.

👍 agreed

 

[SilentSoldier]

Played the clarinet since I was 12, absolutely loved it. Won't be working it into my PS, but it is one of my hobbies. I would like to learn to play piano though, but it seems as if the coordination it takes to play the clarinet hasn't transferred over to the piano.

 

[Kaustikos]

es aight. it could be one thing they look into in your interview but i dont think it will GET you an interview in the first place. that would be the job of your mcat/gpa and PS. nomsayin? when u gonna let me clap dem cheeks

 

[JSU]

I sing professionally (Cantor) and have had about 4 years of classical voice training. This was one of my experiences along with a list of where I have been employed.