Author Topic: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education? (Read 11943 times)

AB69 · « **on:** September 09, 2016, 09:43:59 pm »

There are some knowledgable guys on here and I would like your input on something related to university applications. I plan to apply to computer science / software engineering. On the application, they allow you to submit a letter describing any extracurriculars or out of school activities that you have done that may relate to that field that may improve chances of admission of the application.

My question is, would putting music production on there be beneficial? Basically I have put in some time (2-3 years) on music production focusing mixing, music theory, arrangement, sound design etc through deliberate self learning of various topics related to music production. I also have a couple of tracks that are over 80% done close to a professional standard that I may also be comfortable sharing in the future. I didn't take any short cuts and have learned everything through hard work, research, and trial and error. I am 100% confident I can explain how to put a track together from start to finish, how all elements of a track are made, how structure it all together, and how to mix it all together to make it some coherent.

Having said that, there's the whole "everybody wants to be a DJ" thing, and a lot of people are getting into music production and most people who say their tracks are fire don't really know what they are talking about. Finally, some people may not appreciate music production and find music production to be a rather boring, useless topic.

Is music production something that I can put on my letter for computer science/software engineering? From my POV music production relates to computer science and software engineering, but then it can also be said that music production is about making music, not building software, and music production is more about using the software.

Can any of you guys shed some input?

Marrow Machines · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2016, 10:16:02 pm »

Quote from: AB69 on September 09, 2016, 09:43:59 pm

There are some knowledgable guys on here and I would like your input on something related to university applications. I plan to apply to computer science / software engineering. On the application, they allow you to submit a letter describing any extracurriculars or out of school activities that you have done that may relate to that field that may improve chances of admission of the application.

My question is, would putting music production on there be beneficial? Basically I have put in some time (2-3 years) on music production focusing mixing, music theory, arrangement, sound design etc through deliberate self learning of various topics related to music production. I also have a couple of tracks that are over 80% done close to a professional standard that I may also be comfortable sharing in the future. I didn't take any short cuts and have learned everything through hard work, research, and trial and error. I am 100% confident I can explain how to put a track together from start to finish, how all elements of a track are made, how structure it all together, and how to mix it all together to make it some coherent.

Having said that, there's the whole "everybody wants to be a DJ" thing, and a lot of people are getting into music production and most people who say their tracks are fire don't really know what they are talking about. Finally, some people may not appreciate music production and find music production to be a rather boring, useless topic.

Is music production something that I can put on my letter for computer science/software engineering? From my POV music production relates to computer science and software engineering, but then it can also be said that music production is about making music, not building software, and music production is more about using the software.

Can any of you guys shed some input?

Yes.

There's physicist who work at CERN that can play classical piano.

Initially, it's probably a good idea to put on a resume. But until you get more work experience and have logged time elsewhere, with updated resume, it's not a bad idea to let them know who you are.

Besides, if they allow you to talk about any thing extracurricular, that's a green light.

Unless you're secretly not a music producer, but that's more of an introspective question lol.

regardless, anything musical is still a creative outlet. and how deep down you let your creativity show, will also be a look into how you might solve problems.

Music has been a huge boon to my mechanical engineering studies.

art and STEM should go hand in hand, but more often than not, either side doesn't seem to even blink in approval about the other....it's a little disappointing.

EDIT: i'd go talk to some one who is more knowledgeable about what is appropriate for that sort of concept. i am just going of what my pop has told me when it comes to resumes, interviews, and personal experience.

AB69 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2016, 10:31:13 pm »

It wouldn't be for my resume. It's for an application letter for a university degree program.

attila · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2016, 11:24:17 pm »

Well, has it helped you? Just be honest on it

Marrow Machines · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2016, 11:37:28 pm »

Quote from: AB69 on September 09, 2016, 10:31:13 pm

It wouldn't be for my resume. It's for an application letter for a university degree program.

same thing.

AB69 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2016, 12:19:23 am »

Quote from: attila on September 09, 2016, 11:24:17 pm

Well, has it helped you? Just be honest on it

Of course it has helped me but that's not the point. The point is will it help on the application for getting accepted into the program.

Marrow Machines · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2016, 05:06:11 am »

Quote from: AB69 on September 10, 2016, 12:19:23 am

Of course it has helped me but that's not the point. The point is will it help on the application for getting accepted into the program.

you won't know that until you get an answer. plus they're asking for it extra curricular activities, so put it down if you want to. or don't put it down if you don't want to.

Lydian · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2016, 02:48:18 pm »

If you write down the skills that you learned while teaching yourself music production then I think it should help you. (Problem Solving - Persistence - Finishing Tasks)

RISE · « **Reply #8 on:** September 18, 2016, 05:13:27 am »

Compare the two fields. In this two year period, what demonstrable skills have you learned that can be applied to your studies? Design, development, implementation, documentation (have you written any tutorials, etc), achievements. Think creatively. Word it in a way that leaves no doubt in your mind that the fields are linked. Convince yourself, that will convince them.

Author Topic: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education? (Read 11943 times)

AB69

Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

Marrow Machines

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

AB69

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

attila

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

Marrow Machines

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

AB69

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

Marrow Machines

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

Lydian

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?

RISE

Re: Is Music Production Considered an Extracurricular for Education?