Undergraduate / 'Playing Piano to help others' - Common Application Short Answer [2]

Prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities. (1000 character maximum).

I would love any constructive criticism you have to offer.

I was your typical piano student; I played for a few years, and then quit in a frustrated frame of mind. I had heard my teacher harp enough on the importance of counting and I vowed never to take lessons again. It wasn't until ninth grade that I realized I had made a mistake; piano was enjoyable, especially with others. Playing duets, trios and quartets helped me work better with others; unless you counted the rhythm accurately and worked together, the piece would sound terribly discordant. I realized counting was crucial.

I love playing piano and fortunately, I was able to use my talent to help others. I was privileged to play in a benefit concert to aide local homeless mothers and their children. I played a Mozart sonata for two pianos that my partner and I had practiced for eight months. It was gratifying to know that what I had earlier hated had evolved into something that not only helped me work together but also to help people in my community.