Undergraduate / What work of art, music, science, etc has surprised, unsettled or challenged you? UVA [2]

I'm not too sure if this is too convoluted. Please give me some advice!

We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to the school you selected above. Limit your answer to a half page or roughly 250 words.

College of Arts and Sciences: What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?

A slight breeze tickled my cheek as the sun warmed my face. The piano slowly, deliberately opened the piece. A light yet somber melody drifted in the air. Faintly, the guitar added its subtle instrumentation. The second guitar threaded the piece together, gently urging the instruments to reach a crescendo. Seamlessly, layers upon layers of orchestration blended into a flawless amalgam. Yet, there was no overwhelming apex. The violins added their voice, singing a sorrowful tale of which only our minds and hearts could conjure. A final decrescendo eased the piece to a lull, leaving just the piano to end the story. I heaved a sigh, embarrassed by the tear I shed in this emotional rollercoaster ride. "Follow the Map" by the Japanese post-rock band, "Mono", was an intricately crafted masterpiece. Music doesn't need lyrics to convey a message. This work of art alarmed me: it opened my eyes to a whole new arena. It tugged at my heart, stirring feelings that I couldn't quite place. For me, the opus painted a vivid picture of the future: a future of perfect balance. There will be times of despair and struggle, yet amidst the turmoil, I will find that pinnacle of hope - the beacon of light that will set my path straight. Tragedy and comedy, yin and yang, success and failure are entrenched in the piece and I feel that it foreshadows my future. The title, "Follow the Map", hints at the thread I walk upon as I move forward, never dragging my feet behind.

Undergraduate / 'Run, study, cry, yell, and learn' - Favorite place to get lost (UVA) - Music [2]

Please critique this essay and tell me if it's too confusing too follow or what else I could add to make it stronger.

Discuss your favorite place to get lost.
I sit snuggly onto my cozy, familiar armchair and heave a sigh of relief. After a hard day's work, I allow myself to get lost into the world of music. I gingerly place my near-dilapidated set of headphones onto my head and escape reality. Immediately, the music begins with a soothing melody singing me to sleep the first minute and later drags me into a whirlpool of chaos. I drift and nod my head slightly as my music progresses, never ceasing to captivate me. Like a seesaw, my emotions sway from a state of pure ecstasy to one pumped with adrenaline. I often get lost in music: I listen incessantly and lose all track of time. Every time I exit these long listening sessions, I feel like I've undergone catharsis: a cleansing of the mind. Groggily, I take off my headphones and rub my ears. Listening to music before bed puts my mind at ease. Music is like a long, worn path ï some stretches of track are well-paved and structured while others are bumpy and haphazard. Structure and chaos are two conflicting elements that are entrenched in my music ï one follows standard composition while the other deviates from it. Music is an outlet for me to release my frustration and pent-up stress. I run to music. I study to music. I cry to music. I yell in joy to music. I learn from music.