sample college essay about music

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Blog > Essay Advice , Personal Statement > How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)

How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Alex McNeil, MA Admissions Consultant

Key Takeaway

Ask any admissions officer if they’ve read a college essay about music, and they’ll definitely say yes. Between music extracurriculars and academic interests in music, it’s is one of the most common college essay topics.

So does that mean that you shouldn’t write your college essay about music?

Not necessarily. But as with any common college essay topic, some approaches are better than others.

Let’s get into it.

Why you should (and shouldn’t) write your Common App essay about music

As we explained in our Stanford Items exercise , writing your college essay on a common topic isn’t off-limits. In fact, most college essays share common topics and themes. Trying to find a completely unique, never-been-done-before topic is almost impossible. And writing about a quirky topic in hopes of coming across as unique usually backfires.

In other words, it’s likely that you’ll write about the same topic as someone else.

The problem arises, however, when you write about a common topic in a cliche way . Cliches are always a danger in college essays, but in especially college essay topics that tend to surface again and again.

To avoid cliches, your college essay about music needs to be deeply personal, specific, and meaningful. You’ll want to let go of any over-generalizations or truisms and focus on the details of your own story.

Because you’ll need to write meaningfully and vulnerably, you should only write your college essay about music if you have something genuine and significant to say.

The Best Ways to Approach Your College Essay about Music

College essays about music aren’t off the table, but you should be thoughtful in how you write about them. The following two approaches will help you avoid cliches and find an authentic, meaningful story that fulfills all the requirements of a personal statement .

Writing about music as an academic interest

If you’re interested in studying music in college, then you can consider writing your college essay about music as an academic interest. A college essay about your academic interest in music can show fantastic intellectual fit with a school.

Let’s say you want to study music theory or composition. You might write about a topic you find compelling, a problem you’ve solved, or even a recounting of your journey becoming interested in the subject.

Or maybe you’re an aspiring performer planning on studying music performance. As an admissions officer, I read outstanding essays about students performing their favorite pieces, creating emotional music projects, and teaching lessons to young children.

No matter your topic, your goal with this approach is to show an intellectual spark, a curiosity and passion that will demonstrate to your admissions officers that you’ll be a great addition to the music community on their campuses.

Writing poignantly about a deeply meaningful extracurricular

The previous approach is great if you want to study music, but what if music is just an extracurricular passion of yours? Don’t worry—you can still write about it.

In that case, the best way is to focus on meaning. Remember: personal statements should be deeply-meaningful reflections on your personal strengths.

To start, reflect on your music extracurricular. Is it playing guitar in a band? Playing trombone in your school’s symphony? Learning piano from your grandma? How your love of poetry turned into a love of songwriting?

Next, think about what strengths you have to showcase. If you play guitar in a band, maybe you want to highlight your collaborative spirit. If you love poetry and songwriting, perhaps you focus on your creativity.

Writing about your love of music in a way that draws upon your strengths will make sure that your Common App essay avoids the following two approaches and gives admissions officers a reason to admit you.

Approaches to Avoid

While the following two approaches aren’t necessarily bad, they are the most cliche ways of approaching a college essay about music. You might want to consider avoiding them.

An inauthentic tale of triumph

Let me tell you a cliche story.

When I was in fourth grade, I decided to join the school orchestra. I found it exceedingly difficult at first. No matter how hard I tried, I never could seem to place my fingers correctly on the fingerboard. Every sound I made mimicked a screeching cat. But I decided not to give up. I practiced every day after school and on the weekends. By the time I was in ninth grade, I had made it into my high school’s top orchestra.

Is that a lovely story? Yes, absolutely. Is it hearty enough for a college essay? No. While it tells a good narrative of growth and progress, it remains on the surface of the writer’s life. It comes across as a convenient way to brag about your strengths instead of exploring them in a genuine way. In this example, the story also focuses on events that happened way too far in the past.

A song that changed your life

This approach is by far the most common cliche in college essays about music. We’ve all been there: a favorite song that transports you to a moment in your life whenever you hear it. It makes sense that you’d want to write about yours.

But there’s a problem with this approach. Too often, it reads as trite or unoriginal, and the end result usually doesn’t say much about the writer. And when it does, the message an admissions officer gets doesn’t typically give them any more reason to admit you. Since you want your college essay to be meaningful, even vulnerable, and strengths-based, you’re better off choosing another topic that better speaks to who you are.

Key Takeaways + Examples

College essays about music aren’t for everyone. But when you get it right, you can strike the perfect chord with admissions officers (you’re welcome for the pun).

As you go, dig deep, find something genuinely personal, and try to avoid the most common and cliche ways of approaching the topic.

Want to see some examples of college essays about music before you get started? Check out our examples, The Time Machine and The Band .

Liked that? Try this next.

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College Essay About Music: “Music Is My Life”

EssayEdge > Blog > College Essay About Music: “Music Is My Life”

Here, you will find an example for an admission essay about “Music in my Life” aimed to show the applicant’s originality. Look through it to find out the basic structure and main features of the well-done college essay.

“Music is My Life” Essay Sample

I am an addict. I tell people I could stop anytime, but deep inside, I know I am lying. I need to listen to music, to write music, to play music every day. I can’t go a whole day without, at the very least, humming or whistling the tunes that crowd my head. I sing myself hoarse each morning in the shower, and playing the trumpet leaves a red mouthpiece-shaped badge of courage on my lips all day. I suspect that if someone were to look at my blood under a microscope, they would see, between the platelets and t-cells, little black musical notes coursing through my body.

On many occasions I’ve woken my family (and perhaps the neighborhood) composing on the piano early in the morning. Other times, my mother will admonish, “It’s too late to play the trumpet.” But I can’t understand why people wouldn’t want to hear music any time of the day. Keeping the music bottled up is more than I can bear. “I never worry about you sneaking up on me,” my friend once admitted to me. “I’ve never seen you walking without humming or whistling to yourself.”

For me, playing the trumpet is the opiate of music in its purest form. I love to play in all types of ensembles. I’m not just addicted to one kind of music; I couldn’t imagine limiting myself like that. Choosing just one kind of music would be worse than choosing one food to eat for the rest of my life. Playing orchestral music, for example, I become a sharpshooter. Waiting, I hide behind rows of string players, ready to jump out with a staccato attack that pierces the hearts of the audience. Playing in an orchestra, I can be Atlas, holding the other musicians above my head, or Icarus, flying through a solo in a desperate attempt to reach the heavens.

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Completely different, small jazz ensembles are like a conversation with your closest friends. “So,” someone asks, “what do you think about. . . .” We mull it over together, and then each has a say. I build on what the piano proclaimed, or disagree with the saxophone. Playing jazz like this makes me giddy; jazz musicians know that music isn’t little dots on a piece of paper, but a feeling that makes you want to stomp your feet, shout for joy, or grab a partner and swing. Taking a solo, I extend my wings, a baby bird jumping out of my nest for the first time. Flapping madly, I hope that by some act of seeming magic my music will fly on its own.

Not only am I an addict, I am also a pusher. The schools in the neighboring community are unable to afford musical instruction, so each week several other high school musicians and I teach music at an elementary school on the east side of town. I work with all of the trumpets for an hour before we join the other instruments to play as a band. Having tutored since freshman year, I’ve seen my students gradually improve. Four years ago, few of them could read music.

This year, one of my best students won a scholarship to the Stanford Jazz Workshop. Many students from the east side of town never continue on through high school. At our last homecoming game, all of my students came and played with the pep band. One student, who had been struggling in school, confided in me that playing with us had made him excited about attending high school for the first time. That afternoon, I saw a new music addiction forming; it was almost better than being hooked myself.

The given example of a well-done college essay “Music is my Life” aims to show how you can write an essay that works. Apart from this essay about music, see other samples of admission writings .

This sample is given not for mere reading. Applicants must check good samples from time to time to see the proper essay structure, the differences between writing styles, and even borrow some features. However, you’ll need to spend time editing your paper. If your skills in it are poor, our college essays editing service is ready to help you 24/7.

How to Write a Music Essay with Examples

Writing an essay about music encourages you to think about how music influences emotions and behavior. Did you know that certain types of music can alter brain activity, influence memory, or even change how we perceive time? This kind of analysis can reveal insights that go unnoticed in everyday listening.

In this article, our custom essay writing service will walk you through the process of crafting an exceptional music essay. We've curated a list of thought-provoking topics to spark your inspiration. And to give you a clearer picture of what a stellar music essay looks like, we'll share a sample music paper.

What is Music Essay

A music essay goes beyond just describing your favorite songs or artists. It can merge analysis with personal reflection, allowing you to connect abstract musical concepts to real-world effects.

What makes an essay on music unique is its ability to dissect not just the sound but the meaning and context behind it. For instance, when analyzing a piece of classical music, you might consider how its composition reflects the political climate of the time or how it challenges traditional structures in music theory. If you're writing about a modern genre like hip-hop, you might explore its roots in social movements and how it has evolved as a voice for marginalized communities.

Related : Check our special guide on what is research essay .

Special Features of Writing About Music

Writing about music doesn't require you to be an expert in this field. The key is to listen attentively, reflect on what you hear, and share your unique insights. Like any effective paper, a strong music essay requires a clear thesis, logical structure, well-supported arguments, and polished writing. What makes essays about music distinct is the blend of specific musical analysis with imaginative language that brings the music to life.

Technical vs. Everyday Language

While technical terms can be useful for describing intricate details, they aren't always necessary. If you're not deeply familiar with musical terminology or if you're writing for a broad audience, focus on describing the music in your own words. The aim is to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely without overwhelming your readers with complex jargon.

For example, in discussing Debussy's Clair de Lune , you might say: "The melody flows gently, like moonlight shimmering on a calm lake. It's serene, yet there's a quiet intensity beneath the surface." Notice how this description uses everyday language to convey the piece's emotional atmosphere.

Metaphors can be especially powerful in illustrating the emotional impact of music. For instance, you might describe a jazz improvisation as "a spontaneous conversation between old friends, full of unexpected turns and familiar comfort." This metaphor helps readers visualize the music and grasp its underlying mood.

Well-chosen metaphors not only enhance your argument but also make your writing more engaging. However, it's important to ensure your metaphors are precise and relevant to the music you're describing. Always connect them to specific musical elements so that your readers can clearly understand your interpretation.

Note : Remember to use our medical school personal statement school help for your unique academic adventures.

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How to Write a Music Essay in 7 Steps

Now, follow these 7 easy steps to understand how to write an essay about music. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create an engaging and insightful paper.

Meanwhile, you can always leave your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers and get a flawless music essay on any topic!

1. Listen and Note Initial Impressions

The first step in writing a music essay is to listen to the piece multiple times. Pay close attention to the music, noting your immediate feelings and reactions. What emotions do you experience? Are there any specific moments that stand out?

Here are some questions to consider:

How does the music make you feel? Are there moments of joy, sadness, anger, or peace?
What instruments are being used? How do their sounds contribute to the overall atmosphere?
Is there a strong melody or rhythm? How do these elements shape the piece?
Are there any recurring motifs or themes? What do they symbolize?

These observations will help you identify the key elements of the music and develop a deeper understanding of its meaning.

2. Analyze the Musical Elements

Once you've noted your initial impressions, analyze the various musical elements that contribute to its overall effect. Instead of simply listing the elements, try to understand how these elements work together to create a cohesive composition. For example:

Melody and Harmony: How does the melody interact with the harmony? Does the melody follow the harmonic progression, or does it create tension and resolution?
Rhythm and Timbre: How does the rhythm influence the timbre of the instruments? Do certain instruments accentuate the rhythmic patterns or create a sense of counterpoint?
Form and Structure: How is the piece organized? Are there any recurring sections or themes? How does the form contribute to the overall narrative or meaning of the music?

3. Organize Observations Clearly

Afterward, organize your observations in a way that makes your essay easy to follow. Start by grouping similar ideas together. For instance, if you notice patterns in rhythm, melody, or instrumentation, keep those observations together in your essay.

Next, decide on the order in which you want to present these points. A logical progression usually works best—move from broader observations to more specific details. This structure guides your reader smoothly through your analysis, making it easier for them to understand your perspective.

Lastly, make sure each section of your essay transitions well into the next. Use connecting phrases or sentences to link your ideas so the essay reads like a continuous narrative rather than a series of disjointed points.

4. Develop a Strong Thesis

To develop a strong thesis, start by reflecting on your observations and analysis. What is the key insight or argument you want to convey?

Your thesis should be specific and debatable, not just a statement of fact. For example, instead of saying, "The music uses interesting rhythms," try something more pointed like, "The unconventional rhythmic patterns in this composition challenge traditional notions of time signature, creating a unique auditory experience that reflects the artist's innovative approach."

Make sure your thesis is focused and manageable. Throughout your essay, continually refer back to this thesis to ensure your analysis remains relevant and cohesive.

5. Add Historical Context

To add historical context, start by researching the time period and cultural background in which the music was created. Consider factors like the social, political, and musical trends of the time.

For example, if you're writing about a jazz piece from the 1920s, mention the impact of the Jazz Age on the music's style and composition. How did historical events or cultural shifts influence the artist's work?

Incorporate this context into your essay to show how the music fits into a larger narrative. Explain how historical events or cultural movements shaped the music and how it, in turn, reflects or challenges those influences.

6. Link Music to Broader Themes

Connecting the music to broader themes helps to show its relevance and significance beyond its immediate context. To do this, identify the larger ideas or issues that the music touches on. For instance, if the piece reflects themes of rebellion or innovation, explain how these themes relate to broader cultural or societal movements.

Start by examining how the music aligns with or challenges prevailing trends, beliefs, or experiences of its time. For example, if a piece explores themes of personal struggle, link it to universal experiences or social issues, such as mental health or resilience.

Additionally, consider how the music fits into larger artistic or cultural movements. Does it reflect or influence trends in its genre, or does it contribute to a broader dialogue about art and society?

7. Synthesize Into a Cohesive Narrative

To synthesize your analysis into a cohesive narrative, revisit your main points and ensure they align with your thesis.

Structure your essay so that each section flows logically into the next. Begin with an introduction that outlines your thesis and the main points you will cover. Follow this with a body where you present your observations and analysis, organized by theme or aspect of the music. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a clear connection to your central argument.

In your conclusion, summarize how your analysis supports your thesis and highlight the broader significance of the music. Reinforce the key themes and insights you've discussed, showing how they come together to form a complete picture.

Music Essay Topics

When choosing a topic for your essay, consider your interests and the specific piece of music you want to analyze. Here are 15 potential music topics to write about:

What is the relationship between musical form and narrative structure in Beethoven's symphonies?
Discuss how music contributes to the storytelling and emotional impact of films or television shows.
How opera reflects socio-political issues of its time.
The Beatles' Influence on Rock Music: A look at their lasting impact.
How does the concept of "syncopation" contribute to the rhythmic complexity of jazz music?
What makes a song a classic?
Discuss the issues surrounding music copyright and the fair use of copyrighted material.
How has music been used to represent and challenge national identity in post-colonial contexts?
What is the role of nostalgia in our appreciation of music, and how does it differ across cultures?
The use of classical music in 20th-century film scores
How does Mozart's use of coloratura singing enhance the dramatic impact of his operatic characters?
Examine the connections between music and literary works, such as novels, poetry, or plays.
Trace the development of rock over time.
How does music help us cope with grief and loss, and what are the psychological mechanisms involved?
Speculate on the future of the music industry and the potential impact of emerging technologies.

Got your essay topic ready? Don't wait around—just click ' write my paper ' and let the experts handle it!

Music Essay Examples

Here are the samples that illustrate writing about music examples and bring our earlier tips to life. Crafted by our thesis writing service , they show you how to explore music, develop your arguments, and spotlight key details effectively.

The Bottom Line

Writing an essay about music can be both fun and rewarding. With so many topics to explore, just follow our guide to create a standout essay every time. Be adventurous with your topic, keep the writing process straightforward, and stick to academic standards. Use our music essay samples as a model to craft your own polished paper.

Remember, if you're feeling stuck or short on time, our expert writers are here to help. Simply visit our website, submit a ' write my research paper' request, and get a custom-written essay with just a click!

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Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions.

What is Music Essay?

How to start an essay on music, how does music affect your mood essay.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Updated writing steps, essay topics and FAQs
Added new essay samples

Writing about Music: A Guide to Writing in A & I 24 . (n.d.). https://writingproject.fas.harvard.edu/files/hwp/files/ai_24_guide_to_print.pdf

632 Music Essay Topics & Samples

The scholarly analysis of musical history, theory, and cultural aspects of music is called musicology. If you are studying this subject, our team has prepared 507 amazing topics about music for your paper.

📑 Aspects to Cover in a Music Essay

🏆 best topics about music, 👍 good music topics for research papers, 🎓 simple & easy music essay topics, 📌 unique music topics for essays, ⭐ interesting music topics to write about, 🥇 insightful music titles for essays, ❓ music essay questions.

You can write about many different types of music, ranging from classical arrangements of Mozart and Beethoven to pop compositions made via computers. Look through our music essay examples to find the best idea!

Whether you understand the subtleties of terminology or are taking a course to begin your journey, writing a music essay requires more than the knowledge of various musical pieces.

Tackling different topics, ranging from contemporary to classical music, is possible if you can explain a few cornerstone moments to your readers. To begin your essay, make sure to:

Research your assigned piece in different ways, from listening to reading about it;
Immerse yourself in the material;
Search for additional insights by watching live performances when possible.

These actions ensure that you have a good grasp of your material from different sources. Creating an outline before beginning to write will also save you time, as you will gain a better understanding of the topic.

Finally, you can get music essay ideas from reading examples of other’s work.

Avoid plagiarism, as this will immediately disqualify your paper from academic merit, as music essay examples should inspire your writing, rather than become the basis for it.

After your initial research and the execution of the pre-writing stages, you can start focusing on the details of your assignment. Straightway, music appreciation becomes an essential prerequisite to your essay.

You should find what elements resonate with you in your task and focus on developing them into factual statements.

For example, if you like the sound, then elaborate this feeling into a coherent thought that explains why. Conversely, if you do not find any part enjoyable, then do the same, but remember to remain academic and respectful.

Another important aspect of your essay is the history of the assigned piece, which you can address after your introduction. Doing so will help your readers be on the same level of knowledge as you, the essay’s writer.

Without a historical backdrop, jazz becomes just another funky-sounding genre, not a monument to America’s 20th-century rebellious tendencies.

Thus, explain how a particular piece came into existence or why was it created to increase its importance in your audience’s eyes. Furthermore, you may even compare it against other sample music of its time.

Understand that music essay topics need to be technical and explain any occurring background processes, from composition to execution.

Therefore, your bibliography should include a variety of book and journal titles. These have to demonstrate the level of your research and support your ideas with credible references.

This advice may be especially relevant if you are writing a highly technical or instrumental essay, as it allows explaining complicated concepts with ease and trustworthiness.

After you have covered technical, perception-related, and historical aspects of your subject as per your initial outline, you can integrate information about its impact on future compositions.

The continuous flow of history from the past to the future should help you support your work and uphold its importance in the broader context. Additionally, doing so enables you to lead your essay to a well-rounded conclusion.

Finally, from music essay titles that have to grab your readers’ attention to grouping paragraphs with a single theme under one subheading, you can begin finalizing your essay.

Remember the importance of explaining the different sides to your problem and tie them all together in your conclusion.

This action makes your work a comprehensive study on your subject, educating your readers, and correctly presenting information in an easy-to-read format.

Want to know other aspects of writing about music? Go to IvyPanda to find out more essay samples!

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Spanish Gypsy Flamenco Music and Its History In the 1780s, all these explanations assume that the music of the indigenous Andalucians was combined with the music of the gypsies and came to be known as the flamenco music.
History of Rock Music: The Influence and Importance of Bon Jovi Jon Bon Jovi is among such influencers and redefiners of the rock anthem, and the purpose of this paper is to study his career and find out why it is crucial to include Jovi in […]
Tupac and Gender: Sexuality in His Music He is the perfect Tupac who adores and supports women going through a crisis.”Keep yah Head Up” is another inspirational song to black women, it is a call for black women to stand firm and […]
Music Effects on the Brain However, listening to music has the ability to inspire the hormones and raise the levels of these elements to equilibrium, making the brain to work optimally.
Music From Around the World Music can be described as both traditional and modern where traditional music is seen as old and longstanding, while modern music is contemporary and present.
Music Styles and Their Differences The Classical and the Romantic styles of music are characterized by several significant differences in terms of treatment of forms, genres, and the general content of the music.
Taylor Swift’s New Music Video “Blank Space” By mans of using images, colors, rhetorical devices, music, traditional stereotypes about women and her own social background and history Taylor Swift presents the viewers with what they have been waiting to see, the well […]
Fela Kuti: Music Is the Weapon Shot in Lagos, Nigeria, at the peak of Kuti’s career, the film contains a series of heartfelt, sincere, and courageous interviews with the pioneer of the Afrobeat genre.
Music Industry & Technology: Benefits and Threats One of the advantages that technology introduced to the music industry is that it has enabled the distribution of music all over the world, thus increasing sales.
Eminem’s and Kendrick Lamar’s Music Compared In essence, the audience is drawn to actively participate in the song through narration and dance as the artists have mastered the art of combining their lyrics and style in different ways to keep their […]
Classical and Rock Music Genres As for the differences between rock and classical, the first thing that comes to mind is the length of the songs.
Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Music Analysis The piece starts from the crescendo emphasizing the worries and fears of the dying person. The ascendant rhythm of this part also expresses the image of the sacral process of dying and connection with God.
Mozart: Requiem in D Minor, K. 626 This paper offers an overview of the Requiem in D minor, analyzing the musical composition, examining the orchestration’s expressive devices, and providing a historical frame.
The History of Mambo Music Despite the fact that mambo was brought to the general American public in a bright commercial wrapping, the original mambo sound and rhythms gradually won the hearts of the devoted audiences.
Antonio Vivaldi: The Study of Music Studying the life and work of Vivaldi can help to place this and other famous concertos in context and to learn more about the influences that affected Vivaldi’s music throughout his life.
Music Therapy as a Social Work Intervention One of such interventions is music therapy which is aimed at helping people in a sensitive way accurately adjusting the possibilities this therapy may offer to the requirements of a particular client of a group […]
Technology and Music Industry The impact of file sharing technology in the music industry has been a major obstacle to its advancement. In a clearer way, the future purchase and sale of music is anticipated to be easier.
Serialism as a Technique of Composing Pieces of Music The paper examines the meaning of serialism in music with reference to the classical writings of early music composers such as Adorno and Dahlhaus.
Persian Music: Improvisation and Composition. Welcome to Dariush Eghbali’s Enchanted World In the case with Dariush Eghbali’s concert, the settings work exactly the way they should, introducing the audience to the world of the Persian music and making them dive into the unknown style.
History of Pop Music in the World: Cultural and Social Changes Later, following the evolvement of industries and development of urban centers, also the lifestyle of poor people improved considerably and this lead to the improvement of music among the poor and the rich.
The Rent Broadway Musical’s Analysis This is a musical, and the type of performance is an ensemble since the majority of songs are performed by a group of actors, although there are several solo performances as well.
Music in China and Some East Asian Countries The soil and woods of the plain of the Yellow River became the key elements of the cultural paradigm of China.
Why We Shouldn’t (Don’t) Pay for Online Music With the start of the IT sector and internet, the basic structures of the social and economic context began to change. This is a commendable aspect of the online stores and it actually helps the […]
Is There Such a Thing as Impressionism in Music? The title of the cycle may also call into play the very process of reflecting and mirroring, both the “reflection” of moods in colors or sounds and a person’s mirroring in social interaction, including feedback […]
How Baroque Era Influenced the Music World? It was during the Baroque era that artists manipulated the ‘opera music’: a style that employed the use of instruments and drama to perfection.
“The Hurt Locker”: Music in the Movie The film presents a realistic performance of the events soldiers go through while in the line of duty. The music in that scene, therefore, enhances a reflection the dangerous environment of the war.
The Importance of Music Universality By listening to and playing music from other cultures, people can learn about the traditions and beliefs of others. Thus, the universal nature of music is displayed in its ability to create strong bonds and […]
Patriotism in Music and Songs of America Patriotism can be defined as the attachment to a country and its core attributes, which does not always equal loyalty to the government or a sense of superiority.
The Rhetoric of Bob Fosse: Eroticism and Humor in a Musical This was originally a musical produced by Fosse in 1966 and he translated it into the big screen. However, the credit for creating a new style in musical belongs to Fosse.
Semiotic Analysis and Content Analysis to a Music Videos What are the female gender words used in the lyrics in the studied music videos? What are the themes of the lyrics and the music videos?
My Changing Taste in Music In this paper, I set out to discuss two different types of music that highlight my changing taste through the years.
Salsa, Reggaeton, and Merengue: The Spanish Music Genres The genre itself originated at the very end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. This genre is one of the most widespread and incendiary dances in the world.
The Television Impact on the Music Industry Some bands, such as the Monkees, the American response to the Beatles, were created with the purpose of television performance as their acting and on-camera comfort as a group were initially prioritized over music.
Musical “Hamilton” by Lin-Manuel Miranda The character of Alexander Hamilton is central to the musical, as his narrative reveals some of the major historical events such as the battle of Yorktown, issuing Amendments to the US Constitution, and the evolvement […]
Classical Music: Merriam’s Tripartite Model of Music Classical music is characterized by the harmony that is full of chromaticism. Music is meant to provide a meaningful interaction of the body and soul.
Music Appreciation: Reggae Music and Classical Music At the end of the paper, the relationships between reggae and classical music will be considered with the emphasis made on the similarities between the genres.
Online Music Store’s Website Development Planning The main purpose of the website is to ensure a stable connection to the service and provide its users with the ability to connect with each other.
Music in the “Pearl Harbor” Film by Michael Bay The United States of America sent the marine and aviation troops to repulse the attack of the Japanese army on the “Pearl Harbor”, the American military base on the Hawaiian Islands.
Music Sampling: Concept and History While the producer uses a sound track to establish the best music genres to combine, the sampler, which is the machine records, keeps, controls, and rewinds music.
Music and Its Effects on Culture Therefore, it could be concluded that music can create some of the diversity issues such as culture, and it can directly impact a culture.
Music in Saudi Arabia Music related to pearling and seafaring is part of the classical music in this region, and this is as a direct result of the sailing history of the people.
Music as a Contemporary Art Creativity involves manipulating words to appeal to the audience and for the audience to be able to relate to the music easily.
Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong: Jazz Music Louis Armstrong is described to be the man best known around the would as the founding father of Jazz while on the other hand, Dizzy Gillespie is reputed to have music that is a major […]
The Development of Twentieth-Century Music: Schoenberg vs. Stravinsky Walter notes “Schoenberg was linked to the expressionist movement in German poetry and art and he was also a leader of the Second Viennese School”.[2] Schoenberg’s major milestone in the musical scene of the 20th […]
Expressionist Movement Art and Schoenberg Music The painting presents harmony and the presentation of the changes happening in the world in a similar way that the music does.
Effects of Lullaby Music on Quality of Sleep in Adults With Insomnia Insomnia consists of deprivation of the duration and quality of sleep, which affects the psychological and physical condition of people. In addition, the main limitation may be the unreliability of the information provided by the […]
Robert Schumann: His Life and Music Schumann was no different in taking this approach from the other composers of his time, but his subjectivity enabled him to express it in unique ways.
Enigma’s “Return to Innocence” Music Video Using this approach, the authors of the video were able to transform the narrative structure and bring to the forefront the meaning of the song.
Music Technology in Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd’ Songs When it comes to identifying the instrumental elements that make Thriller unique as not only as one of the pop songs of the 80s, but also pop songs in general, the variety of the instruments […]
Choral Music History The origin of this form of music is the traditional music that people sung in groups across multiple traditional cultures. To enhance the outcome of the voices, choral music could be sung with or without […]
Folk Music: A Tool for Culture Transmission Percy was of the opinion that there was a separate form of music for the urban setting and a different one for the rural setting describing the latter as folk music.
Comparison Between Music and Style in 1950’s and Music and Styles in 1970’s This has for example been one of the differences that are realized with respect to the music of the 1950s and the music that was realized in the 1970s.
Comparison of Music Examples of Rhythm As a consequence, each member of a musical ensemble is accountable for their rhythmic performances and is required to adhere to the musical rhythms and patterns specified by the composer of the piece.
Ludovico Einaudi’s Music Analysis Ludovico Einaudi is a rebel from the world of academic music, a fan of pop music of the 60s. The choice of the composition “Fly” is determined by the fact that this kind of music […]
Reggae, Disco, and Funk Musical Styles Reggae, funk, and disco, despite the difference in rhythm, message, and sound, were intended to unite the art of music into a global musical movement.
History of Rock Music: Aerosmith The band drew their inspiration from the British blues rock that dominated the rock scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck Group, and the Rolling Stones.
Music Museums: Role and Success The success of the Music Museum depends on its organization. It attracts many people and makes them come several times in regard to the customer-oriented strategy.
Traditional Korean Music and Culture The most ancient type of this kind of music came up in the course of the invasion of the Japanese and it was called teuroteu. Today it is made of three holes in the front […]
Hogaku: Traditional Japanese Music Music is often divided into Western and Non-Western; Japanese music belongs to Non-Western music and it has a number of peculiarities all of which should be discussed in order to present an ethnographic report on […]
Nineteenth Century Musical Nationalism: Important Milestones A great hero of Italian music and opera, Verdi is put in the front reference when it comes to music discussion, nineteenth century Italy and nationalism.
The Music of the 60s and How It Became So Big Before the end of the century, the electronic and economic world was cast under the clouds of the Y2K bug and the hype-makers on the one hand made fitting tributes such as the musician of […]
Music in Films: Composers, Soundtracks and Themes The genesis of Zimmer’s approach in many of his films to production is based on non-diegetic leitmotifs and the use of textures.
Economic and Music Industry’ Relationship in South Africa One of the main challenges, faced by the representatives of this industry is the low level of awareness about local composers and performers.
Benny Carter, a Life in American Music He divorced three times and finally settled with the fifth wife He was the only male in a family of six children.
Kirk Franklin and Gospel Music One of the most popular gospel artists of the new millennium is Kirk Franklin and his contribution to contemporary gospel music is unparalleled.
Introducing Children to Music As such one of the early opportunities for children to use or be introduced to music is to help them understand concepts in relation to rhythm and melody.
The Impact of Western Society on the Music Cultures of Other Societies in the World The following segments explain the components of Australian music culture, including musical instruments, songs and some of the functions in which music plays a fundamental role.
Revisiting New Jazz Music Concert Nevertheless, because of a new and imaginative way to interpret the compositions known by millions of people for quite a while, the concert left a huge impact on me and changed my perception of the […]
The Term of Aleatoric Music and Its Meaning The instrumental music surrounding the voices leads to sadness and a feeling of calm as one feels they have to let go of the issue as it is not under one’s control.
Film Musical History: From the Beginning to the Rise and Fall The cinema of attractions elicits a high level of awareness of the film image, piquing the audience’s interest, and renouncing narrative cinema’s storytelling role.
Music Styles: Difference and Similarity of Styles 3 In alt-country, the number and variety of instruments, and the sounding of the compositions differ from the traditional country music rules and is closely linked to the rock-n-roll music features.
How Does Piracy Affect the Music Industry? With the advent of the Internet, music piracy is now nothing short of a norm, because while most individuals do admit that it is wrong, few would go to the extent of classifying it as […]
Music in “Mrs. Doubtfire” the Film by Chris Columbus Shore focused on the utilization of flute, clarinet, and vibraphone in this piece to emphasize a kind of mystery and uncertainty.
Franz Schubert: His Life and Music 1809-1812: He composed several piano pieces and songs for his mother’s death and father’s birthday. 1819-1820: Franz’s compositions and styles matured.
Music’s Role in Culture Music and Youth Culture by Dan Laughey is a book entirely dedicated to the role and functions of music in the youth culture.
Fashion in Clothing, Music, and Moods Often, the word “fashion” is used in relation to clothing, but this encompasses only one part of fashion. It is a combination of melancholy and fear that makes them appealing to the cyberpunk fashion.
Louis Armstrong’s and Bix Beiderbecke’s Jazz Music When examining the reason behind Armstrong’s worldwide popularity in comparison to the relative obscurity of Beiderbecke, it is immediately obvious that the main reason behind this was due to the fact that Armstrong was willing […]
Classical Music: Influence on Brain and Mood Considering the potential positive effects of classical music on the mood and the brain, the music can be adapted to influence people to behave in certain ways.
Popular Music: Meaningful Contributions to Social and Political Change Music has different classifications depending on various factors including the period in which the music was developed, the type of instruments that the musicians use, the cultural identity of the society that subscribes to the […]
Music of the Civil Wars, Civil Rights & Freedom Movements of Europe, Africa, North & South America During the 20th Century The aim of Giovinezza was to reinforce the position of Mussolini as the leader of the Fascist Movement and of Italy.
The Place of Folk Music in Contemporary Society The second is the type of music that sprouted from traditional music in the 20th century. The same link extends to folk music and culture given that the former is a genre of folk lore.
The Future of Music Production However, in order to determine whether quality in music is lost in using modern technology, we need to compare analogue and digital music production systems that many claim to be the cause of the deterioration […]
The Influence of Patronage on the History of Music The end of the sixteenth century became one of the most critical moments in history due to the expansion of the sources of income of composers from churches and courts, as well as wealthy lovers […]
The Role of Music in My Life Story: Little Words With More Meaning I am lucky to carry the power of jazz and classic through my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, believing that no words in music create better possibilities for listeners to focus, create, and deal with emotions.
Methods of Elementary School Music Teaching The key research questions are focused on the most suitable method for teaching singing and playing instrumental music; the application of the methods in the middle and lower grades of primary school; a comparison of […]
Music Listening: Millennium Stage by Apollo Orchestra The musical compositions of these authors formed the basis for a concert that touched the heart and soul of every listener in the hall.
History and Influence of Folk Music Thus, the idea spread of folk being “for the people and by the people”. The Kingston Trio’s pop-sensitive approach was favored by the public and defined folk music for many general listeners.
Influence of African-American Culture on Rock n Roll Music Rock and Roll were introduced to the mainstream in the 1950s by white musicians such as Elvis Presley. Rock and Roll was a distinct amalgamation of different genres of African-American music such as jazz, blues, […]
The Art Integration of Music Art Form In addition, it is important to note that music as an art form is comprised of improvisation, notation, and composition, where the latter is a process of song and music creation, a notation is the […]
Musical Exposure and Its Effect on Biochemical Changes Last, to policymakers and nursing practitioners, the effect of specific music types on various biochemical messengers lays solid ground for understanding music’s function in physiological mechanisms.
19th Century Music and the Cult of Virtuoso Performers Modulation of rarely used keys became a common style for the composers, and unlike the classical structure of music, listeners were less predictive of the rise and fall of the tone and volume.
Music, Its Definition and Evolution It is in a romantic era when different types and functions of music were developed, followed by 20th-century music, where there was an increase in music listening and the emergence of new technology which made […]
Meaning of Musical Ekphrasis This means that arts developed closely connected and nowadays, more and more pieces of art are being created not by a single kind of art but by the combination of them that provides the reader […]
Jazz Music Concert and Theatrical Performance I was listening to the bands and could not stop moving as I felt as if the music was the beat of my heart.
Gustav Holst’s Music “The Planets” It is also very helpful to know that he was reading about and studying the music and the writings of Asia and the Americas.
Renaissance Music Shift From Sacred to Secular The purpose of this paper is to describe how the shift of musical themes from sacred to secular was illustrated in renaissance music.
Classical and Contemporary Music Comparison Lyrical content is of great import to hip-hop and has spawned a new style of singing that has riveted the audiences’ attention to this music.
Chicano Music in American-Mexican Culture Some great musicians such as Jeffrey Pierce used their cultural heritage to produce the best Chicano songs. Their songs highlighted the experiences and hopes of many Latinos in the country.
Electronic Music (Within the 20th Century Art Music Tradition) This paper seeks to look into the electronic music within the 20th century art music tradition, which uses musical instruments that have to be connected electrically and use of electronic music technology The 20th century […]
Arab Music and Cinema Development: Western Culture Impact Thus the title of the project work is, “Arab Music and Arab Cinema: historical development and the role of Western culture ” The project scope is dedicated to peep into the historical background of how […]
Baroque Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 by J.S. Bach and The Four Seasons by A.Vivaldi Initially, the originators of the instrumental concerto were Italians: their natural bright character favoured the development of this playful genre that involved the key idea of competition between the soloists and the accompanying orchestra.
Classical Music: Composer Philip Glass Classic music emerged in the beginning of the 11th century in the West. Conclusion Philip Glass is a great composer who has helped conserve the unique nature of classical music.
Traditional Uses of Music in Christian Worship Services Christians have traditionally used music to encourage the believers to learn lessons on unity, and to challenge them to live as per the words of their songs.
When Words Are not Enough: The Magic of Music Speaking of the melody of each piece, one must necessarily mark that the peculiarities of each composition are emphasized with help of the original interpretation of the orchestra.
The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin Called “The boldest and the proudest poetic spirit of the age” by his musical contemporary Robert Schumann[1], Chopin embodied the essential ideas of the romantic period with his tragedy of losing his native land and […]
How Music Influenced English Poetry Until 1750 Most of the English writers of the 17th and the 18th century were in one way or other songwriters. In this period, the whole of the Great Britain was experiencing boost to the economy and, […]
History of Jazz Music Due to the unification of different states, America enjoys a diverse culture, which is the basis for the growth of jazz in the world.
Protests and Music of the Vietnam War As the public absorbed the announcement, and the truth behind the war, they were angered by the fact that many American lives had been lost in the war, and the fact that the government was […]
The Importance of Film Music The musical accompaniment significantly affects the scene’s atmosphere and how the audience will perceive it. This scene reveals the development of the protagonist’s madness, the Joker takes control of Arthur for the first time.
“Hippie Aesthetic” in Relation to Musical Elements One of the leading characteristics of musicians in the early 1970s was the implementation of classical, electronic, and jazz music elements in the rock style.
Important Role of Music in Advertising Consumer response can affect the effectiveness of music in advertising based on a person’s attitude towards music in general, the situation in which the advertisement is perceived, and its context.
How We Listen to Music by Aaron Copeland The only advantage to be gained from mechanically splitting up the listening process into these hypothetical planes is the clearer view to be had of the way in which we listen In this sentence he […]
The Salsa: Music and Dance Review In the dance perspective, it refers to a dance that tries to communicate the beats found in the salsa music. All these are in an effort to spice up the salsa dance and music.
Music of 17th/18th Century As a teenager, the music club of Salzburg hired him as one of the court musicians in Salzburg, but that opportunity did not satisfy him such that at age seventeen, he had already grown restless […]
Music Harmony Studying Harmony is the opposite of melody since the latter is taken as the horizontal characteristic of music while the former is taken as the vertical characteristic of music.
Music in the Ancient Greece The history of music in ancient Greece dates back to the 6th century BCE when the first music lessons were introduced in the learning institutions. The ‘clappers’ were the other category of music instruments that […]
Frank Zappa: Music Industry and American Culture In his response to the various issues raised about him by them and the music he played he was not apologetic to anyone.
Analysis of Music Video In this work the discussion is going to focus on a hip hop video by one of the greatest MCs in the industry by the stage name of NAS born Nasir Jones, Nas released the […]
Analysis of Music Pieces in Terms of Rhythm, Melody, and Texture The significance of the initial phrase is emphasized by the fact that it is repeated four times at the beginning of the piece, then in the middle of the piece, and then developed in a […]
Sound, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm and Growth in Music The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the idea of categories that assist people in listening to music. It is interesting to see how these SHMRG elements affect my perception of music and […]
Quincy Jones’ Biography and Career in Music He has worked with artists from Africa, Europe, and South America and has been a pivotal figure in the growth of world music. His contributions to the music world will continue to be a source […]
The Invention and the Power of Music This moment was the beginning of a practical study of the benefits of music therapy for the mental and physical condition of a person.
Classical Symphonies: Investigating Style Evolution of Western Classical Music The formative period of classical music was between the 18th and 19th centuries. Beethoven wrote music slowly and purposely with the romantics’ guidance.
Modernist Movement in Music: Investigating Style Evolution of Western Classical Music The modernist movement in music seems appropriate for this paper because of the unique and exciting styles of composing modern-era music, such as jazz, pop, and rock.
Music and Consumption: The Effects of Background Music
Race Represented in American and Chinese Music
The Impact of Hip-Hop Music Education in Elementary School
Race and Development of Music in America
The Concepts of Beauty Applied to the Music
Ellison’s Living with Music: Narrative Argument
Public Relations Issues in the Music Industry
The Bulgarian Music Tradition
Music: Genres, Instruments, and Elements
Effects of Different Music on Psychological State
Understanding The Doors’ Music: Listening Journal
Roots of Contemporary Popular Music
Editing and Music as Tools for Guiding the Narrative
Survival and Memory in Music of the Ghosts by Ratner
The Evolution of Popular Music
Music Therapy as Experiential Activity
Music Performance Anxiety Alleviation
Philosophizing About Music and Its Evolution
Jazz Music in New Orleans and Its Early Roots
“Bodies of Evidence… in Electrovocal Music” Article by Bosma
Professional Development in the Music Industry
“Riot Grrrl” as a Phenomenon in Protest Music
Gender Neutrality in a Music Video: “Beneath” by Happy Little Clouds
The Role of Music in Personal Growth
Researching of Musical Romanticism
Music Appreciation: Marriage of Figaro
Rock Music and Led Zeppelin’s Impact on It
Music Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients’ Quality of Life
The Late Baroque Style in Music
Plato’s Theory of Musical Education
Mozart’s Music and Its Impact on Children
Sex-Specific Effects of Music Listening on Couples’ Stress in Everyday Life
Art and Music Therapy Coverage by Health Insurance
Discussion of Jay Z Uniting Art and Music
The Mowtown Music Entertainment
“By the Beautiful Blue Danube” Music in Squid Game
Key Terms of the Sampling in Music
Eminem’s Life and Music Career
Music Used to Raise MegaEvents
Musical Museums: Traditional Canons
Musical Style of African America Gospel
“Making Sense of Music. Foundations for Music Education” by Durrani and Welch
Aesthetic Philosophy: The Ambivalence of Music
Analysis of “The Crimson Grail” Musical Piece
Michelangelo’s Sculpture and Webber’s Music Analysis
Variety Issues of Music Forms and Instruments
Media Role in Black Music
Music and Musicians in the Service of Social Movements
The Midnight Special Prison Music
Identity, Drugs and Music in Literature
Analysis of Country Break-Up Music
History and True Meaning of African American Slave Music
Music in the Service of Social Movements
The “Bang Bang Baby” Science Fiction Musical
James Brown’s Career in Soul Music
The Musical Instrument Selection in the Baroque Period
The Influence of Music on a Person
The Influence of Radio on American Culture and Popular Music
Charles Bolden’s Influence on Jazz Music
The Rhythm Section in Creating Rock Music
Women and Music: In the Past and in Modern Times
Music Therapy in Healthcare
Interpretive Dance and Costume Design in Enhancing Music and Plays
How Wagner’s Preludes Transformed Opera Music
Jazz Music: Characteristics of an F7 Chord
The “Legally Blonde” Musical by O’Keefe and Benjamin
Romantic Music: French, Italian, and German Operas
“Peter Pan”: The Broadway Musical
Hillbilly vs. Race Music Impact on American Radio
Kenny Rodgers: Country Music Icon
Bach and Stravinsky: The Pioneers of Musical Composition
Caribbean or Latin Music vs. Norteno, Conjunto, Tejano, and Banda
The Use of Music in the Modern World
Music Perception and Its Three Planes
Placebo: Black Market Music or Music of the Yellow Press
African-American Music From the 1920s to 1990s
Social Commentary in Pop Music Industry
Technologies & Music: “Infernal Machines” by Alex Ross
Patriotism in Music of Lee Greenwood, Jean Sibelius, John Legend and Others
Luke Combs’ Country Music Concert in 2020
Music and the Civil Rights Movement
“Cosi Fan Tutte” Opera and “Legally Blond” Musical
Music and Advertising in Television
“Sugar” and “The Moten Swing” Musical Compositions Analysis
Popular Music at the Times of Racism and Segregation
Popular Music: Curtis Mayfield’s and Bob Marley’s Songs
Objective Approach to Music by Aaron Copeland
Aztec Music. The Aztec World Culture
Western Musical Timeline & Historical Development
Fugue: The Musical Compositional Technique
Medieval and Early Modern Music
Music and Cultural Appropriation
Lesson Planning for Music Class
Timeless Art of Jazz Music
Distance Learning Experiences of In-Service Music Teachers From Puerto Rico
Music & Education During the Pandemic of Covid-19
The Instrumental Music Teaching: Educational Resources
Age-Relatedness in Teaching Music
Hip-Hop Music and Its History in the 80s-90s
Music and Film Industries as Hallmarks of Africa’s Identity
Rock and Roll as a Musical Phenomenon
Education Through Music in the Movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus”
Henry Cowell: The Genius of Musical Innovations
The Sources of Music and Tracing Indian Music Information
Aubrey Drake Graham’s Music Career
Latino-American Music:Then and Now
Listening to Good Music
Evolving Safety and Music Venue Protocols
American Popular Music and Its Evolution
Music Therapy for Children With Learning Disabilities
Music’s Universal Patterns: Urban Soundscapes
Works of Literature, Painting, and Music United by the Idea of Arabesque
Listening to Classical Music
On the Evolution of MTV and Music Videos
Opera as a Popular Musical Form
The Hippy Music as a Universal Language
Online Music Streaming Services in the UK
Music Assignment: Associative Soundtrack
Music Review: 20 Century Musicians
The Effect of Music on People With Alzheimer’s Disease
American National Style and Identity in Music
Music, Cosmology and Architecture in the Renaissance
Food, Music and Verbal Communication in China
The National Center for Popular Music
The National Centre for Popular Music in Sheffield
Music and Young Generation
The Effect of Music Videos on College Students’ Perceptions of Rape
Dementia: Relaxing Music at Mealtime in Nursing Homes Agitated Patients
This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin
Music Effect on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Effects of Music on Muscle Performance
Music in Parental Participation in Pediatric Laceration
Jazz Music: Methodological Issues
The Comparison of Prokofiev and Giovanni Music
Music and Extra-Musical Forces
Discovery of the American Music
Music and Memory: Discussion
Music and Art Critique: Recordings and Prints
Popular American Music in the Mid-19th Century
Music and Its Political Nature
Flamenco Music and Dance History: Spanish Carte-De-Visite Born in Andalusia
Music: Orchestras Nowadays
The Diversity of the Baroque Music
Debussy’s Influence on Symphonic Music
The Importance of Developing Musical Skills
Music as Concept Analysis
Music and Art As Tools to Understand Our World
Richness of Musical Art
Music of Hong Kong After 1945
Specifics of Jazz Music Analysis
Shaped by Politics: Charles Ives’s Music
Female Body Objectification in the Music Industry
Rock and Roll`s Influence on Modern Music
Elements Of Music: Different Tones and Rhythms
The History of the Music Industry and the Impact of the Advancement of Technology and Globalization
Canadian Women and Music Industry
Canadian Music and Its Spread
In and Around Canadian Music
Canadian Music Production Industry
African Influence in Music of Puerto Rico
Quebecois Music Distinctives from English Canada Music
Nat King Cole’s Life and Impact on Jazz Music
Nineteenth Century Music: Virtuoso Performances
Music Education and Rock Music
Aliens’ Point of View on Music
How Sources Inform People’s Understanding of Music
McDonaldization in the Music Industry
Music Education: Aesthetic and Paraxial Theories
Charles Ives and His Music
Music Teaching Style: The Effects of Choral Music Teacher Experience and Background
Hip Hop Culture and Music
Origins of Popular Music: Discussion
Avant-Garde as a Movement in Jazz Music
Music and Art in Paris in 1830-50: Frederic Chopin
Rap Culture and Music: Critical Thinking
Musical and Artistic Life in Paris in 1830-1850
Nationalism and 19th Century Music
The Relation of Music to Nationalism in the Work of Bedrich Smetana Composer
Music: Evolution Factors of Technology and Drugs
French Revolution and the European Music
New Approaches to Music Marketing
Music Appreciation. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Music in Different Eras Analysis
History of Pop Music in the Early 20th Century
Instrumental Scottish Music: Scottish Fiddling
Rock as a Part of Music Art
Afro-Latin Music and Dancing: Rumba, Chamame Genre, Salsa
Chopin: Musician Who Had Effect Romanticism Music
B.Britten’s Music Impact on Composers Political Beliefs
Jazz Musician Miles Davis: His Life and Music
The Evolution of Music: Brief Review
Western Music: Bela Bartok, a Hungarian Composer
Gustav Theodore Holst and His Music
Freedom of Speech and Expression in Music
Music Censorship in the United States
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Music Streaming Industry and Trend Analysis
Music in “Lady Windermere’s Fan” and “Atonement” Films
Psychology: Music’s Role in Life
Plant Growth and Development With Music
Spotify Music Service and Its Suggestions
Sex in Music Compositions and Videos
“Music and Other Provinces” Class
Music Intervention’s Effect on Falls in a Dementia Unit
Gogoyoko Music Selling Company’s Marketing Plan
Francois Couperin’s Baroque Music
Music Festivals and Chinese Students’ Attendance
Music Distribution Revolution
The Studio and Pre-Recorded Music Usage
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Free Improvisation and Experimental Music
Music Concrete and Post-War Technology Development
American Popular Music History
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Artists in Jazz Music and Dance Development
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The Changing Nature of the Music Industry
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Music Influence on Feeling Movie Scenes
Music and Human Memory Connection
Music Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
Old School Hip Hop Versus New Hip Hop Music
Music Role in Memory and Learning Processes
The Dynamic Between the Popular Music’ Sound and Look
Popular Music and Accompanying Visual Representation
Global Music: Mass Communication
Piano Music, Baroque and Nationalism Influences
Music in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
Achille-Claude Debussy’s Music as the Best Present
Music Programs and Monetary Barriers in Schools
MTV’s Revolution in the Music Industry
Music Curriculum, Its Elements and Difficulties
Jazz Music Popularization in Chinese Culture
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How Music Affects the Brain?
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Personality and Music Preference
Lalo Guerrero: the Father of Chicano Music
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The Role of Music in Films
Music Band “Mahotella Queens”
Korean Pop Music and Youth Identity
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Paul Simon’s Music Style
Ableton Live Software Application in Music Performance
Frank Zappa and His Contribution to the Music Industry
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Music Video “Mockingbird” by Eminem
Baroque Mark in Today’s Music
Modern Music Development in the USA
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Los Angeles and Seattle’ Music in 80-90s
Music Role in Personal and Social Identities
The Ars Antiqua Music Concept
The Role of Music in Cinematography
Louis Armstrong’s Contribution to Jazz Music
Music Special Innovation for the Physical Exercise
Bundling and Distribution of Digitized Music Over the Internet
Jazz Live Music Concert in Catalina Jazz Club
The Wollongong Music Festival Arranging
The Culture of Electronic Dance Music
The Music Recording Industry in Canada
Personality and Music Preferences
History of the Science and Art of Music
Rock Music as an Unique Cultural Phenomenon
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Baroque Music Concert – Haendel: La Resurrection
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Music Industry: Apple’s iTunes and Profitability
Music Talent Shows and the American Dream
The History of Modern Chinese Music
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Hip Hop Music as Media Influence on the Youth
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Music, Media and Culture’ Effects on Aggressive Behavior
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Rock Music of the 1970s
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Women in Hip-Hop Music: A Provocative and Objectified Gender Roles
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Diving Into the Secrets of the Korean Music
The Cattle Drivers’ Music
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Music and Dance as a Part of Our Culture
Music as a Relaxation Technique
Classic Rocks and Gangsta Rap. Music Analysis
An Analysis of Music Theory
Woodstock Music Festival
Youth Popular Cultures and Music
College Students’ Satisfaction of Music Festival in China
The Impact of Korean Popular Music
Review of Peter Kivy’s Introduction to a Philosophy of Music
Classical and Modern Music
Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business
Digital Music Increasing Trend
Diversity and Inclusion in Relation to Music in the Workplace
Miles Davis Contribution to African American Music
Music and the Construction of Personal and Social Identities
Gangsta Rap Music as Social Culture in the Journal of Youth Studies by Alexander Riley
How Does Jazz the Music and Its Story Reflect the American Experience?
R&B and Hip-Hop Effect Western Music
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Kiwi Music Cultural Event in New Zealand
Effects of Music in Advertising
Themes, Content and the Power of Music in Iron Man: When the World Is Crumbling
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E-Commerce Website for Music Videos
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Popular Music in Uzbekistan
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Leading Culture and Organizational Change at the Royal Conservatory of the Music
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Music Impact on Human Mind and Body
The Effects of Music in Advertising and Choice Behavior
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The Role of Music in the Sea Hawk
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Music in Times of Conflict
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Music as an Independent Art
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The Steel Pan Music History
Music Industry and Technology
Music Industry as a Cultural Industry
The Music Industry Versus the Internet: MP3 and Other CyberMmusic Wars
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Reading Between the Lines, Interpreting Music
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World Peace in Music
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Pop Music Nature and History
Music Styles: Indie Rock
Concepts of How the Blues Music Started In America
The Artistic Realm of Music Video
Music Education in Public Schools: For and Against
Classical Music Concert “Toyota Symphonies for Youths”
Black Expression: African American Music
Science and Art: The Math in Music
Jazz Music in American Culture
Sound as an Element of Music Therapy
The Film “Walk the Line” and the Role of Music in It
Ralph Ellison and His “Living With Music”
Strange Fruit’ Music and Social Consciousness
Woodstock Music and Art Festival
Music Argument: Composing Music
American Spirit in Musical Theaters
The Role of Music Videos in the Negative Portrayal of Women in Society
The Mimir Chamber Music Festival Concert
Jazz Anecdotes: Pops Foster and Chief Blue Cloud
The Royal Conservatory of Music’ Organizational Change
Washington Cathedral Classical Music Christmas Concert
Music Analysis: Drug Abuse in Music
Cuba Music: Its Styles and Instruments
An Examination of One of History’s Most Influential Music Labels
Quincy Jones, an American Music Mogul
Music Therapy Throughout the Soloist
Influence of Live Music on Music Industry
Music and Media Perceptions
The Online Music Industry
Chinese Music and Its Types
Beauty Within the Music
Latin American Music
Frankie Lymon; I Can Still Hear Your Music
The Story of Christian Music
Composing and Performing Church Music
Protestant Music: A Sociological Perspective of the Relationship Between Reggae and Moral Decadence
The Classical Music and Their Effects
Music of the Spheres: The Analysis of the Concept and Its Application to Modern Days
Music and Vital Congregations
Life of a Music Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Giving an Overview of Music Education
Classical Music: Attending a Concert
Making Money on Music: The Company That Has to Stay Afloat
Music in Pre-Reformation and Post-Tridentine Generation
Molto Agitato: The Mayhem Behind the Music at the Metropolitan Opera
Musical Features of Mahler’s III Symphony
Can Music Control Teens?
Are Mathematics, Logic, and Music Languages?
Can Music Bridge the Economic Gap Education?
Are the Measures Taken Against Illegal Music Downloading Effective?
Who Manipulates the Music Industry?
Are Societies Ill’s the Fault of Rock Music?
Can the Music Industry Adapt to the Digital Future?
Can Music Help Recover Sick Patients Through Psychotherapy?
What Did Music From Late Period Influence Composers?
What Are Music and Music Therapy?
Can Music Foster Learning?
Are Television, Movies, and Music Responsible for Teen Violence?
Can Music Therapy Improve Stress Anxiety?
What Is Digital Music Distribution, and Why Is It Significant?
What Are the Characteristics of Baroque Music?
What Role Does Cinematic Music Play in Creating Tension?
Can the Music Industry Survive Despite Piracy?
What Better Way Spread Music Around the World?
Can Music Influence the World?
Are Electro-Acoustics and the Vernacular the Largest Developments in 20TH Century Music?
Why Does Bach’s Music Still Holds Its Popularity?
Can Preference for Background Music Mediate the Irrelevant?
Why Music Matters and the History of Slavery?
Are Current Actions Taken Effective in Reducing Online Music Piracy?
Are Popular and Classical Music Listeners the Same People?
Can Music Affect the Way We Speak?
What Does Modern Day Music?
Why the Beatles Revolutionized Music and Pop Culture?
Are Streaming Services Affecting the Music Industry?
Why Can Music Make Us Feel Happy or Sad?
Mozart Essay Ideas
Entertainment Ideas
Hollywood Questions
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Piano Essay Topics
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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how can i write a good music-focused college essay.

Hey, so I'm starting to work on my college essay and I'd really like to write about my passion for music since it's been a huge part of my life. How do you think I should approach writing about this topic in a way that stands out to college admissions officers while still being genuine? Thanks in advance!

First, it's great that you want to write about your passion for music, and approaching the essay with sincerity is definitely the right mindset! To make your essay stand out, focus on personal stories, unique experiences, and the specific aspects of music that have impacted your life.

1. Personal stories and deep connections: Think about significant moments related to music that genuinely changed you or shaped your character. This can be a powerful emotional experience at a concert, overcoming challenges in learning a new instrument, or collaborating with a diverse group of musicians.

2. Unique experiences: Reflect on any unique experiences you've had with music that distinguishes you from other applicants. This could include creating an original composition, organizing a charity concert, or volunteering to teach music to underprivileged children.

3. Specific aspects of music: Instead of focusing on music in general, highlight a specific aspect that resonates with you. It can be a particular genre, artist, or instrument that inspired you. Explain how this aspect influenced your perspective and how it has contributed to your personal growth.

4. Demonstrate growth and development: Show the progression of your relationship with music and how it has shaped you as a person. Highlight how your passion for music pushed you out of your comfort zone or encouraged you to explore new opportunities, and make a connection to your future goals or academic interests.

5. Avoid clichés: Many students write about their love for music, so it's essential to avoid clichés and overused phrases. Describe your experiences in detail, using vivid imagery and sensory language to engage the reader and make your story memorable.

Overall, strive for authenticity and depth in your essay. By focusing on personal anecdotes, unique experiences, and specific aspects of music, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your passion and how it has shaped you as an individual. Good luck with your essay!

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How to Write a College Essay about Music

Music has the ability to evoke emotions and tell stories, making it a popular topic for college essays. Whether you are a musician or simply passionate about music, writing a college essay about music can showcase your creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. However, it can also be challenging to know where to start and how to stand out from the other applicants. Here are some tips on how to write a college essay about music that will impress the admissions committee.

1. Choose a Specific Topic

The first step in writing a college essay about music is to choose a specific topic. Rather than writing a general essay about music, focus on a particular aspect that interests you. For example, you could write about how music has influenced your life, how a particular musician or genre has inspired you, or how music has the power to bring people together. Whatever topic you choose, make sure it is meaningful to you and allows you to showcase your personality.

2. Show, Don't Tell

One of the most important rules of writing is to show, not tell. This means that you should use specific examples and details to illustrate your points, rather than simply stating them. For example, instead of saying "I love music," you could describe how you feel when you listen to your favorite song or how playing an instrument helps you to express yourself.

3. Use Descriptive Language

To make your essay come alive, use descriptive language that engages the reader's senses. This means using adjectives and adverbs to describe the music and how it makes you feel. For example, you could describe a piece of music as "hauntingly beautiful" or "energetic and upbeat." By using descriptive language, you can transport the reader into your world and help them to experience the music alongside you.

4. Incorporate Personal Anecdotes

One of the best ways to make your essay stand out is to incorporate personal anecdotes. This means sharing stories from your own life that relate to the topic of your essay. For example, if you are writing about how music has influenced your life, you could share a story about how a particular song helped you through a difficult time or how playing an instrument has taught you discipline and perseverance. By sharing personal anecdotes, you can make your essay more relatable and memorable.

5. Edit and Revise

Finally, make sure to edit and revise your essay before submitting it. This means checking for spelling and grammar errors, making sure your essay flows logically, and ensuring that your ideas are clearly expressed. It can also be helpful to have someone else read your essay and provide feedback. By taking the time to edit and revise your essay, you can ensure that it is polished and professional.

Music is an art form that has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers. It can evoke powerful emotions, create a sense of community, and inspire people in ways that words cannot. Music has been a part of human history for thousands of years, and it continues to be a significant aspect of our lives today.

When it comes to writing a college essay about music, the first step is to understand why you want to write about it. Music can be a great topic for an essay because it can showcase your personality, creativity, and passion. It allows you to share a unique perspective on the world and communicate your thoughts and feelings in a way that is both personal and universal.

Music can also be an excellent way to showcase your skills and accomplishments. If you are a musician or have experience with music, you can highlight your achievements and demonstrate your dedication to the art form. For example, you may have performed in a school or community choir, played an instrument in a band, or composed your own music. These experiences can be excellent fodder for your college essay.

In addition, writing about music can be a way to connect with your readers. Many people have a deep appreciation for music and can relate to its power to evoke emotions and tell stories. Your essay can create a sense of shared experience and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

Overall, writing a college essay about music can be a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, passion, and unique perspective on the world. It can be a way to highlight your skills and accomplishments, and connect with your readers on a personal level. So if you have a love for music, consider making it the focus of your college essay.

In conclusion, writing a college essay about music can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for students who are passionate about this art form. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, students can effectively showcase their musical talents, interests, and experiences in their essays. Remember, the key to a successful college essay about music is to convey your passion, uniqueness, and personality through your writing. By doing so, you can create a memorable and impactful essay that will help you stand out in the college admissions process.

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Essay Writing Guides

Essay About Music for Any Student

Our extensive article will walk you through the complex process of writing an essay about music. We’ll present you with a step-by-step guide on conveying the subtleties of music through writing, from picking an exciting topic and doing extensive research to dissecting musical aspects and adding personal observations.

Whether you’re analyzing the historical significance of a musical era, assessing the influence of a particular musician or band, or investigating the cultural and emotional aspects of music, our guide seeks to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and abilities required to write a well-reasoned essay. Come along on this journey with us as we explore the skill of turning music’s profound message into an engaging story.

Essays about Music: Importance and Impact

Music is a profound expression of human creativity, emotion, and culture that transcends cultural boundaries. It serves as a companion, providing solace and amplifying the human experience. Its influence extends beyond individuals, shaping the collective identity of communities and contributing to global culture.

To effectively explore the world of writing about music, one must first understand the fundamental elements that constitute this universal language. The music encompasses a vast array of sounds organized in a structured manner, from classical symphonies to contemporary pop hits, traditional folk tunes, and avant-garde experimental compositions. The diversity of musical forms reflects the kaleidoscope of human creativity, and understanding this diversity lays the groundwork for appreciating the nuanced aspects of different genres and styles.

Music’s emotional and cultural impact is remarkable, as it evokes feelings ranging from joy to sorrow, nostalgia to anticipation. It is a vessel for cultural narratives, preserving traditions and reflecting the spirit of an era. Exploring music’s emotional and cultural dimensions provides writers with a rich tapestry of motifs to weave into their essays about music, allowing for a more profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of musical expression.

Choose Essay Topics About Music

The essay-writing process involves selecting a topic that shapes the narrative and allows the writer to explore the intricacies of musical expression, history, and cultural impact. There are three main ways to choose essay topics about music:

Selecting a specific genre or style: Each genre has unique characteristics, histories, and cultural contexts. For example, the evolution of hip-hop can be explored by examining its roots in African and African-American communities, its socio-political impact, and the artistic innovations that have shaped its trajectory over the decades.
Exploring the historical significance of a musical era: Music has reflected societal changes, political movements, and cultural shifts throughout history. Writers can focus on a specific period, such as the Renaissance, the Roaring Twenties, or the counterculture movements of the 1960s, and analyze how the music of that era influenced and was affected by the broader socio-political landscape. For example, an essay could explore the impact of the Beatles during the tumultuous 1960s, examining how their music mirrored the cultural upheavals of the time and influenced popular music.
Analyzing the impact of a particular artist or band: Focusing on the life and work of a specific artist or band allows for a detailed examination of their contributions to the musical landscape, unique style, artistic evolution, and lasting impact on music and society. For example, an essay focused on Bob Dylan’s impact could explore his role as a poet-prophet during the folk revival of the 1960s, his transition to electronic music, and his enduring influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Understanding the background of the chosen topic is essential for providing readers with a comprehensive view of its development and significance. That’s what we are going to analyze further.

Understanding Music Essay Examples

In crafting an insightful essay about music, it is crucial to conduct thorough research. This involves using credible sources such as scholarly articles, books, academic journals, and reputable websites dedicated to music history, theory, and criticism. By drawing on authoritative sources, writers can ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in their essays.

This involves delving into the historical evolution of the genre, key milestones, and cultural influences that shaped its trajectory. By studying the background, writers can contextualize the music within a broader historical narrative, unraveling the threads that connect artistic expression to the time’s social, political, and cultural landscapes. For example, if the essay focuses on the development of blues music, researching the historical roots in African American communities, migration patterns that spread the genre, and its evolution through different regions and eras would be integral to providing a nuanced understanding.

Understanding the cultural context of the music adds depth and richness to the narrative. Culture shapes and is shaped by music, and understanding this symbiotic relationship is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. Writers should explore the societal norms, values, and movements that influenced the creation and reception of the music they are examining. They should consider the cultural milieu, social dynamics, and even geographical influences that contributed to forming a particular musical style.

In conclusion, the research and information-gathering phase lays the groundwork for a well-informed and insightful exploration of the chosen music essay examples. By utilizing credible sources, studying the background, and understanding the cultural context, writers can embark on a journey that informs, captivates, and enriches the reader’s understanding of music in its multifaceted dimensions.

How to Write an Essay About Music – Valuable Insights

A well-structured essay about music is essential for capturing the reader’s attention and understanding of the subject matter. The essay should follow a structured approach, starting with an introduction about music essay that captures the reader’s attention with a compelling hook. This can be a thought-provoking question, anecdote, quote, or surprising fact. The thesis statement should clearly articulate the central argument or perspective of the essay, outlining the central theme and key points to be explored in subsequent sections.

The body paragraphs should be divided into distinct paragraphs dedicated to a specific aspect or point related to the thesis. Evidence and examples should be provided to support arguments, such as quoting lyrics, citing critical reviews, or referencing historical events. This helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic.

Maintaining a logical flow between paragraphs is crucial, as it helps readers follow the logical progression of the essay and understand the relationships between different aspects of the topic. Transitional phrases and explicit connections between ideas help readers follow the logical progression of the essay.

In the conclusion, summarize critical points discussed in the body paragraphs, reinforcing the thesis statement and emphasizing how the evidence presented throughout the essay supports the overarching argument. This reinforces the central theme and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. In the Beatles essay, the conclusion might reiterate how their innovative approach to music defined a generation and left a significant mark on popular music history.

Lastly, the argumentative essay about music should leave a lasting impression on the reader by connecting the themes to broader cultural or societal implications or posing a thought-provoking question that encourages further reflection. In the case of the Beatles essay, the conclusion might invite readers to consider the ongoing impact of their music on contemporary artists or encourage reflection on the timeless nature of artistic innovation.

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Write a strong thesis statement.

A strong thesis statement is vital for a music essay, providing a clear roadmap for the writer and the reader. It defines the central argument or perspective, ensures clarity and relevance, and sets the tone for music essays. A concise and focused articulation of the central argument or perspective is essential, such as analyzing the cultural impact of a genre, the artist’s style evolution, or the societal resonance of a musical movement.

Clarity is paramount in a thesis statement, as it should convey the essay’s main idea in a way that the reader quickly understands. Avoiding vague or overly broad statements enhances clarity and relevance.

The thesis statement serves as the introductory handshake between the writer and the reader, setting the tone for the essay. Depending on the essay’s nature, it can range from analytical and objective to passionate and subjective. For example, if the essay explores the emotional impact of a specific genre, the thesis might set a tone of subjective reflection.

Incorporating Analysis and Critique

An essay about my favorite music requires a nuanced analysis and critique that delves into the intricacies of musical elements, assesses the impact on the audience, and allows the music writer to offer personal insights and interpretations. The music essay writing should evaluate the musical elements such as lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm, focusing on their poetic qualities, thematic depth, and storytelling capacity. It should also explore the symbiotic relationship between the music and its audience, exploring how the chosen music resonates with listeners, triggers emotional responses, and influences societal attitudes.

This may involve examining historical reactions, critical reviews, or audience testimonials. When you write an essay about music, you should also offer personal insights and interpretations, allowing the writer to inject their voice into the narrative and share their views of the music’s meaning. This multifaceted approach to analysis and critique enriches the narrative and encourages readers to engage with the music more profoundly, resulting in a lasting impact.

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Writing College Essays for Music School

by Steven Lipman

Before You Write…

Since the dawn of time, humans have expressed thoughts in writing. Whether documented on cave walls, ancient papyrus scrolls, hand-scribed Medieval codices, printed books beginning with Gutenberg, or computer devices in our day, the importance of communicating through written means has been a constant.

Those of you engaged in writing college essays about music , grad-school term papers, or applications for careers in the music industry are gaining awareness of the importance of developing solid writing skills. When communicating in writing with a party you have not yet met, your words will shape their first impression of you. Create your prose with care and precision.

Who Am I Talking to?

As a music journalist and editor, I offer some general observations that may prove helpful for those seeking to make a career in music. First, understand your audience. Are you writing a music personal statement or musical resume for a college admissions officer or someone who you hope will become your future boss? Make sure to adopt the proper tone. As you begin to network in the music industry, determine whether your missive should be business-like, warm and personable, or a combination of both. Know when to be formal and when it’s ok to be informal and conversational.

Writing a novel where you rely colorful imagery to portray a scene and have hundreds of pages to do it, is different from something of more limited scope. Be aware of when to express your thoughts as concisely as possible. Weed out extraneous words that don’t add meaning and clutter your ideas. I’m not advocating for dry, facts-only writing unless that is what’s needed (as in a résumé). In a personal essay, strike a balance by using colorful language and injecting some personality, but refrain from going down a bunny trail off topic. If your project or music college essay has a prescribed word count, make every word count!

Writing concisely takes discipline and effort. French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal is quoted as writing: “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” It takes time and effort to make sure your document is tightly written and says what you need it to.

Noteworthy Basics

As with a great piece of music, make sure you have a catchy opening. Readers will form an opinion instantly about whether they are in for an interesting read or not. Make sure the areas you want to cover are balanced. Be mindful of how much space you want give to each topic you plan to address and give each its due. Alluding to music again, you need a strong finish, a thought-provoking ending.

There are countless common grammatical and punctuation mistakes, here are a few that crop up often. Be on the look out for disagreements between the subject and verb in a sentence. Make sure singular nouns are matched with singular verbs and vice versa. Avoid overly long sentences spliced together with numerous commas. If your sentence has too many ideas, break it into shorter ones so that your reader hasn’t forgotten your main point by the time he or she gets to the final period.

Be sure that you fully understand the definitions of any unusual words you choose. If there is any doubt, look it up. A misused word speaks volumes to your reader. As an editor, I encountered writers who had fallen in love with a pet word and were reluctant to give it up it even after learning it didn’t mean what they thought. Be as willing to change a misused word as you would to correct a wrong note.

Thinking of pet word choices, watch out for echoes. By that I mean the overuse of distinctive words—especially in a single or consecutive sentences. Use the find option in your word processing program to check the number of times a word appears.

Never Forget

Always take the time to proofread carefully. Often while writing, we get to the point where we no longer see typos or other issues. Have a parent, teacher, or a friend proof your document. If that’s not possible, take a break. Leave your draft over night if time permits and come back to it with fresh eyes another day. It never feels good to discover typos in your document after you’ve sent it out.

Most likely we are not writing things for the ages like Beowolf or the Dead Sea Scrolls, but your story is important here and now. The goal is to hold someone’s interest and convey information. Care as much about expressing yourself in writing as you do in music. Make it your best effort.

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Head of admissions and faculty member at Berklee College of Music for 40 years, Steve Lipman and our team at Inside Music Schools speak music as their primary language. We approach each client contact with open eyes, ears, and minds. As the country’s premier music school consultant, he has advised students from the United States, Canada, the U.K., India, Singapore, Dubai, China, Australia, Turkey, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Israel, Italy, Russia and elsewhere.

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Essay on Music for Students and Children

500+ words essay on music.

Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. In the words of William Shakespeare, “If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Thus, Music helps us in connecting with our souls or real self.

What is Music?

Music is a pleasant sound which is a combination of melodies and harmony and which soothes you. Music may also refer to the art of composing such pleasant sounds with the help of the various musical instruments. A person who knows music is a Musician.

The music consists of Sargam, Ragas, Taals, etc. Music is not only what is composed of men but also which exists in nature. Have you ever heard the sound of a waterfall or a flowing river ? Could you hear music there? Thus, everything in harmony has music. Here, I would like to quote a line by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musicians, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

Importance of Music:

Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening music ones tends to forget all his worries, sorrows and pains. But, in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized with the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, the research has proved that the plants which hear the Music grow at a faster rate in comparison to the others.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Magical Powers of Music:

It has the power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of Music can be testified by the legends about Tansen of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving the concentration and is thus of great help to the students.

Conclusion:

Music is the essence of life. Everything that has rhythm has music. Our breathing also has a rhythm. Thus, we can say that there is music in every human being or a living creature. Music has the ability to convey all sorts of emotions to people. Music is also a very powerful means to connect with God. We can conclude that Music is the purest form of worship of God and to connect with our soul.

FAQs on Essay on Music:

Q.1. Why is Music known as the Universal Language?

Ans.1. Music is known as the Universal language because it knows no boundaries. It flows freely beyond the barriers of language, religion, country, etc. Anybody can enjoy music irrespective of his age.

Q.2. What are the various styles of Music in India?

Ans.2. India is a country of diversities. Thus, it has numerous styles of music. Some of them are Classical, Pop, Ghazals, Bhajans, Carnatic, Folk, Khyal, Thumri, Qawwali, Bhangra, Drupad, Dadra, Dhamar, Bandish, Baithak Gana, Sufi, Indo Jazz, Odissi, Tarana, Sugama Sangeet, Bhavageet, etc.

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Diverse Music Essay Topics for Students and Music Enthusiasts

Table of contents

1 How to Write an Essay on Music
2.1 Argumentative Essay Topics about Music
2.2 Topics for College Essays about Music
2.3 Controversial Topics in Music
2.4 Classical Music Essay Topics
2.5 Jazz Music Essay Topics
2.6 Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics
2.7 Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

Music is a magical world of different sounds and stories. When we talk about music, there are so many things we can explore. Writing essays about sound lets us share our feelings and thoughts about this wonderful art. In this collection, you will find 140 music essay topics.

These topics are carefully chosen to help you think and write about sound in many exciting ways. Whether you love listening to music or playing an instrument, these topics about music for an essay will spark your creativity. They cover everything, from your favorite songs to the history of music. So, get ready to dive into the sound world with these fun and interesting essay ideas!

How to Write an Essay on Music

Writing an essay about sound can be a fun and exciting way to express your thoughts and feelings about this amazing art form. Whether you are working on college essays about music, or research paper topics on music, here are some steps to help you create a great piece of writing.

First, choose a topic that you are passionate about. It could be anything from your favorite musician to a specific sound genre. For a college essay about sound, you might want to share a personal story about how music has impacted your life. For argumentative essay topics about sound, consider issues like the importance of sound education or the effects of music on the brain. If you’re working on a research paper on sound, explore the history of a certain music style or the role of sound in different cultures.
Once you have your topic, start with some research. Look for interesting facts, stories, and opinions about your topic. This will give you many ideas and help you understand your topic better.
Next, create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and keep your writing clear and focused. Start with an introduction that introduces your topic and grabs the reader’s attention. Then, write a few paragraphs that explain your main points. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument. In your writing, explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. Use simple words and short sentences.
Also, try to include examples and personal experiences to make your essay more interesting and relatable.

Need help with essay writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

List of Topics about Music for an Essay – 40 words

Discover a world of music topics to write about in this list! From fun ideas to controversial topics in music, these essay suggestions will inspire you to explore the diverse and exciting universe of music.

Argumentative Essay Topics about Music

Dive into the world of melodies and rhythms with these essay topics about music! Whether you’re passionate about different genres or curious about the impact of sound, these argumentative essay topics will guide you to explore and express your views on various musical aspects. So, let’s get ready to write and debate about the diverse and vibrant universe of sound.

Is Melody Essential in Every School’s Curriculum
The Impact of Melody on Mental Health
Should There Be More Support for Local Musicians
The Role of Songs in Cultural Preservation
Does Modern Melody Lack Originality
The Effects of Sound on Productivity
Are Music Award Shows Biased
The Importance of Lyrics in Songs
Should Songs Be Used in Advertising
The Influence of Music on Fashion Trends
Does Melody Promote a Better Global Understanding
Should Explicit Sound Be Censored
Are Songs Festivals Beneficial for Local Communities
The Role of Technology in Melody Production
Is Classical Melody Still Relevant in the Modern Era
The Impact of Social Media on Musicians’ Success
Should Music Be Included in Workplace Settings
The Role of Melody in Political Movements
Are Music Streaming Services Fair to Artists
The Importance of Preserving Traditional Melody

Topics for College Essays about Music

Step into the rhythm of words with these research paper topics about music, perfect for college essays. These topics offer a wide range of ideas, from personal experiences to cultural impacts, inviting you to explore the profound influence of sound. They are designed to inspire deep thought and passionate writing, helping you connect your academic skills with your love for melody.

How Sound Influences Fashion Trends
The Role of Melody in Different Cultures
Personal Growth Through Learning a Musical Instrument
The Evolution of a Specific Melody Genre
The Impact of Songs Streaming Services on Artists
Music as a Form of Social Protest
The Psychological Effects of Melody on the Human Mind
The Importance of Songs Education in Schools
The Relationship Between Melody and Memory
How Technology Has Changed the Way We Experience Music
The Representation of Women in Music
Music’s Role in Personal Identity
The Influence of Melody on Mood and Behavior
The Resurgence of Vinyl Records in the Digital Age
The Globalization of Music and Its Effects
The Economic Impact of the Songs Industry
Melody as a Tool for International Diplomacy
The Ethics of Music Sampling and Remixing
The Role of Melody in Film and Media
The Future of Live Music Performances

Controversial Topics in Music

Embark on a journey through the provocative and often debated realms of music with these 20 topics on controversial topics in music. These topics are designed to stir thought and conversation, challenging you to explore the music world’s more contentious and complex aspects. From ethical dilemmas to cultural controversies, these subjects offer diverse perspectives for deep exploration and spirited discussion.

The Impact of Song Piracy on the Industry
Censorship in Songs and Its Effects on Artistic Freedom
The Portrayal of Women in Popular Song Videos
The Commercialization of Indie Melody Genres
The Role of Auto-Tune in Modern Music
Melody as a Tool for Political Propaganda
The Influence of Corporate Sponsors in Melody Festivals
The Ethical Considerations of Posthumous Melody Releases
Cultural Appropriation in the Song Industry
The Decline of Traditional Songs Forms
The Relationship Between Melody and Substance Abuse
The Effect of Digital Streaming on Melody Quality
The Representation of Minority Groups in Mainstream Music
The Debate Over Explicit Lyrics and Parental Advisory Labels
The Rise of AI in Songs Creation
The Impact of Reality Song Shows on the Industry
The Role of Gender in Melody Award Nominations
Melody and Its Influence on Youth Behavior
The Sustainability of the Music Tour Industry
The Shift in Melody Consumption From Albums to Singles

Classical Music Essay Topics

Go on an enlightening journey through the world of melodies and harmonies with these 20 music topics to research, perfect for crafting compelling college essays. These topics delve into music’s vast and varied dimensions, from its historical roots to its modern-day impact. They are designed to ignite your curiosity and inspire in-depth exploration, blending academic rigor with a passion for music.

The Evolution of Melody Through the Decades
The Influence of Classical Song on Modern Genres
The Psychological Effects of Melody Therapy
The Role of Women Composers in Song History
The Impact of Social Media on Emerging Musicians
The Significance of Folk Song in Cultural Heritage
The Development of Electronic Melody and Its Future
Melody Censorship and Its Implications for Artistic Expression
The Role of Song in Film and Storytelling
The Globalization of Songs Genres and Styles
The Relationship Between Music and Fashion Trends
The History of Rock Melody and Its Cultural Impact
The Use of Songs in Advertising and Consumer Behavior
The Effects of Song Streaming on the Melody Industry
The Intersection of Melody and Political Movements
The Role of Songs in Shaping Youth Culture
The Cultural Significance of Melody Festivals Worldwide
The Preservation and Revival of Indigenous Music
The Impact of Technology on Songs Production and Distribution
The Contribution of Music to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Jazz Music Essay Topics

Step into the soulful and vibrant jazz world with these music topics for essays. Jazz, a genre rich in history and innovation, offers a treasure trove of fascinating themes for exploration. These essay topics will guide you through jazz’s intricate rhythms and stories, from its early beginnings to its modern interpretations. Delve into this mesmerizing music style’s legendary artists, iconic performances, and cultural impacts.

The Origins of Jazz and Its Early Influences
The Evolution of Jazz Through the 20th Century
Key Figures in the Development of Jazz Music
The Role of Improvisation in Jazz
The Influence of Jazz on Other Melody Genres
The Cultural Significance of Jazz in the Harlem Renaissance
The Globalization of Jazz Melody
The Impact of Technology on Jazz Recording and Production
The Fusion of Jazz With Other Musical Styles
Jazz as a Form of Social and Political Expression
The Portrayal of Jazz in Cinema and Literature
The Future of Jazz in the Digital Age
The Role of Jazz in Education and Music Therapy
Women in Jazz: Contributions and Challenges
The Jazz Scene in Different Parts of the World
The Preservation of Classic Jazz in Modern Times
The Influence of Jazz on Fashion and Lifestyle
Jazz Clubs and Their Role in Cultural Development
The Impact of Jazz Festivals on Local Communities
The Relationship Between Jazz and Modern Dance Forms

Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics

Rock and pop music, with its pulsing rhythms and catchy melodies, have captivated audiences for decades. This collection of 20 unique essay topics explores the depth and diversity of these influential genres. From the electric energy of rock to the widespread appeal of pop, these topics invite you to delve into the history, evolution, and cultural significance of these dynamic music styles. Whether examining iconic artists, groundbreaking albums, or the social impact of these genres, each topic offers a fascinating avenue for exploration and discussion in your essays.

The Evolution of Rock Songs From the 1950s to Today
The Influence of Pop Melody on Global Culture
The Role of Songs Videos in Shaping Rock and Pop
The Impact of Digital Streaming on the Rock and Pop Industry
The Significance of the Beatles in Music History
The Rise and Fall of Glam Rock
The Role of Women in the Development of Pop Music
The Influence of Rock Melody on Fashion Trends
The Changing Face of Pop Songs in the 21st Century
The Impact of Social Media on Rock and Pop Musicians
The Fusion of Rock With Other Melody Genres
The Role of Rock and Pop Music in Political Movements
The Evolution of Live Performances in Rock and Pop
The Significance of the Grammy Awards in Rock and Pop
The Depiction of Rock and Pop Songs in Movies
The Influence of Technology on the Production of Rock and Pop Music
The Cultural Diversity in the Rock and Pop Melody Scenes
The Role of Indie Labels in the Rock and Pop Industry
The Impact of Fan Culture on Rock and Pop Song
The Sustainability of Rock and Pop Songs in the Streaming Era

Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

Take a trip through melody and argument with these 20 music-related persuasive essay topics. Each topic, chosen for its ability to inspire compelling arguments and deep research, falls under the umbrella of musical topics for research papers. These prompts will challenge you to explore various facets of music, from cultural significance to technological impacts. As you delve into these topics, you’ll be encouraged to form strong opinions and support them with well-researched evidence, making your essays informative and persuasive.

The Necessity of Melody Education in Schools for Overall Development
The Impact of Classical Songs on Cognitive Abilities
Song Streaming Services and Their Effect on the Industry
The Role of Melody in Maintaining Mental Health
Songs as a Universal Language Bridging Cultural Divides
The Importance of Preserving Traditional Melody Forms
Music’s Influence on Fashion and Lifestyle
The Ethical Implications of Auto-Tune in Song Production
The Role of Social Media in the Success of New Artists
The Power of Songs in Social and Political Activism
The Benefits of Attending Live Music Performances
Songs as a Tool for Improving Concentration and Productivity
The Evolution of Melody Genres and Its Cultural Impact
The Effects of Background Song in Public Spaces
The Role of Songs in Advertising Effectiveness
Music’s Influence on Youth and Teen Development
The Relationship Between Melody and Emotional Intelligence
The Future of Virtual Reality Concerts in the Melody Industry
The Impact of Songs Piracy on Artists and Producers
The Role of Melody in Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication

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21 Stellar Common App Essay Examples to Inspire Your College Essay

What’s covered:, what makes a good common app essay, is your common app essay strong enough.

When you begin writing your Common App essay, having an example to look at can help you understand how to effectively write your college essay so that it stands apart from others.

These Common App essay examples demonstrate a strong writing ability and answer the prompt in a way that shows admissions officers something unique about the student. Once you’ve read some examples and are ready to get started, read our step-by-step guide for how to write a strong Common App essay.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.

Read our Common App essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

It’s Personal

The point of the Common App essay is to humanize yourself to a college admissions committee. The ultimate goal is to get them to choose you over someone else! You will have a better chance of achieving this goal if the admissions committee feels personally connected to you or invested in your story. When writing your Common App essay, you should explore your feelings, worldview, values, desires, and anything else that makes you uniquely you.

It’s Not Cliché

It is pretty easy to resort to clichés in college essays. This should be actively avoided! CollegeVine has identified the immigrant’s journey, sports injuries, and overcoming a challenging course as cliché topics . If you write about one of these topics, you have to work harder to stand out, so working with a more nuanced topic is often safer and easier.

It’s Well-Done

Colleges want good writers. They want students who can articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely (and creatively!). You should be writing and rewriting your essays, perfecting them as you go. Of course, make sure that your grammar and spelling are impeccable, but also put in time crafting your tone and finding your voice. This will also make your essay more personal and will make your reader feel more connected to you!

It’s Cohesive

Compelling Common App essays tell a cohesive story. Cohesion is primarily achieved through effective introductions and conclusions , which often contribute to the establishment of a clear theme or topic. Make sure that it is clear what you are getting at, but also don’t explicitly state what you are getting at—a successful essay speaks for itself.

Common App Essay Examples

Here are the current Common App prompts. Click the links to jump to the examples for a specific prompt, or keep reading to review the examples for all the prompts.

Prompt #1 : Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Prompt #2 : The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Prompt #3 : Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Prompt #4 : Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? (NOTE: We only have an example for the old prompt #4 about solving a problem, not this current one)

Prompt #5 : Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Prompt #6 : Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Prompt #7 : Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Note: Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author and subjects.

Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Prompt #1, example #1.

The room was silent except for the thoughts racing through my head. I led a spade from my hand and my opponent paused for a second, then played a heart. The numbers ran through my mind as I tried to consider every combination, calculating my next move. Finally, I played the ace of spades from the dummy and the rest of my clubs, securing the contract and 620 points when my partner ruffed at trick five. Next board.

It was the final of the 2015 United States Bridge Federation Under-26 Women’s Championship. The winning team would be selected to represent the United States in the world championship and my team was still in the running.

Contract bridge is a strategic and stochastic card game. Players from around the world gather at local clubs, regional events, and, in this case, national tournaments.

Going into the tournament, my team was excited; all the hours we had put into the game, from the lengthy midnight Skype sessions spent discussing boards to the coffee shop meetings spent memorizing conventions together, were about to pay off.

Halfway through, our spirits were still high, as we were only down by fourteen international match points which, out of the final total of about four hundred points, was virtually nothing and it was very feasible to catch up. Our excitement was short-lived, however, as sixty boards later, we found that we had lost the match and would not be chosen as the national team.

Initially, we were devastated. We had come so close and it seemed as if all the hours we had devoted to training had been utterly wasted. Yet as our team spent some time together reflecting upon the results, we gradually realized that the true value that we had gained wasn’t only the prospect of winning the national title, but also the time we had spent together exploring our shared passion. I chatted with the winning team and even befriended a few of them who offered us encouragement and advice.

Throughout my bridge career, although I’ve gained a respectable amount of masterpoints and awards, I’ve realized that the real reward comes from the extraordinary people I have met. I don’t need to travel cross-country to learn; every time I sit down at a table whether it be during a simple club game, a regional tournament or a national event, I find I’m always learning.

I nod at the pair that’s always yelling at each other. They teach me the importance of sportsmanship and forgiveness.

I greet the legally blind man who can defeat most of the seeing players. He reminds me not to make excuses.

I chat with the friendly, elderly couple who, at ages ninety and ninety-two, have just gotten married two weeks ago. They teach me that it’s never too late to start anything.

I talk to the boy who’s attending Harvard and the girl who forewent college to start her own company. They show me that there is more than one path to success.

I congratulate the little kid running to his dad, excited to have won his very first masterpoints. He reminds me of the thrill of every first time and to never stop trying new things.

Just as much as I have benefitted from these life lessons, I aspire to give back to my bridge community as much as it has given me. I aspire to teach people how to play this complicated yet equally as exciting game. I aspire to never stop improving myself, both at and away from the bridge table.

Bridge has given me my roots and dared me to dream. What started as merely a hobby has become a community, a passion, a part of my identity. I aspire to live selflessly and help others reach their goals. I seek to take risks, embrace all results, even failure, and live unfettered from my own doubt.

This student draws readers in with a strong introduction. The essay starts ambiguous—“I led with a spade”—then intrigues readers by gradually revealing more information and details. This makes the reader want to keep reading (which is super important!) As the writer continues, there is a rather abrupt tone shift from suspenseful to explanatory with statements like “It was the final of the 2015 United States Bridge Federation Under-26 Women’s Championship” and “Contract bridge is a strategic and stochastic card game.” If you plan to start with an imagery-heavy, emotional, suspenseful, or dramatic introduction, you will need to transition to the content of your essay in a way that does not feel abrupt.

You will often hear that essays need to “show, not tell.” This essay actually does both. First, the student tells readers the importance of bridge, saying “we gradually realized that the true value that we had gained wasn’t only the prospect of winning the national title, but also the time we had spent together exploring our shared passion” and “I’ve realized that the real reward comes from the extraordinary people I have met.” Then, the student shows the lessons they have learned from bridge through a series of parallel sentences: “I nod… sportsmanship and forgiveness” “I greet… not to make excuses” “I chat… it’s never too late to start anything” and so on. This latter strategy is much more effective than the former and is watered down because the student has already told us what we are supposed to get out of these sentences. Remember that your readers are intelligent and can draw their own conclusions. Avoid summarizing the moral of your story for them!

Overall, this essay is interesting and answers the prompt. We learn the importance of bridge to this student. The student has a solid grasp of language, a high-level vocabulary, and a valuable message, though they would be better off if they avoided summarizing their point and created more seamless transitions.

Prompt #1, Example #2

Growing up, I always wanted to eat, play, visit, watch, and be it all: sloppy joes and spaetzle, Beanie Babies and Steiff, Cape Cod and the Baltic Sea, football and fussball, American and German.

My American parents relocated our young family to Berlin when I was three years old. My exposure to America was limited to holidays spent stateside and awfully dubbed Disney Channel broadcasts. As the few memories I had of living in the US faded, my affinity for Germany grew. I began to identify as “Germerican,” an ideal marriage of the two cultures. As a child, I viewed my biculturalism as a blessing. I possessed a native fluency in “Denglisch” and my family’s Halloween parties were legendary at a time when the holiday was just starting to gain popularity outside of the American Sector.

Insidiously, the magic I once felt in loving two homes was replaced by a deep-rooted sense of rootlessness. I stopped feeling American when, while discussing World War II with my grandmother, I said “the US won.” She corrected me, insisting I use “we” when referring to the US’s actions. Before then, I hadn’t realized how directly people associated themselves with their countries. I stopped feeling German during the World Cup when my friends labeled me a “bandwagon fan” for rooting for Germany. Until that moment, my cheers had felt sincere. I wasn’t part of the “we” who won World Wars or World Cups. Caught in a twilight of foreign and familiar, I felt emotionally and psychologically disconnected from the two cultures most familiar to me.

After moving from Berlin to New York at age fifteen, my feelings of cultural homelessness thrived in my new environment. Looking and sounding American furthered my feelings of dislocation. Border patrol agents, teachers, classmates, neighbors, and relatives all “welcomed me home” to a land they could not understand was foreign to me. Americans confused me as I relied on Urban Dictionary to understand my peers, the Pledge of Allegiance seemed nationalistic, and the only thing familiar about Fahrenheit was the German after whom it was named. Too German for America and too American for Germany, I felt alienated from both. I wanted desperately to be a member of one, if not both, cultures.

During my first weeks in Scarsdale, I spent my free time googling “Berlin Family Seeks Teen” and “New Americans in Scarsdale.” The latter search proved most fruitful: I discovered Horizons, a nonprofit that empowers resettled refugees, or “New Americans,” to thrive. I started volunteering with Horizon’s children’s programs, playing with and tutoring young refugees.

It was there that I met Emily, a twelve-year-old Iraqi girl who lived next to Horizons. In between games and snacks, Emily would ask me questions about American life, touching on everything from Halloween to President Obama. Gradually, my confidence in my American identity grew as I recognized my ability to answer most of her questions. American culture was no longer completely foreign to me. I found myself especially qualified to work with young refugees; my experience growing up in a country other than that of my parents’ was similar enough to that of the refugee children Horizons served that I could empathize with them and offer advice. Together, we worked through conflicting allegiances, homesickness, and stretched belonging.

Forging a special, personal bond with young refugees proved a cathartic outlet for my insecurities as it taught me to value my past. My transculturalism allowed me to help young refugees integrate into American life, and, in doing so, I was able to adjust myself. Now, I have an appreciation of myself that I never felt before. “Home” isn’t the digits in a passport or ZIP code but a sense of contentedness. By helping a young refugee find comfort, happiness, and home in America, I was finally able to find those same things for myself.

Due to their endearing (and creative) use of language—with early phrases like “sloppy joes and spaetzle” as well as “Germerican” and “Denglisch”—readers are inclined to like this writer from the get-go. Though the essay shifts from this lighthearted introduction to more serious subject matter around the third paragraph, the shift is not abrupt or jarring. This is because the student invites readers to feel the transition with them through their inclusion of various anecdotes that inspired their “feelings of cultural homelessness.” And our journey does not end there—we go back to America with the student and see how their former struggles become strengths.

Ultimately, this essay is successful due to its satisfying ending. Because readers experience the student’s struggles with them, we also feel the resolution. The conclusion of this essay is a prime example of the “Same, but Different” technique described in our article on How to End Your College Essay . As the student describes how, in the end, their complicated cultural identity still exists but transitions to a source of strength, readers are left feeling happy for the student. This means that they have formed a connection with the student, which is the ultimate goal!

Prompt #1, Example #3

“1…2…3…4 pirouettes ! New record!” My friends cheered as I landed my turns. Pleased with my progress, I gazed down at my worn-out pointe shoes. The sweltering blisters, numbing ice-baths, and draining late-night practices did not seem so bad after all. Next goal: five turns.

For as long as I can remember, ballet, in all its finesse and glamor, had kept me driven day to day. As a child, the lithe ballerinas, donning ethereal costumes as they floated across the stage, were my motivation. While others admired Messi and Adele, I idolized Carlos Acosta, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet.

As I devoted more time and energy towards my craft, I became obsessed with improving my technique. I would stretch for hours after class, forcing my leg one inch higher in an effort to mirror the Dance Magazine cover girls . I injured my feet and ruined pair after pair of pointe shoes, turning on wood, cement, and even grass to improve my balance as I spun. At competitions, the dancers with the 180-degree leg extensions, endless turns, and soaring leaps—the ones who received “Bravos!” from the roaring audience—further pushed me to refine my skills and perfect my form. I believed that, with enough determination, I would one day attain their level of perfection. Reaching the quadruple- pirouette milestone only intensified my desire to accomplish even more.

My efforts seemed to have come to fruition two summers ago when I was accepted to dance with Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet at their renowned New York City summer intensive. I walked into my first session eager to learn from distinguished ballet masters and worldly dancers, already anticipating my improvement. Yet, as I danced alongside the accomplished ballerinas, I felt out of place. Despite their clean technique and professional training, they did not aim for glorious leg extensions or prodigious leaps. When they performed their turn combinations, most of them only executed two turns as I attempted four.

“Dancers, double- pirouettes only.”

Taken aback and confused, I wondered why our teacher expected so little from us. The other ballerinas seemed content, gracing the studio with their simple movements.

As I grew closer with my Moscow roommates, I gradually learned that their training emphasized the history of the art form instead of stylistic tricks. Rather than show off their physical ability, their performances aimed to convey a story, one that embodied the rich culture of ballet and captured both the legacy of the dancers before them and their own artistry. As I observed my friends more intently in repertoire class, I felt the pain of the grief-stricken white swan from Swan Lake , the sass of the flirtatious Kitri from Don Quijote, and I gradually saw what I had overlooked before. My definition of talent had been molded by crowd-pleasing elements—whirring pirouettes , gravity-defying leaps, and mind-blowing leg extensions. This mindset slowly stripped me from the roots of my passion and my personal connection with ballet.

With the Bolshoi, I learned to step back and explore the meaning behind each step and the people behind the scenes. Ballet carries history in its movements, from the societal values of the era to each choreographer’s unique flair. As I uncovered the messages behind each pirouette, kick, and jump, my appreciation for ballet grew beyond my obsession with raw athleticism and developed into a love for the art form’s emotive abilities in bridging the dancers with the audience. My journey as an artist has allowed me to see how technical execution is only the means to a greater understanding between dancer and spectator, between storyteller and listener. The elegance and complexity of ballet does not revolve around astonishing stunts but rather the evocative strength and artistry manifested in the dancer, in me. It is the combination of sentiments, history, tradition, and passion that has allowed ballet and its lessons of human connection to become my lifestyle both on and off stage.

The primary strength of this essay is the honesty and authenticity of the student’s writing. It is purposefully reflective. Intentional language creates a clear character arc that begins with an eager young ballerina and ends with the student reflecting on their past.

Readers are easily able to picture the passion and intensity of the young dancer through the writer’s engagement with words like “obsessed,” “forcing,” and “ruined” in the second paragraph. Then, we see how intensity becomes pride as they “wondered why our teacher expected so little from us.” And ultimately, we see the writer humbled as they are exposed to the deeper meaning behind what they have worked so hard for. This arc is outstanding, and the student’s musings about ballet in the concl usion position them as vulnerable and reflective (and thus, appealing to admissions officers!)

The main weakness of this essay (though this is a stellar essay) is its formulaic beginning. While dialogue can be an effective tool for starting your essay, this student’s introduction feels a bit stilted as the dialogue does not match the overall reflective tone of the essay. Perhaps, in place of “Next goal: five turns,” the student could have posed a question or foreshadowed the growth they ultimately describe.

Prompt #1, Example #4

My paintbrush dragged a flurry of acrylic, the rich colors attaching to each groove in my canvas’s texture. The feeling was euphoric.

From a young age, painting has been my solace. Between the stress of my packed high school days filled with classes and extracurriculars, the glide of my paintbrush was my emotional outlet.

I opened a fresh canvas and began. The amalgamation of assorted colors in my palette melded harmoniously: dark and light, cool and warm, brilliant and dull. They conjoined, forming shades and surfaces sharp, smooth, and ridged. The textures of my paint strokes — powdery, glossy, jagged — gave my painting a tone, as if it had a voice of its own, sometimes shrieking, sometimes whispering.

Rough indigo blue. The repetitive upward pulls of my brush formed layers on my canvas. Staring into the deep blue, I felt transported to the bottom of the pool I swim in daily. I looked upward to see a layer of dense water between myself and the person I aspire to be, an ideal blurred by filmy ripples. Rough blue encapsulates my amorphous, conflicting identity, catalyzed by words spewed by my peers about my “oily hair” and “smelly food”. They caused my ever present disdain toward cultural assemblies; the lehenga I wore felt burdensome. My identity quivers like the indigo storm I painted — a duel between my self-deprecating, validation-seeking self, and the proud self I desire to be. My haphazard paint strokes released my internal turbulence.

Smooth orange-hued green. I laid the color in melodious strokes, forming my figure. The warmer green transitions from the rough blue — while they share elements, they also diverge. My firm brushstrokes felt like the way I felt on my first day as a media intern at KBOO, my local volunteer-driven radio station, committed to the voices of the marginalized. As a naturally introverted speaker, I was forced out of my comfort zone when tasked with documenting a KBOO art exhibition for social media, speaking with hosts to share their diverse, underrepresented backgrounds and inspirations. A rhythmic green strength soon shoved me past internal blue turbulence. My communication skills which were built by two years of Speech and Debate unleashed — I recognized that making a social change through media required amplifying unique voices and perspectives, both my own and others. The powerful green strokes that fill my canvas entrench my growth.

Bright, voluminous coral, hinted with magenta and yellow. I dabbed the color over my figure, giving my painting dimension. The paint, speckled, added depth on every inch it coated. As I moved the color in random but purposeful movements, the vitality ushered into my painting brought a smile across my face. It reminded me of the encounters I had with my cubicle-mate in my sophomore year academic autism research internship, seemingly insignificant moments in my lifelong journey that, in retrospect, wove unique threads into my tapestry. The kindness she brought into work inspired my compassion, while her stories of struggling with ADHD in the workplace bolstered my empathy towards different experiences. Our conversations added blobs of a nonuniform bright color in my painting, binding a new perspective in me.

I added in my final strokes, each contributing an element to my piece. As I scanned my canvas, I observed these elements. Detail added nuance into smaller pictures; they embodied complexities within color, texture, and hue, each individually delivering a narrative. But together, they formed a piece of art— art that could be interpreted as a whole or broken apart but still delivering as a means of communication.

I find beauty in media because of this. I can adapt a complex narrative to be deliverable, each component telling a story. Appreciating these nuances — the light, dark, smooth, and rough — has cultivated my growth mindset. My life-long painting never finishes. It is ever-expanding, absorbing the novel textures and colors I encounter daily.

This essay is distinct from others due to its melodic, lyrical form. This is primarily achieved because the student’s form follows the movements of the paintbrush that they use to scaffold their essay. As readers, we simply flow through the essay, occasionally picking up bits of information about its creator. Without even realizing it, by the end of the essay, admissions officers will know that this student is a swimmer, was in Speech and Debate, is Indian, and has had multiple internships.

A major strength of this essay is the command of language that the student demonstrates. This essay was not simply written, it was crafted. Universities are, of course, interested in the talents, goals, and interests of applicants, but an essay being well-written can be equally important. Writing skills are important because your reader will not learn about your talents, goals, and interests if they aren’t engaged in your essay, but they are also important because admissions officers know that being able to articulate your thoughts is important for success in all future careers.

While this essay is well-written, there are a few moments where it falls out of the flow and feels more like a student advertising their successes. For example, the phrases “media intern at KBOO” and “autism research internship” work better on a resume than they do in this essay. Admissions officers have a copy of your resume and can check your internship experiences after reading your essay! If you are going to use a unique writing style or narrative form, lean into it; don’t try to hybridize it with the standard college essay form. Your boldness will be attractive to admissions officers.

Readers are easily able to picture the passion and intensity of the young dancer through the writer’s engagement with words like “obsessed,” “forcing,” and “ruined” in the second paragraph. Then, we see how intensity becomes pride as they “wondered why our teacher expected so little from us.” And ultimately, we see the writer humbled as they are exposed to the deeper meaning behind what they have worked so hard for. This arc is outstanding, and the student’s musings about ballet in the conclusion position them as vulnerable and reflective (and thus, appealing to admissions officers!)

Prompt #2: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Prompt #2, example #1.

“You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain.

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

When my parents learned about The Green Academy, we hoped it would be an opportunity for me to find not only an academically challenging environment, but also – perhaps more importantly – a community. This meant transferring the family from Drumfield to Kingston. And while there was concern about Max, we all believed that given his sociable nature, moving would be far less impactful on him than staying put might be on me.

As it turned out, Green Academy was everything I’d hoped for. I was ecstatic to discover a group of students with whom I shared interests and could truly engage. Preoccupied with new friends and a rigorous course load, I failed to notice that the tables had turned. Max, lost in the fray and grappling with how to make connections in his enormous new high school, had become withdrawn and lonely. It took me until Christmas time – and a massive argument – to recognize how difficult the transition had been for my brother, let alone that he blamed me for it.

Through my own journey of searching for academic peers, in addition to coming out as gay when I was 12, I had developed deep empathy for those who had trouble fitting in. It was a pain I knew well and could easily relate to. Yet after Max’s outburst, my first response was to protest that our parents – not I – had chosen to move us here. In my heart, though, I knew that regardless of who had made the decision, we ended up in Kingston for my benefit. I was ashamed that, while I saw myself as genuinely compassionate, I had been oblivious to the heartache of the person closest to me. I could no longer ignore it – and I didn’t want to.

We stayed up half the night talking, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. Max opened up and shared that it wasn’t just about the move. He told me how challenging school had always been for him, due to his dyslexia, and that the ever-present comparison to me had only deepened his pain.

We had been in parallel battles the whole time and, yet, I only saw that Max was in distress once he experienced problems with which I directly identified. I’d long thought Max had it so easy – all because he had friends. The truth was, he didn’t need to experience my personal brand of sorrow in order for me to relate – he had felt plenty of his own.

My failure to recognize Max’s suffering brought home for me the profound universality and diversity of personal struggle; everyone has insecurities, everyone has woes, and everyone – most certainly – has pain. I am acutely grateful for the conversations he and I shared around all of this, because I believe our relationship has been fundamentally strengthened by a deeper understanding of one another. Further, this experience has reinforced the value of constantly striving for deeper sensitivity to the hidden struggles of those around me. I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story.

Here is a prime example that you don’t have to have fabulous imagery or flowery prose to write a successful Common App essay. You just have to be clear and say something that matters. This essay is simple and beautiful. It almost feels like having a conversation with a friend and learning that they are an even better person than you already thought they were.

Through this narrative, readers learn a lot about the writer—where they’re from, what their family life is like, what their challenges were as a kid, and even their sexuality. We also learn a lot about their values—notably, the value they place on awareness, improvement, and consideration of others. Though they never explicitly state it (which is great because it is still crystal clear!), this student’s ending of “I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story” shows that they are constantly striving for improvement and finding lessons anywhere they can get them in life.

The only part of this essay that could use a bit of work is the introduction. A short introduction can be effective, but this short first paragraph feels thrown in at the last minute and like it is missing its second half. If you are keeping your introduction short, make it matter.

Prompt #2, Example #2

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the garb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire.

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family.

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt.

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame.

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him.

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses.

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

This Common App essay is well-written. The student is showing the admissions officers their ability to articulate their points beautifully and creatively. It starts with vivid images like that of the “rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free.” And because the prose is flowery, the writer can get away with metaphors like “I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms” that might sound cheesy without the clear command of the English language that the writer quickly establishes.

In addition to being well-written, this essay is thematically cohesive. It begins with the simple introduction “Fire!” and ends with the following image: “When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.” This full-circle approach leaves readers satisfied and impressed.

While dialogue often comes off as cliche or trite, this student effectively incorporates their family members saying “Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” This is achieved through the apt use of the verb “taunted” to characterize the questioning and through the question’s thematic connection to the earlier image of the student as a rustic princess. Similarly, rhetorical questions can feel randomly placed in essays, but this student’s inclusion of the questions “Was I so dainty?” and “Was I that incapable?” feels perfectly justified after they establish that they were pondering their failure.

Quite simply, this essay shows how quality writing can make a simple story outstandingly compelling.

Prompt #2, Example #3

The muffled voices behind thin walls heralded trouble.

They were fighting about money.

It wasn’t the first time this had happened and it wasn’t going to be the last. It was one of those countless nights I had to spend curled up under the blanket while pretending to be asleep. My father had been unemployed for five years now, and my mother, a local kindergarten teacher, was struggling to support the family alone. Our situation was bleak: Savings had run out and my parents could no longer hide our lack of money from me. To make matters worse, I was a few weeks away from starting high school, which would inevitably lead to college, yet another financial stressor for my family.

The argument didn’t sound like it would end soon.

“Why did you spend money on that?” my mother said, with an elongated sigh.

“I had to,” my father said, decidedly.

Every fight over the years had left me in despair and the idea of going through another fight daunted me. I had looked forward to my teen years all my life, an age that allows, for the first time, more responsibility. Indeed, after this fateful night, after my fourteenth birthday, I felt a mounting responsibility to help my family, and started brainstorming.

Always being fascinated by computers, I spent my childhood burying myself under computer cabinets, experimenting with computer parts. Naturally, I wondered if my skills in this area might be marketable.

The next morning, my friend, Naba, mentioned that her computer wasn’t working. A tuk-tuk ride later, and I was at her doorstep, and her mother was leading me to her room. I was off to work: I began examining her computer, like a surgeon carefully manages his scalpels and tools. A proper diagnosis was not far from reach, as I realized a broken pin in her computer’s SATA slot. After an hour of work, and a short trip to the hardware store, I successfully fixed the computer. To my pleasant surprise, Naba’s mother drew out two fresh 500 Rupee notes. One covered the cost of the parts I bought and the other was a token of appreciation. Bidding her goodbye, I went straight back home and put one of the 500 Rupee notes inside my family’s “savings-jar.”

Later that day, I devised a plan. I told my friends to spread the word that I was available to fix computers. At first, I got only one or two calls per week. I would pick up the computer from my client’s home, fix it quickly, and return it, thus earning myself a commission. While I couldn’t market my services at a competitive price, because I wasn’t able to buy the parts wholesale, I compensated by providing convenience. All my clients had to do was call me once and the rest was taken care of. Thus, my business had the best customer service in town.

At the beginning of my junior year, after two years of expanding my business through various avenues, I started buying computer parts from hardware suppliers in bulk at a cheaper rate. My business grew exponentially after that.

Before long, I was my town’s go-to tech person. In this journey throughout high school, I started realizing that I had to create my own opportunities and not just curl up under a blanket, seeking only comfort, as I used to. Interacting with people from all walks of life became my forte and a sense of work ethic developed in me. My business required me to be an all-rounder– have the technical skills, be an easily approachable person, and manage cash flow. Slowly becoming better at this, I even managed to sway admins of a local institution to outsource their computer hardware purchases and repairs through me. As my business upsized throughout the years, I went from being helpless to autonomous – the teenager I always aspired to be.

This essay truly feels like a story—almost making you forget you are reading a college essay. The student’s voice is strong throughout the entire essay and they are able to give us insight into their thoughts, feelings, and motivations at every step of the story. Letting the reader into personal challenges like financial struggles can be daunting in a college essay, but the way this student used that setback to establish an emotional ethos to their narrative was well done.

Because the essay is essentially just telling a story, there’s a very natural flow that makes it enjoyable and easy to read. The student establishes the conflict at the beginning, then describes their solution and how they implemented it, and finally concludes with the lessons they took away from this experience. Transitions at the beginning of paragraphs effortlessly show the passage of time and how the student has progressed through the story.

Another reason this essay is so successful is because of the abundance of details. The reader truly feels like they are hiding in the room with the student as their parents yell because of the inclusion of quotes from the argument. We understand the precision and care they have for fixing computers because of the allusion to a surgeon with their scalpel. Not only does this imagery make the story more enticing, it also helps the reader gain a deeper appreciation for the type of person this student is and the adversity they have overcome.

If there were one thing this essay could do to improve, it would be to include a resolution to the conflict from the beginning. The student tells us how this business helped them grow as a person, but we don’t ever get to find out if they were able to lessen the financial burden on their parents or if they continued to struggle despite the student working hard. It doesn’t have to be a happy ending, but it would be nice to return to the conflict and acknowledge the effect they had on it, especially since this prompt is all about facing challenges.

Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Prompt #3, example #1.

When I was younger, I was adamant that no two foods on my plate touch. As a result, I often used a second plate to prevent such an atrocity. In many ways, I learned to separate different things this way from my older brothers, Nate and Rob. Growing up, I idolized both of them. Nate was a performer, and I insisted on arriving early to his shows to secure front row seats, refusing to budge during intermission for fear of missing anything. Rob was a three-sport athlete, and I attended his games religiously, waving worn-out foam cougar paws and cheering until my voice was hoarse. My brothers were my role models. However, while each was talented, neither was interested in the other’s passion. To me, they represented two contrasting ideals of what I could become: artist or athlete. I believed I had to choose.

And for a long time, I chose athlete. I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse and viewed myself exclusively as an athlete, believing the arts were not for me. I conveniently overlooked that since the age of five, I had been composing stories for my family for Christmas, gifts that were as much for me as them, as I loved writing. So when in tenth grade, I had the option of taking a creative writing class, I was faced with a question: could I be an athlete and a writer? After much debate, I enrolled in the class, feeling both apprehensive and excited. When I arrived on the first day of school, my teacher, Ms. Jenkins, asked us to write down our expectations for the class. After a few minutes, eraser shavings stubbornly sunbathing on my now-smudged paper, I finally wrote, “I do not expect to become a published writer from this class. I just want this to be a place where I can write freely.”

Although the purpose of the class never changed for me, on the third “submission day,” – our time to submit writing to upcoming contests and literary magazines – I faced a predicament. For the first two submission days, I had passed the time editing earlier pieces, eventually (pretty quickly) resorting to screen snake when hopelessness made the words look like hieroglyphics. I must not have been as subtle as I thought, as on the third of these days, Ms. Jenkins approached me. After shifting from excuse to excuse as to why I did not submit my writing, I finally recognized the real reason I had withheld my work: I was scared. I did not want to be different, and I did not want to challenge not only others’ perceptions of me, but also my own. I yielded to Ms. Jenkin’s pleas and sent one of my pieces to an upcoming contest.

By the time the letter came, I had already forgotten about the contest. When the flimsy white envelope arrived in the mail, I was shocked and ecstatic to learn that I had received 2nd place in a nationwide writing competition. The next morning, however, I discovered Ms. Jenkins would make an announcement to the whole school exposing me as a poet. I decided to own this identity and embrace my friends’ jokes and playful digs, and over time, they have learned to accept and respect this part of me. I have since seen more boys at my school identifying themselves as writers or artists.

I no longer see myself as an athlete and a poet independently, but rather I see these two aspects forming a single inseparable identity – me. Despite their apparent differences, these two disciplines are quite similar, as each requires creativity and devotion. I am still a poet when I am lacing up my cleats for soccer practice and still an athlete when I am building metaphors in the back of my mind – and I have realized ice cream and gummy bears taste pretty good together.

This essay is cohesive as it centers around the theme of identity and the ability for two identities to coexist simultaneously (an interesting theme!). It uses the Full Circle ending strategy as it starts with a metaphor about food touching and ends with “I have realized ice cream and gummy bears taste pretty good together.”

The main issue with this essay is that it could come off as cliché, which could be irritating for admissions officers. The story described is notably similar to High School Musical (“I decided to own this identity and embrace my friends’ jokes and playful digs, and over time, they have learned to accept and respect this part of me”) and feels slightly overstated.

At times, this essay is also confusing. In the first paragraph, it feels like the narrative is actually going to be about separating your food (and is somehow going to relate to the older brothers?). It is not entirely clear that this is a metaphor. Also, when the writer references the third submission day and then works backward to explain what a submission day is and that there are multiple throughout the semester, the timeline gets unnecessarily confusing. Reworking the way this paragraph unfolded would have been more compelling and less distracting.

Overall, this essay was interesting but could have been more polished to be more effective.

Prompt #3, Example #2

I walked into my middle school English class, and noticed a stranger behind my teacher’s desk. “Hello,” she said. “Today I will be your substitute teacher.” I groaned internally. “Let me start off by calling roll. Ally?” “Here!” exclaimed Ally. “Jack?” “Here.” “Rachel?” “Here.” “Freddie?” “Present.” And then– “…?” The awkward pause was my cue. “It’s Jasina,” I started. “You can just call me Jas. Here.” “Oh, Jasina. That’s unique.” The word “unique” made me cringe. I slumped back in my seat. The substitute continued calling roll, and class continued as if nothing had happened. Nothing had happened. Just a typical moment in a middle school, but I hated every second of it.

My name is not impossible to pronounce. It appears challenging initially, but once you hear it, “Jas-een-a”, then you can manage it. My nickname, Jas (pronounced “Jazz”), is what most people call me anyway, so I don’t have to deal with mispronunciation often. I am thankful that my parents named me Jasina (a Hebrew name), but whenever someone hears my name for the first time, they comment, and I assume they’re making assumptions about me. “Wow, Jas is a cool name.” She must be pretty cool.“I’ve never heard the name Jasina before.” She must be from somewhere exotic. “Jas, like Jazz?” She must be musical and artsy. None of these assumptions are bad, but they all add up to the same thing: She must be unique.

When I was little, these sentiments felt more like commands than assumptions. I thought I had to be the most unique child of all time, which was a daunting task, but I tried. I was the only kid in the second grade to color the sun red. I knew it was really yellow, but you could always tell which drawings were mine. During snack time, we could choose between apple juice and grape juice. I liked apple juice more, but if everyone else was choosing apple, then I had to choose grape. This was how I lived my life, and it was exhausting. I tried to continue this habit into middle school, but it backfired. When everyone became obsessed with things like skinny jeans and Justin Bieber and blue mascara (that was a weird trend), my resistance of the norm made me socially awkward. I couldn’t talk to people about anything because we had nothing in common. I was too different.

After 8th grade, I moved to Georgia, and I was dreading being the odd one out among kids who had grown up together. Then I discovered that my freshman year would be Cambridge High School’s inaugural year. Since there were students coming in from 5 different schools, there was no real sense of “normal”. I panicked. If there was no normal, then how could I be unique? That’s when I realized that I had spent so much energy going against the grain that I had no idea what my true interests were or what I really cared about.

It was time to find out. I stopped concentrating on what everyone else was doing and started to focus on myself. I joined the basketball team, I performed in the school musical, and I enrolled in Chorus, all of which were firsts for me. I took art classes, joined clubs, and did whatever I thought would make me happy. And it paid off. I was no longer socially awkward. In fact, because I was involved in so many unrelated activities, I was socially flexible. My friends and I had things in common, but there was no one who could say that I was exactly like anyone else. I had finally become my own person.

My father named me Jasina because he wanted my nickname to be “Jazz.” According to Webster, “jazz” is “music characterized by syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and deliberate distortions of pitch.” Basically, jazz is music that is off-beat and unpredictable. It cannot be strictly defined.

That sounds about right.

Right off the bat, this essay starts extremely strong. The description of attendance in a class with ample quotes, awkward pauses, and the student’s internal dialogue immediately puts us in the middle of the action and establishes a lot of sympathy for this student before we’ve learned anything else.

The strength of this essay continues into the second paragraph where the use of quotes, italics, and interjections from the student continues. All of these literary tools help the student express her voice and allow the reader to understand what this student goes through on a daily basis. Rather than just telling the reader people make assumptions about her name, she shows us what these assumptions look and sound like, and exactly how they make her feel.

The essay further shows us how the student approached her name by providing concrete examples of times she’s been intentionally unique throughout her life. Describing her drawing red suns and choosing grape juice bring her personality to life and allow her to express her deviance from the “norm” in a much more engaging and visual way than simply telling the reader she would go against the grain to be different on purpose.

One part of the essay that was a bit weaker than the others was the paragraph about her in high school. Although it was still well written and did a nice job of demonstrating how she got involved in multiple groups to find her new identity, it lacked the same level of showing employed in previous paragraphs. It would have been nice to see what “socially flexible” means either through a conversation she had with her friends or an example of a time she combined her interests from different groups in a way that was uniquely her.

The essay finishes off how it started: extremely strong. Taking a step back to fully explain the origin of her name neatly brings together everything mentioned in this essay. This ending is especially successful because she never explicitly states that her personality aligns with the definition of jazz. Instead, she relies on the points she has made throughout the essay to stick in the reader’s memory so they are able to draw the connection themselves, making for a much more satisfying ending for the reader.

Prompt #4 (OLD PROMPT; NOT THE CURRENT PROMPT): Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

Prompt #4, example #1.

“Advanced females ages 13 to 14 please proceed to staging with your coaches at this time.”

Skittering around the room, eyes wide and pleading, I frantically explained my situation to nearby coaches. The seconds ticked away in my head; every polite refusal increased my desperation.

Despair weighed me down. I sank to my knees as a stream of competitors, coaches, and officials flowed around me. My dojang had no coach, and the tournament rules prohibited me from competing without one.

Although I wanted to remain strong, doubts began to cloud my mind. I could not help wondering: what was the point of perfecting my skills if I would never even compete? The other members of my team, who had found coaches minutes earlier, attempted to comfort me, but I barely heard their words. They couldn’t understand my despair at being left on the outside, and I never wanted them to understand.

Since my first lesson 12 years ago, the members of my dojang have become family. I have watched them grow up, finding my own happiness in theirs. Together, we have honed our kicks, blocks, and strikes. We have pushed one another to aim higher and become better martial artists. Although my dojang had searched for a reliable coach for years, we had not found one. When we attended competitions in the past, my teammates and I had always gotten lucky and found a sympathetic coach. Now, I knew this practice was unsustainable. It would devastate me to see the other members of my dojang in my situation, unable to compete and losing hope as a result. My dojang needed a coach, and I decided it was up to me to find one.

I first approached the adults in the dojang – both instructors and members’ parents. However, these attempts only reacquainted me with polite refusals. Everyone I asked told me they couldn’t devote multiple weekends per year to competitions. I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.

At first, the inner workings of tournaments were a mystery to me. To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side. I learned everything from motivational strategies to technical, behind-the-scenes components of Taekwondo competitions. Though I emerged with new knowledge and confidence in my capabilities, others did not share this faith.

Parents threw me disbelieving looks when they learned that their children’s coach was only a child herself. My self-confidence was my armor, deflecting their surly glances. Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

Despite the attack, I refused to give up. When I saw the shining eyes of the youngest students preparing for their first competition, I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was. The knowledge that I could solve my dojang’s longtime problem motivated me to overcome my apprehension.

Now that my dojang flourishes at competitions, the attacks on me have weakened, but not ended. I may never win the approval of every parent; at times, I am still tormented by doubts, but I find solace in the fact that members of my dojang now only worry about competing to the best of their abilities.

Now, as I arrive at a tournament with my students, I close my eyes and remember the past. I visualize the frantic search for a coach and the chaos amongst my teammates as we competed with one another to find coaches before the staging calls for our respective divisions. I open my eyes to the exact opposite scene. Lacking a coach hurt my ability to compete, but I am proud to know that no member of my dojang will have to face that problem again.

This essay is great because it has a strong introduction and a strong conclusion. The introduction is notably suspenseful and draws readers into the story. Because we know it is a college essay, we can assume that the student is one of the competitors, but at the same time, this introduction feels intentionally ambiguous as if the writer could be a competitor, a coach, a sibling of a competitor, or anyone else in the situation.

As we continue reading the essay, we learn that the writer is, in fact, the competitor. Readers also learn a lot about the student’s values as we hear their thoughts: “I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was.” Ultimately, the conflict and inner and outer turmoil is resolved through the “Same, but Different” ending technique as the student places themself in the same environment that we saw in the intro, but experiencing it differently due to their actions throughout the narrative. This is a very compelling strategy!

The main weakness of this essay is that it is slightly confusing at times—how the other students found coaches feels unintentionally under-explained (a simple phrase like “through pleading and attracting sympathy” in the fourth paragraph could have served the writer well) and a dojang is never defined. Additionally, the turn of the essay or “volta” could’ve packed a bigger punch. It is put quite simply with “I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.” A more suspenseful reveal could’ve served the author well because more drama did come later.

Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Prompt #5, example #1.

Tears streamed down my face and my mind was paralyzed with fear. Sirens blared, but the silent panic in my own head was deafening. I was muted by shock. A few hours earlier, I had anticipated a vacation in Washington, D.C., but unexpectedly, I was rushing to the hospital behind an ambulance carrying my mother. As a fourteen-year-old from a single mother household, without a driver’s license, and seven hours from home, I was distraught over the prospect of losing the only parent I had. My fear turned into action as I made some of the bravest decisions of my life.

Three blood transfusions later, my mother’s condition was stable, but we were still states away from home, so I coordinated with my mother’s doctors in North Carolina to schedule the emergency operation that would save her life. Throughout her surgery, I anxiously awaited any word from her surgeon, but each time I asked, I was told that there had been another complication or delay. Relying on my faith and positive attitude, I remained optimistic that my mother would survive and that I could embrace new responsibilities.

My mother had been a source of strength for me, and now I would be strong for her through her long recovery ahead. As I started high school, everyone thought the crisis was over, but it had really just started to impact my life. My mother was often fatigued, so I assumed more responsibility, juggling family duties, school, athletics, and work. I made countless trips to the neighborhood pharmacy, cooked dinner, biked to the grocery store, supported my concerned sister, and provided the loving care my mother needed to recover. I didn’t know I was capable of such maturity and resourcefulness until it was called upon. Each day was a stage in my gradual transformation from dependence to relative independence.

Throughout my mother’s health crisis, I matured by learning to put others’ needs before my own. As I worried about my mother’s health, I took nothing for granted, cherished what I had, and used my daily activities as motivation to move forward. I now take ownership over small decisions such as scheduling daily appointments and managing my time but also over major decisions involving my future, including the college admissions process. Although I have become more independent, my mother and I are inseparably close, and the realization that I almost lost her affects me daily. Each morning, I wake up ten minutes early simply to eat breakfast with my mother and spend time with her before our busy days begin. I am aware of how quickly life can change. My mother remains a guiding force in my life, but the feeling of empowerment I discovered within myself is the ultimate form of my independence. Though I thought the summer before my freshman year would be a transition from middle school to high school, it was a transformation from childhood to adulthood.

This essay feels real and tells readers a lot about the writer. To start at the beginning, the intro is 10/10. It has drama, it has emotions, and it has the reader wanting more.

And, when you keep going, you get to learn a lot about a very resilient and mature student. Through sentences like “I made countless trips to the neighborhood pharmacy, cooked dinner, biked to the grocery store, supported my concerned sister, and provided the loving care my mother needed to recover” and “Relying on my faith and positive attitude, I remained optimistic that my mother would survive and that I could embrace new responsibilities,” the reader shows us that they are aware of their resilience and maturity, but are not arrogant about it. It is simply a fact that they have proven!

Sometimes writing about adversity can feel exploitative or oddly braggy. This student backs up everything they say with anecdotes that prove and show their strength and resilience, rather than just claiming their strengths. When I read this essay, I want to cheer for its writer! And I want to be able to continue cheering for them (perhaps, if I were an admissions officer, that would make me want them at my school!).

Prompt #5, Example #2

Armed with a red pen, I slowly walked across the room to a small, isolated table with pink stools. Swinging her legs, my young student beamed and giggled at me, slamming her pencil bag on the table and bending over to pick up one of her toys. Natalie always brought some new toy with her to lessons—toys which I would sternly take away from her and place under the table until she finished her work. At the tutoring center where I work, a strict emphasis on discipline leaves no room for paper crowns or rubber chickens.

Today, she had with her a large stuffed eagle from a museum. As she pulled out her papers, I slid the eagle to the other side of the table. She looked eagerly around, attempting to chat with other students as I impatiently called her attention to her papers. “I should name my eagle,” she chimed, waving her pencil in the air. I cringed—there was no wondering why Natalie always had to sit by herself. She was the antithesis of my academic values, and undoubtedly the greatest adversary of my teaching style.

As the lesson progressed, Natalie became more fitful; she refused to release her feathered friend, and kept addressing the bird for help with difficult problems. We both grew increasingly more frustrated. Determined to tame this wryly, wiggling student, I stood my ground, set on converting this disobedient child to my calm, measured ways of study.

As time slowly crept by, I noticed that despite Natalie’s cheerful tone and bright smile, the stuffed eagle was troublesomely quiet and stern-faced. Much like myself. Both the eagle and I were getting nowhere in this lesson—so we hatched a quick plan. Lifting the eagle up in the air, I started reading in my best impersonation of an eagle, squawking my way through a spelling packet. The result provided a sense of instant gratification I never knew I needed. She sang out every letter, clapped her hands at every page, and followed along with the eagle, stopping at every few letters to declare that “E is for eagle” and pet her teacher fondly on the beak.

Despite my ostensibly dissatisfied attitude toward my students, I did not join the tutoring center simply to earn money. I had always aspired to help others achieve their fullest potential. As a young adult, I felt that it was time for me to step out of the role of a pupil and into the influential role of a teacher, naively believing that I had the maturity and skill to adapt to any situation and help these students reach their highest achievements academically. For the most part, the role of a stern-faced, strict instructor helped me get by in the workplace, and while my students never truly looked happy, I felt that it was part of the process of conditioning a child to learn.

Ironically, my transition to adulthood was the result of a stuffed animal. It was indisputable that I always had the skill to instruct others; the only thing needed to instruct someone is knowledge of the subject. However, it was only upon being introduced to a stuffed bird in which I realized that students receive the most help not from instructors, but teachers. While almost anyone can learn material and spit it back out for someone, it takes the maturity and passion of a teacher not only to help students improve in their students, but also to motivate them and develop them into better citizens. From my young pupil and her little bird, I have undergone a change in attitude which reflects a growth in maturity and ability to improve the lives of others that I hope to implement in my future role as a student, activist, and physician. My newfound maturity taught me that the letter “e” stands for many things: empathy, experience, enthusiasm, and eagle.

In this essay, the student effectively explores their values (and how they learned them!) then identifies these values through a reflective conclusion. While the writer humbly recognizes the initial faults in their teaching style, they do not position their initial discipline or rigidity as mean or poorly intentioned—simply ineffective. This is important because, when you are discussing a transition like this, you don’t want admissions officers to think of you as having been a bad person.

My favorite part about this essay is its subtlety. The major shift in the essay comes through the simple sentence “The result provided a sense of instant gratification I never knew I needed.” The facts of this narrative are not too complicated. Simply put, the writer was strict then learned that it’s sometimes more effective not to be strict. The complexity of this narrative comes through reflection. Notably, through the ending, the student identifies their values (which they hadn’t given a name to before): “it takes the maturity and passion of a teacher not only to help students improve in their students, but also to motivate them and develop them into better citizens.”

The final sentence of this essay ties things up very nicely. Readers are left satisfied with the essay and convinced that its writer is a kind human with a large capacity for reflection and consideration. That is a great image to paint of yourself!

Prompt #5, Example #3

When it’s quiet, I can still hear the Friday night gossip and giggles of my friends. It’s a stark contrast from the environment I’ve known all my life, my home. My family has always been one to keep to themselves; introverts with a hard-working mentality—my father especially. He spent most of his time at work and growing up without him around, I came to be at peace with the fact that I’d probably never really get to know him. The thought didn’t bother me at the time because I felt that we were very different. He was stoic and traditional; I was trying to figure out who I was and explore my interests. His disapproval of the American music I listened to and my penchant for wearing hand-me-downs made me see him as someone who wanted to restrain my individuality. That explains why I relied heavily on my friends throughout middle and high school; they liked me for who I was. I figured I would get lonely without my friends during quarantine, but these last few months stuck at home gave me the time to make a new friend: my father.

It was June. I had the habit of sleeping with my windows open so I wouldn’t need to set an alarm; the warmth of the sun and the sounds of the neighborhood children playing outside would wake me. One morning, however, it was not the chirping of birds or the laughter of children I awoke to, but the shrill of a saw. Through the window screen, on the grass below, my father stood cutting planks of wood. I was confused but didn’t question him—what he did with his time was none of my business. It was not until the next day, when I was attempting to work on a sculpture for an art class, that the sounds of hammering and drills became too much to ignore. Seeking answers, I trudged across my backyard towards the corner he was in. On that day, all there was to see was the foundation of what he was building; a shed. My intrigue was replaced with awe; I was impressed by the precision of his craft. Sharp corners, leveled and sturdy, I could imagine what it would look like when the walls were up and the inside filled with the tools he had spread around the yard.

Throughout the week, when I was trying to finish my sculpture for art class—thinking about its shape and composition—I could not help but think of my father. Art has always been a creative outlet for me, an opportunity to express myself at home. For my dad, his craftsmanship was his art. I realized we were not as different as I had thought; he was an artist like me. My glue and paper were his wood and nails.

That summer, I tried to spend more time with my dad than I have in all my 18 years of life. Waking up earlier than usual so we could have our morning coffees together and pretending to like his favorite band so he’d talk to me about it, I took advantage of every opportunity I had to speak with him. In getting to know him, I’ve recognized that I get my artistry from him.

Reflecting on past relationships, I feel I am now more open to reconnecting with people I’ve perhaps misjudged. In reconciling, I’ve realized I held some bitterness towards him all these years, and in letting that go, my heart is lighter. Our reunion has changed my perspective; instead of vilifying him for spending so much time at work, I can appreciate how hard he works to provide for our family. When I hear him tinkering away at another home project, I can smile and look forward to asking him about it later.

This is an outstanding example of the great things that can be articulated through a reflective essay. As we read the essay, we are simply thinking alongside its author—thinking about their past relationship with their father, about their time in quarantine, about aspects of themselves they think could use attention and growth.

While we reflect, we are also centered by the student’s anecdote about the sculpture and the shed during quarantine. By centering us in real-time, the student keeps us engaged in the reflection.

The main strength here is the maturity we see on the part of its writer. The student doesn’t say “and I realized my father was the best dad in the world;” they say “and I realized my father didn’t have to be the best dad in the world for me to give him a chance.” Lots of students show themselves as motivated, curious, or compassionate in their college essays, but a reflective essay that ends with a discussion of resentment and forgiveness shows true maturity.

Prompt #5, Example #4

As a wide-eyed, naive seven-year-old, I watched my grandmother’s rough, wrinkled hands pull and knead mercilessly at white dough until the countertop was dusted in flour. She steamed small buns in bamboo baskets, and a light sweetness lingered in the air. Although the mantou looked delicious, their papery, flat taste was always an unpleasant surprise. My grandmother scolded me for failing to finish even one, and when I complained about the lack of flavor she would simply say that I would find it as I grew older. How did my adult relatives seem to enjoy this Taiwanese culinary delight while I found it so plain?

During my journey to discover the essence of mantou, I began to see myself the same way I saw the steamed bun. I believed that my writing would never evolve beyond a hobby and that my quiet nature crippled my ambitions. Ultimately, I thought I had little to offer the world. In middle school, it was easy for me to hide behind the large personalities of my friends, blending into the background and keeping my thoughts company. Although writing had become my emotional outlet, no matter how well I wrote essays, poetry, or fiction, I could not stand out in a sea of talented students. When I finally gained the confidence to submit my poetry to literary journals but was promptly rejected, I stepped back from my work to begin reading from Whitman to Dickinson, Li-Young Lee to Ocean Vuong. It was then that I realized I had been holding back a crucial ingredient–my distinct voice.

Over time, my taste buds began to mature, as did I. Mantou can be flavored with pork and eggplant, sweetened in condensed milk, and moistened or dried by the steam’s temperature. After I ate the mantou with each of these factors in mind, I noticed its environment enhanced a delicately woven strand of sweetness beneath the taste of side dishes: the sugar I had often watched my grandmother sift into the flour. The taste was nearly untraceable, but once I grasped it I could truly begin to cherish mantou. In the same way the taste had been lost to me for years, my writer’s voice had struggled to shine through because of my self-doubt and fear of vulnerability.

As I acquired a taste for mantou, I also began to strengthen my voice through my surrounding environment. With the support of my parents, peer poets, and the guidance of Amy Tan and the Brontё sisters, I worked tirelessly to uncover my voice: a subtle strand of sweetness. Once I stopped trying to fit into a publishing material mold and infused my uninhibited passion for my Taiwanese heritage into my writing, my poem was published in a literary journal. I wrote about the blatant racism Asians endured during coronavirus, and the editor of Skipping Stones Magazine was touched by both my poem and my heartfelt letter. I opened up about being ridiculed for bringing Asian food to school at Youth Leadership Forum, providing support to younger Asian-American students who reached out with the relief of finding someone they could relate to. I embraced writing as a way to convey my struggle with cultural identity. I joined the school’s creative writing club and read my pieces in front of an audience, honing my voice into one that flourishes out loud as well.

Now, I write and speak unapologetically, falling in love with a voice that I never knew I had. It inspires passion within my communities and imparts tenacity to Asian-American youth, rooting itself deeply into everything I write. Today, my grandmother would say that I have finally unearthed the taste of mantou as I savor every bite with a newfound appreciation. I can imagine her hands shaping the dough that has become my voice, and I am eager to share it with the world.

This essay is structurally-sound, with the student’s journey learning to savor mantou and their journey trying to find their voice serving as outstanding parallels. Additionally, as they describe the journey to find a voice in their writing, they definitely show off their voice! The clear introduction provides a great image and draws us in with an intriguing question. Additionally, their little inserts like “a strand of sweetness” and “falling in love with a voice that I never knew I had” work very well.

When the student describes their first published poem, however, their writing gets a little more stilted. This is a common error students make when writing about their achievements. If this student is writing about the craft that goes into writing, we should hear the details of the craft that went into the poem, instead of simply learning that they “opened up about being ridiculed for bringing Asian food to school at Youth Leadership Forum.” This is interesting information but would be stronger if it were supplemented by descriptions of the voice they created, comparisons to the styles of other poets, and analysis of their stylistic choices. This would make the essay feel more cohesive, centering entirely around concepts of voice and style.

Prompt #6: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Note: We don’t have a stellar example for this prompt, so instead, we’re sharing a couple examples that need improvement, and what can be done to make the essays more engaging.

Prompt #6, Example #1

What factors shape the depth and allure of a literary character? This is the exact question I asked myself as my eyes riveted on the white pages covered with little black letters.

I was reading my old novels. I’ve written three novels and many short stories. Each of them repetitively portrayed the hero as intelligent and funny, and the antagonists as cold and manipulative. I came to the appalling realization that my characters were flat, neither exciting nor original. They just didn’t stand out!

As Oscar Wilde said, ‘Vice and virtue are to the artist material to an art.’ Their mixing makes a novel addictive because its plot is rich with turnarounds and its characters more engaging. In his famous work The Picture of Dorian Gray , Wilde deconstructs the psyche of his characters. He brilliantly plays with the protagonist’s youthful appearance and the decaying portrait to build a truly unique idiosyncratic identity. The persona of Dorian Gray is so complicated a psychologist could analyze it for hours on end!

Inspired by this character, It was my turn to explore good and evil into characters to make my stories more enthralling. I skillfully played with vice and virtue, separating, merging them… My latest novel is the fruit of this exercise. I chose to set it in 20th century London. Its opium dens and exclusive salons; middle-class workers, peasants and politicians breathed the same newly industrialized air; modernity in Blackfriars bridge and tradition in St Paul’s Cathedral; all of these contrasts set the perfect environment for my characters to grow. Following Laclos’ Valmont, Maupassant’s Georges Duroy and Duffy’s Myra Hindley, I played with those contrasts to present an intricate character, truly creative – unlike my previous ones. Insanity, religion, depravity and love are merged into each character, reflecting Edwardian London. As I reflected on my work, I realized vice and virtue altogether made them more human and credible. These characters stood out, they were interesting, I even wanted to know more about them!

After rewriting, erasing, typing, and thinking countless times, I realized writing is a unique exercise. Nothing is definite when you are holding a fountain pen, hearing its screeching sound on the white paper and watching the ebony ink forming letters. When I wasn’t too happy about a change I made in my story, I simply erased and rewrote it. Everything I imagined could happen: white pages are the only place the mouse eats the cat or the world is taken by a zombie attack!

This exact exercise of diversifying my characters satisfied my relentless curiosity. Asking myself ‘how could this character be if she had lost her parents in a maritime tragedy?’ allowed me to view the world from different perspectives (some very dissimilar to my own) and considering how each character would react to different situations brought them to life. As I was writing, I was aiming to change the usual narratives I had previously traversed. I loved experimenting with countless personality traits in my characters – minutes flowing, my hand dancing on the paper as my mind was singing words coming alive….

There were times where my hand just stopped writing and my mind stopped raging. I tried thinking differently, changing a character’s background, the story, the setting. I was inspired by Zola, A.Carter, Fitzgerald, the Brontë sisters… I could observe the different reactions of their characters, and reflect on mine theoretically. But it was only part one of the work: I then had to write, sometimes aimlessly, sometimes frantically, always leading to fresh ideas – I was exploring the practical, trying, erasing and rewriting. Both theory and practice are required to gain intellectual independence and experience, in writing and more globally: before I can change a character, I have to understand it. Before we can change the world, we have to understand it.

The main strength of this essay is the authenticity of the topic the student chose. They aren’t making anything up or stretching the truth. Writing is something that captivates them, and that captivation shines through—particularly through their fourth paragraph (where they geek out over specific plots and characters) and their fifth paragraph (where they joyfully describe how writing has no limitations). Admissions officers want to see this passion and intensity in applicants! The fact that this student has already written three novels also shows dedication and is impressive.

The main weakness of this essay is its structure. Ironically, it is not super captivating. The essay would have been more compelling if the student utilized a “anecdote – answer – reflection” structure. This student’s current introduction involves a reflective question, citations about their past writing experience, then their thoughts on Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray. Instead, this student could’ve provided one cohesive (and powerful!) image of them being frustrated with their own writing then being inspired by Dorian Gray. This would look something like:

“I stayed up three nights in a row studying my own writing—bored by my own writing. The only thing more painful than seeing failure in the fruits of your labor is not seeing a path for improvement. I had written three novels and numerous short stories, and all I could come up with was funny and intelligent heroes going up against cold and manipulative villains. What kind of writer was so consistently cliche? On the third night, I wandered over to my bookshelf. Mrs. Dalloway caught my eye (it has such a beautiful cover). I flipped through. Then, I grabbed Giovanni’s Room . I was so obsessed with my shortcomings that I couldn’t even focus long enough to see what these authors were doing right. I picked up The Picture of Dorian Gray and decided to just start reading. By the end of the night, I was captivated.”

An introduction like this would flow nicely into the student describing their experience with Dorian Gray then, because of that experience, describing how they have altered their approach to writing. The conclusion of this essay would then be this student’s time for reflection. Instead of repeating content about their passion—“I then had to write, sometimes aimlessly, sometimes frantically” and “I was exploring the practical, trying, erasing and rewriting”—, the student could dedicate their conclusion to reflecting on the reasons that writing is so captivating or the ways that (until the day they die) writers will always be perfecting their craft.

This essay is a great example of how important it is to pick a topic that truly excites you. It also illustrates how important it is to effectively structure that excitement.

Prompt #6, Example #2

Astonished by the crashing sound of waves in my ear, I was convinced this magical shell actually held the sound of the big blue sea — my six-year-old self was heartbroken when I couldn’t take the thirty-dollar artificial shell from SeaWorld’s gift shop . It distinctly reminded me of the awestruck feeling I had when I witnessed the churning waves of a windy night by the ocean the previous weekend; I lost track of time gazing at the distant moonlit border dividing our world from the ever-growing black void. Turning to my mom, I inquired curiously, “Can we go to the place where the water ends one day?”

She explained to me I could never reach the end of the ocean because the harsh line I had seen was actually an illusion called the horizon — there was no material end to the ocean. For a mind as young as mine was, the idea of infinity was incomprehensible. As my infatuation with the ocean continued to grow, I finally understood that regardless of how far I travel, the horizon is unattainable because it’s not a physical limit. This idea is why the ocean captivates me — no matter how much you discover, there is always more to explore.

Learning about and exploring the ocean provided an escape from one reality into another; though we are on the same planet, it’s an entirely separate world. Through elementary and middle school, I devoted vast amounts of my free time to learning about simpler concepts like a dolphin’s ability to echolocate and coral reef ecosystems. I rented countless documentaries and constantly checked out books from my local library — my all-time favorite was an episode of the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey titled “The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth.” This episode remained memorable because it was centered around the impacts of fossil fuels on marine animals; it was the first time I’d learned about the impending crisis we are faced with due to the human mistreatment of our planet.

Prior to viewing that episode, I relied on the ocean as an outlet — I fueled all of my emotions into studying marine organisms. Once I learned of its grave future, I delved into the world of environmental activism. This path was much more disheartening than studying echolocation — inevitable death due to climate change took a toll on my mental health. I attended two climate strikes in November of my sophomore year. Following the strikes, I joined Sunrise Movement Sacramento, a youth-led climate justice organization advocating for the Green New Deal. While analyzing legislation and organizing protests were significant takeaways from my experience with climate activism, they were not the most important. I became an organizer because of my love for the ocean and I remain an organizer because of my passion for dissolving the disproportionalities marginalized groups face due to the sacrificing of people’s livelihood for the sake of profit. The more I learned about our modern society, the more hopeless I grew that I could see any significant change within my lifetime.

However, this hopelessness comes in waves; every day, I remind myself of the moment I discovered the horizon. Or the moment I first dove into the beautiful waters of the Hawaiian coast and immediately was surrounded by breathtaking seas of magnificent creatures and coral gardens — life felt ethereal and beautiful. I remind myself that like the ocean, the vast majority of the universe has yet to be discovered; that distant border holds infinite opportunity to learn. In a universe as vast as ours, and life as rare as ours, individuals still choose to prioritize avarice over our planet. Despite this grave individualism, the ocean reminds me every day there is hope in the fight for a better world. Though I will never discover every inch of the ocean’s floor, I will forever envision and reach for new horizons.

Sometimes the path to a great essay is taking something normal and using it to show admissions officers who you are and what you value—that is precisely this student’s approach! Finding the ocean fascinating is not unique to this student. Tons of kids (and adults, too!) are obsessed with the ocean. What this student does is take things a step further as they explain their curiosity about the ocean in relation to their pain about the destruction of the environment. This capacity for reflection is great!

This student shows a good control of language through their thematic centering on ocean and horizons that carries through their essay—with ”this hopelessness comes in waves” and “I will forever envision and reach for new horizons.” The details provided throughout are also effective at keeping readers engaged—things like “ my six-year-old self was heartbroken when I couldn’t take the thirty-dollar artificial shell from SeaWorld’s gift shop” and “ my all-time favorite was an episode of the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey titled “The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth.”

The main weakness of this essay is the lack of reflection when the student discusses environmental activism. There’s reflection on the student’s connection to the ocean and horizons at the beginning and at the end, but when the student discusses activism, the tone shifts from focusing on their internal thoughts to their external actions. Remember, a lot of students write about environmental activism, but not a lot of students write about an emotional connection to the ocean as an impetus for environmental activism. This student would stand out more to admissions officers if they had dug into questions of what the ocean means to them (and says about them) in the paragraphs beginning “Learning about and exploring the ocean…” and “Prior to viewing that episode.”

Prompt #7: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Prompt #7, example #1.

Scalding hot water cascades over me, crashing to the ground in a familiar, soothing rhythm. Steam rises to the ceiling as dried sweat and soap suds swirl down the drain. The water hisses as it hits my skin, far above the safe temperature for a shower. The pressure is perfect on my tired muscles, easing the aches and bruises from a rough bout of sparring and the tension from a long, stressful day. The noise from my overactive mind dies away, fading into music, lyrics floating through my head. Black streaks stripe the inside of my left arm, remnants of the penned reminders of homework, money owed and forms due.

It lacks the same dynamism and controlled intensity of sparring on the mat at taekwondo or the warm tenderness of a tight hug from my father, but it’s still a cocoon of safety as the water washes away the day’s burdens. As long as the hot water is running, the rest of the world ceases to exist, shrinking to me, myself and I. The shower curtain closes me off from the hectic world spinning around me.

Much like the baths of Blanche DuBois, my hot showers are a means of cleansing and purifying (though I’m mostly just ridding myself of the germs from children at work sneezing on me). In the midst of a hot shower, there is no impending exam to study for, no newspaper deadline to meet, no paycheck to deposit. It is simply complete and utter peace, a safe haven. The steam clears my mind even as it clouds my mirror.

Creativity thrives in the tub, breathing life into tales of dragons and warrior princesses that evolve only in my head, never making their way to paper but appeasing the childlike dreamer and wannabe author in me all the same. That one calculus problem that has seemed unsolvable since second period clicks into place as I realize the obvious solution. The perfect concluding sentence to my literary analysis essay writes itself (causing me to abruptly end my shower in a mad dash to the computer before I forget it entirely).

Ever since I was old enough to start taking showers unaided, I began hogging all the hot water in the house, a source of great frustration to my parents. Many of my early showers were rudely cut short by an unholy banging on the bathroom door and an order to “stop wasting water and come eat dinner before it gets cold.” After a decade of trudging up the stairs every evening to put an end to my water-wasting, my parents finally gave in, leaving me to my (expensive) showers. I imagine someday, when paying the water bill is in my hands, my showers will be shorter, but today is not that day (nor, hopefully, will the next four years be that day).

Showers are better than any ibuprofen, the perfect panacea for life’s daily ailments. Headaches magically disappear as long as the water runs, though they typically return in full force afterward. The runny nose and itchy eyes courtesy of summertime allergies recede. Showers alleviate even the stomachache from a guacamole-induced lack of self-control.

Honestly though, the best part about a hot shower is neither its medicinal abilities nor its blissful temporary isolation or even the heavenly warmth seeped deep into my bones. The best part is that these little moments of pure, uninhibited contentedness are a daily occurrence. No matter how stressful the day, showers ensure I always have something to look forward to. They are small moments, true, but important nonetheless, because it is the little things in life that matter; the big moments are too rare, too fleeting to make anyone truly happy. Wherever I am in the world, whatever fate chooses to throw at me, I know I can always find my peace at the end of the day behind the shower curtain.

This essay is relatable yet personal! The writer makes themself supremely human through discussing the universal subject of showering. That being said, an essay about showering could easily turn boring while still being relatable. This writer keeps its relatable moments interesting and fun through vivid descriptions of common feelings including “causing me to abruptly end my shower in a mad dash to the computer before I forget it entirely” and “the stomachache from a guacamole-induced lack of self-control.”

While describing a universal feeling, this student also cleverly and intentionally mentions small facts about their life through simple phrases like “I’m mostly just ridding myself of the germs from children at work sneezing on me” and “the childlike dreamer and wannabe author in me.” To put it simply, though we are talking about a shower, we learn about so much more!

And, at the end, the student lets us know that that is exactly why they love showers. Showers are more than meets the eye! With this insightful and reflective ending (“the big moments are too rare, too fleeting to make anyone truly happy”), readers learn about this student’s capacity for reflection, which is an important capacity as you enter college.

The one major error that this writer commits is that of using a trite transition. The inclusion of “Honestly though” at the beginning of this student’s ending detracts from what they are trying to say and sticks out in their writing.

Prompt #7, Example #2

Steam whooshed from the pot as I unveiled my newest creation: duck-peppercorn-chestnut dumplings. The spicy, hearty aroma swirled into the kitchen, mingling with the smell of fresh dough. Grinning, I grabbed a plump dumpling with chopsticks, blew carefully, and fed it into the waiting mouth of my little sister. Her eyes widening, she vigorously nodded and held up five stubby fingers. I did a little happy dance in celebration and pulled my notebook out of my apron pocket. Duck-peppercorn-chestnut: five stars.

In my household, dumplings are a far cry from the classic pork and cabbage. Our menu boasts everything from the savory lamb-bamboo shoot-watercress to the sweet and crispy apple-cinnamon-date. A few years ago, my sister claimed she was sick of eating the same flavors over and over. Refusing to let her disavow our family staple, I took her complaint as a challenge to make the tastiest and most unconventional dumplings to satisfy her. With her as my taste tester and Mum in charge of dough, I spent months experimenting with dozens of odd ingredient combinations.

During those days spent covered in flour, my dumplings often reminded me of myself—a hybrid of ingredients that don’t usually go together. I am the product of three distinct worlds: the suburbs of Boston, the rural Chinese village of [location removed], and the coastal city of [location removed]. At school, I am both the STEM nerd with lightning-fast mental math and the artistic plant mom obsessed with funky earrings. I love all that is elegant, from Chinese calligraphy to the rolling notes of the Gourd flute, yet I can be very not elegant, like when my sister and I make homemade slime. When I’m on the streets, marching for women’s rights and climate action, I’m loud, bellowing from the bottom of my gut. In the painting studio, though, I don’t speak unless spoken to, and hours can slip by like minutes. I’m loud and quiet. Elegant and messy. Nerdy and artistic. Suburban, rustic, and metropolitan.

While I’m full of odd combinations, they are only seemingly contradictory. Just as barbeque pork and pineapple can combine beautifully in a dumpling wrapper, different facets of my identity also converge. After my tenth-grade summer, when I spent six weeks studying design at art school and another three researching the brain at Harvard Med, I began asking myself: What if I mixed art and neuroscience together? That fall, I collaborated with my school’s art museum for an independent research project, exploring two questions: How are aesthetic experiences processed in the brain? And how can neuroscience help museums design exhibits that maximize visitor engagement? I combed through studies with results from tightly controlled experiments, and I spent days gathering my own qualitative data by observing museum visitors and asking them questions. With the help of my artistic skills, I could identify the visual and spatial elements of the exhibits that best held visitors’ attention.

By synergizing two of the ingredients that make me who I am—art and neuroscience—I realized I shouldn’t see the different sides of myself as separate. I learned to instead seek the intersections between aspects of my identity. Since then, I have mixed art with activism to voice my opinions nonverbally, created Spotify playlists with both Chinese and western pop, and written flute compositions using music theory and math. In the future, by continuing to combine my interests, I want to find my niche in the world. I can make a positive impact on society without having to choose just one passion. As of now, my dream is to be a neuroscientist who designs art therapy treatments for mental health patients. Who knows though? Maybe my calling is to be a dim sum chef who teaches pottery on the side. I don’t know where I’ll go, but one thing’s for sure—being a standard pork and cabbage dumpling is definitely not my style.

This essay is outstanding because the student seems likable and authentic. With the first image of the student’s little sister vigorously nodding and holding up “five stubby fingers,” we find ourselves intrigued by the student’s daily life. They additionally show the importance of family, culture, and creativity in their life—these are great things to highlight in your essay!

After the introduction, the student uses their weird dumpling anecdote to transition to a discussion of their unique intersections. This is achieved smoothly because weirdness/uniqueness is the focus of both of these topics. Additionally, the comparison is not awkward because dumplings are used as more than just a transition, but rather are the through-line of the essay—the student weaves in little phrases like “Just as barbeque pork and pineapple can combine beautifully in a dumpling wrapper,” “By synergizing two of the ingredients that make me who I am,” and “being a standard pork and cabbage dumpling is definitely not my style.” This gives the essay its cohesive feel.

Authenticity comes through in this essay as the student recognizes that they don’t know what the future holds. They just know what kind of a person they are—a passionate one!

One change that would improve this student’s essay would be focusing on fewer intersections in their third and last paragraph. The student mentions STEM, music, family activities, activism, and painting, which makes it feel like a distraction in middle of the essay. Focus on the most important things you want to show admissions officers—you can sit at intersections, but you can’t be interested in everything.

Prompt #7, Example #3

“Everyone follow me!” I smiled at five wide-eyed skaters before pushing off into a spiral. I glanced behind me hopefully, only to see my students standing frozen like statues, the fear in their eyes as clear as the ice they swayed on. “Come on!” I said encouragingly, but the only response I elicited was the slow shake of their heads. My first day as a Learn-to-Skate coach was not going as planned.

But amid my frustration, I was struck by how much my students reminded me of myself as a young skater. At seven, I had been fascinated by Olympic performers who executed thrilling high jumps and dizzying spins with apparent ease, and I dreamed to one day do the same. My first few months on skates, however, sent these hopes crashing down: my attempts at slaloms and toe-loops were shadowed by a stubborn fear of falling, which even the helmet, elbow pads, and two pairs of mittens I had armed myself with couldn’t mitigate. Nonetheless, my coach remained unfailingly optimistic, motivating me through my worst spills and teaching me to find opportunities in failures. With his encouragement, I learned to push aside my fears and attack each jump with calm and confidence; it’s the hope that I can help others do the same that now inspires me to coach.

I remember the day a frustrated staff member directed Oliver, a particularly hesitant young skater, toward me, hoping that my patience and steady encouragement might help him improve. Having stood in Oliver’s skates not much earlier myself, I completely empathized with his worries but also saw within him the potential to overcome his fears and succeed.

To alleviate his anxiety, I held Oliver’s hand as we inched around the rink, cheering him on at every turn. I soon found though, that this only increased his fear of gliding on his own, so I changed my approach, making lessons as exciting as possible in hopes that he would catch the skating bug and take off. In the weeks that followed, we held relay races, played “freeze-skate” and “ice-potato”, and raced through obstacle courses; gradually, with each slip and subsequent success, his fear began to abate. I watched Oliver’s eyes widen in excitement with every skill he learned, and not long after, he earned his first skating badge. Together we celebrated this milestone, his ecstasy fueling my excitement and his pride mirroring my own. At that moment, I was both teacher and student, his progress instilling in me the importance of patience and a positive attitude.

It’s been more than ten years since I bundled up and stepped onto the ice for the first time. Since then, my tolerance for the cold has remained stubbornly low, but the rest of me has certainly changed. In sharing my passion for skating, I have found a wonderful community of eager athletes, loving parents, and dedicated coaches from whom I have learned invaluable lessons and wisdom. My fellow staffers have been with me, both as friends and colleagues, and the relationships I’ve formed have given me far more poise, confidence, and appreciation for others. Likewise, my relationships with parents have given me an even greater gratitude for the role they play: no one goes to the rink without a parent behind the wheel!

Since that first lesson, I have mentored dozens of children, and over the years, witnessed tentative steps transform into powerful glides and tears give way to delighted grins. What I have shared with my students has been among the greatest joys of my life, something I will cherish forever. It’s funny: when I began skating, what pushed me through the early morning practices was the prospect of winning an Olympic medal. Now, what excites me is the chance to work with my students, to help them grow, and to give back to the sport that has brought me so much happiness.

A major strength of this essay comes in its narrative organization. When reading this first paragraph, we feel for the young skaters and understand their fear—skating sounds scary! Then, because the writer sets us up to feel this empathy, the transition to the second paragraph where the student describes their empathy for the young skaters is particularly powerful. It’s like we are all in it together! The student’s empathy for the young skaters also serves as an outstanding, seamless transition to the applicant discussing their personal journey with skating: “I was struck by how much my students reminded me of myself as a young skater.”

This essay positions the applicant as a grounded and caring individual. They are caring towards the young skaters—changing their teaching style to try to help the young skaters and feeling the young skaters’ emotions with them—but they are also appreciative to those who helped them as they reference their fellow staffers and parents. This shows great maturity—a favorable quality in the eyes of an admissions officer.

At the end of the essay, we know a lot about this student and are convinced that they would be a good addition to a college campus!

Prompt #7, Example #4

Flipping past dozens of colorful entries in my journal, I arrive at the final blank sheet. I press my pen lightly to the page, barely scratching its surface to create a series of loops stringing together into sentences. Emotions spill out, and with their release, I feel lightness in my chest. The stream of thoughts slows as I reach the bottom of the page, and I gently close the cover of the worn book: another journal finished.

I add the journal to the stack of eleven books on my nightstand. Struck by the bittersweet sensation of closing a chapter of my life, I grab the notebook at the bottom of the pile to reminisce.

“I want to make a flying mushen to fly in space and your in it” – October 2008

Pulling back the cover of my first Tinkerbell-themed diary, the prompt “My Hopes and Dreams” captures my attention. Though “machine” is misspelled in my scribbled response, I see the beginnings of my past obsession with outer space. At the age of five, I tore through novels about the solar system, experimented with rockets built from plastic straws, and rented Space Shuttle films from Blockbuster to satisfy my curiosities. While I chased down answers to questions as limitless as the universe, I fell in love with learning. Eight journals later, the same relentless curiosity brought me to an airplane descending on San Francisco Bay.

“I wish I had infinite sunsets” – July 2019

I reach for the charcoal notepad near the top of the pile and open to the first page: my flight to the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. While I was excited to explore bioengineering, anxiety twisted in my stomach as I imagined my destination, unsure of whether I could overcome my shyness and connect with others.

With each new conversation, the sweat on my palms became less noticeable, and I met students from 23 different countries. Many of the moments where I challenged myself socially revolved around the third story deck of the Jerry house. A strange medley of English, Arabic, and Mandarin filled the summer air as my friends and I gathered there every evening, and dialogues at sunset soon became moments of bliss. In our conversations about cultural differences, the possibility of an afterlife, and the plausibility of far-fetched conspiracy theories, I learned to voice my opinion. As I was introduced to different viewpoints, these moments challenged my understanding of the world around me. In my final entries from California, I find excitement to learn from others and increased confidence, a tool that would later allow me to impact my community.

“The beauty in a tower of cans” – June 2020

Returning my gaze to the stack of journals, I stretch to take the floral-patterned book sitting on top. I flip through, eventually finding the beginnings of the organization I created during the outbreak of COVID-19. Since then, Door-to-Door Deliveries has woven its way through my entries and into reality, allowing me to aid high-risk populations through free grocery delivery.

With the confidence I gained the summer before, I took action when seeing others in need rather than letting my shyness hold me back. I reached out to local churches and senior centers to spread word of our services and interacted with customers through our website and social media pages. To further expand our impact, we held two food drives, and I mustered the courage to ask for donations door-to-door. In a tower of canned donations, I saw the value of reaching out to help others and realized my own potential to impact the world around me.

I delicately close the journal in my hands, smiling softly as the memories reappear, one after another. Reaching under my bed, I pull out a fresh notebook and open to its first sheet. I lightly press my pen to the page, “And so begins the next chapter…”

The structuring of this essay makes it easy and enjoyable to read. The student effectively organizes their various life experiences around their tower of journals, which centers the reader and makes the different stories easy to follow. Additionally, the student engages quotes from their journals—and unique formatting of the quotes—to signal that they are moving in time and show us which memory we should follow them to.

Thematically, the student uses the idea of shyness to connect the different memories they draw out of their journals. As the student describes their experiences overcoming shyness at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes and Door-to-Door Deliveries, this essay can be read as an Overcoming Obstacles essay.

At the end of this essay, readers are fully convinced that this student is dedicated (they have committed to journaling every day), thoughtful (journaling is a thoughtful process and, in the essay, the student reflects thoughtfully on the past), and motivated (they flew across the country for a summer program and started a business). These are definitely qualities admissions officers are looking for in applicants!

Prompt #7, Example #5

“We’re ready for take-off!”

The tires hit the tarmac and began to accelerate, and I just realized what I had signed up for. For 24 hours straight, I strapped myself into a broken-down SUV whereas others chose the luxury of soaring through the skies for a mere two hours. Especially with my motion sickness and driving anxiety, I would call myself crazy too.

To say I have always remained in my comfort zone is an understatement. Did I always order chicken fingers and fries at a restaurant? Yup! Sounds like me. Did I always create a color-coded itinerary just for a day trip? Guilty as charged. Did I always carry a first-aid kit at all times? Of course! I would make even an ambulance look unprepared. And yet here I was, choosing 1,000 miles of misery from Las Vegas to Seattle despite every bone in my body telling me not to.

The sunlight blinded my eyes and a wave of nausea swept over me. Was it too late to say I forgot my calculator? It was only ten minutes in, and I was certain that the trip was going to be a disaster. I simply hoped that our pre-drive prayer was not stuck in God’s voicemail box.

All of a sudden, I noticed brightly colored rocks in the distance, ones I had been dying to see for years. Their fluorescence popped amongst the magnificent winding hills as the sunset became romantic in hue. The desert glistened with mirages of deep blue water unlike anything I had ever seen. Nevada was home, but home always seemed to be just desert and casinos. For once, I looked forward to endless desert outside my window rather than a sea of clouds.

I never realized how little I discovered of the world beyond home. For years I complained about how there was nothing to do or discover outside. Not once did I set out to prove myself wrong. Instead, I chose a daily routine of homework at the kitchen table and late-night TV. However, as summer vacation ended, I decided to set my stubbornness aside and finally give this drive back home a chance. Little did I know that it would turn out to be my favorite trip of all time.

As we drove along, the world chose to prove me wrong when I discovered Heaven on Earth along Shasta Lake. I stood out of the sunroof, surrounded by lush green mountains and fog. I extended my arms out and felt a sense of flight that no plane could ever take me on. As the water vapor kissed my face, I floated into a dreamland I never wanted to leave. I didn’t have to go to great lengths to discover the beauty of the world; it was right in front of me. From this moment on, comfort and convenience would no longer be my best friends. Rather than only looking for famous travel destinations or following carefully mapped-out routes, I would let curiosity lead the way.

Since then, my daily life has been anything but routine. I’m proud to boast of my family’s homemade kombucha attempts, of flights purchased and taken in one day, and of a home flooded with knick-knacks from thrifting trips. Every day I set out to try something new, see a different perspective, and go beyond normal. Whether it is by trying a new recipe using taro, making a risky fashion choice with wide-legged pants, or listening to a new music genre in Spanish, I always act with curiosity first.

Over the years, I have devoted my time towards learning Swedish, building computers, and swimming. Although my accent is horrid, some computers almost broke, and even a starfish would outswim me, I continue to enjoy activities I once criticized. For me, there is no enjoyment without some risk. Nobody I know is a kazoo-playing, boogie-board loving, boba connoisseur like me.

This essay is an Overcoming Challenges story that centers around a single anecdote. The structure works nicely as the student describes what they were like before their road trip, what happened on the road trip, and what they were like after.

The most major improvement that this essay needs is better-communicated authenticity. At the beginning, it feels a bit gimmicky. The student describes their preparedness, particularly the fact that they always carry a first aid kit, and it’s not super believable. Then, when they write “Was it too late to say I forgot my calculator?” it feels like we are in a sitcom and the student is that funny obsessive kid. Sitcom characters don’t feel real and you want to make yourself appear profoundly real.

On a similar note, the narrative arc of this essay isn’t entirely believable. The student describes a large personality and value shift but doesn’t describe any struggles that accompany the shift. A quick shift like that is far from easy. On the other hand, if the immediacy of the shift was easy, they could write about moments after their shift in mindset when they have felt troubled by residual desires to stay in their comfort zone, instead of writing “I always act with curiosity first.”

The greatest strength of this essay is the paragraphs beginning “I never realized how little…” and “As we drove along…” The fixation on comfort seems much more believable when it involves “homework at the kitchen table and late-night TV.” The descriptions of the drive provide beautiful, evocative imagery. And it’s topped off with some nice reflection! Digging into this great portion of the essay would make this an even stronger essay!

Want to see more examples? Check out this post with 16 strong essay examples from top schools , including common supplemental essay questions.

At selective schools, your essays account for around 25% of your admissions decision. That’s more than grades (20%) and test scores (15%), and almost as much as extracurriculars (30%). Why is this? Most students applying to top schools will have stellar academics and extracurriculars. Your essays are your chance to stand out and humanize your application.

That’s why it’s vital that your essays are engaging, and present you as someone who would enrich the campus community.

Before submitting your application, you should have someone else review your essays. It’s even better if that person doesn’t know you personally, as they can best tell whether your personality shines through your essay.

That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

My Passion for Music as a Part of My Life

Categories: Music Industry Song

About this sample

Words: 789 |

Updated: 6 December, 2023

Words: 789 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Video Version

Hook Examples for Music Essay

A Symphony of Emotions: Music has the extraordinary power to evoke a wide range of emotions in its listeners. In this essay, we’ll explore how melodies and harmonies can transport us to different emotional landscapes, from joy to sorrow and everything in between.
The Rhythms of Culture: Music is not only an art form but also a reflection of culture. Join us as we delve into the role of music in shaping and expressing cultural identities, from traditional folk songs to modern pop hits.
The Science of Sound: Behind every beautiful melody lies the intricate science of sound. This essay will unravel the mysteries of music’s physics and psychology, offering insight into what makes a tune catchy or a chord progression moving.
From Beethoven to Beyoncé: Music transcends time and genre, connecting generations through the ages. Explore the evolution of music and its enduring appeal, from classical compositions to contemporary chart-toppers.
The Healing Power of Music: Music has the remarkable ability to heal and soothe the soul. This essay delves into the therapeutic aspects of music, from its use in healthcare settings to its role in our everyday lives as a source of comfort and solace.

Works Cited

Campbell, D. (2016). The power of music: Its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people. International Journal of Music Education, 34(1), 39-55.
Chew, E. (2019). The therapeutic effects of music. Singapore Medical Journal, 60(5), 235-236.
DeNora, T. (2013). Music asylums: Wellbeing through music in everyday life. Routledge.
Hargreaves, D. J., & North, A. C. (Eds.). (2017). The social psychology of music. Oxford University Press.
Juslin, P. N., & Sloboda, J. A. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of music and emotion: Theory, research, applications. Oxford University Press.
Krumhansl, C. L. (2010). Cognitive foundations of musical pitch. Oxford University Press.
MacDonald, R. A., Kreutz, G., & Mitchell, L. (Eds.). (2019). Music, health, and wellbeing: Exploring music for health equity and social justice. Oxford University Press.
Rentfrow, P. J., & Gosling, S. D. (2003). The do re mi’s of everyday life: The structure and personality correlates of music preferences. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(6), 1236-1256.
Schäfer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Städtler, C., & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 511.
Thompson, W. F., Schellenberg, E. G., & Husain, G. (Eds.). (2015). The psychology of music. Oxford University Press.

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College Essay: Music Opens Doors

The beauty of the piano was that it became a large part of who I am. The consonant and dissonant sounds of jazz, classical, and modern music fill my limbic cortex with everlasting joy. Music has helped me cope with the loneliness of childhood and to gain self-confidence, and leadership.

My love for music will always be a center of my life even if college and career take me elsewhere. The piano also has led me to pursue other interests such as poetry, acting, biology, writing, and computer programming, including after-school extracurricular activities such as College Possible, Jazz Band, and Piano Club.

I did not fit in with classmates during my childhood years. I was somewhat awkward and aggressive, bored and very lonely.

On a sunny afternoon at my cousin’s house, I became fascinated with the piano as I heard my cousin play a solemn tune that sparked inspiration deep in my atria. I asked my father that day to buy me a piano. He did, and I taught myself. I sat down at my family’s electric piano more and more. YouTube videos, music lessons, and simple practices. Slowly, the piano became part of who I am.

The bliss of listening and playing my favorite pieces on piano always excited me. Despite the difficulty learning everything by myself, I felt the need to feel the pleasant sounds bring a chill down my spinal cord and that I wanted to finish it to the end.

I developed muscle memories on piano pieces without having to look back at the recording. Then I progressed on to play piano pieces by watching Synthesia piano tutorials, analyzing pieces by ear, learning how to read music notations, and how to improvise using major and minor scales.

Although I was able to learn and complete complex piano pieces, I wasn’t able to share my playing with anyone else.

That changed when I was a high school freshman when I was asked to play in a piano class. I felt insecure and pressured wondering whether my music teacher would disapprove of my style and seeing other students gaze stiffly at me. I laid my fingers on the polished wooden white and black keys and let loose the sounds of a summer vacation tune as if I were free to do anything I wanted. Free from the pressure and insecurity.

I had never had the feeling of performing in front of audiences before. To have my accomplishment acknowledged as they applauded made me feel at home. It was an insight that was sudden and new to me like receiving a jolt of nourishing life from a lightning strike. It has helped me gain self-confidence not only in music, however into making new friends too.

Playing the piano strengthened my character in other ways, too. I became president of the Piano Club. It was fun, but I recognized that I lacked the leadership skills for the job. So I dedicated most of my summer my freshman year to developing leadership skills in a program called the Center for Hmong Arts and Talents or CHAT. I created songs with friends and learned to improve expressing myself on stage and attracting me to other summer opportunities.

I’ve changed my life significantly. I’ve become self-driven in music, schoolwork, and discovering new opportunities — competing in musical competitions, volunteering, performing as an actor as well as a musician, trying to bring joy in communicating to audiences.

Although I may not major in music (following my parent’s wishes), my eyes have been opened to so many other areas of interest, especially in arts and communications, where I can make a contribution in college and career.

ThreeSixty Journalism,

a nonprofit program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, uses the principles of strong writing and reporting to help diverse Minnesota youth tell the stories of their lives and communities.

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115 Popular Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Music has always been a powerful form of expression, and popular music in particular has the ability to shape culture and society. If you are tasked with writing an essay on popular music, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of topics to choose from. To help you narrow down your options and get started on your essay, here are 115 popular music essay topic ideas and examples.

The impact of social media on the music industry
The evolution of music streaming services
The role of women in the music industry
The influence of technology on music production
The rise of K-pop in the global music market
The impact of the internet on music distribution
The role of music in political movements
The portrayal of race and ethnicity in popular music
The influence of music on fashion trends
The role of music in advertising
The impact of music festivals on local economies
The relationship between music and mental health
The evolution of music videos
The influence of popular music on language and slang
The role of social justice in popular music
The impact of music streaming on album sales
The rise of TikTok as a platform for discovering new music
The influence of popular music on youth culture
The role of music in shaping identity
The impact of music piracy on the music industry
The portrayal of gender in popular music
The role of music in shaping societal norms
The influence of popular music on political campaigns
The evolution of music genres
The impact of music awards shows on the industry
The relationship between music and nostalgia
The role of music in protest movements
The influence of popular music on film and television
The portrayal of love and relationships in popular music
The impact of social media influencers on music trends
The evolution of music marketing strategies
The role of music in cultural appropriation
The influence of popular music on fashion trends
The impact of music festivals on tourism
The relationship between music and dance
The role of music in shaping generational identities
The influence of popular music on consumer behavior
The portrayal of masculinity in popular music
The impact of music education on academic achievement
The evolution of music production techniques
The role of music in branding and advertising
The influence of popular music on language and communication
The impact of music streaming on artist royalties
The relationship between music and emotion
The role of music in social movements
The influence of popular music on body image
The portrayal of sexuality in popular music
The impact of music festivals on environmental sustainability
The evolution of music journalism
The role of music in cultural diplomacy
The impact of music videos on artist visibility
The relationship between music and memory
The role of music in shaping cultural identity
The influence of popular music on social media trends
The portrayal of mental health in popular music
The impact of music festivals on local communities
The evolution of music distribution platforms
The role of music in shaping political ideologies
The influence of popular music on social justice movements
The impact of music streaming on artist discovery
The relationship between music and technology
The role of music in healing and therapy
The influence of popular music on consumer trends
The portrayal of race and ethnicity in music videos
The impact of music festivals on artist careers
The evolution of music criticism
The role of music in cultural assimilation
The influence of popular music on social norms
The impact of music education on creativity
The relationship between music and spirituality
The role of music in storytelling
The influence of popular music on political discourse
The portrayal of gender identity in popular music
The role of music in cultural preservation
The portrayal of love and relationships in music videos
The impact of music streaming on artist exposure
The role of music in shaping social movements
The influence of popular music on body positivity
The evolution of music journalism in the digital age
The role of music in shaping cultural identities
The portrayal of mental health in music lyrics

These popular music essay topic ideas and examples should help you get started on your essay and explore the diverse and fascinating world of popular music. Whether you are interested in the impact of technology on the music industry, the portrayal of social issues in music, or the role of music in shaping cultural identities, there is a topic for everyone in the world of popular music. Happy writing!

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College essay

Common App Essays | 7 Strong Examples with Commentary

Published on November 19, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

If you’re applying for college via the Common App , you’ll have to write an essay in response to one of seven prompts.

What is the common application essay, prompt 1: background, identity, interest, or talent, prompt 2: overcoming challenges, prompt 3: questioning a belief or idea, prompt 4: appreciating an influential person, prompt 5: transformative event, prompt 6: interest or hobby that inspires learning, prompt 7: free topic, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

The Common Application, or Common App , is a college application portal that is accepted by more than 900 schools.

Within the Common App is your main essay, a primary writing sample that all your prospective schools will read to evaluate your critical thinking skills and value as a student. Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs. Instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.

Regardless of your prompt choice, admissions officers will look for an ability to clearly and creatively communicate your ideas based on the selected prompt.

We’ve provided seven essay examples, one for each of the Common App prompts. After each essay, we’ve provided a table with commentary on the essay’s narrative, writing style and tone, demonstrated traits, and self-reflection.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

This essay explores the student’s emotional journey toward overcoming her father’s neglect through gymnastics discipline.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

When “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” began to play, it was my signal to lay out a winning floor routine. Round off. Back handspring. Double back layout. Stick!

Instead, I jolted off the floor, landing out of bounds. Over the past week, I hadn’t landed that pass once, and regionals were only seven days away. I heaved a heavy sigh and stomped over to the bench.

Coach Farkas saw my consternation. “Mona, get out of your head. You’re way too preoccupied with your tumbling passes. You could do them in your sleep!”

That was the problem. I was dreaming of tumbling and missing my landings, waking up in a cold sweat. The stress felt overwhelming.

“Stretch out. You’re done for tonight.”

I walked home from the gym that had been my second home since fourth grade. Yet my anxiety was increasing every time I practiced.

I startled my mom. “You’re home early! Wait! You walked? Mona, what’s going on?!”

I slumped down at the kitchen table. “Don’t know.”

She sat down across from me. “Does it have anything to do with your father texting you a couple of weeks ago about coming to see you at regionals?”

“So what?! Why does it matter anymore?” He walked out when I was 10 and never looked back. Still, dear ol’ Dad always had a way of resurfacing when I least expected him.

“It still matters because when you hear from him, you tend to crumble. Or have you not noticed?” She offered a knowing wink and a compassionate smile.

I started gymnastics right after Dad left. The coaches said I was a natural: short, muscular, and flexible. All I knew was that the more I improved, the more confident I felt. Gymnastics made me feel powerful, so I gave it my full energy and dedication.

The floor routine became my specialty, and my performances were soon elevating our team score. The mat, solid and stable, became a place to explore and express my internal struggles. Over the years, no matter how angry I felt, the floor mat was there to absorb my frustration.

The bars, beam, and vault were less forgiving because I knew I could fall. My performances in those events were respectable. But, the floor? Sometimes, I had wildly creative and beautiful routines, while other times were disastrous. Sadly, my floor routine had never been consistent.

That Saturday afternoon, I slipped into the empty gym and walked over to the mat. I sat down and touched its carpeted surface. After a few minutes, my cheeks were wet with the bitter disappointment of a dad who only showed up when it was convenient for him. I ruminated on the years of practices and meets where I had channeled my resentment into acrobatics and dance moves, resolved to rise higher than his indifference.

I saw then that my deepest wounds were inextricably entangled with my greatest passion. They needed to be permanently separated. While my anger had first served to launch me into gymnastics, before long, I had started serving my anger.

Anger is a cruel master. It corrupts everything it touches, even something as beautiful as a well-choreographed floor routine.

I changed my music days before regionals. “The Devil” no longer had a place in my routine. Instead, I chose an energetic cyberpunk soundtrack that inspired me to perform with passion and laser focus. Dad made an obligatory appearance at regionals, but he left before I could talk to him.

It didn’t matter this time. I stuck every landing in my routine. Anger no longer controlled me. I was finally free.

Word count: 601

College essay checklist
	The student makes a unique connection, showing how her troubled relationship with her floor routine is connected to her anger at her absent father. However, rather than focusing on her difficult past, she highlights a key moment when she overcame her anger and made peace with her relationships with her dad and with gymnastics.
	The essay uses a conversational tone but selectively employs elevated language that fits the student’s vocabulary range. The student uses personification to illustrate her close relationship to anger and gymnastics, such as “anger is a cruel master” and “the bars, beam, and vault were less forgiving.”
	Through showing, not telling, the student clearly demonstrates dedication, hard work, and resilience. She also displays her commitment to emotional growth and character.
	In the final paragraphs, the student contemplates her troubled relationship with her floor routine and realizes its connection to her absent father. She explains how this insight healed her and allowed her to freely perform without anger.

This essay shows how the challenges the student faced in caring for her sister with autism resulted in an unexpected path forward in her education.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

I never had a choice.

My baby sister was born severely autistic, which meant that every detail of our home life was repeatedly adjusted to manage her condition. I couldn’t go to bed without fearing that Mindy would wake up screaming with that hoarse little voice of hers. I couldn’t have friends over on weekends because we never knew if our entire family would need to shift into crisis mode to help Mindy regain control.

We couldn’t take a family vacation because Mindy would start hitting us during a long car ride when she didn’t want to sit there anymore. We couldn’t even celebrate Christmas like a normal family because Mindy would shriek and run away when we tried to give her presents.

I was five years old when Mindy was born. For the first ten years, I did everything I could to help my mom with Mindy. But Mom was depressed and would often stare out the window, as if transfixed by the view. Dad was no help either. He used his job as an excuse to be away from home. So, I tried to make up for both of them and rescue Mindy however I could whenever she needed it.

However, one day, when I was slowly driving Mindy around with the windows down, trying to lull her into a calmer state, we passed two of my former classmates from middle school. They heard Mindy growling her disapproval as the ride was getting long for her. One of them turned to the other and announced, “Oh my God! Marabeth brought her pet monster out for a drive!” They laughed hysterically and ran down the street.

After that day, I defied my parents at every turn. I also ignored Mindy. I even stopped doing homework. I purposely “got in with the wrong crowd” and did whatever they did.

My high school counselor Ms. Martinez saw through it all. She knew my family’s situation well. It didn’t take her long to guess what had probably happened.

“Marabeth, I get it. My brother has Down syndrome. It was really hard growing up with him as a brother. The other kids were pretty mean about it, especially in high school.”

I doubted she understood. “Yeah. So?”

“I’m guessing something happened that hurt or embarrassed you.”

“I’m so sorry. I can only imagine how you must have felt.”

It must have been the way she said it because I suddenly found myself sobbing into my trembling, cupped hands.

Ms. Martinez and I met every Friday after that for the rest of the year. Her stories of how she struggled to embrace living with and loving her brother created a bridge to my pain and then my healing. She explained that her challenges led her to pursue a degree in counseling so that she could offer other people what no one had given her.

I thought that Mindy was the end of my life, but, because of Ms. Martinez’s example and kindness, I can now see that Mindy is a gift, pointing me toward my future.

Now, I’m applying to study psychology so that I can go on to earn my master’s degree in counseling. I’m learning to forgive my parents for their mistakes, and I’m back in Mindy’s life again, but this time as a sister, not a savior. My choice.

Word Count: 553

College essay checklist
	The essay has a logical flow. It starts by explaining the student’s challenges as her sister’s caretaker, describes her breaking point, and then shows how her counselor pointed her toward a new perspective and career path. It also avoids dwelling on negative details and concludes with a positive outlook and action.
	The student’s tone is appropriately conversational to illustrate her feelings with vulnerability.
	The essay clearly shows the student’s commitment, resilience, and sacrifice through the narrative of her caring for her sister.
	The student reveals her honest thoughts and feelings. She also explains how her counselor helped her see her sister as a gift who motivated her to pursue a meaningful career path.

This essay illustrates a student’s courage in challenging his culture’s constructs of manhood and changing his course while positively affecting his father in the process.

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

“No son of mine is gonna march around a football field wearing tail feathers while all the real men are playing football!”

I took a step backward and tried not to appear as off-balance as I felt. In my excitement, I had blurted out more information than my father could handle:

“Dad! I made the marching band as a freshman! Nobody does that—I mean nobody!”

As soon as I had said it, I wished I could recall those words. How could I forget that 26 years earlier, he had been the starting wide receiver for the state-champion Tigers on the same field?!

Still, when I opened the email on that scorching hot August afternoon, I was thrilled that five months of practicing every possible major and harmonic minor scale—two octaves up and two octaves down—had made the difference. I had busted reed after reed, trying not to puff my cheeks while moving my fingers in a precise cadence.

I knew he had heard me continually practicing in my room, yet he seemed to ignore all the parts of me that were incongruous with his vision of manhood:

Ford F-150 4x4s. Pheasant hunting. The Nebraska Cornhuskers.

I never had to wonder what he valued. For years, I genuinely shared his interests. But, in the fall of eighth grade, I heard Kyle Wheeling play a saxophone solo during the homecoming marching band halftime show. My dad took me to every football game to teach me the plays, but that night, all I could think about was Kyle’s bluesy improv at halftime.

During Thanksgiving break, I got my mom to drive me into Omaha to rent my instrument at Dietze Music, and, soon after, I started private lessons with Mr. Ken. Before long, I was spending hours in my room, exploring each nuance of my shiny Yamaha alto sax, anticipating my audition for the Marching Tigers at the end of the spring semester.

During those months of practice, I realized that I couldn’t hide my newfound interest forever, especially not from the football players who were going to endlessly taunt me. But not all the guys played football. Some were in choir and theater. Quite a few guys were in the marching band. In fact, the Marching Tigers had won the grand prize in their division at last year’s state showdown in Lincoln.

I was excited! They were the champions, and I was about to become a part of their legacy.

Yet, that afternoon, a sense of anxiety brewed in my belly. I knew I had to talk to him.

He was sweeping the grass clippings off of the sidewalk. He nodded.

“I need to tell you something.”

He looked up.

“I know that you know about my sax because you hear me practicing. I like it a lot, and I’m becoming pretty good at it. I still care about what you like, but I’m starting to like some other things more. I hope you’ll be proud of me whatever I choose.”

He studied the cracks in the driveway. “I am proud of you. I just figured you’d play football.”

We never talked about it again, but that fall, he was in the stands when our marching band won the state championship in Lincoln for the second time. In fact, for the next four years, he never left the stands during halftime until the marching band had performed. He was even in the audience for every performance of “Our Town” at the end of my junior year. I played the Stage Manager who reveals the show’s theme: everything changes gradually.

I know it’s true. Things do change over time, even out here in central Nebraska. I know because I’ve changed, and my dad has changed, too. I just needed the courage to go first.

Word count: 626

College essay checklist
	The essay starts with a picture of confrontation that directly reflects the prompt. It then paints a chronological narrative of the student’s journey toward change, while using the literary device of flashback in the middle to add background and clarity to the story.
	The student uses a conversational yet respectful tone for a college essay. He effectively uses dialogue to highlight important moments of conflict and mutual understanding throughout the story.
	The student clearly demonstrates the qualities of self-reflection, courage, and integrity without directly claiming to have them (show, don’t tell).
	The student offers an honest assessment of his culture’s traditional views of manhood, his reasons for challenging them, and his appreciation for his father’s acceptance of his choices.

The student demonstrates how his teacher giving him an unexpected bad grade was the catalyst for his becoming a better writer.

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

I stared in disbelief at the big red letter at the top of my paper: D.

Never in my entire high school career had I seen that letter at the top of any paper, unless it was at the beginning of my first name.

I had a 4.796 GPA. I had taken every pre-AP and AP course offered. My teachers had praised my writing skills! However, Mr. Trimble didn’t think so, and he let me know it:

“Darwin, in the future, I believe you can do better if you fully apply yourself.”

I furiously scanned the paper for corrections. Not even one! Grammar and syntax? Perfect. Spelling? Impeccable. Sentence and paragraph structure? Precise and indisputable, as always.

Was he trying to ruin my GPA? Cooper was clearly his favorite, and we were neck and neck for valedictorian, which was only one year away. Maybe they were conspiring to take me down.

Thankfully, AP Composition was my last class. I fled the room and ran to my car. Defiant tears stained my cheeks as I screeched my tires and roared out of the parking lot. When I got home, I shoved in my AirPods, flopped on my bed, and buried my head under the pillow.

I awoke to my sister, Daria, gently shaking my arm. “I know what happened, D. Trimble stopped me in the hall after school.”

“I’m sure he did. He’s trying to ruin my life.”

“That’s not what he told me. You should talk to him, D.”

The next day, although I tried to avoid Mr. Trimble at all costs, I almost tripped over him as I was coming out of the bathroom.

“Darwin, can we talk?”

He walked me down the hall to his room. “Do you know that you’re one of the best writers I’ve ever had in AP Comp?”

“Then why’d you do it?”

“Because you’re better than you know, Darwin. You impress with your perfect presentations, and your teachers reward you with A’s and praise. I do frequent the teacher’s lounge, you know.”

“So I know you’re not trying.”

I locked eyes with him and glared.

“You’ve never had to try because you have a gift. And, in the midst of the acclaim, you’ve never pushed yourself to discover your true capabilities.”

“So you give me a D?!”

“It got your attention.”

“You’re not going to leave it, are you?”

“Oh, the D stands. You didn’t apply yourself. You’ll have to earn your way out with your other papers.”

I gained a new understanding of the meaning of ambivalence. Part of me was furious at the injustice of the situation, but I also felt strangely challenged and intrigued. I joined a local writer’s co-op and studied K. M. Weiland’s artistic writing techniques.

Multiple drafts, track changes, and constructive criticism became my new world. I stopped taking Mr. Trimble’s criticism personally and began to see it as a precious tool to bolster me, not break me down.

Last week, the New York Public Library notified me that I was named one of five finalists for the Young Lions Fiction Award. They described my collection of short stories as “fresh, imaginative, and captivating.”

I never thought I could be grateful for a D, but Mr. Trimble’s insightful courage was the catalyst that transformed my writing and my character. Just because other people applaud you for being the best doesn’t mean you’re doing your best .

AP Composition is now recorded as an A on my high school transcript, and Cooper and I are still locked in a tight race for the finish line. But, thanks to Mr. Trimble, I have developed a different paradigm for evaluation: my best. And the more I apply myself, the better my best becomes.

Word Count: 627

College essay checklist
	The essay begins with an attention-grabbing statement that immediately captures the essence of surprise requested in the prompt. The story then unfolds in a logical sequence, taking the reader on a journey of unexpected transformation.
	The student uses an accessible, casual tone that works well in light of his expertise in writing. His use of dialogue with nicknames and colloquialism brings a conversational tone to the storyline.
	The student openly shows his motivation for success and his feelings toward his peers and teacher. However, he demonstrates humility in accepting criticism, responding with a diligent attempt to improve his writing skills.
	The essay concludes with growth in the student’s character and self-discipline while his circumstances remained the same. He brings the prompt full circle, expressing his gratitude toward his teacher.

This student narrates how she initially went to church for a boy but instead ended up confronting her selfishness by helping others.

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Originally, I went to church not because I was searching for Jesus but because I liked a boy.

Isaac Ono wasn’t the most athletic boy in our class, nor was he the cutest. But I was amazed by his unusual kindness toward everyone. If someone was alone or left out, he’d walk up to them and say hello or invite them to hang out with him and his friends.

I started waking up at 7:30 a.m. every Sunday morning to attend Grace Hills Presbyterian, where Isaac’s father was the pastor. I would strategically sit in a pew not too close but close enough to Isaac that when the entire congregation was instructed to say “Peace be with you,” I could “happen” to shake Isaac’s hand and make small talk.

One service, as I was staring at the back of Isaac’s head, pondering what to say to him, my hearing suddenly tuned in to his father’s sermon.

“There’s no such thing as a good or bad person.”

My eyes snapped onto Pastor Marcus.

“I used to think I was a good person who came from a respectable family and did nice things. But people aren’t inherently good or bad. They just make good or bad choices.”

My mind raced through a mental checklist of whether my past actions fell mostly into the former or latter category.

“As it says in Deuteronomy 30:15, ‘I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.’ Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and do good.”

I glanced to my left and saw Margaret, underlining passages in her study Bible and taking copious notes.

Months earlier, I had befriended Margaret. We had fourth-period Spanish together but hadn’t interacted much. She was friends with Isaac, so I started hanging out with her to get closer to him. But eventually, the two of us were spending hours in the Starbucks parking lot having intense discussions about religion, boys, and our futures until we had to return home before curfew.

After hearing the pastor’s sermon, I realized that what I had admired about Isaac was also present in Margaret and other people at church: a welcoming spirit. I’m pretty sure Margaret knew of my ulterior motives for befriending her, but she never called me out on it.

After that day, I started paying more attention to Pastor Marcus’s sermons and less attention to Isaac. One year, our youth group served Christmas Eve dinner to the homeless and ate with them. I sat across from a woman named Lila who told me how child services had taken away her four-year-old daughter because of her financial and living situation.

A few days later, as I sat curled up reading the book of James, my heart suddenly felt heavy.

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

I thought back to Pastor Marcus’s sermon on good and bad actions, Lila and her daughter, and the times I had passed people in need without even saying hello.

I decided to put my faith into action. The next week, I started volunteering at the front desk of a women’s shelter, helping women fill out forms or watching their kids while they talked with social workers.

From working for the past year at the women’s shelter, I now know I want to major in social work, caring for others instead of focusing on myself. I may not be a good person (or a bad one), but I can make good choices, helping others with every opportunity God gives me.

Word count: 622

College essay checklist
	The narrative begins by clearly identifying the prompt: the event of church attendance. It has a clear story arc, starting with the student’s church experiences, moving on to her self-examination, and concluding with the changes she made to her behavior and goals to serve others.
	The student uses dialogue to highlight key moments of realization and transformation. The essay’s tone is casual, helping the reader feel comfortable in the student’s thoughts and memory.
	The student displays an unusual level of self-awareness and maturity by revealing an ulterior motive, the ability to self-reflect, and a desire to authentically apply theoretical teachings in a real-world setting.
	While the topic of church and conversion is common, the student’s narrative weaves in unexpected elements to create interest while clearly answering the prompt.

This essay shows how a student’s natural affinity for solving a Rubik’s cube developed her self-understanding, academic achievement, and inspiration for her future career.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

The worst part about writing is putting down my Rubik’s cube so that I can use my hands to type. That’s usually the worst part of tackling my to-do list: setting aside my Rubik’s cube. My parents call it an obsession. But, for me, solving a Rubik’s cube challenges my brain as nothing else can.

It started on my ninth birthday. I invited three friends for a sleepover party, and I waited to open my presents right before bed. Wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows flew through the air as I oohed and aahed over each delightful gift! However, it was the last gift—a 3 x 3 x 3 cube of little squares covered in red, green, blue, yellow, white, and orange—that intrigued me.

I was horrified when Bekka ripped it out of my hands and messed it all up! I had no idea how to make all the sides match again. I waited until my friends were fast asleep. Then, I grabbed that cube and studied it under my blanket with a flashlight, determined to figure out how to restore it to its former pristine state.

Within a few weeks, I had discovered the secret. To practice, I’d take my cube with me to recess and let the other kids time me while I solved it in front of them. The better I became, the more they gathered around. But I soon realized that their attention didn’t matter all that much. I loved solving cubes for hours wherever I was: at lunch, riding in the car, or alone in my room.

Cross. White corners. Middle-layer edges. Yellow cross. Sune and anitsune.

The sequential algorithms became second nature, and with the assistance of a little black digital timer, I strove to solve the cube faster , each time attempting to beat my previous record. I watched speed solvers on YouTube, like Australia’s Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park from Massachusetts, but I wasn’t motivated to compete as they did. I watched their videos to learn how to improve my time. I liked finding new, more efficient ways of mastering the essential 78 separate cube-solving algorithms.

Now, I understand why my passion for my Rubik’s cube has never waned. Learning and applying the various algorithms soothes my brain and centers my emotions, especially when I feel overwhelmed from being around other people. Don’t get me wrong: I like other people—just in doses.

While some people get recharged by spending time with others, I can finally breathe when I’m alone with my cube. Our psychology teacher says the difference between an extrovert and an introvert is the situations that trigger their brains to produce dopamine. For me, it’s time away, alone, flipping through cube patterns to set a new personal best.

Sometimes, the world doesn’t cooperate with introverts, requiring them to interact with many people throughout the day. That’s why you’ll often find me in the stairwell or a library corner attempting to master another one of the 42 quintillion ways to solve a cube. My parents tease me that when I’ve “had enough” of anything, my fingers get a Rubik’s itch, and I suddenly disappear. I’m usually occupied for a while, but when I finally emerge, I feel centered, prepared to tackle my next task.

Secretly, I credit my cube with helping me earn top marks in AP Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. It’s also responsible for my interest in computer engineering. It seems I just can’t get enough of those algorithms, which is why I want to study the design and implementation of cybersecurity software—all thanks to my Rubik’s cube.

Just don’t tell my parents! It would ruin all the fun!

Word count: 607

College essay checklist
	The student immediately captures the reader’s attention with an unexpected statement that captures the prompt’s focus on captivation. Her writing clearly illustrates her love for the Rubik’s cube, showing how the cube has helped her emotionally and academically and inspired her choice of major.
	The student uses a conversational tone while inserting elevated language and concepts that surround her field of interest. She also uses the “I” to personalize her experience.
	Through her detailed narrative of her Rubik’s cube hobby, the student demonstrates perseverance, focus, curiosity, and an uncanny ability to solve problems.
	The student shows awareness of her introversion by explaining how the Rubik’s cube helps her emotionally recharge. She also credits her hobby with helping her in her studies and inspiring her intended major.

In this free topic essay, the student uses a montage structure inspired by the TV show Iron Chef America to demonstrate his best leadership moments.

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Iron Chef America: College Essay Edition

The time has come to answer college’s most difficult question: Whose story shows glory?

This is … Iron Chef America: College Essay Edition!

Welcome to Kitchen Stadium! Today we have Chef Brett Lowell. Chef Brett will be put to the test to prove he has what it takes to attend university next fall.

And the secret ingredient is … leadership! He must include leadership in each of his dishes, which will later be evaluated by a panel of admissions judges.

So now, America, with a creative mind and empty paper, I say unto you in the words of my teacher: “Let’s write!”

Appetizer: My first leadership experience

A mountain of mismatched socks, wrinkled jeans, and my dad’s unironed dress shirts sat in front of me. Laundry was just one of many chores that welcomed me home once I returned from my after-school job at Baskin Robbins, a gig I had taken last year to help Dad pay the rent. A few years earlier, I wasn’t prepared to cook dinners, pay utility bills, or pick up and drop off my brothers. I thought those jobs were reserved for parents. However, when my father was working double shifts at the power plant and my mom was living in Tucson with her new husband, Bill, I stepped up and took care of the house and my two younger brothers.

Main course: My best leadership experience

Between waiting for the pasta water to boil and for the next laundry cycle to be finished, I squeezed in solving a few practice precalculus problems to prepare for the following week’s mathletics competition. I liked how the equations always had clear, clean answers, which calmed me among the mounting responsibilities of home life. After leading my team to the Minnesota State Finals for two years in a row, I was voted team captain. Although my home responsibilities often competed with my mathlete duties, I tried to be as productive as possible in my free time. On the bus ride home, I would often tackle 10 to 20 functions or budget the following week’s meals and corresponding grocery list. My junior year was rough, but both my home and my mathlete team needed me.

Dessert: My future leadership hopes

The first thing I ever baked was a chocolate cake in middle school. This was around the time that Mom had just moved out and I was struggling with algebra. Troubles aside, one day my younger brother Simon needed a contribution for his school’s annual bake sale, and the PTA moms wouldn’t accept anything store-bought. So I carefully measured out the teaspoons and cups of various flours, powders, and oils, which resulted in a drooping, too-salty disaster.

Four years later, after a bakery’s worth of confections and many hours of study, I’ve perfected my German chocolate cake and am on my way to mastering Calculus AB. I’ve also thrown out the bitter-tasting parts of my past such as my resentment and anger toward my mom. I still miss having her at home, but whenever I have a baking question or want to update her on my mathlete team’s success, I call her or chat with her over text.

Whether in school or life, I see problems as opportunities, not obstacles, to find a better way to solve them more efficiently. I hope to continue improving my problem-solving skills next fall by majoring in mathematics and statistics.

Time’s up!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this tasting of Chef Lowell’s leadership experiences. Next fall, tune in to see him craft new leadership adventures in college. He’s open to refining his technique and discovering new recipes.

Word count: 612

College essay checklist
	The student uses a popular TV cooking show as an unexpected concept to display his leadership abilities. Since the prompt is open-ended, the student has more room to craft his response.
	The essay juxtaposes the contrived nature of a TV show’s script with a conversational narrative of the student’s leadership stories.
	Each story effectively showcases the student’s leadership by showing, not telling. Rather than saying “I’m a great leader,” he provides specific instances of his best moments of demonstrated leadership.
	The student honestly shares his reservations about his mother’s new life but shows how he was able to reconcile aspects of their relationship as time passed.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

Writing process
Transition words
Passive voice
Paraphrasing

Communication

How to end an email
Ms, mrs, miss
How to start an email
I hope this email finds you well
Hope you are doing well

Parts of speech

Personal pronouns
Conjunctions

The Common App essay is your primary writing sample within the Common Application, a college application portal accepted by more than 900 schools. All your prospective schools that accept the Common App will read this essay to understand your character, background, and value as a potential student.

Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any college names or programs; instead, save tailored answers for the supplementary school-specific essays within the Common App.

When writing your Common App essay , choose a prompt that sparks your interest and that you can connect to a unique personal story.

No matter which prompt you choose, admissions officers are more interested in your ability to demonstrate personal development , insight, or motivation for a certain area of study.

To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.

A standout college essay has several key ingredients:

A unique, personally meaningful topic
A memorable introduction with vivid imagery or an intriguing hook
Specific stories and language that show instead of telling
Vulnerability that’s authentic but not aimed at soliciting sympathy
Clear writing in an appropriate style and tone
A conclusion that offers deep insight or a creative ending

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25 Elite Common App Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)

Essay Examples: Writing the Common App Essay

Applying to competitive colleges? You'll need to have a stand-out Common App essay.

In this article, I'm going to share with you:

25 outstanding Common App essay examples
Links to tons of personal statement examples
Why these Common App essays worked

If you're looking for outstanding Common App essay examples, you've found the right place.

If you're applying to colleges in 2024, you're going to write some form of a Common App essay.

Writing a great Common App personal essay is key if you want to maximize your chances of getting admitted.

Whether you're a student working on your Common App essay, or a parent wondering what it takes, this article will help you master the Common App Essay.

What are the Common App Essay Prompts for 2024?

There are seven prompts for the Common App essay. Remember that the prompts are simply to help get you started thinking.

You don't have to answer any of the prompts if you don't want (see prompt #7 ).

Here's the seven Common App essay questions for 2022, which are the same as previous years:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The last prompt is a catch-all prompt, which means you can submit an essay on any topic you want.

Use the Common App prompts as brainstorming questions and to get you thinking.

But ultimately, you should write about any topic you meaningfully care about.

What makes an outstanding Common App personal essay?

I've read thousands of Common App essays from highly motivated students over the past years.

And if I had to choose the top 2 things that makes for incredible Common App essays it's these:

1. Being Genuine

Sounds simple enough. But it's something that is incredibly rare in admissions.

Authenticity is something we all know when we see it, but can be hard to define.

Instead of focus on what you think sounds the best to admissions officers, focus on what you have to say—what interests you.

2. Having Unique Ideas

The best ideas come about while you're writing.

You can't just sit down and say, "I'll think really hard of good essay ideas."

I wish that worked, but it sadly doesn't. And neither do most brainstorming questions.

The ideas you come up with from these surface-level tactics are cheap, because no effort was put in.

As they say,

"Writing is thinking"

By choosing a general topic (e.g. my leadership experience in choir) and writing on it, you'll naturally come to ideas.

As you write, continue asking yourself questions that make you reflect.

It is more of an artistic process than technical one, so you'll have to feel what ideas are most interesting.

25 Common App Essay Examples from Top Schools

With that, here's 25 examples as Common App essay inspiration to get you started.

These examples aren't perfect—nor should you expect yours to be—but they are stand-out essays.

I've handpicked these examples of personal statements from admitted students because they showcase a variety of topics and writing levels.

These students got into top schools and Ivy League colleges in recent years:

1. Seeds of Immigration
2. Color Guard
3. Big Eater
4. Love for Medicine
5. Cultural Confusion
6. Football Manager
9. Mountaineering
10. Boarding School
11. My Father
12. DMV Trials
13. Ice Cream Fridays
14. Key to Happiness
15. Discovering Passion
16. Girl Things
17. Robotics
18. Lab Research
19. Carioca Dance
20. Chinese Language
21. Kiki's Delivery Service
22. Museum of Life
23. French Horn
24. Dear My Younger Self
25. Monopoly

Common App Essay Example #1: Seeds of Immigration

This student was admitted to Dartmouth College . In this Common App essay, they discuss their immigrant family background that motivates them.

Although family is a commonly used topic, this student makes sure to have unique ideas and write in a genuine way.

Common App Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (250-650 words)

I placed three tiny seeds, imagining the corn stalk growing while the pumpkin vines wrapped around it; both sprouting, trying to bear fruit. I clenched a fistful of dirt and placed it on them. “Más,” my grandpa told me as he quickly flooded the seeds with life-giving dirt.

Covered. Completely trapped.

Why This Essay Works:

Everyone has a unique family history and story, and often that can make for a strong central theme of a personal statement. In this essay, the student does a great job of sharing aspects of his family's culture by using specific Spanish words like "yunta" and by describing their unique immigration story. Regardless of your background, sharing your culture and what it means to you can be a powerful tool for reflection.

This student focuses on reflecting on what their culture and immigrant background means to them. By focusing on what something represents, rather than just what it literally is, you can connect to more interesting ideas. This essay uses the metaphor of their family's history as farmers to connect to their own motivation for succeeding in life.

This essay has an overall tone of immense gratitude, by recognizing the hard work that this student's family has put in to afford them certain opportunities. By recognizing the efforts of others in your life—especially efforts which benefit you—you can create a powerful sense of gratitude. Showing gratitude is effective because it implies that you'll take full advantage of future opportunities (such as college) and not take them for granted. This student also demonstrates a mature worldview, by recognizing the difficulty in their family's past and how things easily could have turned out differently for this student.

This essay uses three moments of short, one-sentence long paragraphs. These moments create emphasis and are more impactful because they standalone. In general, paragraph breaks are your friend and you should use them liberally because they help keep the reader engaged. Long, dense paragraphs are easy to gloss over and ideas can lose focus within them. By using a variety of shorter and longer paragraphs (as well as shorter and longer sentences) you can create moments of emphasis and a more interesting structure.

What They Might Improve:

This conclusion is somewhat off-putting because it focuses on "other students" rather than the author themself. By saying it "fills me with pride" for having achieved without the same advantages, it could create the tone of "I'm better than those other students" which is distasteful. In general, avoid putting down others (unless they egregiously deserve it) and even subtle phrasings that imply you're better than others could create a negative tone. Always approach your writing with an attitude of optimism, understanding, and err on the side of positivity.

Common App Essay Example #2: Color Guard

This student was admitted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Check out their Common App essay that focuses on an extracurricular:

Sweaty from the hot lights, the feeling of nervousness and excitement return as I take my place on the 30-yard line. For 10 short minutes, everyone is watching me. The first note of the opening song begins, and I’m off. Spinning flags, tossing rifles, and dancing across the football field. Being one of only two people on the colorguard means everyone will see everything. It’s amazing and terrifying. And just like that, the performance is over.

Flashback to almost four years ago, when I walked into the guard room for the first time. I saw flyers for a “dance/flag team” hanging in the bland school hallway, and because I am a dancer, I decided to go. This was not a dance team at all. Spinning flags and being part of the marching band did not sound like how I wanted to spend my free time. After the first day, I considered not going back. But, for some unknown reason, I stayed. And after that, I began to fall in love with color guard. It is such an unknown activity, and maybe that’s part of what captivated me. How could people not know about something so amazing? I learned everything about flags and dancing in that year. And something interesting happened- I noticed my confidence begin to grow. I had never thought I was that good at anything, there was always someone better. However, color guard was something I truly loved, and I was good at it.

The next year, I was thrown into an interesting position. Our current captain quit in the middle of the season, and I was named the new captain of a team of six. At first, this was quite a daunting task. I was only a sophomore, and I was supposed to lead people two years older than me? Someone must’ve really believed in me. Being captain sounded impossible to me at first, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from doing my best. This is where my confidence really shot up. I learned how to be a captain. Of course I was timid at first, but slowly, I began to become a true leader.

The next marching season, it paid off. I choreographed many pieces of our show, and helped teach the other part of my guard, which at the time was only one other person. Having a small guard, we had to be spectacular, especially for band competitions. We ended up winning first place and second place trophies, something that had never been done before at our school, especially for such a small guard. That season is still one of my favorite memories. The grueling hours of learning routines, making changes, and learning how to be a leader finally paid off.

Looking back on it as I exit the field after halftime once again, I am so proud of myself. Not only has color guard helped the band succeed, I’ve also grown. I am now confident in what my skills are. Of course there is always more to be done, but I now I have the confidence to share my ideas, which is something I can’t say I had before color guard. Every Friday night we perform, I think about the growth I’ve made, and I feel on top of the world. That feeling never gets old.

Common App Essay Example #3: Big Eater

This Common App essay is a successful Northwestern essay from an admitted student. It has a unique take using the topic of eating habits—an example of how "mundane" topics can make for interesting ideas.

This essay uses their relationship with food to explore how their perspective has changed through moving high schools far away. Having a central theme is often a good strategy because it allows you to explore ideas while making them feel connected and cohesive. This essay shows how even a "simple" topic like food can show a lot about your character because you can extrapolate what it represents, rather than just what it literally is. With every topic, you can analyze on two levels: what it literally is, and what it represents.

Admissions officers want to get a sense of who you are, and one way to convey that is by using natural-sounding language and being somewhat informal. In this essay, the student writes as they'd speak, which creates a "voice" that you as the reader can easily hear. Phrases like "I kind of got used to it" may be informal, but work to show a sense of character. Referring to their parents as "Ma" and "Papa" also bring the reader into their world. If you come from a non-English speaking country or household, it can also be beneficial to use words from your language, such as "chiemo" in this essay. Using foreign language words helps share your unique culture with admissions.

Rather than "telling" the reader what they have to say, this student does a great job of "showing" them through specific imagery and anecdotes. Using short but descriptive phrases like "whether it was a sum or Sam the bully" are able to capture bigger ideas in a more memorable way. Showing your points through anecdotes and examples is always more effective than simply telling them, because showing allows the reader to come to their own conclusion, rather than having to believe what you're saying.

This student's first language is not English, which does make it challenging to express ideas with the best clarity. Although this student does an overall great job in writing despite this hindrance, there are moments where their ideas are not easily understood. In particular, when discussing substance addiction, it isn't clear: Was the student's relationship with food a disorder, or was that a metaphor? When drafting your essay, focus first on expressing your points as clearly and plainly as possible (it's harder than you may think). Simplicity is often better, but if you'd like, afterwards you can add creative details and stylistic changes.

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Common App Essay Example #4: Love for Medicine

Here's another Common App essay which is an accepted Dartmouth essay . This student talks about their range of experiences as an emergency medical responder:

I never knew I had the courage to talk a suicidal sixteen-year-old boy down from the edge of a bridge, knowing that he could jump and take his life at any moment.

I never knew I had the confidence to stand my ground and defend my treatment plan to those who saw me as less than capable because of my age or gender.

This essay has lots of detailed moments and descriptions. These anecdotes help back up their main idea by showing, rather than just telling. It's always important to include relevant examples because they are the "proof in the pudding" for what you're trying to say.

This topic deals with a lot of sensitive issues, and at certain points the writing could be interpreted as insensitive or not humble. It's especially important when writing about tragedies that you focus on others, rather than yourself. Don't try to play up your accomplishments or role; let them speak for themselves. By doing so, you'll actually achieve what you're trying to do: create an image of an honorable and inspirational person.

This essay touches on a lot of challenging and difficult moments, but it lacks a deep level of reflection upon those moments. When analyzing your essay, ask yourself: what is the deepest idea in it? In this case, there are some interesting ideas (e.g. "when they were on my stretcher, socioeconomic status...fell away"), but they are not fully developed or fleshed out.

Common App Essay Example #5: Cultural Confusion

This student's Common App was accepted to Pomona College , among other schools. Although this essay uses a common topic of discussing cultural background, this student writes a compelling take.

This student uses the theme of cultural confusion to explain their interests and identity:

Common App Essay Example #6: Football Manager

Here's a UPenn essay that worked for the Common App:

This essay has lighthearted moments in it, such as recognizing how being a football manager "does not sound glamorous" and how "we managers go by many names: watergirls..." Using moments of humor can be appropriate for contrasting with moments of serious reflection. Being lighthearted also shows a sense of personality and that you are able to take things with stride.

The reflections in this essay are far too generic overall and ultimately lack meaning because they are unspecific. Using buzzwords like "hard work" and "valuable lessons" comes off as unoriginal, so avoid using them at all costs. Your reflections need to be specific to you to be most meaningful. If you could (in theory) pluck out sentences from your essay and drop them into another student's essay, then chances are those sentences are not very insightful. Your ideas should be only have been able to been written by you: specific to your experiences, personal in nature, and show deep reflection.

Although this essay uses the topic of "being a football manager," by the end of the essay it isn't clear what that role even constitutes. Avoid over-relying on other people or other's ideas when writing your essay. That is, most of the reflections in this essay are based on what the author witnessed the football team doing, rather than what they experienced for themselves in their role. Focus on your own experiences first, and be as specific and tangible as possible when describing your ideas. Rather than saying "hard work," show that hard work through an anecdote.

More important than your stories is the "So what?" behind them. Avoid writing stories that don't have a clear purpose besides "setting the scene." Although most fiction writing describes people and places as exposition, for your essays you want to avoid that unless it specifically contributes to your main point. In this essay, the first two paragraphs are almost entirely unnecessary, as the point of them can be captured in one sentence: "I joined to be a football manager one summer." The details of how that happened aren't necessary because they aren't reflected upon.

In typical academic writing, we're taught to "tell them what you're going to tell them" before telling them. But for college essays, every word is highly valuable. Avoid prefacing your statements and preparing the reader for them. Instead of saying "XYZ would prove to be an unforgettable experience," just dive right into the experience itself. Think of admissions officers as "being in a rush," and give them what they want: your interesting ideas and experiences.

Common App Essay Example #7: Coffee

This student was admitted to several selective colleges, including Emory University, Northwestern University , Tufts University, and the University of Southern California . Here's their Common Application they submitted to these schools:

I was 16 years old, and working at a family-owned coffee shop training other employees to pour latte art. Making coffee became an artistic outlet that I never had before. I always loved math, but once I explored the complexities of coffee, I began to delve into a more creative realm--photography and writing--and exposed myself to the arts--something foreign and intriguing.

This essay uses coffee as a metaphor for this student's self-growth, especially in dealing with the absence of their father. Showing the change of their relationship with coffee works well as a structure because it allows the student to explore various activities and ideas while making them seem connected.

This student does a great job of including specifics, such as coffee terminology ("bloom the grounds" and "pour a swan"). Using specific and "nerdy" language shows your interests effectively. Don't worry if they won't understand all the references exactly, as long as there is context around them.

While coffee is the central topic, the author also references their father extensively throughout. It isn't clear until the conclusion how these topics relate, which makes the essay feel disjointed. In addition, there is no strong main idea, but instead a few different ideas. In general, it is better to focus on one interesting idea and delve deeply, rather than focus on many and be surface-level.

Near the conclusion, this student tells about their character: "humble, yet important, simple, yet complex..." You should avoid describing yourself to admissions officers, as it is less convincing. Instead, use stories, anecdotes, and ideas to demonstrate these qualities. For example, don't say "I'm curious," but show them by asking questions. Don't say, "I'm humble," but show them with how you reacted after a success or failure.

Common App Essay Example #8: Chicago

Here's another Northwestern essay . Northwestern is a quite popular school with lots of strong essay-focused applicants, which makes your "Why Northwestern?" essay important.

To write a strong Why Northwestern essay, try to answer these questions: What does NU represent to you? What does NU offer for you (and your interests) that other schools don't?

This essay uses a variety of descriptive and compelling words, without seeming forced or unnatural. It is important that you use your best vocabulary, but don't go reaching for a thesaurus. Instead, use words that are the most descriptive, while remaining true to how you'd actually write.

This essay is one big metaphor: the "L" train serves as a vehicle to explore this student's intellectual curiosity. Throughout the essay, the student also incorporates creative metaphors like "the belly of a gargantuan silver beast" and "seventy-five cent silver chariot" that show a keen sense of expression. If a metaphor sounds like one you've heard before, you probably shouldn't use it.

This student does a fantastic job of naturally talking about their activities. By connecting their activities to a common theme—in this case the "L" train—you can more easily move from one activity to the next, without seeming like you're just listing activities. This serves as an engaging way of introducing your extracurriculars and achievements, while still having the focus of your essay be on your interesting ideas.

Admissions officers are ultimately trying to get a sense of who you are. This student does a great job of taking the reader into their world. By sharing quirks and colloquialisms (i.e. specific language you use), you can create an authentic sense of personality.

Common App Essay Example #9: Mountaineering

Here's a liberal arts college Common App essay from Colby College . Colby is a highly ranked liberal arts college.

As with all colleges—but especially liberal arts schools—your personal essay will be a considerable factor.

In this essay, the student describes their experience climbing Mount Adams, and the physical and logistical preparations that went into it. They describe how they overcame some initial setbacks by using their organizational skills from previous expeditions.

This Colby student explains how the process of preparation can lead to success in academics and other endeavours, but with the potential for negative unintended consequences.

Common App Prompt #2: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (250-650 words)

This essay does a great job of having a cohesive theme: mountaineering. Often times, great essay topics can be something simple on the surface, such as your favorite extracurricular activity or a notable experience. Consider using the literal activity as a sort of metaphor, like this essay does. This student uses mountaineering as a metaphor for preparation in the face of upcoming challenge. Using an overarching metaphor along with a central theme can be effective because it allows you to explore various ideas while having them all feel connected and cohesive.

Admissions officers want to see your self-growth, which doesn't always mean your successes. Often times, being vulnerable by expressing your struggles is powerful because it makes you more human and relatable, while providing the opportunity to reflect on what you learned. The best lessons from come failures, and writing about challenge can also make your later successes feel more impactful. Everyone loves to hear an underdog or zero-to-hero story. But counterintuitively, your failures are actually more important than your successes.

This essay has some nice ideas about focusing only on what's in your control: your attitude and your effort. However, these ideas are ultimately somewhat generic as they have been used countless times in admissions essays. Although ideas like this can be a good foundation, you should strive to reach deeper ideas. Deeper ideas are ones that are specific to you, unique, and interesting. You can reach deeper ideas by continually asking yourself "How" and "Why" questions that cause you to think deeper about a topic. Don't be satisfied with surface-level reflections. Think about what they represent more deeply, or how you can connect to other ideas or areas of your life.

Common App Essay Example #10: Boarding School

This personal essay was accepted to Claremont McKenna College . See how this student wrote a vulnerable essay about boarding school experience and their family relationship:

I began attending boarding school aged nine.

Obviously, this is not particularly unusual – my school dorms were comprised of boys and girls in the same position as me. However, for me it was difficult – or perhaps it was for all of us; I don’t know. We certainly never discussed it.

I felt utterly alone, as though my family had abruptly withdrawn the love and support thatI so desperately needed. At first, I did try to open up to them during weekly phone calls, but what could they do? As months slipped by, the number of calls reduced. I felt they had forgotten me. Maybe they felt I had withdrawn from them. A vast chasm of distance was cracking open between us.

At first, I shared my hurt feelings with my peers, who were amazingly supportive, but there was a limit to how much help they could offer. After a while, I realized that by opening up, I was burdening them, perhaps even irritating them. The feelings I was sharing should have been reserved for family. So, I withdrew into myself. I started storing up my emotions and became a man of few words. In the classroom or on the sports field, people saw a self-confident and cheerful character, but behind that facade was someone who yearned for someone to understand him and accept him as he was.

Years went past.

Then came the phone call which was about to change my life. “Just come home Aryan, it’s really important!” My mother’s voice was odd, brittle. I told her I had important exams the following week, so needed to study. “Aryan, why don’t you listen to me? There is no other option, okay? You are coming home.”

Concerned, I arranged to fly home. When I got there, my sister didn’t say hi to me, my grandmother didn’t seem overly enthusiastic to see me and my mother was nowhere to be seen. I wanted to be told why I was called back so suddenly just to be greeted as though I wasn’t even welcome.

Then my mother then came out of her room and saw me. To my immense incredulity, she ran to me and hugged me, and started crying in my arms.

Then came the revelation, “Your father had a heart attack.”

My father. The man I hadn’t really talked to in years. A man who didn’t even know who I was anymore. I’d spent so long being disappointed in him and suspecting he was disappointed in me, I sunk under a flood of emotions.

I opened the door to his room and there he was sitting on his bed with a weak smile on his face. I felt shaken to my core. All at once it was clear to me how self-centered I had become. A feeling of humiliation engulfed me, but finally I realized that rather than wallow in it, I needed to appreciate I was not alone in having feelings.

I remained at home that week. I understood that my family needed me. I worked with my uncle to ensure my family business was running smoothly and often invited relatives or friends over to cheer my father up.

Most importantly, I spent time with my family. It had been years since I’d last wanted to do this – I had actively built the distance between us – but really, I’d never stopped craving it. Sitting together in the living room, I realized how badly I needed them.

Seeing happiness in my father’s eyes, I felt I was finally being the son he had always needed me to be: A strong, capable young man equipped to take over the family business if need be.

Common App Essay Example #11: My Father

This Cornell University essay is an example of writing about a tragedy, which can be a tricky topic to write about well.

Family and tragedy essays are a commonly used topic, so it can be harder to come up with a unique essay idea using these topics.

Let me know what you think of this essay for Cornell:

My father was wise, reserved, hardworking, and above all, caring. I idolized his humility and pragmatism, and I cherish it today. But after his death, I was emotionally raw. I could barely get through class without staving off a breakdown.

Writing about tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, is a tricky topic because it has been used countless times in college admissions. It is difficult to not come off as a "victim" or that you're trying to garner sympathy by using the topic (i.e. a "sob story"). This essay does a great job of writing about a personal tragedy in a meaningful and unique way by connecting to values and ideas, rather than staying focused on what literally happened. By connecting tragedy to lessons and takeaways, you can show how—despite the difficulty and sorrow—you have gained something positive from it, however small that may be. Don't write about personal tragedy because you think "you should." As with any topic, only write about it if you have a meaningful point to make.

This essay is effective at making the reader feel the similar emotions as the author does and in bringing the reader into their "world." Even small remarks like noting the the "firsts" without their loved one are powerful because it is relatable and something that is apparent, but not commonly talked about. Using short phrases like "That was it. No goodbye, no I love you..." create emphasis and again a sense of relatability. As the reader, you can vividly imagine how the author must have felt during these moments. The author also uses questions, such as "What did I last say to him?" which showcase their thought process, another powerful way to bring the reader into your world.

Admissions officers are looking for self-growth, which can come in a variety of forms. Showing a new perspective is one way to convey that you've developed over time, learned something new, or gained new understanding or appreciation. In this essay, the student uses the "sticker of a black and white eye" to represent how they viewed their father differently before and after his passing. By using a static, unchanging object like this, and showing how you now view it differently over time, you convey a change in perspective that can make for interesting reflections.

Common App Essay Example #12: DMV Trials

Here's a funny Common App essay from a Northwestern admitted student about getting their driver's license.

This topic has been used before—as many "topics" have—but what's important is having a unique take or idea.

What do you think of this Northwestern essay ?

Breath, Emily, breath. I drive to the exit and face a four-lane roadway. “Turn left,” my passenger says.

On July 29, [Date] , I finally got my license. After the April debacle, I practiced driving almost every week. I learned to stop at stop signs and look both ways before crossing streets, the things I apparently didn’t know how to do during my first two tests. When pulling into the parking lot with the examiner for the last time, a wave of relief washed over me.

This essay does a good job of having a compelling narrative. By setting the scene descriptively, it is easy to follow and makes for a pleasant reading experience. However, avoid excessive storytelling, as it can overshadow your reflections, which are ultimately most important.

This essay has some moments where the author may come off as being overly critical, of either themselves or of others. Although it is okay (and good) to recognize your flaws, you don't want to portray yourself in a negative manner. Avoid being too negative, and instead try to find the positive aspects when possible.

More important than your stories is the answer to "So what?" and why they matter. Avoid writing a personal statement that is entirely story-based, because this leaves little room for reflection and to share your ideas. In this essay, the reflections are delayed to the end and not as developed as they could be.

In this essay, it comes across that failure is negative. Although the conclusion ultimately has a change of perspective in that "failure is inevitable and essential to moving forward," it doesn't address that failure is ultimately a positive thing. Admissions officers want to see failure and your challenges, because overcoming those challenges is what demonstrates personal growth.

Common App Essay Example #13: Ice Cream Fridays

This Columbia essay starts off with a vulnerable moment of running for school president. The student goes on to show their growth through Model UN, using detailed anecdotes and selected moments.

My fascination with geopolitical and economic issues were what kept me committed to MUN. But by the end of sophomore year, the co-presidents were fed up. “Henry, we know how hard you try, but there are only so many spots for each conference...” said one. “You’re wasting space, you should quit,” said the other.

This essay has a compelling story, starting from this author's early struggles with public speaking and developing into their later successes with Model UN. Using a central theme—in this case public speaking—is an effective way of creating a cohesive essay. By having a main idea, you can tie in multiple moments or achievements without them coming across unrelated.

This student talks about their achievements with a humble attitude. To reference your successes, it's equally important to address your failures. By expressing your challenges, it will make your later achievements seem more impactful in contrast. This student also is less "me-focused" and instead is interested in others dealing with the same struggles. By connecting to people in your life, values, or interesting ideas, you can reference your accomplishments without coming off as bragging.

This essay has moments of reflection, such as "math and programming made sense... people didn't". However, most of these ideas are cut short, without going much deeper. When you strike upon a potentially interesting idea, keep going with it. Try to explain the nuances, or broaden your idea to more universal themes. Find what is most interesting about your experience and share that with admissions.

Stories are important, but make sure all your descriptions are critical for the story. In this essay, the author describes things that don't add to the story, such as the appearance of other people or what they were wearing. These ultimately don't relate to their main idea—overcoming public speaking challenges—and instead are distracting.

Common App Essay Example #14: Key to Happiness

Here's a Brown University application essay that does a great job of a broad timeline essay. This student shows the change in their thinking and motivations over a period of time, which makes for an interesting topic.

Let me know what you think of this Brown essay:

Common App Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? (250-650 words)

This student's first language is not English, which provides some insight into why the phrasing may not seem as natural or show as much personality. Admissions officers are holistic in determining who to admit, meaning they take into account many different factors when judging your essays. While this essay may not be the strongest, the applicant probably had other qualities or "hooks" that helped them get accepted, such as awards, activities, unique background, etc. Plus, there is some leniency granted to students who don't speak English as their first language, because writing essays in a foreign language is tough in and of itself.

It's good to be confident in your achievements, but you don't want to come across as boastful or self-assured. In this essay, some of the phrasing such as "when I was the best at everything" seems exaggerated and is off-putting. Instead of boosting your accomplishments, write about them in a way that almost "diminishes" them. Connect your achievements to something bigger than you: an interesting idea, a passionate cause, another person or group. By not inflating your achievements, you'll come across more humble and your achievements will actually seem more impactful. We all have heard of a highly successful person who thinks "it's no big deal," which actually makes their talents seem far more impressive.

This essay has some takeaways and reflections, as your essay should too, but ultimately these ideas are unoriginal and potentially cliché. Ideas like "what makes you happy is pursing your passion" are overused and have been heard thousands of times by admissions officers. Instead, focus on getting to unique and "deep" ideas: ideas that are specific to you and that have meaningful implications. It's okay to start off with more surface-level ideas, but you want to keep asking questions to yourself like "Why" and "How" to push yourself to think deeper. Try making connections, asking what something represents more broadly, or analyzing something from a different perspective.

You don't need to preface your ideas in your essay. Don't say things like "I later found out this would be life-changing, and here's why." Instead, just jump into the details that are most compelling. In this essay, there are moments that seem repetitive and redundant because they don't add new ideas and instead restate what's already been said in different words. When editing your essay, be critical of every sentence (and even words) by asking: Does this add something new to my essay? Does it have a clear, distinct purpose? If the answer is no, you should probably remove that sentence.

Common App Essay Example #15: Discovering Passion

Here's a Johns Hopkins essay that shows how the student had a change in attitude and perspective after taking a summer job at a care facility.

It may seem odd to write about your potential drawbacks or weaknesses—such as having a bad attitude towards something—but it's real and can help demonstrate personal growth.

So tell me your thoughts on this JHU Common App essay:

Common App Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (250-650 words)

This student uses vulnerability in admitting that they held preconceived notions about the elderly before this experience. The quote introduces these preconceived notions well, while the description of how this student got their job in the care facility is also engaging.

Admission officers love to see your interactions with others. Showing how you interact reveals a lot about your character, and this essay benefits from reflecting upon the student's relationship with a particular elderly individual.

It is good to be descriptive, but only when it supports your expression of ideas. In this essay, the author uses adjectives and adverbs excessively, without introducing new ideas. Your ideas are more important than having a diverse vocabulary, and the realizations in this essay are muddled by rephrasing similar ideas using seemingly "impressive," but ultimately somewhat meaningless, vocabulary.

This essay touches on some interesting ideas, but on multiple occasions these ideas are repeated just in different phrasing. If you have already expressed an idea, don't repeat it unless you're adding something new: a deeper context, a new angle, a broadened application, etc. Ask yourself: what is the purpose of each sentence, and have I expressed it already?

It's true that almost any topic can make for a strong essay, but certain topics are trickier because they make it easy to write about overly used ideas. In this essay, the main idea can be summarized as: "I realized the elderly were worthy humans too." It touches upon more interesting ideas, such as how people can be reduced down to their afflictions rather than their true character, but the main idea is somewhat surface-level.

Common App Essay Example #16: "A Cow Gave Birth"

This Common App essay for the University of Pennsylvania centers on the theme of womanhood. Not only is it well-written, but this essay has interesting and unique ideas that relate to the student's interests.

Common App Essay Example #17: Robotics

This Common App essay was for Washington University in St. Louis .

This student writes about their experience creating and using an engineering notebook to better document their robotics progress. They share the story of how their dedication and perseverance led to winning awards and qualifying for the national championships.

Lastly, they reflect on the importance of following one's passions in life and decision to pursue a business degree instead of a engineering one.

This essay touches on various lessons that they've learned as a result of their experience doing robotics. However, these lessons are ultimately surface-level and generic, such as "I embraced new challenges." Although these could be a starting point for deeper ideas, on their own they come off as unoriginal and overused. Having interesting ideas is what makes an essay the most compelling, and you need to delve deeply into reflection, past the surface-level takeaways. When drafting and brainstorming, keep asking yourself questions like "How" and "Why" to dig deeper. Ask "What does this represent? How does it connect to other things? What does this show about myself/the world/society/etc.?"

Although this essay is focused on "VEX robotics," the details of what that activity involves are not elaborated. Rather than focusing on the surface-level descriptions like "We competed and won," it would be more engaging to delve into the details. What did your robot do? How did you compete? What were the specific challenges in "lacking building materials"? Use visuals and imagery to create a more engaging picture of what you were doing.

The hook and ending sentences of "drifting off to sleep" feel arbitrary and not at all connected to any ideas throughout the essay. Instead, it comes off as a contrived choice to create a "full circle" essay. Although coming full circle is often a good strategy, there should be a specific purpose in doing so. For your intro, try using a short sentence that creates emphasis on something interesting. For the conclusion, try using similar language to the intro, expanding upon your ideas to more universal takeaways, or connecting back to previous ideas with a new nuance.

Common App Essay Example #18: Lab Research

Common app essay example #19: carioca dance.

Having a natural-sounding style of writing can be a great way of conveying personality. This student does a fantastic job of writing as they'd speak, which lets admissions officers create a clear "image" of who you are in their head. By writing naturally and not robotically, you can create a "voice" and add character to your essay.

This student chooses a unique activity, the Carioca drill, as their main topic. By choosing a "theme" like this, it allows you to easily and naturally talk about other activities too, without seeming like you're simply listing activities. This student uses the Carioca as a metaphor for overcoming difficulties and relates it to their other activities and academics—public speaking and their job experience.

Showing a sense of humor can indicate wit, which not only makes you seem more likeable, but also conveys self-awareness. By not always taking yourself 100% seriously, you can be more relatable to the reader. This student acknowledges their struggles in conjunction with using humor ("the drills were not named after me—'Saads'"), which shows a recognition that they have room to improve, while not being overly self-critical.

Common App Essay Example #20: Chinese Language

The list of languages that Lincoln offered startled me. “There’s so many,” I thought, “Latin, Spanish, Chinese, and French.”

As soon as I stepped off the plane, and set my eyes upon the beautiful city of Shanghai, I fell in love. In that moment, I had an epiphany. China was made for me, and I wanted to give it all my first; first job and first apartment.

Using creative metaphors can be an effective way of conveying ideas. In this essay, the metaphor of "Chinese characters...were the names of my best friends" tells a lot about this student's relationship with the language. When coming up with metaphors, a good rule of thumb is: if you've heard it before, don't use it. Only use metaphors that are specific, make sense for what you're trying to say, and are highly unique.

Whenever you "tell" something, you should try and back it up with anecdotes, examples, or experiences. Instead of saying that "I made conversation," this student exemplifies it by listing who they talked to. Showing is always going to be more compelling than telling because it allows the reader to come to the conclusion on their own, which makes them believe it much stronger. Use specific, tangible examples to back up your points and convince the reader of what you're saying.

Although this essay has reflections, they tend to be more surface-level, rather than unique and compelling. Admissions officers have read thousands of application essays and are familiar with most of the ideas students write about. To stand out, you'll need to dive deeper into your ideas. To do this, keep asking yourself questions whenever you have an interesting idea. Ask "Why" and "How" repeatedly until you reach something that is unique, specific to you, and super interesting.

Avoid writing a conclusion that only "sounds nice," but lacks real meaning. Often times, students write conclusions that go full circle, or have an interesting quote, but they still don't connect to the main idea of the essay. Your conclusion should be your strongest, most interesting idea. It should say something new: a new perspective, a new takeaway, a new aspect of your main point. End your essay strongly by staying on topic, but taking your idea one step further to the deepest it can go.

Common App Essay Example #21: Kiki's Delivery Service

Common App Prompt #6: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (250-650 words)

I spent much of my childhood watching movies. I became absolutely engrossed in many different films, TV shows, and animations. From the movie theatres to the TV, I spent my hours enjoying the beauty of visual media. One place that was special to me was the car. My parents purchased a special screen that could be mounted on the back of the headrest, so that I could watch movies on trips. This benefited both parties, as I was occupied, and they had peace. Looking back, I realize this screen played a crucial role in my childhood. It was an integral part of many journeys. I remember taking a drive to Washington D.C, with my visiting relatives from Poland, and spending my time with my eyes on the screen. I remember packing up my possessions and moving to my current home from Queens, watching my cartoons the whole time. I can comfortably say that watching movies in the car has been an familiar anchor during times of change in my life.

I used to watch many different cartoons, nature documentaries, and other products in the car, yet there has been one movie that I have rewatched constantly. It is called “Kiki’s Delivery Service” by Hayao Miyazaki. My parents picked it up at a garage sale one day, and I fell in love. The style of the animations were beautiful, and the captivating story of a thirteen year old witch leaving home really appealed to me. To be honest, the initial times I watched it, I didn’t fully understand the story but the magic and beauty just made me happy. Then, the more I watched it, I began to see that it was more about independence, including the need to get away from home and establish yourself as your own person. This mirrors how I felt during that period of my life,with mehaving a little rebellious streak; I didn’t agree with my parents on certain topics. That is not the end of the story though. As the years passed, and I watched it a couple more times, although with less frequency than before, my view of this movie evolved yet again.

Instead of solely thinking about the need for independence, I began to think the movie was more about the balance of independence and reliance. In the movie, the girl finds herself struggling until she begins to accept help from others. Looking back, this also follows my own philosophy during this time. As I began to mature, I began to realize the value of family, and accept all the help I can get from them. I appreciate all the hard work they had done for me, and I recognize their experience in life and take advantage of it. I passed through my rebellious phase, and this reflected in my analysis of the movie. I believe that this is common, and if I look through the rest of my life I am sure I would find other similar examples of my thoughts evolving based on the stage in my life. This movie is one of the most important to me throughout my life.

Common App Essay Example #22: Museum of Life

Using visuals can be a way to add interesting moments to your essay. Avoid being overly descriptive, however, as it can be distracting from your main point. When drafting, start by focusing on your ideas (your reflections and takeaways). Once you have a rough draft, then you can consider ways to incorporate imagery that can add character and flavor to your essay.

Admissions officers are people, just like you, and therefore are drawn to personalities that exhibit positive qualities. Some of the most important qualities to portray are: humility, curiosity, thoughtfulness, and passion. In this essay, there are several moments that could be interpreted as potentially self-centered or arrogant. Avoid trying to make yourself out to be "better" or "greater" than other people. Instead, focus on having unique and interesting ideas first, and this will show you as a likeable, insightful person. Although this is a "personal" statement, you should also avoid over using "I" in your essay. When you have lots of "I" sentences, it starts to feel somewhat ego-centric, rather than humble and interested in something greater than you.

This essay does a lot of "telling" about the author's character. Instead, you want to provide evidence—through examples, anecdotes, and moments—that allow the reader to come to their own conclusions about who you are. Avoid surface-level takeaways like "I am open-minded and have a thirst for knowledge." These types of statements are meaningless because anyone can write them. Instead, focus on backing up your points by "showing," and then reflect genuinely and deeply on those topics.

This essay is focused on art museums and tries to tie in a connection to studying medicine. However, because this connection is very brief and not elaborated, the connection seems weak. To connect to your area of study when writing about a different topic, try reflecting on your topic first. Go deep into interesting ideas by asking "How" and "Why" questions. Then, take those ideas and broaden them. Think of ways they could differ or parallel your desired area of study. The best connections between a topic (such as an extracurricular) and your area of study (i.e. your major) is through having interesting ideas.

Common App Essay Example #23: French Horn

This student chose the creative idea of personifying their French horn as their central theme. Using this personification, they are able to write about a multitude of moments while making them all feel connected. This unique approach also makes for a more engaging essay, as it is not overly straightforward and generic.

It can be challenging to reference your achievements without seeming boastful or coming across too plainly. This student manages to write about their successes ("acceptance into the Julliard Pre-College program") by using them as moments part of a broader story. The focus isn't necessarily on the accomplishments themselves, but the role they play in this relationship with their instrument. By connecting more subtly like this, it shows humility. Often, "diminishing" your achievements will actually make them stand out more, because it shows you're focused on the greater meaning behind them, rather than just "what you did."

This student does a good job of exemplifying each of their ideas. Rather than just saying "I experienced failure," they show it through imagery ("dried lips, cracked notes, and missed entrances"). Similarly, with their idea "no success comes without sacrifice," they exemplify it using examples of sacrifice. Always try to back up your points using examples, because showing is much more convincing than telling. Anyone can "tell" things, but showing requires proof.

This essay has a decent conclusion, but it could be stronger by adding nuance to their main idea or connecting to the beginning with a new perspective. Rather than repeating what you've established previously, make sure your conclusion has a different "angle" or new aspect. This can be connecting your main idea to more universal values, showing how you now view something differently, or emphasizing a particular aspect of your main idea that was earlier introduced.

Common App Essay Example #24: Dear My Younger Self

Common App Prompt #7: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. (250-650 words)

Younger Anna,

Don’t live your life as if you're constantly being watched and criticized. Chances are, no one is even paying attention to you.
Wear your retainer.
Empathy makes your life easier. People who are inexplicably cruel are suffering just as much as the recipients of their abuse. Understanding this makes your interactions with these people less painful.
Comparing yourself to your classmates is counterproductive. Sometimes you will forge ahead, other times you will lag behind. But ultimately, you’re only racing yourself.
Speak up to your stepmom.
Always eat the cake. I couldn't tell you how many times I’ve turned away a slice of cake, only to regret it the next day. If you really can’t commit, do yourself a favor and take a slice home with you.
Cherish your grandparents.
Forgive your mother. Harboring resentment hurts you just as much as her. All the time I spent being angry at her could’ve been spent discovering her strengths.

This essay chose a unique structure in the form of a letter addressed to themselves with a list of lessons they've learned. This structure is unique, and also allows the student to explore a variety of topics and ideas while making them all feel connected. It is tricky to not seem "gimmicky" when choosing a creative structure like this, but the key is to make your essay well thought-out. Show that you've put effort into reflecting deeply, and that you aren't choosing a unique structure just to stand out.

This essay is highly focused on lessons they've learned, which shows a deep level of reflection. Your ideas and takeaways from life experience are ultimately most compelling to admissions officers, and this essay succeeds because it is focused almost entirely on those reflections. This student also manages to incorporate anecdotes and mini stories where appropriate, which makes their reflections more memorable by being tangible.

Showing humility and self-awareness are two highly attractive traits in college admissions. Being able to recognize your own flaws and strengths, while not making yourself out to be more than what you are, shows that you are mature and thoughtful. Avoid trying to "boost yourself up" by exaggerating your accomplishments or over-emphasizing your strengths. Instead, let your ideas speak for themselves, and by focusing on genuine, meaningful ideas, you'll convey a persona that is both humble and insightful.

The drawback of having a structure like this, where lots of different ideas are examined, is that no one idea is examined in-depth. As a result, some ideas (such as "intelligence is not defined by your grades") come across as trite and overused. In general, avoid touching on lots of ideas while being surface-level. Instead, it's almost always better to choose a handful (or even just one main idea) and go as in-depth as possible by continually asking probing questions—"How" and "Why"—that force yourself to think deeper and be more critical. Having depth of ideas shows inquisitiveness, thoughtfulness, and ultimately are more interesting because they are ideas that only you could have written.

Common App Essay Example #25: Monopoly

Feeling a bit weary from my last roll of the dice, I cross my fingers with the “FREE PARKING” square in sight. As luck has it, I smoothly glide past the hotels to have my best horse show yet- earning multiple wins against stiff competition and gaining points to qualify for five different national finals this year.

This essay uses the board game "Monopoly" as a metaphor for their life. By using a metaphor as your main topic, you can connect to different ideas and activities in a cohesive way. However, make sure the metaphor isn't chosen arbitrarily. In this essay, it isn't completely clear why Monopoly is an apt metaphor for their life, because the specific qualities that make Monopoly unique aren't explained or elaborated. Lots of games require "strategy and precision, with a hint of luck and a tremendous amount of challenge," so it'd be better to focus on the unique aspects of the game to make a more clear connection. For example, moving around the board in a "repetitive" fashion, but each time you go around with a different perspective. When choosing a metaphor, first make sure that it is fitting for what you're trying to describe.

You want to avoid listing your activities or referencing them without a clear connection to something greater. Since you have an activities list already, referencing your activities in your essay should have a specific purpose, rather than just emphasizing your achievements. In this essay, the student connects their activities by connecting them to a specific idea: how each activity is like a mini challenge that they must encounter to progress in life. Make sure your activities connect to something specifically: an idea, a value, an aspect of your character.

This essay lacks depth in their reflections by not delving deeply into their main takeaways. In this essay, the main "idea" is that they've learned to be persistent with whatever comes their way. This idea could be a good starting point, but on its own is too generic and not unique enough. Your idea should be deep and specific, meaning that it should be something only you could have written about. If your takeaway could be used in another student's essay without much modification, chances are it is a surface-level takeaway and you want to go more in-depth. To go in-depth, keep asking probing questions like "How" and "Why" or try making more abstract connections between topics.

In the final two paragraphs, this essay does a lot of "telling" about the lessons they've learned. They write "I know that in moments of doubt...I can rise to the occasion." Although this could be interesting, it would be far more effective if this idea is shown through anecdotes or experiences. The previous examples in the essay don't "show" this idea. When drafting, take your ideas and think of ways you can represent them without having to state them outright. By showing your points, you will create a more engaging and convincing essay because you'll allow the reader to come to the conclusion themselves, rather than having to believe what you've told them.

What Can You Learn from These Common App Essay Examples?

With these 25 Common App essay examples, you can get inspired and improve your own personal statement.

If you want to get accepted into selective colleges this year, your Common App essays needs to be its best possible.

What makes a good Common App essay isn't easy to define. There aren't any rules or steps.

But using these samples from real students, you can understand what it takes to write an outstanding personal statement .

Let me know, which Common App essay did you think was the best?

Ryan Chiang , Founder of EssaysThatWorked.com

Want to read more amazing essays that worked for top schools?

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I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confident. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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Princeton Admitted Essay

People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

MIT Admitted Essay

Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

UPenn Admitted Essay

A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

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267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update]

Your mood leaves a lot to be desired. Everything around you is getting on your nerves. But still, there’s one thing that may save you: music. Just think of all the times you turned on your favorite song, and it lifted your spirits!

So, why not write about it in a music essay? In this article, you’ll find all the information necessary for this type of assignment:

267 brilliant music essay topics,
a sample paper,
a step-by-step guide and writing tips.

And don’t forget to bookmark  custom-writing.org  where you can find helpful essay tips in articles like this one.

🔝 Music Essay Topics: Top 10

🎵 Music Essay Definition
🎼 Essay Topics
✍️ How to Write
📑 Essay Sample

🔗 References

Compare different recording formats.
The purpose of music.
Ternary and rondo: compare and contrast.
Music as a lifestyle.
The benefits of singing.
Ethnomusicology as a career.
Evolution of the radio.
The importance of school musicals.
Music as a tool for meditation.
Music in sports.

🎵 Essays about Music: What Are They?

A music essay describes or analyzes a piece of music, its context, or one’s personal attitude towards it. This type of assignment requires a compelling primary argument and a clear structure.

To write well about music, you don’t have to be a professional musician. All you need is to be able to listen, understand, and evaluate it. You should also provide your interpretation and opinion on it.

Writing about Music: Assignment Types

An essay on music is a popular assignment in high school and college. However, many students find it hard to describe sounds in a written form. In this article, we will give you some tips on writing about music.

Here are the typical tasks that you might receive:

Concert report. It requires describing the music you’ve heard using as many details and terms as you can.
Historical analysis of a piece. Your aim is to describe the historical context of a piece or its relation to the historical setting. For this type of assignment, you may need to do some research.
Song analysis. In this type of essay, you explore song lyrics’ meaning and show how they work together with the melody.
Performance or media comparison. Here you need to compare several interpretations or performances of one piece of music.

The picture shows different tasks related to writing about music.

All of these assignments require a different approach and topic. You will find topics for these types of tasks below.

How to Choose a Music Essay Topic

First things first, you need to find a suitable music essay topic. To accomplish this task, you might want to take the following steps:

Analyze your relationship with music . What role does it play in your life? Your topic choice will be different if you are a musician or merely a listener.
Think about how music influences your everyday life . For instance, you can study how listening to music affects our mental health. Impressing your readers with some historical facts from the world of music is also a great idea.
Try reflecting on the role of different music genres in your life . Whether you prefer rap or classical music, exploring a genre is an excellent topic idea. Topics related to musical instruments are also worth attention.
Narrow your topic down. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to focus your essay on just one idea.

🎼 Music Essay Topics List

The first thing you need to do is to choose your topic. We have prepared a variety of music topics perfect for research papers and short essays. You can also use them for speeches or college application essays.

Argumentative Essay about Music: Topics & Ideas

Argumentative essays about music are usually concerned with a specific music-related issue you choose to address. Just like with any other argumentative essay, you should present both sides of the topic. Also, reliable facts are a must for this type of essay.

The influence of modern technologies on the music industry. Technologies allow artists to create and promote their songs independently. Because of this, record labels are less critical to musicians than before. However, the emergence of new technologies also gave rise to piracy. Do the positives outweigh the negatives?
What’s the effect of pop music on the modern generation? Today’s pop songs are usually commercial. Because of this, some people say that pop has ruined the current generations’ perception of music. Others argue that contemporary pop music expanded the possibilities of the genre.
Rock music makes people more aggressive. Some consider rock music merely an arrangement of aggressive tunes that foster violence. On the counter side, science has proven that people who prefer rock to other genres are calmer and more concentrated. Which position do you agree with?
Can people with hearing impairments become famous musicians? Many believe that access to fame and fortune is limited for disabled people. The deaf may seem especially unsuited for the music business. Yet, the examples of Beethoven, Neil Young, and Chris Martin show that hearing problems don’t have to be an issue.
Will streaming completely substitute physical copies? Digitalization is on its way to replacing LPs and CDs. For most people, it’s simply more convenient. But their opponents claim that an MP3 file can never sound as good as a physical copy.
Some music genres can be a catalyst for violence. While their beats may be calm, hip-hop and rap’s lyrics are often aggressive and brutal. Does it have adverse effects on a listener?
Can a person become addicted to music?
Censorship on the radio: why stations shouldn’t bleep out obscenities.
Is mandatory musical education in high schools practical?
The impact of Mozart’s music on toddlers.
Should a musician’s personal life affect people’s perception of their art?
How susceptible are teenagers to political messages in songs?
Music influences one’s mental and physical capabilities.
Are children who listen to music more intelligent than others?
Music genres are inherently dependent on musical instruments.
Is music as an art form more popular than cinema?
Debate whether rap musicians promote a frivolous and careless lifestyle .
Many musicians became famous only because they’ve had connections.
Music festivals are the best form of entertainment.
Does music always sound better live than on records?
Is classical music better than modern genres?
Is it justified that some religions view music as a sin?
Typically, music defines a culture and its traditions: true or false?
Rap music has a strong connection to rebellious movements.
Jamaican music’s link to the stoner lifestyle is unjustified.
Synesthesia: how is music related to visuals?

Opinion on Music: Essay Topics

Opinion essays about music might seem similar to the argumentative type. Here, you are expected to write your personal opinion on a topic. Naturally, you can have many opinions on musical topics. Why not broadcast them? Keep in mind that you also need to provide reasons for your point of view.

Music therapy can help people with mental illnesses. It’s a well-known fact that music affects the human brain. This ability makes it perfect for treating mental health problems. On the one hand, psychologists established that listening to classical music increases one’s cognitive capacity. On the other hand, listening to heavy rock impacts responsiveness.
The questionable treatment of women in the music industry . While it may seem that both sexes are treated equally, women still earn much less than they deserve. Moreover, the extreme sexualization of girls persists as one of the most pressing problems in the industry.
Which musician or band impacted your worldview? Discuss what makes your favorite artist special. Consider analyzing their lyrics, genre, and evolution. If you want to, add a review of one of their albums.
What are the challenges of being an independent artist? Typically, independent artists deal with all the financial, promotional, and distributional affairs by themselves. In the increasingly complex music business, this is not an easy task.
Is social media efficient for promotion? Almost every modern artist uses social media to promote their albums or songs. Users often check their networks for updates, which increases the musician’s visibility. But do such methods help in the long run?
Passion is the essential personal quality for every musician. If an artist is not eager to continually produce high-quality output, they’re unlikely to succeed. However, qualities such as responsibility, honesty, hard work, and creativity are also vital.
Is music good for stress relief?
How does music connect people ?
Analyze qualities that good musicians shouldn’t have.
Who are the most excellent musicians in the country genre?
Is it possible to live without interacting with music?
Choose three successful rappers and analyze their influence.
How can a musician become famous without having money or connections?
What are the difficulties of being in a band?
Who impacted the development of indie music the most?
Is pop music losing its popularity? If so, why?
Three factors that affected your choice of a favorite genre.
Which artists are the most prominent in power metal?
Which record label is the most influential now?
Can Justin Bieber’s songs be considered legendary?
Did Kanye West introduce a new kind of rap?
Which rock bands lost their fame because of a scandal ? How did it happen?
Discuss Dire Straits’ impact on music history .
Who are currently the most successful women pop singers ?
Why are some music genres more popular than others?
What does success in the music world depend on?

Topics for a Persuasive Essay about Music

Is there anything music-related you want to convince people of? A persuasive paper is your chance. Carefully craft your arguments to show your readers you’ve always been right about the beauty of cowbells. If it’s not your jam, consider these essay topics about music:

A seven-string guitar is superior to a six-string one. The additional string gives more room for creativity. It might be challenging to master, but in the end, the music has a fuller sound . Do you think it’s worth the effort?
The lyrics don’t matter as long as the melody is good. It’s possible to like songs from different countries, even if the listener doesn’t understand the language. The singing is simply part of the composition. Does this mean that what the vocalist says is unimportant?

The picture shows the information about the oldest surviving musical composition.

Most people living in big cities neglect country music. People from urban areas tend to think that country music is tasteless. For them, its tunes and lyrics sound too simple. Does the strong association with cowboys, farms, and long roads simply not appeal to the city lifestyle?
Should rap music be performed only by black people? The genre hosts a large portion of African American artists. Not only that, but black rappers are widely considered the best of their craft. Do white artists do the genre justice?
Music that artists make merely to get money is soulless. Passion is a critical factor for every musician. If money is the primary driver for creating a song, the result is inevitably flawed. Do you agree?
Pop music is undergoing a transformation. Listeners acknowledge pop as the primary genre of contemporary music. Yet, new musical instruments are changing the game. Even the lyrics touch on more serious topics than before.
Indie is the new pop. Indie music is a relatively novel genre. Still, it continues to gain popularity. The light-hearted tunes paired with existential lyrics have captured the audience’s hearts. Is it possible to envision the future of music without bands such as Coldplay, The 1975, and the Arctic Monkeys?
The meaning of freedom for jazz as a musical genre.
Punk rock has recently witnessed a renaissance.
Exposing plants to classical music makes them grow faster.
Classical music: intellectually stimulating or relaxing ?
Is it justified that some countries legally prohibit artists from performing?
Is it easier for children to learn with music?
Can a person ever become a great artist without a natural talent ?
Should workplaces allow their employees to listen to background music?
Jimi Hendrix’s guitar skills are still unmatched.
The impact of pop music on European culture and trends.
Kurt Cobain’s death should have been a wake-up call for the music industry .
Why is music beneficial to society?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy can be felt even today.
Nintendocore is a legitimate genre that the industry should take more seriously.
Should you listen to a bands’ music even if you disagree with their opinions?
Musicians should receive more government support.
Patriotic songs make people feel passionate and energetic about their country.
Depressive and sad tunes can worsen a person’s mood.
Doctors and therapists need to understand the importance of music.

Music Evaluation Essay Topics

Do you want to know how to evaluate music? The point is to divide your overall impression into several parts. Music evaluation requires much attention and concentration, so try to do your best to stay focused while listening.

Use these criteria for evaluating music performances:

	Pay attention to their emotions, intonation, and body language.
	Here you need to decide whether they played or sang the right notes, follow the rhythm, and make transitions.
	Think about how the music is relevant to the time period, nationality, and genre they represent. Evaluate the setting, costumes, and other details.
	Maybe they talked when it wasn’t necessary, or perhaps someone interrupted the performance. Try to notice everything relevant.
	This question involves a subjective opinion, but it’s better to try to answer it as objectively as possible.

Now all you need to do is choose a topic and get down to writing!

Discuss the rise and fall of hardcore punk. Many bands that started in the hardcore punk scene softened their sound over time. Why did this genre disappear from the mainstream?
Copyright laws are going too far. It’s getting increasingly difficult to use somebody else’s intellectual property. Creators on YouTube have to fear lawsuits for creatively repurposing copyrighted music. Moreover, laws such as the DMCA are frequently abused to generate revenues.
More bands should use their influence for political purposes. Renowned artists have a broad reach. Bands like Rise Against or Anti Flag use this influence to raise political awareness among their fans. Is it a fair approach?
Borrowing and plagiarism in contemporary music . New artists don’t emerge without having listened to other musicians. They draw inspiration from their predecessors. Thus, songs are always a mix of already existing tracks. In your essay, discuss the difference between homage and plagiarism.
What are the similarities between poetry and song lyrics? Songs and poems are similar in that they deliver a message to the audience. Their creation demands extensive knowledge of rhyming, literary devices, and other components.
Why do some musicians ask others to write lyrics for them? It is a common practice to have a crew of songwriters who create texts for performers. Sometimes it happens due to a lack of imagination or inspiration. Does finding out that your favorite artist doesn’t write their lyrics destroy the magic of their music?
How can popular music diversify as a genre? Pop music reached its peak. Adding and borrowing elements from different genres can be one way to diversify a streamlined genre.
The history of music as political propaganda.
Explain the difference between high and low contemporary music culture .
How is contemporary music related to that from other periods?
What are the connections between pop music and the hip-hop genre?
What connects popular music and contemporary culture ?
How does music in the United States relate to Spanish music ?
Analyze the evolution of Indian music .
Discuss why certain albums manage to climb to the top of the charts.
The link between social classes and musical genres.
Differences and similarities of music and other art forms .
How does a musical instrument’s origin influence its development?
What is the role of traditional music today?

The picture shows a Victor Hugo quote about music.

What are the main processes in music production?
How is music theory relevant today?
Analyze which contemporary artists’ albums had an effect comparable to that of Queen’s A Night at the Opera .
Eurodance: Europe’s most extravagant genre.
Songs and everyday life of Michael Jackson vs. Madonna: who wins the ultimate pop crown?
What difficulties has Eminem faced throughout his career?
Over-ear headphones provide a better sound experience than on-ear ones.

Topics for an Expository Essay on Music

An expository essay explains or describes a subject. In the colorful world of music, topics can range from the physics of sound waves to artists’ social impact.

The importance of Blues music in the late 19 th century and now. Blues originated in the 19 th century American South. It was an outlet for African Americans to express their sorrows. Later, it exceeded by far the cultural boundaries that confined it.
The role of music in prison camps. Singing was an essential part of life in the Nazi concentration camps. One of the most well-known songs of that time is called Peat Bog Soldiers . In your expository essay, explore why prisoners started singing and how it developed.
How did Chester Bennington’s death impact the music industry? Linkin Park was a giant in the business for decades until depression made their lead singer take his own life. The event sparked debates surrounding mental health and pressure in the creative industry. What long-lasting effects did these discussions have?
How did Baroque music reflect the zeitgeist? Compared to the Renaissance period, Baroque was in all aspects very pompous. The artists of the Sun King’s time didn’t shy away from the extravaganza. This ideal is especially prominent in architecture. How does music fit into the picture?
Investigate the development of musical harmony. The Ancient Greeks already had an idea of some tones fitting together better than others. However, it wasn’t until the 1600s that tonality became a crucial part of music theory.
Music in commercials: an analysis. Songs and jingles are commonplace in TV commercials. But what are they good for? In your essay, you can compare the success of advertisements with and without music.
What causes music trends to change? It’s easy to define various eras of music. Naturally, the invention of new instruments has influenced this development. What other factors played a role in these transformations?
Why is 4/4 a universal beat?
Examine the origins of The Star-Spangled Banner .
The effects of dissonance on the human mind .
How do staccato, legato, and other forms of articulation influence the perception of a musical piece?
Discuss the significance of music in video games.
Music drives people’s motivation.
Explain the calming effects of nature sounds .
How does music influence literature?
Celtic music is known to have an extraordinary impact on the psyche. How does it work?
How does music impact the discharge of hormones such as dopamine?
Music therapy is suitable for those who have bipolar disorder.
What made Falco such a unique artist?
How does the perception of a silent film differ from that of a movie with sound?
A rock concert by Kansas: How the relevance of live concerts changed over time.
Is being able to read music important for a composer?
How did Beethoven write music after losing his hearing?
Should all songs have proper rhythm and structure?
Why do so many indie artists become commercial?
Is it essential for song lyrics to rhyme?

History of Music: Essay Topics

If you’re interested in the evolution of music, you’ve come to the right section. Historical research reveals the significance of music throughout time. Unsurprisingly, songs and melodies have been part of human culture for centuries. Dive deeper into this exciting subject with one of the following ideas:

How did the Catholic Church influence music development in Europe? During the Middle Ages , religious movements had a significant impact on music. Consequently, composers used to create more sacred music. It became a way of personal expression since it often contained religious texts. 
The cultural meaning of Renaissance music and its influence on other styles . During the time of the Renaissance, sacred and secular music heavily impacted each other. As a result, more variety emerged. The chanson and madrigal, for example, became popular around Europe.
Research archaeological findings of early musicality. The search for the oldest musical instrument delivers thrilling insights. Archaeologists have excavated a flute made of ivory and bird bones, dating approximately 43,000 years ago. They found it in a cave in Germany where Neanderthals lived.
History of early music and appearance of musical instruments. The beginning of the human culture was the turning point of musical instruments’ appearance. They were primarily used for spiritual rites; typically, they were horns or drums for ceremonies.
Louis Armstrong’s contributions to the jazz world. Jazz originated in New Orleans and was a favorite among African Americans. Louis Armstrong’s improvisations forever changed the genre, making the soloist-improviser the center of the performance.
The phenomenon of pop music and its origins. Popular music dates back to the second half of the last century. It comes from the US and the UK. Its main peculiarity lies in the variety of tunes and lyrics .
Native American music before the discovery of the New World. Incas and Aztecs had particular styles of music. Findings show that these ancient civilizations used instruments for ceremonies. Researchers also discovered that various American cultures mingled, thus creating new techniques.
The use of string instruments in classical Greek songwriting.
Famous composers of 18th century Italy and their influence.
Mozart vs. Beethoven: comparison of techniques.
Deliver a thoughtful analysis of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony .
What role do acoustic instruments play in jazz compositions?
Explore the history of the Ocarina.
Due to what circumstances did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart become one of the greatest musical geniuses in history?
Influence of the Romantic period on modern music.
How and why were the swing era and jazz connected?
Rock and roll as an international language in the 20th century.
Explore the rise of techno music.
Is there a historical connection between music and math?
How did music become a staple subject in many schools?
The greatest musicians of World War I.
Industrialization and its effect on music development.
How did female producers such as Kate Bush impact the music industry?
Analyze Frédéric Chopin’s contribution to classical music.
Music evolution in ancient Greece vs. the Roman Empire.
How does archeology help to uncover musical traditions ?
Tupac’s influence on modern rap music.

Classification Essay about Music: Topic Ideas

In a classification essay, you explain how a whole relates to parts or vice versa. To do it, you need to divide one broad category into several subcategories. Each classification paragraph focuses on one subcategory, so you need to find a key feature that will be your basis of division. For example, you can divide music by genre, volume, musical instruments, etc.

Here is our list of musical topics for this essay type:

The most popular types of alternative music among teenagers. Naturally, teens like different kinds of rock and experimental music . Try to dig deeper and ask some teenagers about their preferences to get a clear picture.
Types of modern dance music . Describe the tendencies and popular genres. You can also focus on a specific country.
The most popular types of jazz music in Europe. Although jazz emerged in the United States, this genre became recognizable all over the world. You can analyze the most popular streamed songs, or the concerts and other mass events.
Rock music in the ’70s. You can describe the genres, styles, or types of performers. The concerts, clothes, and lifestyles are also suitable for this topic.
Blues musicians of different time periods. Analyze the lyrics, the musical instruments they used, and how long their careers lasted.
Classification of music for children . Some of it can be for dancing, development, or just listening. Research the purposes of different kinds of music for children.
Types of music used in films. The soundtrack is one of the main things we remember after watching a movie. There can be popular songs or tracks composed specifically for a film.
Rock bands that represent different subgenres.
Rap subgenres in the United States.
Periods of classical music.
What motivates people to start a musical career?
Different kinds of music for relaxation.
The industries where composers work.
Types of opera singers and instrumental music.
Different professions in the music industry.
Unpopular genres of independent music.
Different types of music listeners.

College Essay about Music: Topics

When you apply to your dream college, you need to write an impressive essay. Admissions officers pay attention not only to your grades and achievements but also to your personality. Your writing can indicate your motivation, academic interests, and how well you fit into the college. Writing an essay about “music in my life” is a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity.

Choose one of these topics related to music for your college essay:

The role of music in your life. Describe what music means to you, how often you listen to it, and how it helps you in life. For example, you can write about inspiration, motivation, or the sense of freedom that it gives you.
What are the essential aspects of music for you? Try to write down everything you like about music. It might be melodies, lyrics, vocals, or mood. You can choose several aspects if you feel that you can’t decide.
The time when music changed your life. In this essay, you can pick one occurrence or describe how music changed your life gradually. It’s important to indicate where you started from and where it led you.
How do you see the future of the music industry? Demonstrate to the admissions officer how well you know the art and the business.
Your role model in the music industry. You may write about the qualities of the person you admire and why you want to develop them in yourself. Remember that admission officers want to read about you, not your idol.
How did your musical taste change over the last ten years? Describe the evolution of your preferences. Explain why you have changed some of your past choices. Do you think your musical taste has improved?
Your favorite musical genre.
Does listening to music help to heal body and spirit?
What is the best music performance you have ever seen?
Why do people become fans of particular musicians?
Your favorite song lyrics .
Can people be judged by their musical taste?
Why is music an essential part of human culture?
Quote about music that appeals to you the most.
How can music education help you in the future?
Do you prefer listening to music or performing it?
How can music change your mood?
Why you want to become a musician.
Which culture has the most beautiful ethnical music?
Is music more of an art or business?
What are the essential parts of musical education ?

✍️ Music Essay: How to Write

So, you have chosen your essay title. Now it’s time to start writing! But before you begin, read the sections below and learn how to organize your work.

How to Describe Music in Writing

You might think that writing about music is like dancing about architecture. Well, it is not an easy task, but we know how to cope with it.

Follow these tips while writing:

Make a comparison. Explain which characteristics of a piece remind you or are identical to those of another one. It’s better to avoid comparing music from different composers in this case. Instead, evaluate and analyze two musical pieces from the same composer.
Describe the melody and dynamics. You may want to use musical terms to show your knowledge and proficiency. Define the genre and what kind of instruments and tones are used.
Explain how it makes you feel. You can use basic human emotions to describe the feelings of a listener. For example, it can be anger, tenderness, irritation, excitement, or nostalgia.
Use metaphorical language. You may try using your imagination to create analogies. Be careful not to make your metaphors overcomplicated, as it may confuse the readers.

Essays about Music: Descriptive Words

Do you want your essay on music to be interesting and expressive? Then you may want to use descriptive vocabulary. Here are some of the terms that you can use in your essay to make it sound more professional:

Tempo is the “speed” of music. There are fixed expressions to define tempo—for example, largo, moderate, or presto. You can also describe how fast the music feels.
Timbre is the term that evaluates the “color” of music. Even if two instruments play the same note of the same volume, the sound is still different. This is how you can notice the color of the tone. For example, gentle, clear, heavy, or warm can be the adjectives to describe timbre.
Dynamics define the volume levels of music. The volume can be the same all the time, for example loud or soft. If the volume of music changes, you can use such expressions as “gradually gets louder” “or suddenly becomes soft.”
Harmony characterizes how all the notes and chords sound together. The sequence of chords—chord progression—defines how satisfying the melody is for the listener. For example, if the transitions are smooth, you can use such words as “relaxed” or “warm.”

Music Essay Outline

Like any other assignment, writing about music requires a proper essay outline that will guide you through the writing. The following sections will help you with that.

Before you start, here are some tips that will help you prepare for writing:

Do some prior research. Try to learn as much as possible about the piece you will be writing about. It’s also helpful to listen to the music several times with headphones to notice more details.
Don’t be afraid of asking questions. Consult your instructor if you’re unsure about your topic or the piece you have chosen.
Choose the topic that you like. If you’re passionate about a subject, it is always easier to write about it. Who said that homework could not be interesting?
Follow the recommendations that your instructor gives. It includes word limit, formatting style, deadline, and essay type.

Music Essay Introduction

The introduction is the section where you come up with a brief explanation of the topic. You may start it with a quotation, definition, or short statement that catches your reader’s attention and leads them to the essay subject.

A thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction that defines the content of body paragraphs. It needs to be specific and not longer than two sentences. If you decide to shift the focus of your essay while writing, it’s crucial to change your thesis too.

Different types of essays require different thesis statements. Let’s take a closer look:

Essay type	Explanation	Thesis example
	You need to evaluate an issue or idea. It can be a review of a concert or music piece.	Pink Floyd’s use of multimedia in enriched the listener’s experience and created additional meanings.
	Here you need to explain an idea, problem, or opinion to your readers.	Modern rap performers influence behavioral patterns among teenagers through their lyrics and visuals.
	Your aim is to introduce a claim and justify it by using evidence.	David Bowie became one of the most significant musicians of the 20 century by mastering various music genres.

Music Essay Body

Your essay’s body is the most significant part of your writing. Here, you provide evidence and explanations of your claims.

The typical body paragraph structure includes:

A topic sentence explaining the argument for a particular paragraph.
An introduction to the evidence you gathered to support an argument.
Quotes and facts (don’t forget about proper citation!) and their explanation.
A connection between the evidence and the essay topic.
Paragraph transitions  leading your reader to the next section.

Topic Sentence about Music

Topic sentences can be used as a roadmap to writing your essay. Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that defines what the paragraph is about. It introduces the argument or main thought that will be explained. It’s also connected with the thesis statement.

It’s essential to make your thesis easy to understand, so it’s better not to overcomplicate it. For example, here’s an unsuccessful topic sentence with unnecessary words:

As stated above, the guitar is an essential musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Instead, you can formulate it like this:

The guitar is the most iconic musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Music Essay Conclusion

When writing a conclusion for your essay on music, you can use the following structure:

Summarize the text in a few sentences.
Review the key points of your paper.
Paraphrase the thesis.

To make your essay conclusion more effective, avoid the following:

❌	. Try to and analyze it, and add some information from the body paragraphs.
❌	You don’t have to fully paraphrase your thesis statement. However, you can mirror it in some way.
❌	It’s like finishing a movie with an unsolved problem. It’s also better to avoid rhetorical questions as they are not specific enough.
❌	You can use quotes in the introduction or body paragraphs, but make sure to use only your own words in the conclusion. Otherwise, the readers might think you don’t have a personal opinion on the topic.

📑 What Music Means to Me: Essay Example

Now you know all about writing an essay on music! To make it even easier for you, we’ve prepared an essay sample that you can use for inspiration. Check it out:

Title: Music in my life
Introduction	Music is an essential part of my life. It makes everyday experiences fuller and brighter. The charm of music is in its ability to match my every single emotion.
Thesis statement	For me, music is connected with happiness, relaxation, and motivation.
1st body paragraph	First of all, music makes me happy. I listen to music whenever I am very cheerful or upset. In the first case, it makes my happiness double stronger. It brings the feeling of euphoria and makes me want to dance and jump. In contrast, whenever I’m depressed, music helps me forget about my problems.
2nd body paragraph	When I listen to my favorite songs, I feel relaxed. If I have a busy day, the best thing I can do in the evening is put on my headphones and turn on the music. It also works every time I’m stressed out or nervous. Songs make me feel calm and help me to make decisions.
3rd body paragraph	Last but not least, music keeps me motivated. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and just want to give up. That is why, as soon as everything seems pointless, I turn on upbeat, inspiring music. In such circumstances, I try to listen to the lyrics of my favorite songs. I always find the exact words that keep me going.
Conclusion	All in all, I cannot imagine my life without music. It helps me to stay optimistic when going through my troubles. I wouldn’t be who I am without music.

Now all you need is to turn the music on and get down to writing! We hope you liked this guide. If you did, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

✏️ Music Essay FAQ

Music is a vast topic. An essay might deal with anything ranging from trends in the 1950s to the best guitarists of all time. Writing an introduction to certain music styles or bands is also possible. In any case, the paper should be well-structured, logical, and cohesive.

Writing about music doesn’t necessarily require any specific skills. If you’re not familiar with the theory of music and can’t play musical instruments, you can just write about the music you like. Here are some topic ideas: favorite music band, style, or how you perceive music.

You can interpret music as a topic in various ways. If you are getting a degree in this field, you might want to write something more specific and technical. If your essay aims to merely inform and entertain, write about your favorite music style or band.

If you are writing an essay for school, a good choice would be an expository essay. It doesn’t require any specific knowledge of the music industry. Title suggestions might be: “My perception of music,” “My favorite band,” “How music can change the world.”

What is the Music Industry? Definition and Facts: Study.com
What Music Do You Write To?: Writers & Artists
A Music Review: British Council
Music: UNC Writing Center: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sound and Sense: Writing about Music: Colorado State University
Music analysis Research Papers: Academia.edu
The Power of Music Therapy: Belmont University
Musicology: Northwestern Bienen School of Music
Musicology: Areas of Study: Indiana State University
Music Facts: Facts.net
Music History from Primary Sources: Library of Congress
Music: Encyclopedia Britannica
A History of Classical Music: Part 1: The List
What Is Jazz: Smithsonian Institution
The 50 Greatest Composers of All Time: Classical Music
Musical Terms and Concepts: SUNY Potsdam
Ethnomusicology: University of Oxford
Music Research Process: Syracuse University
Journal of Popular Music Studies: University of California Press
The History of Pop Music in 5 Defining Decades: The Culture Trip
Music of the 20 th Century: Lumen Learning
Explainer: Indie Music: The Conversation
Your Brain on Music: University of Central Florida
Music and Health: Harvard University
The Psychological Function of Music Listening: NIH
Essays that Worked: Hamilton
Writing in Music: Writing Thesis Statements: The City University of New York
Academic Writing about Music: University of Denver
How to Write Song Lyrics: Berklee
Essay Introduction: University of Maryland
Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements: Purdue University
Writing Body Paragraphs: Monash University
Some Tips for Writing Efficient, Effective Body Paragraphs: University of California, Berkeley
Writing a Paper: Conclusions: Walden University
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Thank you very much for this post on music essay writing! You don’t know how long I looked for the helpful information on writing music essays!

Music takes an important part in my life. I wake up and go to bed listening to music. And now when I’m writing my music essay, I also listen to music. And it’s also a pleasure to read an article on how to write an essay on music!

There I am, sitting, hidden by a black tenderly loved and cared for music stand, surrounded by clamorous and obnoxious noises. Sitting and waiting for what seems like an eternity. To my left I hear skweaks and high pitched screeches. To my right I hear blasts of loud blats and low eruptions that shake the stage completely. In a far away distance I hear low beats and ear-piercing crashes with the occasional drum roll or bass hit. Moments later I stand, move my chair, and put the podium where the chair once stood. I step onto the "podium of truth," and raise my right hand. Every eye is on me, and silence overcomes the facility. The ensemble sit in silence watching and anticipating my next move. A flick of the wrist and a beautiful B flat tuning note was played. I tap my baton three times and the tuning is stopped and everyone is ready to play. I raise the baton and gently flick it giving tempo. My heart is racing, a drop of sweat drips from the tip of my nose. I raise both hands and give the down beat. On my left I hear long perfectly unison runs and high pitched heavens. On my right I hear the sycopated rhythms, redundant but beautiful. Heaven is upon me, surrounding me in angelic music.

"Hark hear the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away." Voice is my natural instrument, which allow me to produce beautiful harmony and melody or clashing and dissonant music. Singing and music have followed mr throughout my life starting when I was five. I was placed in a music performance group called Sunshine Generation. We performed in many community events as well as our own concerts and shows. Why music, you might ask? The funny idea about this question is that I really don't know the answer. Music is something I feel, something that is deep inside of me. When I was five my mom forced me to join this performance group. I hated the thought that when I got older I would become a "band geek" or a musician. I was a tomboy and preferred to be playing football or soccer with the boys then wearing a bright yellow dress and singing in front of hundreds of people. Forced, but now I voluntarily embark on the journey of music and love every part of it.

I am a musician and I am consumed by music. Music runs throughout every vein and artey in the complex maze of my body. When I was starting middle school I had taken Summer Band with the school, which automatically put band on your schedule. I hated band and everything that had to do with music. I begged and pleaded with my mother to take me out but she refused, and the principal said that it would be a good experience to try new things. So my mother rented a clarinet and told me to try and play it. I looked at her and gave a "yeah...right" look and stomped off to school. Little did I know, I can not play the clarinet, so my mom went and rented a flute. I once again stomped off angrily to school but this time it was different. When I put the flute to my lips it was like I knew that this was me. This is what I am meant to do. Yes, I know I was in sixth grade and it was likely that thoguhts that profound never crossed my mind, but that was the feeling that overcame me. Middle school created and ignited that spark that burns deep within my soul. A fire that will forever remain au courant throughout my life.

How Music Became Mine

Dear client,

This essay focuses on the tension between being forced to participate in music, early in life, and participating freely and joyfully later on. It probably is better to focus first on your early experiences and then on the later ones. It still makes good sense to start with the high point of conducting, and after telling your story you then can return, in the conclusion, to a comment about conducting and how it feels.

I think that the essay focuses too much on the past and not enough on your present passions. It is disappointing to think that after all this time and all the passion you feel for music (singing, playing flute, conducting), you do not really have an account of why it is so important to you. You feel a deep sense of identity with the flute versus the clarinet, but what is so exhilarating about these different pursuits? In the conducting paragraph it seems to have something to do with bringing order and beauty out of chaos. A similar expression comes in your statement about the power to make the music beautiful or ugly. Also, do you prefer to sing alone or with a group? Think about the high points and why they seem so wonderful while other experiences are not quite as good.

Further comments are given below. Please make sure you understand and agree with all revisions that you accept. My suggested revision follows below and in a separate attachment.

GradeSaver Editor

--- your essay ---

There I am, sitting, hidden by a black tenderly loved and cared for music stand,

- maybe, but it seems unusual and melodramatic to love one's music stand, even if it has been your own

- the conductor does not sit in the middle; this makes the reader think you are one of the musicians instead of the conductor

by clamorous and obnoxious noises. Sitting and waiting for what seems like an eternity. To my left I hear skweaks and high pitched screeches. To my right I hear blasts of loud blats and low eruptions that shake the stage completely.

- why start with so many negative feelings? Also, it is confusing about why you are waiting. Is this an elementary school concert? Of course it becomes clear later.

In a far away distance I hear low beats and ear-piercing crashes with the occasional drum roll or bass hit. Moments later I stand, move my chair, and put the podium where the chair once stood. I step onto the "podium of truth,"

- this term seems a bit odd

and raise my right hand. Every eye is on me, and silence overcomes the facility. The ensemble sit in silence watching and anticipating my next move. A flick of the wrist and a beautiful B flat tuning note was [is] played. I tap my baton three times and the tuning is stopped and everyone is ready to play.

- I like the details here. It seems like important details are missing, though, between the tuning note and everyone being tuned.

I raise the baton and gently flick it giving tempo. My heart is racing, a drop of sweat drips from the tip of my nose.

- Really, or is this just an embellishment?

I raise both hands and give the down beat. On my left I hear long perfectly unison runs and high pitched heavens. On my right I hear the sycopated rhythms, redundant but beautiful. Heaven is upon me, surrounding me in angelic music.

- Nice conclusion to the paragraph. Good use of detail.

"Hark hear the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away." Voice is my natural instrument,

- This is a surprising turn in that before, you were the conductor, and now you are the singer.

which allow[s] me to produce beautiful harmony and melody or clashing and dissonant music. Singing and music have followed mr throughout my life starting when I was five. I was placed in a music performance group called Sunshine Generation. We performed in many community events as well as our own concerts and shows.

- Was this a singing group?

Why music, you might ask?

- Well, at age five, it was not really your choice. So far there are already too many different points in this paragraph. Keep to one main point per paragraph.

The funny idea about this question is that I really don't know the answer. Music is something I feel, something that is deep inside of me.

- Since it is so important to you, you should at least come up with some explanation or some tentative places to look for the answer.

When I was five my mom forced me to join this performance group. I hated the thought that when I got older I would become a "band geek" or a musician.

- At age five, you probably did not know what a band geek was.

I was a tomboy and preferred to be playing football or soccer with the boys then wearing a bright yellow dress and singing in front of hundreds of people. Forced, but now I voluntarily embark on the journey of music and love every part of it.

- The point of this paragraph is that at first you were forced, but now music is something you love.

I am a musician and I am consumed by music. Music runs throughout every vein and artery in the complex maze of my body. When I was starting middle school I had taken Summer Band with the school, which automatically put band on your schedule. I hated band and everything that had to do with music. I begged and pleaded with my mother to take me out but she refused, and the principal said that it would be a good experience to try new things. So my mother rented a clarinet and told me to try and play it. I looked at her and gave a "yeah...right" look and stomped off to school.

- This is the same story about being forced again.

Little did I know, I can not play the clarinet, so my mom went and rented a flute. I once again stomped off angrily to school but this time it was different. When I put the flute to my lips it was like I knew that this was me.

- good idea

This is what I am meant to do. Yes, I know I was in sixth grade and it was likely that thoguhts that profound never crossed my mind,

- feeling identity in a pursuit like flute playing is reasonable for that age

but that was the feeling that overcame me. Middle school created and ignited that spark that burns deep within my soul. A fire that will forever remain au courant

- awkward to use this term in this context

throughout my life.

--- my revision ---

I sit hidden behind a black music stand, buffeted by clamorous and obnoxious noises. I wait for what seems like an eternity. To my left I hear squeaks and high-pitched screeches. To my right and farther back, I hear blasting blats and loud, low eruptions that shake the whole stage. At a distance I hear low beats and ear-piercing crashes, with occasional drum rolls and peals of bass. Finally it is time to stand. I move my chair and place the podium in its place. When I step onto the "podium of truth" and raise my right hand, every eye turns to me, and silence overwhelms the facility. The whole ensemble sits in silence, watching and anticipating. A flick of the wrist produces a beautiful B-flat tuning note and then a bit of chaos again until order restores itself. I tap my baton three times, the tuning stops, and everyone readies to play. I raise the baton and gently flick it as I give the tempo. My heart races, a drop of sweat aims for the tip of my nose, I raise both hands, and I give the down beat. On my left I hear long, perfectly unison runs and the high-pitched heavens. On my right I hear the syncopated rhythms, redundant yet beautiful. Heaven is upon me, covering me in angelic music.

"Hark, hear the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away." Music has been an important part of life since I was five, although it was far from my passion at first. At age five I was placed in a music performance group called Sunshine Generation, which performed at many community events and in our own concerts and shows. My mother forced me to join this group, but I hated the thought that I might become a musician. I was a tomboy who preferred to be playing football or soccer with the boys to wearing a bright yellow dress and singing in front of hundreds of people.

I was forced into music again in middle school. I had taken "Summer Band," which automatically put the band class on my fall schedule. I learned to fear becoming a "band geek." I hated Band and everything that had to do with music. I pleaded with my mother to get me out, but she refused, and the principal supported her, saying that it would be a good experience for me to try new things. My mother then rented a clarinet for me, and I remember giving her a mean look and stomping off to school.

I quickly decided that I could not play the clarinet, so my mom rented a flute. I stomped off angrily again, but this time something was different. When I put the flute to my lips, I knew somehow that it was for me. Soon I began to voluntarily embark on journeys in music. Today, I love every part of it. Voice is my natural instrument. I can choose to produce beautiful harmony and melody or clashing and dissonant tones. Singing, playing, or conducting, I am a musician consumed by music. Music now runs through every vein and artery in the complex harmony of my body.

Music has become an essential part of my identity. I know that I was in sixth grade when I found my calling, but the feeling that overcame me has remained as I have matured. Playing the flute in middle school created and ignited that spark burning deep within my soul. Music is the constant fire I feel deep inside me, and I expect it to burn brightly throughout my life.

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Essay on Music

List of essays on music, essay on music – short essay for kids and children (essay 1 – 150 words), essay on music (essay 2 – 250 words), essay on music – types, importance and usage (essay 3 – 300 words), essay on music – for school students (class 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 standard) (essay 4 – 400 words), essay on music (essay 5 – 500 words), essay on music – written in english (essay 6 – 600 words), essay on music (essay 7 – 750 words), essay on music – long essay for college students (essay 8 – 1000 words).

Music is an art form which triggers our feelings in different ways. The soul of music comprises of rhythm, pitch, texture, timbre and dynamics. Music is used in different forms and in varied sectors and the results are beyond one’s own understanding.

Audience: The below given essays are especially written for kids, children, school students (class 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 standard) and college students.

Introduction:

Music is the sound produced that is pleasing to the ears. It is also a form of Art. Music can be produced through many activities, such as singing, using musical instruments or any other objects.

More about Music:

Music is an instant mood lifter. It touches the soul and helps you connect with people. It heals one’s mind. Music takes care of mental needs. It helps in overcoming disabilities of any form.

There are many genres of music like classical, blues, rock, jazz, folk, etc. Every culture has its own music. The classical music in Indian culture is Carnatic and Hindustani. Whatever be the genre, it is all equally soothing.

Conclusion:

Music is a beautiful form of expression. It is that form of art that evolves continuously. Everyone has some form of passion towards music within them, either in the form of a desire to learn or listening for relaxation. To me music is life, and I have a strong desire to learn music in the future.

It has already been proven that music can do much more than just lifting the spirits. There are different genres of music used for calming and relaxing our mind and senses. Music has become a major part in Chemotherapy centers and even in the Pregnancy wards. When slow and melodious music is played, it lowers the blood pressure thus slowing down the heartbeat allowing us to breathe normally and to calm the nerves.

It has been proven that music can reduce the music tension that builds up around the different parts of our body including the back, neck, stomach and shoulders. More importantly, music drastically works on lowering psychological tension from our mind. Listening to music helps to reduce mental and physical stress and is highly employed in the health industry to relax and keep the patients calm.

Music is the complete package for improving our soul and mind equally. This is the reason why a long drive with slow and melodious music can change one’s mood to a happy and merry going one. It has the God gifted power to erase all the negative thoughts from our mind and to make it more positive and happy. This indeed improves our concentration and works to enhance our overall skills.

Until now, the world has not seen anything better than music to heal the inner soul and the body alike.

Music is loved and enjoyed by all people around the world in different ways. Its pleasant sound makes it an important element in a person’s life.

Hearing music makes you feel peaceful and happier in life. Without the harmony and melody of music, life becomes very frustrating.

Types of Music:

There are numerous types of music all over the world.

Below you can find the important and most popular categories of music:

1. Jazz Music

2. Hip hop Music

3. Rock and Roll Music

4. Rock Music

5. Blues Music

6. Country Music

7. Pop Music

8. R&B (Rhythm and Blues) Music

9. Folk Music

10. Fusion Music

Importance of Music:

Music is a vital part of every person’s life. It is essential in the different moments of life. In fact, during the sorrow, we hear the music.

Music not only brings happiness in our life and but also sometimes shows us the way to overcome the problem.

Unlimited Power of Music:

There is unlimited power of music like healing and relaxing. After listening to the music, people feel relaxed and forget all their worries for a certain period.

Music eases the stressed muscles of the human body. It provides calmness to the mind of a tired person too.

Usage of Music in Treatment:

Music possesses the miracle power of curing few mental disorders like rare enthusiasm, nervousness or depression. It is also helpful in curing the insomnia patients.

Music act like a mother’s love that makes us forget all our worries and only make us enjoy life.

It is right to say that music helps in washing away all the stress of our daily hectic and busy life from within. Once you hear the magical sound of music, you instantly feel harmony inside your heart. These types of experiences are exceptional. Music has no religion, caste or colour. It makes us feel connected inside our soul.

Music is a form of art. India has always had a rich history of great musicians. Good music is always a treat to the ears. In fact, it allows us to connect to our inner self.

There are different styles of this art depending on different factors. Different countries have different styles of music of their own. Depending on the sounds, we have different forms of music such as pop, jazz, folk, Latin, classical, rock and many more.

Music has that control, which can treat certain psychological sicknesses, for example, tension, not so ordinary energy or wretchedness. It is also the most amazing and supportive ways to treat the patient of a sleeping disorder. Additionally, it is the magnificent and invigorating force. We can contrast it with the mother’s affection. As the kid reliably needs the lap of his mother for overlooking everything and feels bliss. In a similar way, music serves to us as a mother to overlook each stress and tension in a melodic way.

It has the unwinding and recuperating power as well. Moreover, it encourages us to unwind, quiet our indignation down and furthermore to mend our stresses. We like to listen to different types of music, band or the vocalist and it changes from person to person. It encourages us to ruminate while doing Yoga and locate our more profound self by associating us to the otherworldly world.

It has No Barriers:

Or more every one of these things, it knows no limits. Music does not differentiate between the general population, religion, station and belief. The conventional one is altogether different than the advanced, worldwide one. Today the universe of music has completely changed. We have such a large number of specialists, vocalists, artists, writers in the entire world making wonderful music. Today there are unique establishments, schools, and universities to learn this art expertly. Today students are seeking music as a profession, as a leisure activity and a vocation as well.

Music is the essence of life. It has the power to heal people and can relieve you of your tensions. Moreover, it is always enjoyable to hear the type of music you love. People love listening to it whenever they find the time. It is an important subject in schools and a strong tool to promote culture as well. That is why perhaps music is so loved by one and all.

Music Every Day:

The world is full of beautiful music and every culture and time in history has its special tune. The fact that we can listen to music every day is something I am grateful for deeply because it makes my life more beautiful. My favorite thing about music is the fact that you can find a tune that will suit almost any event or state of mind. Thankfully we are living in an age when this is becoming a fact, we can experience every day in various situations.

Music Makes you Happy:

Listening to music is not just pleasing esthetically but it also has many benefits for our mental well-being. Scientists have been talking about the positive influence music has on our brain and on the production of neural- transmitters like dopamine that gives us the feeling of satisfaction. The fact is that music is even used as part of some psychotherapy treatments and there is even evidence that it helps plants grow.

Making music can be considered one of our distinctive characteristics although singing is common in many animal species. That is why music has such a profound influence on our brain leading some to conclude that it is even part of our evolution and the reason we are humans. Music can be inspiring and it can comfort us in time of need, it is present when we celebrate something and also when we just want to make the dullness of everyday life go away. Music is one of our best friends and sometimes we do not give it the proper gratification, especially in the present age when it is so widespread and common.

Music as Identity:

The other major feature of the music is the fact that it is a strong marker of identity. Every ethnic group and nation have their own set of instruments and tunes they are well known for. When you think about Scotland you imagine the back pipes and the music they make, when you think about Germany there is the trumpet.

The wonderful thing about music and the instruments used to make it is the fact that it can be played by anyone and in many different locations. This has created so many variations of sound and styles that we can talk about an ocean of music or several oceans.

The 20 th century has thought us many lessons about music and about the power world-renowned music artist can have over the public. Once this characteristic of music was discovered an army of producers sprung up to take control of that power and to divert it toward more materialistic goals. That has not changed the influence music tunes will have on our identity and the profound influence it has on our daily lives. Stopping and thinking about the influence it has on us makes my spine shiver as does the idea of a world without music. That is why I think we should support every person who wants to create music and make our lives more beautiful.

Music could be defined as a collection of sounds and melodies. This would be a simplistic idea of what music is and would not fully describe the place that music occupies in our lives. Music is more than a collection of sounds and melodies. Music is life, love and that place we go to find solace.

From time immemorial, music has formed part of our history as human beings. From the old romantic empire to the reign of the Greeks, people have depended on music as a source of solace and comfort.

History of Music:

Historians do not agree on the origin of music. Some claim that music predates the existence of humans themselves. However, historians agree that there are certain periods in history that has contributed immensely to the growth of music in the world. These periods introduced distinct sounds which are still prominent today.

The first period is the medieval era which dates from the 6th to the 16th century. During this era, only monophonic and polyphonic sounds existed. Then we moved to the renaissance which was marked by experimental sounds and rhythms. Other periods such as the baroque, classics and romantic periods also brought about several innovations in sound.

The final period, which is the 20th century, is where we are currently. Technology has taken over how we make and perform music. Thus, we produce sounds through the use of electronic component and perform in the same way. This period is also notable for introducing jazz and electronic music.

Genre of Music:

There are countless genres of music and new ones keep emerging on a daily basis. While some are a combination of already existing sounds others are a total break from the norm.

Below are the few popular music genres:

1. Pop – Also known as popular music is a combination of several sounds produced for a large audience.

2. Rhythm and Blues – Just as the name implies, this is a combination of two prominent styles. It has an infusion of soul music delivered through rhymes.

3. Electronic music – As opposed to the use of natural instruments, electronic music employs the use of technology to develop unique sounds.

4. Rock – This music form has its root in America. It is notable for its combination of string instruments and heavy sounds.

Music in its basic form is a combination of sounds and melody. Why then is it so important to us? The following are some of the reasons:

Music is Universal:

Citizens of the world are divided by language, race, and a host of other things. However, one instance when the world is in unity is when we connect to the same melodies. Music has the capacity to remove all of our bias and prejudices. In this sense, it can be regarded as a social tool. People who have no business speaking to each other instantly connect when they listen to music they both love.

Music Makes Learning Easy:

This has been validated throughout history. You probably remember the nursery rhymes you learned when you were a kid. Somehow, the music stays with us for longer periods of time. Even when we forget the words of a song, the melody never leaves. In addition to the above, music helps retain our mental focus.

Music Relaxes:

The importance of music would not be complete if we do not mention its therapeutic nature. Though some form of music can make us tense and anxious others help us reduce stress and anxiety. This is especially important due to the nature of the world we live in.

Music is an important part of our lives. It dictates our mood, controls our thought and affects our relationship with others. Man’s history cannot be fully written without the impact of music on our lives.

Music as we know it is a form of art and a cultural activity with its medium being sound that is organised with respect to time. Definitions of the term music should generally include some common elements like rhythm (with its associated concepts like articulation, meter and tempo), pitch (it governs harmony and melody), the qualities of sonic of texture and timbre (we sometimes refer to these as the colour of musical sound). All of the different and various types or styles of music might tend to omit, de-emphasize or emphasize a few of the listed elements of music.

Music can be performed with a wide variety of vocal techniques and instruments, the vocal techniques can range from rapping to singing and there are some pieces that are solely instrumental while some others are solely vocal (examples are songs that have no instrumental accompaniment) also pieces that put together instruments and singing.

When we want to address the term in a general form, the different activities that describe music as being a form of art or a cultural activity are the examination of aesthetic music, the study and knowledge of music and its history, music criticism and the creation and making of music works (symphonies, tunes, songs and so many more).

Elements of Music:

There are a lot of different elements or fundamentals of music. Based on the description of the element of music that is being used, the different elements of music can include structure, form, articulation, expression, dynamics, colour or timber, voice allocation, style, texture, harmony, melody, rhythm, tempo, pulse or beat and pitch. We can differentiate the elements of music by describing the elements of music as “rudimentary elements of music” and “perpetual elements of music”.

1. Rudimentary Elements:

Around the 1800s, we used the words “rudiments of music” and “elements of music” interchangeably. All of the elements that were described in manuscripts talked about the parts of music needed to become a successful musician. Writers like Estrella in recent years use the words “elements of music” in a very much similar way. A definition that almost accurately describes the usage is: “the rudimentary principles of an art, science, etc.: the elements of grammar”. The curriculum of the UK changes to “interrelated dimensions of music” poses a shift back to the use of rudimentary music elements.

2. Perpetual Elements:

The emergence and the start of study into psychoacoustics around the 1930s. There came the discovery that there are four attributes that are psychological and belong to music. They are timbre, time, loudness and pitch. While rudimentary elements can vary based on the personal preference of the writer, perpetual elements on the other hand always consist of a list of proven or established discrete elements that can be manipulated independently to get the desired musical effect.

The curriculum of music of US, UK and Australia feature the music elements prominently. Each one of the curriculums identifies texture, timbre, dynamics and pitch as elements, which makes all of the above listed elements agreed universally.

A list of the official three versions of music elements are listed below:

1. USA – articulation/style, harmony, form, rhythm, dynamics, texture, timbre and pitch.

2. UK – structure, tempo, duration, dynamics, texture, timbre, pitch.

3. Australia – structure, form, rhythm, expression, dynamics, texture, timbre, pitch.

Music has contributed a lot to our society. In the world we live in today, music has become a major business. Music industry describes all of the businesses connected and related with the sale and creation of music. The industry of music is made of composers and songwriters that create different new songs with musical pieces. The sale of music is a very lucrative business and we now have online music stores like Apple’s iTunes, Spotify, tidal and so many more. Musicians also get paid a lot of money to perform at concerts and make special appearances. The industry employs a lot of other people and is a source of livelihood to millions of people worldwide.

Music therapy helps in a lot of way. It is a highly interpersonal process where a therapist that is trained employs the use of music and its various facets- spiritual, aesthetic, social, mental, emotional and physical to assist clients in improving or maintaining their health. It is safe to assume that music cuts across every area of our lives and it has had a positive impact on a lot of things. It is also important to note that there have also been negative effects of music on our society.

People love music because it is a form of entertainment but do they really understand music for what it is and not just the sound? What is music? Is it just the melody, the lyrics, the art of performance or the people doing it? Music is basically an art and a cultural activity that is in form of organized sound. Music is appreciated all over the world and it is different for everyone.

My perception on music may be focused on the rhythm and another person’s perception may be focused on the message being delivered. Music has been in existence since the beginning of time. Transformations have occurred with modernization and civilization. However, some music is still deep-rooted into culture and has not been influenced by the changing times. Music is of great importance in humanity. Although music is appreciated worldwide, it is faced with challenges.

Genres of Music:

Music is a whole world in itself that is full of diversity. Music is classified into different genres and the genre defines the aspects of music like rhythm, instruments, art of performance among others. There are many general genres of music in the world. Blues, classical music, jazz and reggae are the most common genres that are listened to across the globe. Other genres include rock, pop, folk, electronic, country and hip hop music. All these genres difference in terms of the sound they produce. Genres like rock, electronic and jazz use a lot of sound combination.

Folk music is basically about culture and tradition and they always remain unchanged and uninfluenced by the changes that take place in the world. Blues, classical and reggae music are almost similar in term of sound use instrument use. It is important to consider genres of music when selecting the type of music to listen to. For educational purposes, the genres of music are not commonly used because they teach on the technical aspects of music at school. Artists can be defined by the genre of music that they sing for example hip hop musicians are known to praise money, cars and fancy fashions like chains.

The reason why music is appreciated widely is because of the impact it has on the lives of individuals. Man’s interaction with sound is unavoidable because music is everywhere. Music is listened to by people for different reasons. Music is significant in our lives as entertainment, emotional response, and a way of creating income and in education.

In entertainment, music dominated the entertainment industry because it has the ability to reach everyone. Music is widely spread as it is found on the internet, in media platforms like radios and televisions, in live performance concerts, in churches and schools. Countries have also adopted music in legalities like the national anthems. Music is significant to both the culture and the economy.

Music in emotional response is widely used and that is why psychologists and psychiatrists have invented the use of music in therapy. Music triggers emotional responses. In normal life situations, when a person is sad, listening to sad music makes them even sadder but listening to happy music helps to rejuvenate the mood. Spiritual music is also important in emotional response. When worshiping God, people have learnt to use music in praise and to create a worship environment by triggering remorseful and humbling emotions in people through worship songs.

Music is a source of income for majority of people in the music industry. Although some people just do it for the passion and as a hobby, most of them gain income that is substantial t sustain their lives. Despite from wealth creation, people gain fame from music. People who have created music hits are famous and wealthy and some young musicians look up to them for inspiration and as role models.

Music is important in education as it is an art that is taught is school. In all levels of education, music is significant and is appreciated in schools. Taking music as a subject is different from what we know from the outside because it involves the technical and theoretic aspects of music that we cannot gain from just listening to music. Music can also be pursued as a career at colleges and universities.it is a career path that required hard work, determination and commitment just like any other career.

Challenges Facing Music:

Music is faced with challenges which affect both the artists and the music industry. Artists are faced by challenges such as financial insufficiency to fund their music production. Producing music is expensive because you need to go through a recording studio, which are usually costly and most people cannot afford.

The music industry is a bit biased in terms of finances because there are some people who can be very talented but yet lack money to produce their music while there are rich people who are not as talented but they can afford to produce their music. The line of poverty will never be eradicated because in most situations, those with financial abilities will always have an upper hand.

Drugs and substance abuse is another major challenges that is faced by artists. Most artists especially those in the secular music industry abuse drugs which could end badly for them some die of drug overdoses and some spend most of their time in rehabilitation facilities. The music industry has been highly condemned for advocating for drugs especially hip hop artists who always sing about drugs and money. Drugs and substance abuse is a major problem that is rooted in music.

The music industry faces a marketing challenge. Music is produced and then each artist is supposed to market their song for them to gain sales. In marketing, activities such as tours, concerts and media marketing are expensive. The marketing is therefore challenged and the music industry may incur financial loses during marketing.

In conclusion, music is a wide field and it is beneficial to the society. Music is to be respected and adored for its goodness.

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Essay Samples on Song Analysis

Analysis of the song 'strange fruit' by billie holiday.

Introduction The haunting melody and poignant lyrics of "Strange Fruit" make it one of Billie Holiday’s most memorable and impactful songs. Originally a poem written by Abel Meeropol, a white Jewish teacher from New York, this song became an anthem against racism and the lynching...

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Rhetorical Analysis of a Song: Unveiling the Power of Musical Artistry

Introduction In every song, behind the melody and rhythm, lies a powerful narrative. Songs are crafted not only with musical notes but also with words that convey emotions, tell stories, and make arguments. This rhetorical analysis of a song will delve into the layers of...

Song Comparison: A Tale of Two Ballad

Introduction The art of songwriting is a deeply personal, yet universally relatable form of expression. Songs can evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect listeners through shared experiences. This essay aims to undertake a song comparison of two iconic ballads: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon...

Our Lives, Our Theme Song: The Power of Personal Anthems

Introduction Music plays a significant role in many people's lives, often in the form of a "theme song." A theme song can be any piece of music that an individual feels represents their life, character, or the current chapter of their life story. Just like...

Songs That Describe Your Life: A Personal Soundtrack

Introduction We all have songs that resonate with our lives, capturing our emotions and experiences like a lyrical mirror. The beauty of music lies in its ability to evoke feelings and memories that transport us back to specific moments in our life journey. This essay...

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Pretty Hurts: Analysis Of Beyonce's Iconic Song

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Man in the Mirror: Analysis of the Social Issues Brought Up in Michael Jackson's Song

“Man in the Mirror” was a song by Michael Jackson and was released in 1988. The song talks about making a positive impact and personal redemption to the world. Michael Jackson explains that changing the world is possible, and it can start from a single...

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“Me And My Monkey”: Analysis of Robbie Williams's Song

“Me and my monkey” is a song by Robbie Williams released in 2003 and is part of the album Escapology. The title of the song called “Me and my monkey” and there is only one way to interpret this song. Moreover, only one way it...

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Analysis Of The Chapell's Newest Album ‘Soul Man’

Chapell is rightfully an indie rock band on the rise. The band exhibits extraordinary musical talent that truly distinguishes them from the masses of junior musicians trying to make it big. The bands newest album ‘Soul Man’ is a work of art. Each song from...

Analysis Of The Song "The Farmer Is The Man" By Pete Seeger

The song “The Farmer is the Man” criticizes the economic system of merchants and bankers. These high-end people are driving farmers into endless debt. However, at the same time the song is an anthem for farmers. It is repeatedly stating how the farmer is the...

Best topics on Song Analysis

1. Analysis of the Song ‘Strange Fruit’ by Billie Holiday

2. Rhetorical Analysis of a Song: Unveiling the Power of Musical Artistry

3. Song Comparison: A Tale of Two Ballad

4. Our Lives, Our Theme Song: The Power of Personal Anthems

5. Songs That Describe Your Life: A Personal Soundtrack

6. Pretty Hurts: Analysis Of Beyonce’s Iconic Song

7. Man in the Mirror: Analysis of the Social Issues Brought Up in Michael Jackson’s Song

8. “Me And My Monkey”: Analysis of Robbie Williams’s Song

9. Analysis Of The Chapell’s Newest Album ‘Soul Man’

10. Analysis Of The Song “The Farmer Is The Man” By Pete Seeger

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How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)
Key Takeaway. When writing a college essay about music, it's important to avoid cliches and approach the topic in a deeply personal and meaningful way. Whether you focus on music as an academic interest or a significant extracurricular, you should show off your intellectual spark or personal strengths. Ask any admissions officer if they've ...
Common App Essays About Music
Trap #2: Writing a common app essay that's a love letter to your favorite musician. Whenever you write an essay about someone else (your grandmother, your favorite teacher, Drake) you unfortunately miss the mark. By definition, your common app essay is no longer about you. And that's problematic because colleges can't tell what kind of ...
College Essay About Music: "Music Is My Life"
Here, you will find an example for an admission essay about "Music in my Life" aimed to show the applicant's originality. Look through it to find out the basic structure and main features of the well-done college essay. "Music is My Life" Essay Sample. I am an addict. I tell people I could stop anytime, but deep inside, I know I am lying.
Music Essay
This guide will help you write a college essay about music that inspires. You'll find easy-to-follow tips and interesting topics to impress your readers. ... And to give you a clearer picture of what a stellar music essay looks like, we'll share a sample music paper. What is Music Essay. A music essay goes beyond just describing your favorite ...
632 Amazing Music Topics & Essay Examples
632 Music Essay Topics & Samples. Updated: Mar 2nd, 2024. 35 min. The scholarly analysis of musical history, theory, and cultural aspects of music is called musicology. If you are studying this subject, our team has prepared 507 amazing topics about music for your paper. Table of Contents.
How can I write a good music-focused college essay?
5. Avoid clichés: Many students write about their love for music, so it's essential to avoid clichés and overused phrases. Describe your experiences in detail, using vivid imagery and sensory language to engage the reader and make your story memorable. Overall, strive for authenticity and depth in your essay.
How to Write a College Essay about Music
1. Choose a Specific Topic. The first step in writing a college essay about music is to choose a specific topic. Rather than writing a general essay about music, focus on a particular aspect that interests you. For example, you could write about how music has influenced your life, how a particular musician or genre has inspired you, or how ...
Writing Essay About Music ― Everything You Need to Know ️
Essays about Music: Importance and Impact. Music is a profound expression of human creativity, emotion, and culture that transcends cultural boundaries. It serves as a companion, providing solace and amplifying the human experience. Its influence extends beyond individuals, shaping the collective identity of communities and contributing to ...
How to Write a College Essay about Music
In the broadest sense, writing a college essay about music is easy because there is so much material to pick from — literally. You can write about a song you love, or a song you wrote. You can write about an album that changed your life, or an album you've been working on. You can write about the experience of listening to music with ...
Writing College Essays For Music School
In a personal essay, strike a balance by using colorful language and injecting some personality, but refrain from going down a bunny trail off topic. If your project or music college essay has a prescribed word count, make every word count! Writing concisely takes discipline and effort. French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal is ...
PDF Writing about Music: A Guide to Writing in A & I 24
out music are like the best essays about anything. They have a plausible and interesting main argument, a co-herent s. ucture, convincing evidence, and an elegant style. The best papers about music also feature a unique combination of precise attent. n to musical detail and judicious use of metaphor. The detail allows a reader to "locate" a ...
Essay on Music for Students and Children
500+ Words Essay on Music. Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person's life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. In the words of William Shakespeare, "If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die
140 Music Essay Topics: Exploring the Harmonious World of Music
2 List of Topics about Music for an Essay - 40 words. 2.1 Argumentative Essay Topics about Music. 2.2 Topics for College Essays about Music. 2.3 Controversial Topics in Music. 2.4 Classical Music Essay Topics. 2.5 Jazz Music Essay Topics. 2.6 Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics. 2.7 Persuasive Essay Topics about Music.
21 Stellar Common App Essay Examples to Inspire Your College Essay
Common App Essay Examples. Here are the current Common App prompts. Click the links to jump to the examples for a specific prompt, or keep reading to review the examples for all the prompts. Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without ...
My Passion for Music as a Part of My Life
Without you realizing, it becomes a staple in your life - like food or water, and you can't imagine its absence. It's a part of you. That's how music is to me. My love for music goes beyond just listening; I have a deep passion for music that has been an integral part of my existence. This essay is about that passion for music.
College Essay: Music Opens Doors
College Essay: Music Opens Doors. The beauty of the piano was that it became a large part of who I am. The consonant and dissonant sounds of jazz, classical, and modern music fill my limbic cortex with everlasting joy. Music has helped me cope with the loneliness of childhood and to gain self-confidence, and leadership.
115 Popular Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
To help you narrow down your options and get started on your essay, here are 115 popular music essay topic ideas and examples. The impact of social media on the music industry. The evolution of music streaming services. The role of women in the music industry. The influence of technology on music production.
Common App Essays
What is the Common Application essay? The Common Application, or Common App, is a college application portal that is accepted by more than 900 schools.. Within the Common App is your main essay, a primary writing sample that all your prospective schools will read to evaluate your critical thinking skills and value as a student. Since this essay is read by many colleges, avoid mentioning any ...
25 Elite Common App Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)
Common App Essay Example #1: Seeds of Immigration. This student was admitted to Dartmouth College. In this Common App essay, they discuss their immigrant family background that motivates them. Although family is a commonly used topic, this student makes sure to have unique ideas and write in a genuine way.
267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update]
267 brilliant music essay topics, a sample paper, ... College Essay about Music: Topics . When you apply to your dream college, you need to write an impressive essay. Admissions officers pay attention not only to your grades and achievements but also to your personality. Your writing can indicate your motivation, academic interests, and how ...
How Music Became Mine
Home Essay Editing Services Sample Essays How Music Became Mine Before Music. There I am, sitting, hidden by a black tenderly loved and cared for music stand, surrounded by clamorous and obnoxious noises. Sitting and waiting for what seems like an eternity. To my left I hear skweaks and high pitched screeches.
Essay on Music: 8 Selected Essays on Music
Find high quality essays on 'Music' especially written in simple language for kids, children, school and college students. These essays will also guide you to learn about the history, genre, elements, styles, types, usage and importance of music. ... Essay on Music - Long Essay for College Students (Essay 8 - 1000 Words) Introduction:
Song Analysis Essay Examples for College Students
Analysis Of The Song "The Farmer Is The Man" By Pete Seeger. Essay grade Good. The song "The Farmer is the Man" criticizes the economic system of merchants and bankers. These high-end people are driving farmers into endless debt. However, at the same time the song is an anthem for farmers.
50+ Sample Music Essay Introductions for School + College
Music may have a positive impact on people of all ages and backgrounds. While getting ready for the day, many people listen to music on Pandora or Spotify to get their day started right. It provides them a jumpstart in the morning, wakes them up, and gives them a fresh outlook. Most individuals listen to music on their phones or the radio.

How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)

Key Takeaway

Why you should (and shouldn’t) write your Common App essay about music

The Best Ways to Approach Your College Essay about Music

Writing about music as an academic interest

Writing poignantly about a deeply meaningful extracurricular

Approaches to Avoid

An inauthentic tale of triumph

A song that changed your life

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