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Last updated March 22, 2024

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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 .

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• Personal Statements
• Music Personal Statement

Music Personal Statements Example

Sample statement.

I love music but I also enjoy a challenge. That is why I have decided to focus on music as my future career rather than just a way to relax. I have had an instinctive feel for playing music, singing and moving to music since I was a small child and I have enjoyed training to improve my skills and to make my playing and singing a pleasure for others. That has not always been easy. It’s a lot of hard work at times but the rewards for sticking with it are very worthwhile.

A university course in music is the next natural step for me and I realise that it won’t be easy. It will be an opportunity to grow as a musician and I look forward to being able to immerse myself in music and to develop my skills both on a personal and academic level. Music for me is relaxing but it is that all-encompassing relaxation that comes with the self-discipline required to practice and improve. Learning to play a musical instrument can be torture, but getting through the difficult stages and learning to make the instrument sound good is so satisfying.

Music needs determination, commitment and skill to be able to make it sound good, but being able to apply your musical achievements to build a career also needs a thorough grounding in the music industry. I want to focus on expanding my musical skills and knowledge but also on where it can take me in the future. Studying at university level seems a very natural next step.

I have looked for music courses that allow flexibility and that will give me the widest experience and appreciation for different types of music and different ways of making it. I want to learn the technical knowledge too, building on my experience with music software I have already been using.

College has been a positive experience for me and I am lucky to have been within an environment that was encouraging and challenging at the same time. My music teachers provided the push we needed to achieve our best but were also realistic in the deadlines that they set. This has made me able to cope well with time pressure and I work consistently and well to finish set tasks, which has given me added confidence. I have a high natural ability, with a good ear, timing and good rhythmic skills but I have learned to become a polished performer and to work well within a group.

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Music Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Musicians
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

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Ever been captivated by the universal language of music, its power to evoke emotions, and its profound cultural significance? Intrigued by the prospect of creating, interpreting, or studying music?

If so, a degree in Music could be your perfect journey. This vibrant field offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the theory and practice of music, honing your artistic expression and understanding the cultural contexts of various musical traditions.

Music is an incredibly interesting and relevant choice for students because it provides a way to express themselves creatively, to explore different cultures, and to gain an understanding of the world around them. Music can also provide a way to relax and destress, which is especially important in today’s fast-paced world.

Additionally, music can be used as a tool for self-expression and communication, as well as a way to connect with others. Finally, music can be used to explore the history and culture of different societies, providing students with a unique perspective on the world. All of these reasons make music an incredibly interesting and relevant choice for students.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

Someone with a degree in music can pursue many different career opportunities.

In the music industry, potential career paths include:

• Music Producer: A music producer oversees the recording and production of music, from the initial composition to the final mix. They are responsible for selecting the right musicians, sound engineers, and other personnel to create the desired sound.
• Music Composer: A music composer creates original music for a variety of purposes, from film scores to background music for video games. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and composition techniques.
• Music Teacher: Music teachers are responsible for teaching students of all ages how to read, write, and play music. They may teach in a school, university, or private studio setting.
• Music Therapist: Music therapists use music to help people cope with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and private practices.
• Music Journalist: Music journalists write about music for a variety of publications, such as magazines, newspapers, and websites. They must have a deep understanding of the music industry and current trends.
• Music Business Professional: Music business professionals work in the business side of the music industry, from marketing and promotion to legal and financial matters. They must have a strong understanding of the music industry and the laws and regulations that govern it.
• Music Venue Manager: Music venue managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a music venue. Their duties may include booking artists, organizing and promoting concerts, managing staff, ensuring the venue complies with health and safety regulations, and dealing with financial tasks like budgeting and accounting.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a university course in music, applicants must meet certain entry criteria. Generally, applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and a science. Additionally, applicants must have at least two A Levels at grade C or above in music-related subjects such as Music Theory, Music Technology, Music Performance, or Music Composition.

In comparison to similar courses, the entry criteria for a university course in music is slightly more stringent. For example, a university course in music production may require only three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, and one A Level at grade C or above in a related subject.

UK Earnings Potential For Musicians

The average earnings for someone with a degree in music can vary widely depending on the individual’s job and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for musicians and singers was $28,000 in May 2020. However, the top 10% of earners in this field made more than $80,000 per year.

In terms of job market trends, the music industry is expected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Additionally, the demand for live performers is expected to remain strong, as the industry continues to diversify and expand. Furthermore, the use of technology and digital media has created new opportunities for musicians to create and distribute their work.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Music include Music Technology, Music Production, Music Performance, Music Education, and Musicology.

Music Technology focuses on the use of technology to create, manipulate, and record music. It involves the use of computers, software, and hardware to produce music.

Music Production is the process of taking a musical composition and turning it into a finished product ready for release. It involves recording, mixing, and mastering.

Music Performance focuses on the development of performance skills and techniques. It involves learning to play an instrument, developing vocal skills, and learning how to perform in front of an audience.

Music Education is the study of the history, theory, and practice of music. It involves learning about music theory, composition, and performance.

Musicology is the study of music from a historical and cultural perspective. It involves the study of music from different cultures and eras, as well as the study of music theory and composition.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a university course in music typically include:

• Music Theory: This module covers the fundamentals of music theory, including scales, intervals, chords, and harmony.
• Music History: This module looks at the history of music from the Baroque period to the present day. It may also include an overview of different musical styles and genres.
• Music Composition: This module focuses on the fundamentals of composition, including melody, harmony, and rhythm. Students will learn how to write and arrange music for various instruments and ensembles.
• Music Performance: This module focuses on performance techniques and skills, such as sight-reading, improvisation, and vocal technique. Students will learn how to perform music in a variety of styles and genres.
• Music Technology: This module introduces students to the use of technology in music production, such as recording, mixing, and mastering.

Hands-on experience and practical work are an important part of any music course. Students will typically have the opportunity to perform in ensembles, compose and arrange music, and record and mix music using technology.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the University course in Music is John Williams, who is a five-time Academy Award-winning composer, conductor, and pianist. He is best known for his film scores, including the iconic Star Wars, Jaws, and Indiana Jones franchises.

Williams has also composed music for numerous other films, television shows, and concert pieces. He has contributed greatly to the field of music, and his influence can be heard in many of today’s popular film scores.

The University of Music offers several alumni events and networking opportunities for alumni. These include the annual Alumni Reunion, which is held each summer, and the Alumni Networking Series, which is held throughout the year.

Alumni can also connect with one another through the University’s online alumni network. Additionally, the University offers an alumni mentoring program, which provides students with the opportunity to connect with alumni who have experience in their chosen field.

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Music Personal Statement

Sample Music Personal Statement

My first public performance, humble though it was (I played the role of ‘troll’ in a nursery Christmas show), vividly imprinted itself on my mind and forms one of my earliest memories. Singing lessons allowed me to expand my repertoire somewhat and my naturally sociable nature saw me joining my first school choir. Here, I realised with wonder that I could cooperate within a large team to create beautiful harmonies, in addition to taking on many solo parts. Thanks to these, I was even offered one of the hotly-contested places in our local cathedral choir. Entertaining became second nature and I gave many impromptu staffroom shows at the request of teachers. Singing at the head’s retirement ceremony to an audience of nearly three hundred, I was not at all daunted and actually remember feeling disappointment that the whole school of eight hundred plus could not be in attendance! Positive and motivated, receiving praise for my performances has always buoyed my ambition to pursue a career in the field of musical theatre. It has not, however, overinflated my ego or given me false confidence, as nothing is as rewarding or truthful to me as seeing the enjoyment on the faces of my audience.

Elected onto the high school council, I represented my fellow pupils through clear, precise communication skills and a talent for persuasive speech-making. This led in turn to my being put forward to compete in several categories in the school’s annual Eisteddfod. Calling on my experience of drama festivals and examinations (I hold L.A.M.D.A. and Guildhall certificates for both group and solo performances) I was pleased to win honours for my house. Involving myself in the wider life of my school helped me to make many friends and I was a valued participant in the drama club, later acting as a mentor for younger members. I excel in such roles, as I am a great motivator who draws the best from others with patient perseverance; I have an autistic sister and this has taught me to cope with balancing varied demands. During the A-level drama exams, I volunteered providing backstage support with lighting, props and make-up, testifying to my proactive attitude. I have always felt driven to stretch myself and, when applying to join the new Young Actors Studio at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, I chose my own audition pieces and imposed a strict rehearsal schedule. This audition met with success and I was amazed to find that I was the youngest student ever accepted to study at R.W.C.M.D. Their dynamic course (attended on a weekly basis for two years) instilled me with terrific understanding of the craft of acting. I also progressed greatly with my singing, being encouraged to write original material that I am proud to say is now in use on my diploma course.

Hardworking and methodical in approach, I expect to achieve a UCAS rating of 200. My commitment and drive to complete every task I set my mind to is best demonstrated by my success in such notorious challenges as the Duke of Edinburgh awards. My spare time is spent in fun performance projects such as singing with an amateur rock band and volunteering at a local youth organisation where all types of performances are showcased. Supporting other young artists, I hand out flyers, sell programmes and take on the role of usher. I also never underestimate the importance of offering constructive criticism and moral support. When singing at a holiday-camp show aged twelve, I was filmed by a guest who professed to be securing ‘early years footage’ for when I became famous. I am fully determined not to let her down on this front, but any career in the entertainment industry would be fulfilling for me. I am serious in my dedication to your course, seeing it as the crucial next step in expanding my skills and developing expertise. The field that I have chosen is competitive but I know that it is where I truly belong and I am keenly prepared to face many trials on the journey to reach my full potential.

We hope this sample Music personal statement has been helpful for you.

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Popular music performance staff statement example.

By adenine young age I have been ultra curious in favourite music and It's culture. My interest began at my family gatherings. My older cousins used to bring their instrument with the and play popping tunes everyone knew and most often it ended up with everyone jamming and singing along. It was excitingly to be a part of and I was very intrigued by the way people can play instruments together by ear. I feel exceedingly grateful to will adenine musical family, It's given me a real appreciation for many different kinds of piano and cultures.

I play the bass guitar. I took it upside after existence fascinated over the deep sound and liked working together with the drummer as that solid foundations of an ensemble. I also play several hand drums which has taught me about some aspects of pulse and helping me show rigorous. In school I experienced mainly by jamming to my pals. Aforementioned quickly turned into a band and opened up the opportunity to us show recurring for school meetings furthermore start plays gigs in our local area. I started to learn over what is was at exist a musician and I knew I wanted to take it additional. I went on Walsall college to study a BTEC in popular sound. It was very hands on and opened up my eyes to the greater world of music with teach covering stay healthy, theory, producing and many more areas. It teaches me a piece about how vitality can be in the music choose and about the careers that are part off it. Overall college taught me many skills which help me get employed as a guitarist, like being able to how in my feet with improvisation. Music be something IODIN feel very passionate about, my experience in various zones of the industry has fed this our furthermore I am super keenly to strive towards a ...

I have played bass available a coverage of gang including function, christian, metal, rock plus acoustic. It's shows me the importance of being clever to play many varied styles real this gives me the feature to accept more musical time when the ascend. Despite playing an instrument is something I like to take ernst, I indeed enjoy it. I've learnt that when game a show, just small things like being early and having a band dress code can really make an impact on how one tap is received by the audience and venue staff. I consider the bass guitar till be mys main instrument but I like to explore other areas of music additionally, as I find it essential to being adenine musician. I have an acoustic act with my brother. It has taught me about song writing, the use of vocal harmonies furthermore computer software how Ableton Live to make audio samples and loops for the acts. I examine myself to have a new, creative way of thinks and that I am a funny press quirky character who is very down to earth as well as humble. The faith I ...

I have had experience within other areas on music too. In my hole year in New Zealand I worked as a promoter for a pub, with top by mystery day job. I found it was mainly about convincing people that my venue both acts are worth view with an cool deal out social networking, flyering and posters in key regions. Having done well as a promoter I got one position of choosing some of the bands, becoming one item of of events managing teams. I founds this to be one big responsibility and very compensatory. It helped me develop a closer relationship with the remaining away the staff also the bands, giving me more opportunities by work.

In my non-musical interests I like to build and repair computers. This has given me an appreciation for quality with my builds and to will durchgehen in checking for faults with connections and systems. It's a artistic which links with my live sound abilities. I also enjoy in go to brand spaces and experience new cultures. EGO possess learned a lot from my time in New Zealand about myself furthermore one melody business and want to travel more to the future. It's also given me an appreciation furthermore a much bigger interest in world music. A Personal Statement that worked! | Spivey Professional

From my experiences over the past handful years IODIN time resolute on dial music. EGO have a great desire to learn and with my experience int promotion and temporary working on two varied musical flings and working towards grade 6 theory, I really crave to take myself to the more level of education. I fee that University is of way to get to that next step, with new learning the life opportunities.

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This personal statement was written until Size for application in 2013.

Biggs's Comments

Sent this off in December. It's getting me interviews! Hope he helps when your stuck.

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Applying for Music at Oxbridge: The Course, and How To Craft A Standout Music Personal Statement

Find out more about the Oxbridge music courses and what to read/ listen to for your music personal statement with U2 tutor, Kai (1st Class Cambridge Music graduate and current Oxford PhD student, researching the existential implications of AI-composed music).

What does a Music course involve at Oxford or Cambridge?

Studying Music at university is an inspiring and thrilling experience—yet, until you have first-hand experience, it can be difficult to tell what an academic Music course actually entails. Specifically, how does studying Music at a university like Oxford or Cambridge differ from doing a performance or composition degree at a conservatoire? Is there a difference?

The short answer is yes—there is a huge difference. For although you can choose to make performance or composition play a role in your university studies, they will never become the main focus; at both Oxford and Cambridge, both performance and composition are each limited to around a fifth or sixth of your studies in a given year. So what do you do with the rest of your time? Here are some of the key components that make up most Music degrees:

Music history

o   This is usually focused on the development of Western music (all the way from plainchant to the present!); the emphasis is on the continuities and discontinuities between styles through history. For example, how did Schoenberg’s atonal music emerge from Wagner’s late Romanticism? At the same time, music history explores how music has both shaped and been shaped by the extra-musical features of its historical context, such as literature, visual art, philosophy, theology, and politics. For example, what impact did Stalin’s censorship have on Shostakovich’s musical style?

Theory and stylistic composition

o   This is the study of the fundamental methods and conventions that define a musical language. Although there will likely be an initial focus on the Western tonal and modal tradition—for example, Classical and Romantic harmony, Baroque fugue, and Renaissance counterpoint—there is also scope for things like jazz transcriptions, film music composition, and orchestration.

o   At first, analysis is not hugely differentiated from theory, as both involve understanding how music is constructed; at its most basic level, then, analysis involves things like identifying chords and structural markers in specific compositions. However, where analysis becomes really exciting is when you can build on these foundations to make your own judgments and interpretations. For example, there might be a Chopin nocturne you love, and that always makes you feel nostalgic; you could then try to get the bottom of how exactly Chopin’s compositional decisions—his choice of specific chords etc.—may serve to evoke such feelings.

Composition

o   Here you have ‘free reign’, as it were. Although you will be encouraged to find your own compositional voice, you will be exposed to lots of different musical styles, especially those of living composers, in order to inspire you.

Performance

o   This is predominantly assessed through solo recitals. However, given that you are studying at an academic university rather than a conservatoire, there is also an emphasis on understanding key issues in performance, rather than simply practising your instrument. For example, to what extent are a performer’s facial expressions part of their performance?

Ethnomusicology and sociology of music

o   These related areas constitute the study of music in specific cultural contexts, with a particular emphasis on how musical practices interact with social structures. Ethnomusicology differs subtly from sociology of music in its focus on musics that do not belong to the broad tradition of Western art music—for example, the gamelan music of Bali. The sociology of music tends to be more focused on issues like gender, sexuality, and power structures, as they manifest in the music of contemporary society.

Psychology of music (music and science)

o   This investigates how we perceive and are uniquely affected by music, using psychological methods such as listening experiments, surveys, and brain scans.

What should I read (and listen to!) in preparation for my music personal statement and interviews?

I would suggest, as a general rule, that there are two types of book you should read. Firstly, general overviews and introductions are extremely useful for providing a basic grounding in key areas, as well as for drawing your attention to specific topics that might strike you as especially fascinating. This brings me to the second type of book: more narrowly focused works on a specific topic, such as a composer, a period of history, or a key concept (such as cultural appropriation in music). Remember, though, that you are NOT expected to have read and to know everything! So even though I will provide quite a few suggestions, I would suggest that you stick to reading a couple of introductory books and a couple of books that align with your specific interests. What’s most important is that you read carefully and critically —make sure to note down your ideas as you read. This will be useful for your personal statement as admissions tutors are looking for applicants who can critique and present their opinions, rather than list an abundance of books they have read. Some introductory books include:

An Introduction to Music Studies , edited by JPE Harper-Scott and Jim Samson

o   This book consists of a series of chapters by renowned specialists on the key areas and themes in the study of music—in effect, a much expanded (and much better!) version of the summary I gave above.

Oxford’s Very Short Introductions

o   There are several of these for music, including: Music (in general); Film Music; Folk Music; Ethnomusicology; Psychology of Music; Early Music; World Music; Country Music; and The Blues. Because they are so short and readable, they are the perfect way to sample various areas.

A Guide to Musical Analysis , by Nicholas Cook

o   This is a readable overview of key concepts and techniques in musical analysis; it’s especially useful for those who are daunted by the topic.

Musicology: The Key Concepts , by David Beard and Kenneth Gloag

o   This book consists of a huge number of short entries on themes in musicology, including things like ethics, gender, globalization, interpretation, modernism, and the sublime.

In terms of the second type of book, there are two main ways to find them. You can look for what the above introductions reference when they are focusing on a particular theme. In addition, you can simply search on a website that sells books—such as Amazon, Waterstones, or Blackwell’s—for the topic you are interested in, such as Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring . In general, books published by university presses, such as Oxford and Cambridge, will be more detailed and will be written by specialist academics; for this reason, I would encourage you to give some a go, but also not to be discouraged if you don’t understand everything at this stage. The key point is to read what grabs your attention —for this reason, there is no extensive general reading list I can give. That said, here are some personal suggestions for particularly good books on specific areas:

The Rest is Noise , by Alex Ross

o   This is an extremely popular book, and rightly so. Ross takes you on a journey through twentieth-century music, from late Romanticism, through Stockhausen, to Rock music.

The Classical Style and The Romantic Generation , by Charles Rosen

o   Both these books are classics, and focus on the Classical and Romantic eras respectively. Their main strength is Rosen’s ability to present deep insights from the music itself—they are ‘serious’ musicology—in a beautifully readable manner.

Cambridge Music Handbooks

o   This is a series of short books, written by specialists, each of which focuses on a specific piece, from Bach’s Mass in B Minor to The Beatles’s Sergeant Pepper . They are both accessible and rigorous.

Sound and Symbol , by Viktor Zuckerkandl.

o   This is a beautiful and quite poetic book that explores the experience of listening to music. Although there is some analysis, it is engaging throughout and never dry. 

Finally, it is crucial never to stop listening to music! Never just read a book on musical history without looking up some of the music mentioned and listening to it yourself—otherwise, what’s the point of studying music? Listen to what you love, read about what you love to listen to, and listen to what you are reading about. At the same time, listen to pieces outside your comfort zone , and make sure you are familiar with some of the seminal pieces in the history of music —not just because they are important in the study of music due to their influence, but also because they are generally amazing!

Some good music pieces to listen to for Oxbridge applications

Try listening to a few pieces a week, along with the score (there are many YouTube videos with the audio synced up with the score). Here are some suggestions, in chronological order—this list is by no means exhaustive, and is focused on the kind of music that you will encounter whilst studying music history (that is, music from the Western art music tradition):

·         Dies Irae anonymous plainchant

·         O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti , by Hildegard of Bingen (12th century)

·         Viderunt Omnes , by Perotin (c.1200)

·         Ave Maria Virgo Serena , by Josquin (c.1475)

·         Missa Papae Marcelli , by Palestrina (c.1562)

·         Vespers , by Monteverdi (1610)

·         St Matthew Passion , by Bach (1741)

·         Piano Concerto no.21 , by Mozart (1785)

·         Symphony no.9 , by Beethoven (1824)

·         Dichterliebe , by Schumann (1840)

·         Tristan and Isolde (especially the Prelude and Liebestod ), by Wagner (1865)

·         Symphony no.4 , by Brahms (1885)

·         Symphony no.9 (‘From the New World’) , by Dvorak (1893)

·         Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun , by Debussy (1894)

·         Symphony no.5 , by Mahler (1902)

·         Violin Concerto , by Sibelius (1905)

·         Gaspard de la nuit , by Ravel (1908)

·         Three Piano Pieces op. 11 , by Schoenberg (1909)

·         Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis , by Vaughan Williams (1910)

·         The Rite of Spring , by Stravinsky (1913)

·         Cello Concerto , by Elgar (1919)

·         Symphony , by Webern (1928)

·         Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta , by Bartok (1937)

·         Symphony no.5 , by Shostakovich (1937)

·         Appalachian Spring , by Copland (1944)

·         Peter Grimes , by Britten (1945)

·         Four Last Songs , by Richard Strauss (1948)

·         Le marteau sans maître , by Pierre Boulez (1955)

·         Atmosphères , by Gyorgy Ligeti (1961)

·         Sinfonia , by Luciano Berio (1969)

·         Black Angels , by George Crumb (1970)

·         Rothko Chapel , by Morton Feldman (1971)

·         Music for 18 Musicians , by Steve Reich (1976)

·         Symphony of Sorrowful Songs , by Henryk Gorecki (1976)

·         Asyla , by Thomas Adès (1997)

·         Orion , by Kaija Saariaho (2002)

·         Partita for 8 Voices, by Caroline Shaw (2012)

·         Become Ocean , by John Luther Adams (2013)

Remember, the point of a personal statement is to be personal. Professors are looking for applicants who can demonstrate certain abilities, but how you gain those abilities and how you exhibit them in your personal statement and at interview is completely up to you and should be determined by your interests. Studying music at Cambridge or Oxford is an incredible experience.

Good luck, and happy reading and listening!

Looking for a Cambridge or Oxford Music Personal Statement Writing Tutor or Support For Your Wider Oxbridge Music Application?

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U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Music personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

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U2 offers wider Oxbridge Mentoring programmes (book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxford and Cambridge Music tutors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest a Cambridge or Oxford Music graduate as a mentor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Music at Oxford and Cambridge University, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation and preparation for the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal assessment/ taster session , where the mentor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application, including test and interview. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Oxbridge Music application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch to First Year Undergraduate. Mentors ensure each student refines their interests, and is exposed to a range of new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview and honing critical discussion and analytical skills for interview.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and mentor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our Oxbridge mock interview days. Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced.

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Song Lyrics Have Become Angrier, Simpler and More Repetitive, Scientists Find

An analysis of more than 12,000 rap, pop, country, rock and R&B songs from the past 50 years shows more emotional and straightforward lyrics

Christian Thorsberg

Daily Correspondent

In recent years, the growing availability of  personalized music data has made many listeners more perceptive of their own tastes and tendencies. But measuring how music itself has changed—across genres and decades—is an arguably more daunting task. Now, scientists have tried to do just that.

A new study published last week in the journal Scientific Reports  analyzed thousands of English-language songs released between 1970 and 2020 to better understand how music’s content, construction and tone are evolving. The team of European scientists examined five of the Western world’s most popular music genres: rap, pop, country, rock and R&B.

In all, the team found that lyrics over the past 50 years have generally become more personal, straightforward and charged with negative emotions—a trend, the researchers hypothesize, that reflects both society’s mood and the changing landscape of how music is enjoyed.

Scientists began by building a music database using the online platform last.fm , with lyrics pulled in from genius.com . From an initial pool of 582,759 full songs to choose from, they narrowed their data set to 353,320—then analyzed the lyrics for traits like complexity, readability, structure, rhyme and emotion. Next, artificial intelligence models created and studied a representative sample of 12,000 songs, which included a more balanced mix of release years and genres.

Overall, the analysis revealed that songs now use more rhyming words and choruses. “Across all genres, lyrics had a tendency to become more simple and more repetitive,” Eva Zangerle , the study’s senior author and a computer science professor at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, tells the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Songs have also become more personal, with pronouns such as “mine” and “me” increasing in frequency across nearly all genres, except for country. They are growing more emotional, too—all genres increased the use of words tied to negative emotions, with rap showing the biggest rise in anger.

Alongside the general trends, different genres told their own stories. “Among the evaluated musical genres, rap is the one in which lyrics play the most prominent role,” the researchers write. Listeners viewed rap lyrics online most often, but the “richness” of the genre’s vocabulary—described as the number of unique words used—was seen to decrease with time. Researchers attributed this trend to rap songs’ tendency to repeat lines and rhymes.

Country music fans were more likely to search and view the lyrics of newer songs, and conversely, rock listeners were more likely to view the lyrics of older songs—a reflection, the researchers posit, of the ages of the genres’ audiences.

Listeners of R&B, a category that also included soul music, viewed lyrics the second most often, reports Forbes ’ Arianna Johnson. But for pop, rock and country, “lyrics might not be a very meaningful indicator” of how the genres have evolved over the last five decades, the authors write.

With more music than ever being listened to on apps and streaming platforms, capturing listeners’ attention has moved to the forefront of many artists’ consideration—and the trends revealed in the new study may reflect that.

“When people are faced with lots and lots of choices, they tend to prefer things that are easier to process and more straightforward,” Michael Varnum , a cultural psychologist at Arizona State University who did not participate in the research, tells Scientific American ’s Lauren Leffer.

Analysis from Paul Lamere of Echo Nest, a music data platform owned by Spotify, shows that almost 50 percent of Spotify listeners will skip a song before it ends, and nearly one-quarter will skip it in the first five seconds.

“The first 10 to 15 seconds are highly decisive for whether we skip the song or not,” Zangerle tells AFP. So maybe, in the race to grab listeners’ interest, more repetitive songs have an edge. “Lyrics should stick easier nowadays, simply because they are easier to memorize.”

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Christian Thorsberg is an environmental writer and photographer from Chicago. His work, which often centers on freshwater issues, climate change and subsistence, has appeared in Circle of Blue , Sierra  magazine, Discover  magazine and Alaska Sporting Journal .

Lizzo Is Not Quitting Music, Says Viral ‘I Quit’ Statement Was Only About Not ‘Giving Any Negative Energy Attention’

By Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

• Dwayne Johnson Says Endorsing Biden for President in 2020 Caused Division That ‘Tears Me Up in My Guts’ and Today’s ‘Woke Culture’ Really ‘Bugs Me’ 46 mins ago
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Lizzo is not quitting music or social media. Days after the Grammy winner stirred up headlines for posting “I quit” on social media, she took to Instagram to clarify exactly what she meant and assure fans that she still plans to release new music in the future.

“I wanted to make this video because I just need to clarify when I say ‘I quit,’ I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention,” Lizzo said in a video posted to Instagram. “What I’m not going to quit is the joy of my life, which is making music and connecting to people. And I know I’m not alone. In no way shape or form am I the only person experiencing that negative voice that’s louder than the positive.”

In her original message posted March 30, Lizzo wrote that she was “getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet.” She said all she wants “is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.”

“I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views,” she added. “Being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look … my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name.”

Some media outlets interpreted Lizzo’s statement as her quitting music and/or social media, but that is apparently not the case.

Lizzo’s original “I quit” post arrived amid several lawsuits filed against the singer last year. Three of her backup dancers accused her of creating a hostile work environment, allegations that Lizzo has denied. Lizzo filed a motion to dismiss her dancers’ lawsuit late last year, but a judge is allowing the case to move to trial.

Watch Lizzo’s full clarification video in the post below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

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Lizzo Declares ‘I Quit’ in New Message: ‘I Didn’t Sign Up for This Sh–‘

The singer has faced public scrutiny over the past year due an ongoing harassment lawsuit.

By Rania Aniftos

Rania Aniftos

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Lizzo took to social media on Friday afternoon (March 29) to share an emotionally driven statement.

“I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the Internet,” she wrote against an orange and yellow background. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.”

Lizzo Dancers Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Put on Hold by Judge While Star Appeals Ruling

She continued, “I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views… being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look… my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name. I didn’t sign up for this s— — I QUIT [peace out emoji].”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

Trending on Billboard

In one allegation, the lawsuit claims that Lizzo pushed the dancers to attend a sex show in Amsterdam’s famed Red Light District and then pressured them to engage with the performers. The lawsuit also detailed alleged outbursts by Lizzo, including an “excruciating re-audition” in April after she accused the dancers of “drinking alcohol before shows”; one dancer claims the ordeal continued for so long that she wet herself because she feared she would be fired if she left the stage. The case also claims Lizzo repeatedly told dancers “none of their jobs were safe” and raised “thinly veiled concerns” about a dancer’s weight gain.

Lizzo denied the claims  in a response  shared to Twitter, calling them “false allegations” and “sensationalized stories.” In March, a judge ordered the case “stayed” while Lizzo challenges  his January ruling , which largely rejected her efforts to dismiss the lawsuit under California’s anti-SLAPP statute — a special law that makes it easier to quickly end meritless  lawsuits  that threaten free speech.

She continued, “Thank u for the patience and to the ones who unfollowed thank u too cus now I know where we stand.” 

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Trump is selling ‘God Bless the USA’ Bibles for $59.99 as he faces mounting legal bills

Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive 2024 Republican nominee, released a video on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday urging supporters to buy the “God Bless the USA Bible,” inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad.

FILE - President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits outside St. John’s Church across Lafayette Park from the White House, June 1, 2020, in Washington. Trump is now selling Bibles as he runs to return to the White House. The presumptive Republican nominee released a video on his Truth Social platform Tuesday urging his supporters to purchase the “God Bless The USA Bible.” (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is now selling Bibles as he runs to return to the White House.

Trump, who became the presumptive Republican nominee earlier this month, released a video on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday urging his supporters to buy the “God Bless the USA Bible,” which is inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad. Trump takes the stage to the song at each of his rallies and has appeared with Greenwood at events.

“Happy Holy Week! Let’s Make America Pray Again. As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless the USA Bible,” Trump wrote, directing his supporters to a website selling the book for $59.99.

The effort comes as Trump has faced a serious money crunch amid mounting legal bills while he fights four criminal indictments along with a series of civil charges. Trump was given a reprieve Monday when a New York appeals court agreed to hold off on collecting the more than $454 million he owes following a civil fraud judgment if he puts up $175 million within 10 days. Trump has already posted a $92 million bond in connection with defamation cases brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll , who accused Trump of sexual assault.

“All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It’s my favorite book,” Trump said in the video posted on Truth Social. “I’m proud to endorse and encourage you to get this Bible. We must make America pray again.”

Billing itself as “the only Bible endorsed by President Trump!” the new venture’s website calls it “Easy-to-read” with “large print” and a “slim design” that “invites you to explore God’s Word anywhere, any time.”

Besides a King James Version translation, it includes copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as a handwritten chorus of the famous Greenwood song.

The Bible is just the latest commercial venture that Trump has pursued while campaigning.

Last month, he debuted a new line of Trump-branded sneakers , including $399 gold “Never Surrender High-Tops,” at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia. The venture behind the shoes, 45Footwear, also sells other Trump-branded footwear, cologne and perfume.

Trump has also dabbled in NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, and last year reported earning between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of digital trading cards that portrayed him in cartoon-like images, including as an astronaut, a cowboy and a superhero.

Donald Trump is facing four criminal indictments, and a civil lawsuit. You can track all of the cases here .

He has also released books featuring photos of his time in office and letters written to him through the years.

The Bible’s website states the product “is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign.”

“GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not owned, managed or controlled by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Ventures LLC or any of their respective principals or affiliates,” it says.

Instead, it says, “GodBlessTheUSABible.com uses Donald J. Trump’s name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.”

CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure, has a similar arrangement with 45Footwear, which also says it uses Trump’s “name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.”

A Trump spokesperson and God Bless the USA Bible did not immediately respond to questions about how much Trump was paid for the licensing deal or stands to make from each book sale.

Trump remains deeply popular with white evangelical Christians , who are among his most ardent supporters, even though the thrice-married former reality TV star has a long history of behavior that often seemed at odds with teachings espoused by Christ in the Gospels.

When he was running in 2016, Trump raised eyebrows when he cited “Two Corinthians” at Liberty University, instead of the standard “Second Corinthians.”

When asked to share his favorite Bible verse in an interview with Bloomberg Politics in 2015, he demurred.

“I wouldn’t want to get into it. Because to me, that’s very personal,” he said. “The Bible means a lot to me, but I don’t want to get into specifics.”

When he was president, law enforcement officers aggressively removed racial justice protesters from a park near the White House, allowing Trump to walk to nearby St. John’s Church, where he stood alone and raised a Bible. The scene was condemned at the time by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

Before he ran for office, Trump famously hawked everything from frozen steaks to vodka to a venture named Trump University, which was later sued for fraud .

Posted Apr 4, 2024

At 10:12 PM UTC

Just weeks after finalizing it, the SEC announced a stay on the landmark rule that would push big public companies to divulge financial risks they face from climate change and share data on their greenhouse gas emissions. 

While trying to find middle ground, the SEC wound up pissing off industry groups opposing disclosures and environmental groups who said the rule didn’t create enough transparency for investors. The SEC (in an emailed statement) says the “stay will facilitate the orderly judicial resolution of [legal] challenges and allow the court of appeals to focus on deciding the merits.”

[ Reuters ]

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Music personal statement example 3.

My inspiration to study music first came from when my music teacher played passages from different periods of music. I was amazed at how diverse music could be and the range of emotions music could convey. I had started flute and recorder lessons several years earlier and I later started piano lessons. My enthusiasm for music has developed from wanting to listen to music, to wanting to learn how music works, although this interest has been developed throughout my school life I feel there is still so much to learn and that is why I wish to further study music at university. My main interests in music lie in performance and music analysis, with particularly interest in the music of Mozart and Wagner. I have also enjoyed analysing and harmonising Bach chorales. My career aspiration is to go into music teaching. During my work experience I shadowed peripatetic teachers to different schools, this gave me a valuable insight into the career I wish to pursue. My time at work experience taught me how to motivate people and encourage students when they may be finding something difficult.

I currently play the flute to grade 8 standard and have recently taken my grade 8 exam. Within school I participate fully in the musical activities the school has to offer such as the school orchestra, flute choir and recorder consort. Taking part in these activities has taught me how to work as part of a team and has helped me improve my self discipline skills. Theses skills have also been enhanced by my participation within the Birmingham Schools' Orchestras. I am currently playing flute and piccolo in the Birmingham Schools' Concert Orchestra which meets every Saturday morning. Taking part in the orchestras has taught me the importance of attendance and punctuality. Last year I played principal flute in the Birmingham Schools' Wind Orchestra and took part in a concert tour to Holland, Germany and Belgium. These experiences have greatly enhanced my confidence to perform in public. I am also a member of the organisation Flutewise, being a member of Flutewise has enabled me to take part in several residential courses. Taking part in these courses has improved my performance skills by participating in various classes and workshops.

In addition to my musical activities I am an active member of the school debating team. Recently I participated in a national debating competition, although we did not reach the finals, the experience taught me how to speak in public confidently, how to structure a convincing argument and how to respond to relevant questions quickly and with confidence. This year I have also undertaken the role of helping within a year 7 form which includes overseeing student's planners and helping the form tutor organise their form time efficiently, this opportunity has helped with my organisation skills.

I also have a keen interest in languages, studying GCSE Spanish, German to AS level and recently starting after school lessons in Chinese. The experience of taking in part in three German exchanges has fuelled my enthusiasm for learning about different customs and cultures. As a life member of the YHA, I have enjoyed travelling in Britain and abroad.

My dedication, reliability and willingness to try new challenges will hopefully benefit me in higher education, both academically and socially. I feel that the diversity covered by a degree in music and overall university life, will significantly assist my future career ambitions.

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This personal statement was written by Lorniebee for application in 2008.

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Wed, 24/07/2013 - 20:51

Very neat post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.

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Trump Shares Video Featuring Image of a Hog-Tied Biden

The social media post reflects the increasingly violent and personal attacks that Donald J. Trump has employed during the presidential campaign.

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By Chris Cameron

Former President Donald J. Trump posted a video on Friday to his social media website that features an image of President Biden with his hands and feet tied together.

Mr. Trump posted the video to Truth Social early Friday afternoon with a line that said it was filmed on Long Island on Thursday, when Mr. Trump attended the wake of a slain New York City police officer in Massapequa Park, N.Y. The video shows two moving trucks decorated with flags and decals supporting Mr. Trump. The tailgate of the second vehicle features the image of Mr. Biden.

Macabre imagery targeting Mr. Trump’s perceived enemies frequently circulates online among right-wing provocateurs and pro-Trump groups, and in some cases has been featured at conservative conferences . Photos of trucks featuring similar images of Mr. Biden tied up have been shared across social media, and online vendors sell vehicle stickers with the image.

Mr. Trump’s promotion of the video featuring the image reflects the increasingly caustic and personal attacks that he has directed against Mr. Biden — for example, in a speech this month he said that “everything Joe Biden touches turns to” filth, though he used an expletive — and it extends a record in which the former president features violent imagery on his social media accounts.

“Trump is regularly inciting political violence, and it’s time people take him seriously — just ask the Capitol Police officers who were attacked protecting our democracy on Jan. 6,” said Michael Tyler, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, referring to a pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said “that picture was on the back of a pickup truck that was traveling down the highway,” adding that “Democrats and crazed lunatics have not only called for despicable violence against President Trump and his family, they are actually weaponizing the justice system against him.”

The video was still on Mr. Trump’s Truth Social page as of late Friday evening.

The Trump campaign has repeatedly cited Democratic statements from years past to defend Mr. Trump’s rhetoric. Mr. Cheung on Friday pointed to a statement by Mr. Biden in 2018 in which he said, referring to Mr. Trump, “If we were in high school, I’d take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him.” Mr. Biden was responding to comments that Mr. Trump had made about women on a tape linked to the show “Access Hollywood.”

Mr. Trump has previously posted doctored photos and videos depicting him physically attacking political opponents, focusing particularly on Mr. Biden in the last year. The former president has, for example, repeatedly shared videos depicting him hitting Mr. Biden with golf balls . Mr. Trump also posted a photo last year of him holding a baseball bat next to Alvin L. Bragg , the Manhattan district attorney, who is prosecuting Mr. Trump in connection to a hush money payment made to a porn star during the 2016 campaign.

Mr. Trump has also used increasingly authoritarian language on the campaign trail, repeatedly saying that migrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” and describing his political opponents in a Veterans Day speech last year as “vermin” who needed to be “rooted out.”

This month, Mr. Trump said that some migrants were “not people” and, amid a discussion of the auto industry, that the country would face a “blood bath” if he lost the election. A few days later, he attacked Jewish Democrats in a radio interview, saying that Jews who vote for Democrats hate their religion and Israel .

On Saturday, Mr. Trump posted to Truth Social a new attack on the daughter of Justice Juan M. Merchan, who is overseeing his hush money trial in Manhattan.

The attack linked to a news article that displays two pictures of the daughter, both of which appeared in Mr. Trump’s post.

The attack came soon after an official working for Mr. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, argued in a letter to the court that Justice Merchan’s daughter was covered by a limited gag order that the judge issued earlier in the week. The letter urged the judge to make clear that the gag order protects family members of the judge from attacks by Mr. Trump. The judge is expected to state in the coming days whether he agrees.

Mr. Trump also posted a handful of attacks on the judge’s daughter earlier this week. His lawyers have said that because she has done work for Democrats, Mr. Trump should be able to attack her, insisting that his freedom of political speech is being curtailed.

In one post earlier this week, Mr. Trump claimed that an account on X with a photo of him behind bars belonged to the judge’s daughter. Court officials said the account was not hers.

Maggie Haberman contributed reporting.

Chris Cameron covers politics for The Times, focusing on breaking news and the 2024 campaign. More about Chris Cameron

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