Please read the below, carefully, before beginning your application.

Audition Requirements

Your audition should display a full range of technical skill and interpretive ability. It is preferable to present works by a variety of composers. It is recommended strongly that all selections with the exception of the contemporary piece be performed by memory.

• *One (1) movement from an unaccompanied sonata or partita by J.S. Bach. (For the Chaconne, play up to the Maggiore section.)
• *The first movement of a sonata by Beethoven.
• *The first movement of a major Romantic or 20^th century concerto (such as Bartók, Barber, Prokofiev, or Stravinsky) with cadenza, if published.
• *One (1) major work from the 20^th or 21^st Century work representing a contemporary style of composition.

Accompaniment requirement

• *All works requiring accompaniment must be performed and filmed with line accompaniment as the score requires.
• *Piano or harpsichord (if appropriate) are considered acceptable accompaniment instruments.
• *Pre-recorded accompaniment (i.e. Music Minus One ^©) or acapella performances of works requiring accompaniment will be disqualified.
• *Only works originally composed for solo instruments (player alone) can be submitted without accompaniments

Guidelines for Recording Your Audition

• *Please submit a digital video audition in the order indicated above.
• *Both the visual and audio aspects of the performance are important.
• *Clarity and ambient quality of sound are important.
• *Use a good quality microphone and check for good balance and blend.
• *Do not make film edits within a piece.
• *Be sure the picture is clear and in focus.
• *If you are playing from memory, be sure there is no music on the stand.
• *Use a fixed point of view for your camera with the student auditioning being the main focus. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location.
• *The keyboard and hands must be visible on all keyboard submissions.
• *Do not pan, zoom, move the camera, or follow the musician.
• *Camera may be no closer than waist up.
• *No sound enhancements are allowed.
• *Do not submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals or concerts

Submission Guidelines

• *Do not place your name or any identifying information on or in your submissions. 
• *Record each audition selection separately and upload it separately. 
• *Each submitted selection should list the Title of the piece and the Composer on the media file.

Evaluation Criteria

• *Tone Production – the ability to achieve a quality of sound appropriate to the instrument and to the style of the music.
• *Technique – the degree to which the performer has acquired control of the instrument.
• *Rhythm – the ability to establish, maintain and project rhythms of a wide range of complexity.
• *Intonation – proper tuning of the instrument and in-tune playing.
• *Interpretation – the ability to project a convincing conception of the selection.
• *Phrasing – sensitivity to the need for phrasing and the ability to execute it.

Now that you have read the above, you may click here to apply.

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable even in the case of injury. You also must be free of injury to participate in YoungArts Week if you are chosen as a Finalist.