Application Requirements

Your application should display a full range of technical skills and interpretive ability by presenting works by a variety of composers. All repeats and lengthy passages of accompaniment only sections should be omitted.

• Submit a total of three (3) individual digital video recordings of the applicant’s choosing to include the following and in the following order:
  • One (1) selection that is standard repertoire for your instrument — must be an unaccompanied work written for the solo instrument (such as an etude or Bach composition).
  • One (1) selection that highlights your technical ability (such as a concerto or sonata).
  • One (1) selection originally written within the last 40 years.

Each selection should be under five (5) minutes in length. You may edit lengthy selections or trim recordings as needed to highlight artistic strengths. Please be sure the submission flows well and has a clear beginning and ending.

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, you will be required to perform your submitted materials live for the panel during National YoungArts Week.

Accompaniment Requirements

• Works requiring accompaniment should be performed and filmed with live (preferred) accompaniment as the score requires.
• Piano or harpsichord are suggested accompaniment instruments.
• Only works originally composed for solo instruments (player alone) can be submitted without accompaniment.

Guidelines for Recording

• Use a fixed point of view for your camera with you being the main focus. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location. Do not pan or move the camera. Camera should be no closer than waist up.
• Ensure recording captures good quality image and sound. Check for good balance and blend.
• Make sure there are 1-3 seconds of silence before the beginning of the piece.
• No sound enhancements are allowed.
• Hands and fingers must be visible.
• If you are playing from memory, be sure there is no music on the stand.

Media Submission Requirements

• Save and name your files individually with their titles.
• Upload each selection as a separate video file.
• List the title of piece and the composer in the correct spaces provided on your application.
• Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your media submission.
• When uploading, be sure that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.
• Whenever possible, please do not submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals, concerts or competitions.

NOTE: You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.