2026 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Jazz – Instrumental

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.  

Apply now
Learn more
Veronica Leahy playing saxophone

Please, no electronic wind instruments.
Though a percussion instrument, vibraphone should apply with these requirements.
Jazz vocalists apply under Voice.

Application Requirements

Each selection should be close to three (3) to five (5) minutes in length. All should be played in combo format (minimum: piano or guitar, bass and drums) with either a live band or a pre-recorded format (these are preferred). The instrument to be judged should predominate.

Submit a total of three (3) individual digital video recordings that include the following and in the following order (no original compositions):

  • One of the following 12-bar blues pieces composed by Charlie Parker: “Billie’s Bounce”, “Chi Chi” or “Big Foot”. MUST BE PERFORMED at a tempo marking of 180 bpm (quarter note equals 180) and must include at least three choruses of solos. Rhythm section players must play at least two choruses of accompaniment in addition to their solos (bass player must show their walking abilities).
  • A jazz ballad of your choice which must include at least one chorus of the solo. If submitting in Piano or Guitar, you must perform the entire selection solo and should include a rubato section.
  • An up-tempo tune in any jazz style, except blues, at a tempo marking between 200 to 240 bpm and must include at least three choruses of solos. Selections from composers such as Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Horace Silver, Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock or George Gershwin are suggested but not required.

Guidelines for Recording Your Audition

  • 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 one (1) to three (3) seconds of silence before the beginning of the piece.
  • No sound enhancements are allowed.

Media Submission Requirements

  • Save and name your files individually with their titles.
    • Total size for each file cannot exceed 2 GB.
  • 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.
  • Please do not edit within a piece or 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 or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to the competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.