This category includes Carnatic and Hindustani only. If you wish to apply in another genre, please select “my genre is not listed” within the application.

Carnatic Application Requirements

Submit three (3) individual digital video recordings, adhering to the following requirements:

• At least one (1) selection should be a kriti with brief alaapanai and kalpana swarams and/or neraval to showcase command over the ragam
• Remaining selections may be additional kritis or sub-genres from the repertory e.g. tillana, ragamalika
• One selection may be semi-classical e.g. bhajan, tukda
• Please showcase variety in your selections through genre, ragams, taalam/layam, languages and composers represented in your selections
• Each piece should not exceed five (5) minutes total in duration (cuts to fixed compositions can be made if needed)

Hindustani Application Requirements

• Submit three (3) individual digital video recordings, adhering to the following requirements:
• At least one (1) selection should be a bandish showcasing alaap & improvisation on aakar and/or sargam
• Remaining selections may be additional bandishes or sub-genres from the repertory e.g. tarana, bhajan, ghazal, thumri, dadra
• Please showcase variety in your selections through raags, taal/laya
• Each piece should not exceed five (5) minutes total in duration (cuts to fixed compositions can be made if needed)

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, you will be required to perform one of your submitted selections live on stage during National YoungArts Week.

Recording Guidelines

• Accompaniment: Tanpura/Shruthi should be clearly audible in the recordings. Tanpura can be played live (by the singer or an accompanist) or played electronically. Additional live accompaniment is encouraged but not required. At minimum, there must be tanpura accompaniment. A cappella pieces are not permitted.
• Sound: Make sure the acoustics in the room are suitable for a recording. Practice your piece in the space. Ensure the level of tanpura/accompaniment does not overpower the sound of your voice. No sound enhancements are permitted. (i.e. reverb, autotune or Ableton).
• Image: Be sure your image is clear and good quality without background distractions. Microphones are permitted as long as the windscreen is removed so that the judges can see your face clearly.
• Framing: The camera should be set at a fixed point of view. Shooting straight on, leaving the camera in one location at a distance to frame your face and body clearly. Judges must be able to see your facial expressions to properly adjudicate your work.
• Lighting: Make sure the space is well-lit, but not too bright. Judges should be able to see your face clearly. Too little light and judges cannot see you. Too much light will leave you overexposed, and judges cannot see your expressions.

File Upload Guidelines

• Save each selection individually and name the files with their song titles.
• Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your files.
• Upload each selection as a separate file.
• Once uploaded, verify that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.

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 getting permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.