Application Requirements

Submit three (3) individual digital video recordings of popular songs (pop, rock, R&B, gospel, folk, country, alternative, etc.) in English (preferred*) performed from memory, without sheet music, to include the following and in the following order:

• One (1) ballad selection in any style written in 1980 or after.
• One (1) up tempo selection in any style written in 1980 or after.
• One (1) selection written between 1950-1979. Please do not include Great American Songbook repertoire.

*If you’d like to submit selections in another language you may do so, but please limit it to no more than two (2) selections.

• Songs should be sung in their entirety (verse, chorus, bridge, verse…etc.), eliminating overly long intros and excessive repetition of choruses whenever possible.

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: Live accompaniment is preferred and limited to one piano (also preferred) or guitar. Pre-recorded format without background vocals is permitted if live accompaniment is not available to you. A cappella pieces are not permitted. It is not recommended that you accompany yourself, however, you may do so keeping in mind only vocals are being adjudicated.
• Sound: Make sure the acoustics in the room are suitable for a recording. Practice your piece in the space. Ensure the level of piano accompaniment does not overpower the sound of your voice. No sound enhancements are permitted. (i.e. reverb, autotune, time correction, etc.).
• 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.