In-Person Competition Rules​

• Entry in multiple performance categories is allowed, but each entrant is allowed only one entry within a category.

• An entrant may enter both the solo performance and Chamber Music competitions.

• The program must contain solo repertoire from at least two different periods of music (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, Contemporary). Transcriptions and arrangements are allowed.

• No changes in repertoire are allowed following submission of the registration.

• The program selection must be appropriate to the applicant's age and enrolled division based on the Adjudicators' adjudications. 

• Repertoire must remain the same for the Honor Rising Star Concert. 

• Memorization is required for all solo instrumental competitions. 

• Concerto performances are not permitted.

• Compositions using extended (inside-the-piano) techniques (i.e., introducing foreign objects into the piano's workings to change the sound quality, strumming, or plucking of strings) are not permitted.

• By entering the competitions, you agree to abide by all Federal Copyright Laws. Photocopies are strongly discouraged. 

• All solo performance entrants must provide a single, legally obtained score (original preferred) of each work listed on the registration for the judge(s) use.

• Measures must be numbered at the beginning of each line.

• Solo instrumentalists may submit either the solo part or the complete score.

• Names on scores do not need to be covered; all marks on scores must be erased. 

• Live piano accompaniments are required for live competitions; Teachers may accompany any entrant, including their students.

• No rehearsal will be held for any instrument on the day of the competition. String instrumentalists must arrive at the venue ahead of time to tune their instruments.

• Maximum performance time: Thirty (30) minutes

• The adjudicator reserves the authority to curtail the duration of a participant's performance contingent upon the repertoire's prescribed length, a measure that shall not impact the final evaluation or scoring.

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​ Video Rules 

•  The video should be unedited (without effects, zoom, titles, or fades). The contestant's face, foot, and hands should always be visible.

• The recording must be a one-take without cutting. 

• Two songs must be recorded in one take without editing. 

• Videos may be uploaded on YouTube (No Midi Files).

• The video recording should be of good technical quality (no dynamic compression)

• The video should not be older than six months at the time of application.

• An accurate representation of the PDF score should support the video performance. If there are discrepancies between the video and PDF score, only the score will be evaluated.

• Videos should be unlisted, with comments disabled.

• YouTube videos must be labeled/named clearly with the STUDENT'S NAME/ENSEMBLE NAME and the TITLE and COMPOSER of your piece.

• Only participant(s) will be allowed to be shown on the video. 

• One student is limited to submitting one video. 

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Repertoire Rules

• No changes to the competition program are permitted once the application form has been received.

• Participants must perform two self-chosen works with contrasting styles: Any work by any composer from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern periods.

• Participants music choose two works with contrasting styles. 

• The score must not include the student's or teacher's name or markings. 

• All works must use the original score. 

• All works must be performed by memory for solo division. 

• All works must be performed within the limited minutes. 

• All works should avoid repeats. 

• Contestants may perform without repeat as long as the performance duration meets the requirement (for the time range of each category, please refer to the Performance Rules).

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Performance Rules

• The participant must not announce his/her name or age on the video. 

• Playing with an accompanist is recommended but not required for the solo division of violin, viola, and cello.

• For all applicants, not more than two works may be performed.

• Selected winners must play the same repertoire for the October Raising Star Honor Concert in the Benaroya Hall. 

• A parent or guardian must accompany participant(s) who are under the age of 18 for the Raising Star Honor Concert.

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Performance Time Limits​

• Single repertoire choice is not more than 10 minutes for the elementary and junior divisions.

• Single repertoire choice is not more than 15 minutes for the intermediate and senior divisions.