​ 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. 

​

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 any 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).

​

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.

​

Performance Time Limits​

• Single repertoire choice is not more than 8 minutes for the elementary and junior divisions.

• Single repertoire choice is not more than 10 minutes for the intermediate and senior divisions.