Guitar Comps Website for Participants

Thank you for registering for our 2024 Fall Guitar Comps and Evaluation Program! The deadline for submitting your evaluation video is Friday, October 11, 2024. Video submissions received after the deadline will not be scored. Here are the guidelines for participants:

1.  Prepare your audition pieces, which will consist of scales/arpeggios, a choice piece, and an improv piece.

2.  Film your audition at home using the camera on one of your devices (iPhone, Android, tablet, etc.) following these guidelines:

  • Perform each piece in the same video take (no separate videos). 
  • Position the camera so that the judges are able to see BOTH of the student’s hands for the full length of the video. A distance of 4-6 feet from the performer is ideal, and the performer should be facing straight toward the camera. 
  • Film your video horizontally (landscape orientation), not vertically. (If filming on a phone, make sure the phone is unlocked so that the orientation flips correctly.)
  • When playing along with the backing track, we recommend you play it on a bluetooth speaker that is positioned near the performer. Do not play it from the speakers of the same device that is recording your audition.
  • Students should introduce themselves and announce the title of each piece prior to playing that specific piece. Take a pause between the performance of the scales and each piece but keep the camera rolling.
  • Dress to impress! (No pajamas or athletic wear, please.)
  • For more helpful tips on how to make the best audition video you can, check out this video from Mark Grundhoefer.
  • Before submitting your video, please watch it back and make sure both of your hands can be clearly seen throughout the whole video, and that your playing can be clearly heard. If you submit a video that is not in accordance with the above guidelines, you will be asked to submit another video. Videos that do not comply with the above guidelines risk a deduction in points.

3. Only one video file may be uploaded per student, so if you recorded your video segments separately, combine them into one file using a free video editing software like CapCut, iMovie, or Splice, which are available for desktop or mobile and are very easy to use! 

To combine videos in CapCut:

  • Create a new project.
  • Add each of your videos to the project.
  • Ensure they are in the order of Scales/Chords, Choice Piece, Improv Piece.
  • Watch the full video to make sure it all looks correct.
  • Hit Export, and make sure that the resolution is at least 720p, and the file size is not larger than 1 GB.
  • Save the file to your device.

4.  Title your video file with Student Name (First and Last).

5.  Use the below form to verify that you have completed all the requirements for the video and to upload your video submission. For best results, please use the most updated version of either Google Chrome or Safari when uploading to this form. 

6.  Deadline for submissions is 11:59pm on Friday, October 11. We recommend you upload your video earlier than that just in case you have technical issues with the form. Video submissions received after the deadline will not be scored. Reminder: Audition fees are non-refundable.

7.  Results will be available by October 21. We will email your results to you as they are available, and if you ordered a printed certificate and button, those will be mailed shortly thereafter.

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