2021 International Young Artists Competition GUIDELINES

Online application Deadline Date:  March 5, 2021

Latest YouTube Entry Submission Date:  March 25, 2021 11:59PM EST

Virtual Winners Concert Date: April 25, 2021

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

The competition is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists residing in the U.S. between the ages of 6 to 21 at the time of competition.  The performance by a winner must be the same piece approved by the judges during audition.  Judges’ decisions are final.

Grand, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honorable Mention Winners will be awarded.  For 2021, there will be Grand, Gold and Silver winners virtual concerts. Grand, Gold and Silver winners will receive trophies. Bronze and Honorable Mention winners will receive certificates.

On the day of the competition, judges will select recipients of the NLPA Scholarship Awards. NLPA Scholarships will be presented at the Grand Winners’ Concert. Previous scholarship winners are welcome to enter the competition but will not be eligible for the award.

PLESE NOTE:  By entering this competition, parents understand that the submitted video links will be used for the winners' concerts if selected. Parents MUST notify us if they do not wish their videos being used for the virtual winners' concerts.

 Application Form Guidelines:

Application Fee: $85 Fee is non refundable.

EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE BELOW TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE.   ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

·         A filled application form.

·         A check or PayPal payment (a minimal service fee applies) of application fee which is non-refundable.

·         YouTube link submission (Due March 25, 2021 11:59PM EST) No change of repertoire once submitted the application form. Please follow the YouTube recording guidelines below.

 

Repertoire Requirements

  • One selection or a collection of pieces (from the same opus or suite) from the standard solo repertoire (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary)   A movement of a suite is acceptable.

  • Theme and variations are to be played in their complete form.  No simplified arrangements will be accepted. No repeats unless they affect the integrity of the piece.

  • Memorization is required on all pieces.

  • For piano entries, both Prelude and Fugue from WTC must be played to qualify as one piece.  A movement of a piano sonata/sonatina will count as one selection. Do not enter more than one movement of a sonata/sonatina.   No concerto repertoire.

  • For non-piano instruments, concerto repertoire is allowed.  However, cuts in the solo section (including a cadenza of a concerto) will results in disqualification.  A concerto must be performed with a piano accompanist using piano reduction of the orchestral score.  Please minimize accompaniment interludes.   Cadenza of a concerto must be included.  Cuts in the accompaniment or tutti score are strongly encouraged.  Any questions, please contact NLPA.

  • No instrumental and piano collaboration sonatas/sonatinas are allowed. Any questions about meeting this criterion, please contact NLPA. For the 2021 competition, we will accept sonatas/sonatinas of instrumental and piano collaboration repertoire.

  • Instrumentalists/vocalists must provide own accompanist for both competition and for the concert, if selected, or will be disqualified. If you need an accompanist, we can provide a list of names.

  • Concert Performance Restriction: Grand, Gold and Silver Winners will perform only the piece performed at the competition. 

Time Limit

  • Maximum time limit is 10 minutes 1 second.  Note: Under no circumstances, will we accept any pieces longer than 10 minutes 1 second.  Please select your piece(s) carefully.

YouTube Link Entry Guidelines:     

  • The recording must be within three (3) months of the audition date.

  • No editing of the recording allowed.  One straight through recording.

  • Make sure that the recording starts at least 5 seconds before his/her performance and stops at least 5 seconds after the performance.

  • Take the video horizontally rather than vertically.

  • No speaking in the video.

  • Do not include student’s name anywhere in the link provided including the title of the link.

  • The title of the link should have the name of the piece and the name of the composer only. No student’s name.

  • Partial recording or pieces without an accompanist, when it is required, will be disqualified.

  • Proper concert attire is required 

  • To ensure quality and consistency of the videos among entrants, set up the camera from the audience’s perspective showing student’s arms, hands and feet. 

  • Limit background noise, and make sure the performance space is well lit.

  • If piano entry, make sure that the instrument is in tune.

  • We recommend the YouTube setting be Unlisted.

  • YouTube link must arrive the latest date of March 25, 2021 11:59PM EST. If we do not receive by this date, the entry will not be considered and the application fee will not be refunded.

  • Send the YouTube link via NLPA’s email address at nationalleagueofperformingarts@gmail.com

  • Please provide student’s name in the subject line of the email.

Dress Code 

·         Proper concert attire is required for the competition. 

PLESE NOTE:  

By entering this competition, parents understand that the submitted video links will be used for the winners' concerts if selected. Parents MUST notify us if they do not wish their videos being used for the virtual winners' concerts.