YOUNG MUSICIAN 2018

This is a competition at which competitors are judged within the context of a live performance. No recorded medium, in any format, will be considered and in Regional and National Finals will not be accepted. Competitors perform a selection of works of their own choice.

Competitors may perform the same pieces/songs in each and/or subsequent stages.

Competitors may perform from memory or from music at any stage. In the case of vocal candidates, it should be remembered that part of the assessment of the performance concerns communication with the audience and performing from a copy of music may prevent candidates from achieving this criterion to the fullest extent.

Competitors should be accompanied by a single instrument in sympathy with the performance; vocalists may accompany themselves. In the case of vocal, guitar and percussion candidates only, CD backing tracks are permissible. However, the backing track must not contain the part being performed by the competitor; in such cases where the backing track does contain the part being performed by the competitor, the judges will disqualify such candidates from the competition. Backing tracks are solely the responsibility of the competitor who must provide the performing medium (audio player, amplifier etc) and who will be permitted to have someone to operate the equipment. This will not be the responsibility of the organiser.

There may be occasions when the context of a performance does not require an accompaniment e.g. in the context of traditional folksongs or music written expressly for solo instrumental performance such as J. S. Bach’s Cellos Suites or Debussy’s ‘Syrinx’ for solo flute. In such cases, candidates would not be expected to ‘manufacture’ an accompaniment never intended by the composer.

An acoustic piano, either a grand or upright (the organisers having established which is the most suitable and appropriate) will be provided for competitors or accompanists at all stages of the competition. No other instrument will be provided. Competitors must provide their own accompanists; no ‘official accompanist’ will be provided

It should be noted that competitors offering solo piano do not require an accompaniment. Competitors offering solo piano should not have any other instrument playing. This would make the performing ensemble a duo, trio, quartet etc. and would not satisfy the competition criteria of ‘solo instrumental performance’.

If a competitor provides an electrical instrument the competitor must present an up to date PAT certificate to the organiser on the day of the competition. Failure to do so will disqualify the competitor from the competition.

Adjudicators

Persons with appropriate skills will be appointed by Rotary.

For regional or national finals, a Rotarian will not be appointed as an adjudicator.

The adjudicators will judge each performance according to:

• Melodic & rhythmic accuracy
• Intonation
• Tempo & flow
• Tone
• Mood and character
• The appropriateness of the programme
• The holistic view of the performance on the day

The adjudicators will not enter into any discussion or correspondence regarding their decision; the decision of the adjudicators will be final and not subject to any appeal.