Recording Guidelines

​No Editing of Submissions:

• There is to be absolutely no editing of any audio/video submitted to the competitions.

• Editing is defined as any alteration to the recorded performance from the first to the last note within a movement or a work.

• It is permitted to trim the beginning or end of each file (before the music begins or after it concludes).​

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Video Submission Requirements:

• All required music must be combined into one video in the order listed on the Required Music listing and appear in that order on a single video for upload on the application submission.

• You may use Filmora or another video editor to combine recorded videos if you have recorded the preliminary round music in more than one video.

• If there are multiple movements, each movement may be recorded separately, but they must be combined into a single video in the specified order.

• Do not submit separate videos for each movement or piece; multiple videos will not be accepted.

• Total video size may not exceed 15GB

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Audio/Video Content Restrictions:

• No speaking of any kind is allowed. Audible dialogue of any kind will result in disqualification.

• Caution all performers to avoid talking until the take has been completed. A good rule of thumb is to hold silence for 5 seconds after any take, allowing for a clean submission.

• Pitch correction or audio spectral editing of any kind will result in disqualification.

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Recording Setup:

• Video must be recorded from a single, unobstructed camera angle (no zooming, panning, or cuts) with all performers continuously and clearly visible throughout the entire performance.

• Be sure to carefully set volume levels during recording and normalize the audio (if necessary) before submitting.

• Adjustment to the overall recorded volume of the track does not constitute editing. Volume automation is not permitted.

• Auto gain features should be disabled on your recording device to allow for an accurate dynamic representation of the performance.

• Do not embed any metadata in the submitted audio/video file. Test this by importing your file into a program such as iTunes; if the program can automatically determine identifying information such as the name of performer(s), location, etc., you have metadata embedded in the file.

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Recording Recommendations:

• Look for a portable video recorder with a built-in stereo microphone designed for recording live music.

• Shoot digital video with a camcorder or DSLR camera, with an external stereo condenser microphone attached. (The camera’s built-in microphone will likely provide inferior audio quality.) NOTE: The camera or camcorder must have an input for an external microphone.

• Smartphones or tablets can serve well as digital video recorders, using the built-in camera, provided an external stereo microphone is used. (The built-in microphone on most smartphones will provide poor audio quality.) Make sure that the microphones will point in the same direction as the camera.

• Laptop computers also work well as digital video recorders, using the built-in webcam with an external microphone. (The built-in microphone on most laptops will provide poor audio quality.) For the highest possible quality, professional microphones with an XLR connection may be used with a computer if used with an audio interface. Alternatively, look for a high-quality USB condenser microphone or a stereo condenser microphone with a 1/8” mini plug (only for laptops with a line in/microphone input). This process of recording directly to a computer can be easily undertaken using video recording software such as QuickTime Pro or iMovie (which are usually preloaded on laptops).