Yes. Just make sure we receive two separate applications, with a $25 registration fee for each application.
Yes. Submit an application for yourself as the contestant. Let the other contestant submit his/her application separately.
ANY individual can register. No need to register through a school. Schools can also register their students as long as the applications and registration fees are paid for each individual contestant. Parents can register on behalf of their minor children. Just make sure we have the correct contact details for us to communicate.
The contest is intended to encourage traditional, Indian classical musicians. Both “pure” Classical and Semi-classical pieces are allowed. Semi-classical pieces can include Bhajans, Abhangs, Bhav geet, and medleys of various Raags.
As far as Bollywood music is concerned, we want you to be careful with your selection. Don’t neglect the spirit and intent of this contest!
Western music is not allowed, regardless of whether it is Classical or Rock or Hip Hop or any other genre. We may consider it in the future.
No, “manodharmam” or “Kalpana swaras” are not a mandatory requirement for ANY contestant in ANY age group. However, no contestant is penalized if included in the performance. Every contestant is encouraged to demonstrate as much creativity as he/she is capable of, within the 8 minutes allotted for the performance.
We expect everyone to choose their music to be able to complete their performance within the 8 minutes allotted. It is
understood that a performance cannot end abruptly on an unfinished line of music. For that reason, the performance will be allowed to extend by up to another 45 seconds. Beyond that, a penalty of 5 points will be imposed.
Absolutely! There is no penalty or reward for finishing within 8 minutes.
Contestants can choose any item in discussion with their teacher. Typically, varnam/keerthana/dEvarnaama/thillana all fall in this category.
Typically, bhajan/ naatyageet/ bhaavageete/ghazal/thillana all fall in this category.
Please choose in the spirit of the contest. Raaga based Bollywood songs can be chosen.
Yes, in the given timeframe.
No points for adding manOdharma, musical quality and perfection as a whole will be judged. So one can add if they think that will elevate their presentation.
The contests are based on age group. In the spirit of participation, please feel free to enroll your student. We encourage young artists.
No, at this time we are restricting to only Indian classical.
No. Only Indian semi-classical music is allowed.
You can have one percussion accompaniment besides a shruti box. No vocal/other instrument support allowed.
At this time we have grouped students only by age group. Should there be any change to this based on the signups, we will let you know before the contest starts.
The deadline for receiving applications is September 25, 2023. We hope to finalize all the logistical details by October 1, 2023. All contestants will be informed accordingly.
We plan on conducting three separate Zoom calls prior to the contest as follows:
❖ For all the contestants and their family members, to clarify any questions they may have.
❖ For all the judges
❖ A dry run with a few selected contestants to ensure sound quality, set up, etc. We will choose one or two instruments from each category – such as Veena, Sitar, Violin, Flute, harmonium, tabla and mridangam. All contestants can note down the set up and clarify any concerns they may have.
❖ The contest will utilize Zoom for performances, and will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook.
❖ Multiple rooms will be set up on Zoom, so that when one contestant is performing in the main Zoom set up, the next one
can prepare in one of the rooms, seated properly in front of the camera, instrument tuned and ready to go. Look out for detailed instructions from us.
Percussion Category: (Max. 50 points)
● Tuning and Tone (10 points)
● Rhythmic accuracy (20 points)
● Artistry (20 points)
String, WInd, Keyboard Category: (Max. 50 points)
● Tuning and Tone (15 points)
● Rhythmic accuracy (15 points)
● Artistry (20 points)
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