Video and Score Submission
Prior to submitting your videos, please carefully review the Rules and pay the Registration fee. You will need your Order Number in order to proceed. Videos will be evaluated after the registration deadline and results will be published within 4–6 weeks of this date.
Video recording guidelines and suggestions are provided below.
Attire
Performance attire is REQUIRED. No sneakers, barefoot, jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, mini skirt, etc. Tie and jacket are optional.
Please see the Past Winners for examples.
Uploading
Please upload your selections to YouTube, Vimeo, or similar video sharing platform. Ensure that your video is set to 'Unlisted' or 'Public' prior to submitting links. Only URLs will be accepted in the form.
Winners may be asked to send original video files to the Competition upon selection. Winners may send new videos if approved by the Competition Directors.
Audio Recording Tips
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The best microphones in the world can not help a less than ideal piano or space. While we do our best to remove such factors while listening, it is impossible to ignore the sound in a concert hall versus a practice room.
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Consult with your teacher and please try to record on a grand piano in the best available space. Even though it is more comfortable to record at home, students often play and sound better in more ideal spaces.
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Please try to use a separate microphone or recorder. When synchronizing audio/video, make sure that the audio track is correctly aligned with the video.
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Perform a sound check with the microphone playing your loudest section to make sure that clipping does not occur. You can always increase the overall volume in post-production.
Video Format
Videos should be in horizontal format with as high quality audio as possible. Audio should be recorded with a standalone recorder at the very least, e.g. a Zoom H4n. Phone video is permissible.
Each video selection must be recorded in a single take from a fixed camera angle, clearly showing hands, fingers, and both feet. The performer's entire body must be visible in the frame at all times.
Score PDFs
All scores must be submitted as PDFs ONLY and measures numbered at the beginning of each line. Please name your files to include your name in addition to the composer and piece names. If you have any difficulties uploading, please complete the rest of the form and e-mail your scores to BayAreaPiano33@gmail.com.
Video Recording Tips
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Please treat your video recording as a performance. Avoid looking at the camera or making unnecessary gestures before and after your pieces.
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Leave a few seconds at the beginning and end of your video where you do not move so that you can remove any empty space and add fades.
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Set your phone or video recording device on a tripod or music stand near eye-level and in landscape orientation. Remember to include your full body in the frame, with a clear view of the hands, feet, and ideally the entire instrument.
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Check your videos before uploading and sending.
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Any videos submitted after the due date will not be evaluated.
