top of page

Music Instrumental: Contemporary

Description: 

The art of performing with an instrument of your choice to produce popular music with the tones of the present.

​

Overview:
This competition celebrates the artistry of solo instrumental performance using contemporary musical styles. Contestants are encouraged to showcase their unique interpretation and technical prowess through a captivating performance.

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 5-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10-15 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements:

 

1. Musical Selection: 

  • Choose a solo piece specifically composed for your instrument. ​

  • Ensure the piece does not exceed 5 minutes in duration.

  • Note: Exceeding this limit will result in points deduction.

​

2. Performance Format: ​   

  • Your performance must be a solo presentation. 

  • If your piece requires additional musicians, you are responsible for providing them. 

  • Alternatively, you can bring your own accompanist. 

​

3. Sheet Music Submission:​

  • Submit one clear, well-aligned digital copy of your sheet music. 

  • Email sheet music to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com by the March 10, 2027 Deadline

​

4. Instrument and Equipment: ​

  • A piano will be provided at the national competition only, not at the local competition

  • You must provide any additional instruments or equipment needed

​

5. Musical Style and Instrument Choice:​

  • Select a piece that aligns with the contemporary musical styles, such as R&B, Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, etc.

  • The choice of instrument and musical piece is entirely your choice

  • Live accompaniment is permitted  

​

6. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your 
performance.


7. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application.

​

Necessary Equipment:
This equipment is provided and standard at the national competition. 

Note: Contact your local ACT-SO Chairperson to see if this equipment is available at the local level.


1. 1 Sound System w/2 Speakers that is electricity based, not battery powered
 

2. Laptop w/charger or Phone w/Charger
    a. Dongle Adapter for Macbooks
 

3. Aux Adaptor for playback from phones
    a. USB C to 3.5 mm Aux Jack (most modern devices)
    b. Lightning to 3.5 Aux Jack (older apple devices)
 

4. Aux cable
 

5. Outlet Surge Protector
 

Required Submissions
 

• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Sheet Music (PDF) → First_Last_Sheet Music
• Accompanist Music (MP3) → First_Last_Accompanist Music
• Audio File (MP3) → First_Last_Audio
 

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.
 

Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).
 

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

 

  

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria

 

20 Points: Effectiveness of style, Improvisation 


20 Points: Intonation, Touch 

 

20 Points: Stage presence, Choice of music 

20 Points: Technique, Articulation, Breathing, Tonality, Rhythm, Facility 

 

20 Points: Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre 

​​

​

100 Total Points

​​

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec

For every 15 seconds the performance exceeds the allotted time limit (5 minutes), 0.25 point is deducted

Tips for Instrumental Contemporary Contestants


Choose a piece that suits your strengths and interests.


Practice diligently to master the technical aspects of your piece.


Develop a strong stage presence and connect with the audience.


Pay attention to dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.


Consider incorporating improvisation to add spontaneity and creativity to your performance.


If you choose to use an accompanist, ensure clear communication and rehearsal 􀆟me.


Dress professionally and appropriately for the performance.


Most importantly, enjoy the process and have fun!

bottom of page