Competitions by State
Festivals & Competitions
Your guide to state and national festivals & competitions.
If you don't see information for a competition that should be represented,
please send us an email! |
 |
Competition guidelines usually vary by state.
Please select your state for more information: |
   |
|
| Solo & Ensemble Festivals |
| Solo & Ensemble is a state competition open to students in grades 5-12 (grades vary by state). The purpose is to provide each student an opportunity to perform a solo and/or ensemble for a judge who is an experienced teacher (not their own) and receive valuable feedback. Performances last about 10 minutes, and judging criteria usually includes musicianship, tone, intonation, and technique. Some states also require scales and sight-reading. Solo & Ensemble competitions are open to students including those in schools without a string program, students in Private Schools, Parochial Schools, and those who are being Home Schooled. For information on how to participate ask the string teacher (or band teacher) at your nearest public school, or visit www.sharmusic.com/competitions. |
|
| ASTA Solo Competition |
| The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Junior and Senior Division Solo Competitions across the country give the best and brightest string players an opportunity to shine. Junior Division is for players under 19 and Senior Division is for players 19-25. Applications must be sent to your State's ASTA Chapter. Ask your teacher, or visit www.astaweb.com and select "Competitions" for more information. |
|
 |
"My Solo & Ensemble experience was challenging and exciting. I highly recommend to all students that they think about participating. I played in a string quartet, and from the very beginning even the decision itself to play together and take on this new challenge was exciting and a little intimidating (a sure sign in life that you're on the right track). Rehearsing with our quartet was fun and totally different than our normal orchestra rehearsals. The day of our performance, we shared the excitement, intensity, and focus of every moment. Afterwards, the four of us shared a sense of achievement and pride in taking on this new challenge. Congrats to everyone who has or will take on the challenge of participating in this year's Solo & Ensemble festivals throughout the country. For those of you who aren't familiar with Solo & Ensemble, if you're up for an opportunity to challenge yourself and even come together with some other friends to do the same, think about participating in Solo & Ensemble next year!" - Haig Avsharian, President |
|
|
| Be Prepared! |
|
Teacher Testimonial |
Bring 2 copies!
Most states require that you bring 2 copies of your music (1 for you and your accompanist to share and 1 for the judge). The 2 copies have to be original publications and may NOT be photo-copies!
Don't forget to number each measure in your judge's copy!
Accompanist Required?
Some states require that if your piece includes a piano accompaniment, you must have an accompanist with you at your performance. Check with your teacher!
Tip: Perform your piece for parents, friends, and your teacher as many times as possible to give yourself confidence for your performance! |
"Solo and Ensemble Festival offers students a chance to perform in a formal and structured setting, for their peers, parents and an adjudicator, which naturally encourages a higher level of preparation. This has so many layers of benefits for students and instructors alike, I only wish we had Solo and Ensemble Festival four times a year!"
- Debra Lonergan, Cello Instructor |
|
|
|
|
|
