Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Young Musicians Competition offered?

   The Young Musicians Competition is offered every year for young musicians performing classical music. 

What are the important dates to know?

  The deadline for entries, the date of the Preliminaries and the date of the Finals and the three most important dates.

   Entries usually must be submitted by Jan. 15.  The Preliminaries  are usually held in March and the Finals at the end of May. 

   However,  a number of factors have to be taken into account in determining the dates:  The Calendar itself, the school calendar,

  religious  and patriotic holidays, special events at the school, etc.  The precise dates are usually established by the late summer or early 

  autumn and are posted when available. 

Where is the Competition held?

  The Competition is held on the First Floor and in the Performance Center of Campus Hall at Wagner College.

How do I find out how to get there? 

  Go to the Travel Directions page.  If this is not sufficient, get  a map.

Who is eligible to enter the Competition?

   Anyone who is in school, but  has not graduated from High School.  Since the Competition is held in Staten Island, New York,  many of the candidates will be from Staten Island and the surrounding  area.  However, residence does not  determine  eligibility.  

What is meant by the Levels at which one can enter?

   There are two Levels.  Level One applies to  any one who is a Pre-High School student., that is, anyone who is in Elementary  or Intermediate school.  Level Two applies to  anyone who is a High School student.  The Competition is not open to a  contestant not old enough to be in school.  The Competition is not open to anyone who has already  graduated from High School. The Composition Competition is open only to High School students.

What do I win in the Competition Preliminaries?

  There are several awards that  are given.  To win First Place, a candidate must demonstrate a mastery of technical problems, awareness of correct style, excellent phrasing, sensitivity to the meaning of the music, accurate intonation, mastery  of the material, etc.  To win Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention, the candidate must also show t hat he/she is far above the average for that  age level.  

   Competition Rules only allow one First Place Winner in each  category.  Therefore under normal circumstances there is only  one First Place Winner in each of the two Levels (Pre-High School and High School) in each category:  bowed strings, plucked strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboard and voice.  (See Categories, below.) 

   However, there may be more than one winner for the Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention in the various categories, at both Levels

May I bring friends, family or my teacher to the Preliminaries? 

  No one is allowed to be present while you are performing for the judges.  Therefore whoever is with you will have to wait 

  outside  until you have finished performing before the judges.

What should I wear to the Preliminaries?

  The Preliminaries are closed to the public and all visitors.  You should wear what you feel is comfortable.

What do I win in the Competition Finals?. 

   Those who have received a First Place award in each category in both Level I and Level II in the Competition 

   Preliminaries may then compete again in the Competition Finals.  

   At the Competition Finals the judges will award one Grand Prize Winner for each Level.

   The two Grand Prize winners receive certificates,  and the winner in each level is presented in a solo recital the next year at Wagner College.  The two Grand Prize winners will also receive a monetary award of $500.

If I win first place, may I bring someone with me to the Competition Finals? 

  The Finals are in the nature of a concert  and are open to the public.  You may bring your teacher, family, friends and as many as you wish. There is  no admittance charge.

What should I wear to the Finals?  

  You should wear concert  attire, as you would  when presenting a public concert..

What happens if I don't win anything?

   There are many reasons and advantages to entering the Competition, even if one does not win an award.  Some of these will be mentioned later.   

May I enter again?

   Yes.  You may enter as many times as you wish.  Sometimes the first  entry serves as a learning experience, and contestants have returned to win an award, sometimes continuing to return until they win First Place or even the Grand Prize.

If I enter again, may I perform the same piece?

   No, you must perform  a different piece.

Is there a time limit for my performance?

   Yes, the performance time must not exceed twelve  minutes.  However, the performance time must be at  least  five minutes for Level 2 and three and a half minutes for Level 1.  The judges may not ask to hear al l of your pieces.  The judges may  also only want to hear a section of the piece or pieces.

What is meant by the categories?. 

   The category is the type of instrument.  Bowed strings includes violin, viola, violoncello and double bass.  Plucked strings includes guitar and harp.  Woodwinds includes flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon.  Brass includes French Horn, trumpet, trombone.  Keyboard includes piano and harpsichord.  Voice is the final category.

When do I get my Certificate?

  Do not leave until you have received your Certificate.

When do I get the CD?

  Also, do not leave until you have received a CD of your performance at the Competition. 

When do I get the comments that the judges make?

  You should be sure to ask and receive the judges comments before you leave.

When do I submit a copy of the music for the judges?

   You must bring a copy of the music you are performing at the time of the Competition and should submit it to the judges before you begin your performance.   

Do the judges keep the music that I give them?

   No.  The judges do not keep the music that you provide.  You should take the copy of music with you before you leave.

How much should I pay my accompanist?

  The fee for any accompanist should be worked out between you and the accompanist. No accompanist's fees (including Grand Prize Winners) are paid by the Competition.     

When do I need to send a picture of myself?

   If you believe that you might win First Place you should have a good picture of yourself ready to go.  If you do win First Place, it is essential that you get  a picture to the Director immediately. Your picture will be given to the press, but there is no guarantee that it will be used.  Your picture will also immediately be put on the web-page for Winners of that year.

What type of picture should I send?

   It is actually easier to submit  a digital picture by e-mail--both for you, for the press, and for the Director.  Both the press  and the Director prefer to receive a digital picture.  

Why do I have to sign and return the release form? 

   You must immediately sign the release form on your arrival.  Legally we cannot submit your picture to the press, nor can we use your picture or your performance  on the web-page, nor can we allow them,  as well as a possible interview, to be used on TV without  your signed  permission.  If you are under 18, a parent should also sign the release.  

What else does the release cover?

   As stated above, the release also allows an example of your performance and/or interview to be presented on the web-site and for a possible television production..

Is there a financial benefit to the award?

  The only  award to receive a monetary benefit is the Grand Prize award.

What value does entering the Competition have if I don't win?

   The Competition provides a goal to work for and aim  for.  It gives you a chance to see how well you can do.  Also important,  it gives you an awareness of what it is like to enter a competition and what you will have to do to be able to win an award.  It is an invaluable learning experience.

Are there any intangible values?

   Yes, there are many.  Meeting other people of your caliber and interests; learning to perform before a group of judges;  learning to perform under pressure; networking; helping to become known...

Will the Competition help me get a job?

  Winning an award in the Competition is a distinctive plus, and will help your résumé look much more impressive.  A  number of past winners have used the award as a springboard to future success.

Will the Competition help me get into a good school?

   Many who have won in the Competition have found that it has been an invaluable aid to entrance in a desired school or program of their choice,  and a stepping stone to a brilliant and fulfilling  future. 

What information about me do you need to know?

   Basically we need to know what school you attend and who your teacher is, as well as the usual things.

What information about me will be released to the public and to the press?

   What is publicly known already and whatever else you wish.  

Why do you need my Social Security number?

   By law we may not give anybody any money without having his/her Social Security number.  Obviously, the winnings, if any,  must be reported to the IRS. 

Why do you need my e-mail address?

   The Director MUST be able to read your e-mail address CORRECTLY  in order to communicate with you.

What happens if I get a new e-mail address?

   You should notify the Director of your new e-mail address immediately.

What happens if we misread your e-mail address?

   You will miss our communications to you, and you will not  contain essential information that you need to know.

How do I get an application?

   The easiest way to get the application is to go on-line. Or we can send you an application by e-mail. 

What is the best way to copy my Application?

   First you should copy the application to MS Word.  Please do not use Word Perfect, MS Suite or other formats.  These will show up in mime script.  Mime form is illegible on any of our computers.  You may also copy the application to paper, that is, just print it out. 

   To recap:  Copy the application to MS Word.  Then "Save As" with the file name and location that you wish to use.  

What is the best way to fill out my Application?

  Once you have saved the form with the file name that you want, you may fill out the form.  Be careful not to delete any of the original information or to leave anything out.  You must be clear that your teacher has approved your entry and that your teacher has approved the piece or pieces that you intend to present.  Be sure to proof-read the Application in order to catch any possible wrong numbers, e-mail addresses, titles or composers of pieces, etc.

   If you are writing or printing by hand, use the same careful proof-reading to be sure that everything is correct and that no number or letter can be read misread   If you have printed out the Application, then your teacher must sign it.

What is the best way to return my Application?

   It  is easier for us to deal with e-mail applications.  This means that you should return your application as an Attachment in Microsoft Word.  

   Be sure to say in the e-mail what it is.  A blank e-mail with an Attachment from an unknown person will be deleted. 

   Be sure that  your application is complete.  It is a waste of your time and of the Director's time to have to ask for information that you should have included in the first place.

What if I want to change my audition piece?

   It is possible to change the piece, but you must notify us immediately of any change.

How should I pay the fee?

  You may pay the fee by Credit card or by check.

What if I want to pay the entry fee by credit card?

  This is the preferred method of payment, especially if you are applying on line. However, you may pay by credit card whether you are are applying by mail or on line. Do not include your credit card information on the e-mail. Sensitive information should only be sent in an attachment.

What if I want to pay the entry fee by check?

  You may also send a check.  Be sure that the check is made out to Wagner Young Musicians Competition. 

  Be sure that YOUR NAME  is in the memo part of the check!

Why is there an entry fee?  

 The entry fee helps us with basic costs.  Obviously the fees pay for only a small part of the expenses.  However, we try  in every way to keep fees as well as costs  at  a minimum.

What if I don't pay the entry fee? 

 Your entry is invalid and is not accepted.

Is the entry fee refundable?

  No the fee is non-refundable.

Can I help raise money for the Competition?

 Yes.  Tell your friends and business acquaintances what  a worthy  cause the Competition is.

Should I enter the Competition if I am just starting to learn music?

  No.

Do I need to send an audition CD or tape?

  No.

Why is the Competition in two parts?

  Because the Grand Prize cannot be selected until the First Place awards have been made.

What is the best way to get answers to other questions that I have?

  Contact the Director.  The easiest way is by e-mail.

What is the difference between an adjudication and a competition?

  There is a big difference.  Adjudication is usually done through the public schools.  In New York State, NYSSMA (the New York State Schools of Music Association) publishes an enormous handbook that provides pieces for each grade, for each instrument, etc.  Adjudication is mainly about  achieving a level,  similar to passing from one year to the next year at school.  The Competition is a contest to acknowledge and to reward the best  musicians and performers available, and seeks and rewards only the highest level of achievement.  

Must I have my teacher's approval?

   Yes. Absolutely. This is your entrée into the Competition. We accept the opinion of your teacher that you are able to enter.

   This is crucial and substitutes for an audition CD or tape.

Will do you need my teacher's address and telephone number?

  We may need to contact your teacher if there is a question that comes up. We will also send your teacher an invitation to the Finals ceremony and the recitals for the Grand Prize winners.   

What if I want to change the piece that I plan to perform?

   Please try to know exactly what you will perform.  Trying to change the piece causes a number of problems in setting up the Competition.  However, see above about changing the competition piece.

What if I want to perform a different piece in the Finals?

   NO. You MUST perform the same piece at the Finals.   

May I use the same piece again in the Competition?

  NO. You MUST  perform a different piece

How do I get an accompanist?  

   You may already know of someone who can do this.  Perhaps your teacher or a friend can tell you of someone.

Can I perform my piece without an accompaniment?

   No. The accompaniment is an integral part of the composition.

How do I rehearse with the accompanist?

 Rehearsal (rehearsals) with your accompanist should be between you and the accompanist.

What if I need to warm-up before the Competition?

 It is recommended that you arrive early so that you may warm up,  and also perhaps calm down.  

Is there time to rehearse if I arrive early?

  There is time if you arrive early.  However, there will not be enough space if everyone comes very early.  Not all rooms have a good piano.

What piece or type of piece should I perform?

  You should follow the guidance of your TEACHER  for what you should perform.,  

  Remember that your teacher must  approve the piece that you plan to perform.  Remember, also 

  that the Competition ONLY  allows the performance  of CLASSICAL  music.

Who approves the piece that I am performing?

 Your teacher.  After that the Competition must  also approve the piece. 

What do I have to bring to the Competition?

  You must bring a copy of the music that you are going to perform for the judges.

Can my friends be with me at the Competition?

  Yes/No  Yes, your friends may come with you, but no, they will not be allowed in the audition room.

Can my parents and/or teacher be with me at the Competition?

  No, not while you are performing

What about at the Competition Finals?

  The Finals are different  altogether.  The Finals are open to the public and, as at  a concert , you should feel free to bring  and to invite whomever you wish.

What should I wear at the Competition?

   The Preliminaries are not  formal.  You will only be performing for the judges.  However, since the Finals are more like a concert,  you should dress appropriately.

What will impress the judges?

   The solidness of your performance.

What are the judges looking for?

   Accuracy, good taste, thorough control of the music, accurate intonation and tuning, beautiful phrasing, sensitivity,  adequate technique, good training, etc.

Are the judges competent?

   The judges are drawn from some of the best teacher/performers in the Metropolitan area.

Can I challenge the judges' decision?

   No.  The judges' decision is final.

What if I don't like the judges comments?

   You may have to grin and bear it.  

What if I don't do well during my performance?

   Sometimes this happens.  However, the more experience one has, the less  this is  apt to happen.  And also 

   remember that everybody sometimes has a bad day.

How many times can I enter the Competition?

   You may enter as often as you wish.

Can I enter twice during the same year?

   Yes, many have entered in two different categories (performing two different instruments).

Is there a time limit for my performance?

   Yes, you must follow the limits that are indicated.

What if I have a question that is not answered?

   You should contact the Director.

What happens if I am a Grand Prize Winner?

  You will work hard to prepare a public recital of which you, your family and friends, your teacher,  your school, and the Competition will all be proud.  You have one year to do this.  

What will be put on the web-page that describes me?

   If you are a Grand Prize Winner you should prepare a résumé that makes you look as good as possible.  Remember that this page will be devoted to you and should look as professional as possible.  Think of it  as being something that  is prepared by your agent. 

What type of information should I provide?

   Your achievements, honors, programs, etc.

What do I do if I see something that is wrong in the web-site?

   Please let the Director know if there are any mistakes in the site.

What should I do if I still have questions?

  You should tell the Director.  He may or may not have any answers. 

What if I have a suggestion for improvement of the web-site?

   You should by all means convey your suggestions.  There is always room for improvement.

What if I have a suggestion for raising money?

   You should persuade the person, organization or business to donate as much as possible. They will know what  a great  organization  the         Competition is just from talking to you!  And it  is tax deductible!  What's more,  it is a good way to keep the prizes coming. 

What if I have a suggestion for publicity?