Video Submission Tips

Video Submission Guidelines for the 61st Annual Young Musician’s Concerto Competition 2021

Deadline for YMC video submissions – January 5, 2021 11:59 PM (MST)

Video must be done in ONE take.
If you do not like a ‘take’ of an individual recording, you may try again, as long as your final submission is in one continuous unedited take.
You may not edit, cut, splice, or otherwise alter video.
Picture must remain stationary: no panning, zooming, multiple cameras, fading in/out.
Video framing: Place the video recording device so that you, your instrument, and your full range of motion are in the frame at all times. Make sure your music stand does not cover your face, instrument, arms/hands and range of motion.
Video must not exceed 10 minutes. Judges will stop watching at 10 minutes.
Tune instrument to A=440.

Videos may be submitted before the January 5, 2021 Deadline. Contestants will receive the video upload link December 20, 2020.

Video Recording Tips for the 61st Annual Young Musician’s Concerto Competition 2021

Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras – Video Recording Tips

Deadline for YMC video submissions – January 5, 2021 11:59 PM (MST)

Sound quality is important. It is recommended to have a quality video and audio recording capability. If devices such as these are not available, recording on a phone or tablet device is acceptable
You may want to have someone else press the record and stop button for you so you can start from a relaxed place.
Record in a neutral acoustic location. If recording at home, strive for a neutral acoustic location as well; not in your closet (not enough echo) and not in your bathroom (too much echo). A living room or other open space should be ok.
Make sure there is no fan (ceiling or otherwise) operating while you play.
Record when you can have quiet and no interruptions.
Film in a well-lit space. Make sure there is more light in front of you rather than behind you so that you are not back-lit, i.e. do not record with you standing in front of a window.
For string instruments, make sure your f-holes are directed toward the video recording device.
Place the video recording device on a flat surface with microphone area unobstructed.
Check sound levels before recording to make sure sound is not distorted in loud passages and inaudible in soft passages.
Use the rear camera rather than the front facing (selfie) camera as the rear camera is typically a higher resolution.
Time your solo piece and excerpt ahead of time so you know where to start and stop.