Recording Guidelines

There is to be absolutely no editing of any audio/video submitted to the competitions.
Editing is defined as any alteration to the recorded performance from the first to the last note within a movement or a work.
It is permitted to trim the beginning or end of each file (before the music begins or after it concludes).

All required music must be combined into one video in the order listed on the Required Music listing and appear in that order on a single video for upload on the application submission.
You may use Filmora or another video editor to combine recorded videos if you have recorded the preliminary round music in more than one video.
If there are multiple movements, each movement may be recorded separately, but they must be combined into a single video in the specified order.
Do not submit separate videos for each movement or piece; multiple videos will not be accepted.
Total video size may not exceed 15GB

No speaking of any kind is allowed. Audible dialogue of any kind will result in disqualification.
Caution all performers to avoid talking until the take has been completed. A good rule of thumb is to hold silence for 5 seconds after any take, allowing for a clean submission.
Pitch correction or audio spectral editing of any kind will result in disqualification.

Video must be recorded from a single, unobstructed camera angle (no zooming, panning, or cuts) with all performers continuously and clearly visible throughout the entire performance.
Be sure to carefully set volume levels during recording and normalize the audio (if necessary) before submitting.
Adjustment to the overall recorded volume of the track does not constitute editing. Volume automation is not permitted.
Auto gain features should be disabled on your recording device to allow for an accurate dynamic representation of the performance.
Do not embed any metadata in the submitted audio/video file. Test this by importing your file into a program such as iTunes; if the program can automatically determine identifying information such as the name of performer(s), location, etc., you have metadata embedded in the file.

Look for a portable video recorder with a built-in stereo microphone designed for recording live music.
Shoot digital video with a camcorder or DSLR camera, with an external stereo condenser microphone attached. (The camera’s built-in microphone will likely provide inferior audio quality.) NOTE: The camera or camcorder must have an input for an external microphone.
Smartphones or tablets can serve well as digital video recorders, using the built-in camera, provided an external stereo microphone is used. (The built-in microphone on most smartphones will provide poor audio quality.) Make sure that the microphones will point in the same direction as the camera.
Laptop computers also work well as digital video recorders, using the built-in webcam with an external microphone. (The built-in microphone on most laptops will provide poor audio quality.) For the highest possible quality, professional microphones with an XLR connection may be used with a computer if used with an audio interface. Alternatively, look for a high-quality USB condenser microphone or a stereo condenser microphone with a 1/8” mini plug (only for laptops with a line in/microphone input). This process of recording directly to a computer can be easily undertaken using video recording software such as QuickTime Pro or iMovie (which are usually preloaded on laptops).