Rising Stars International Arts Festival & Competition – instructions for Preliminary Round Video Submission

Repertoire quantity (1 piece for preliminary round) and performance duration must not go over the limit given for each instrument and each class, which can be found in the Rules and Regulations section. 

1 – Instructions for preliminary round video

Each applicant should record their preliminary round video for the Rising Stars International Arts Festival & Competition by following the instructions below

1.1 – Before recording

  • Check all of your recording devices 
  • Prepare performance quality outfits

1.2 – During recording session

  • Start recording. 
  • Introduce yourself – Full name, instrument, class and contest type.
  • Announce the name of the piece you will perform before starting your performance. For the preliminary round, you may only perform one piece. 
  • After finishing your performance, stop the camera and save the recording. 

Congratulations! You have completed your preliminary round performance.

1.3 – After recording

Please save the recording file under the following format:

  • [Full name] [Instrument] [Contest type (Competition/Festival)] [Class]
  • For example: Nguyen Thi Hang Piano Festival Class A

After completing all steps above, post your video to facebook/google drive/youtube and make sure to open public access.

1.4 – Last step 

Copy the video link that you uploaded (Facebook/gg drive/youtube) and send it to the competition’s organizing committee through the “ ….  that you will/have received through an email after submitting the application form.

2 – Things to take notice

Video must have high quality sound and images. If the judges cannot assess the performances due to low video quality, applicants may receive low results.

2.1 – Which recording devices should I use?

Applicant should record their performance using recording devices with high quality results such as: 

  • Smartphone: Many high quality modern smartphones have compatible micro and camera. If your device isn’t as such, you may use the following devices to improve sound quality: Zoom iQ7; Shure MV88; RØDE iXY; or  RØDE VideoMic. Using the following applications may easily enhance sound quality: FV-5 (Android devices) or Filmic Pro (IOS and some Android devices).
  • Desktop or Laptop: if your device has a high quality built-in webcam, or can be connected to one, with good sound quality. 
  • Handheld recorder with video recording ability (such as Zoom Q4 or Q2n).

Notice: Applicants may not edit or change the audio in any way, except for making the overall sound louder or softer, altogether. Applicants may not add any additional audio to the video through editing. 

2.2 – Prep the recording area

To achieve the best possible outcome, each applicant should prepare a space that will ensure the least amount of background noise. One should not record in a space that creates a lot of echos, as it will affect how your audio quality in the video, which will be unhelpful for the jury members in their judgment and decision making process.

Other instructions for a better video quality:

  • Switch all devices to Airplane mode or “Do not disturb” mode. Leave all extraneous personnel outside the recording room.
  • Family members should refrain from interrupting the recording session.
  • Charge all devices to full battery, and prepare extra batteries if necessary.
  • Prepare all equipment that is needed. Your performance will be voided if you leave the room or stop recording before finishing your performance. 
  • Wear appropriate performance attires.
  • Observe the surrounding area, and remove all unnecessary, personal objects from the camera frame.

2.3 – Audio quality

Regardless of the device that you choose to use, MaySpace advises that all applicants should take test recordings to check for visual and audio issues.

  • Audio should not be too loud and distorted. Even though modern phones and devices are fairly good at filtering out background noises and intaking the correct sound that one wishes to record, problems may arise if the sound being recorded is too loud. If your audio is distorted, consider moving to a larger room. If you are using a professional recording device, change the settings so that the device can intake less sound.
  • Find the correct balance between the soloist and the accompanist. Both parts should sound clear in the video, but cannot overwhelm each other. The applicant/soloist should produce clear sound, even with an accompaniment. 

2.4 – Video quality 

Image resolution needs to meet the minimum standard of 720i or 720p, maximum 1080i or 1080p. Check out more information on this below.

If possible, please choose recording devices that displays time and date in the video. Other things to take note of:

Lighting/location

Make sure that there is enough lighting in the video

Camera frame

An appropriate and satisfactory frame should include the applicant’s entire body (with clear view of face, hands) and instrument. To ensure a stable video, one needs to place their recording device on a tripod or table, preventing shaky and blur images.

Check the height and frame of your recording device. If you need someone to hold the device, make sure they are sturdy/have steady hands and refrain from zooming in and out in the middle of the recording.