ASTRAL BLOG

Round 1 – Online Application, Recordings, and Video Statement

Brad Haubrich | Thursday October 8, 2020

Online application and accompanying recordings and video statement due by the deadline of March 27, 2023 (11:59 EST). Candidates advanced to Round 2 will be notified by April 17, 2023. Candidates will be adjudicated on the basis of their musicianship, creativity in programming, and personal presentation.

 

Round One – Online Application and Audio Recording (Solo Piano, Solo Strings–including harp, guitar, mandolin, and other fretted strings, Solo Voice–countertenor, tenor, baritone, bass, and Small Chamber Ensembles)

• 3 audio files (mp3, m4a, or wav) representing 3 different works that demonstrate different styles, of which at least 1 selection demonstrates technical facility on your instrument.
• Single movements (represented in their entirety) from a larger work are acceptable.
• Selections must have been recorded within the past 2 years.
• Selections need not be the same as the repertoire prepared for Round 2.
• For individuals: only audio files in which the candidate is the featured soloist will be accepted; a recording of the candidate’s performance within an ensemble will not be accepted. (i.e. A concerto performance would be accepted, but a performance within a piano quintet, for example, would not.)
• Audio files may only be edited if you wish to cut extraneous/non-musical portions of your selections (i.e. spoken introductions or lengthy applause, etc.). Audio files may not be edited in any way to enhance performance quality.

 

Round One – Online Application and Audio Recording (Percussion)

• 3 audio files (mp3, m4a, or wav) of the following: 2 contrasting mallet works (marimba and/or vibraphone) one of which demonstrates technical facility, and one single or multiple percussion solo (can be with or without electronics, and this selection may incorporate a drum set configuration, pitched or unpitched instruments)
• Single movements (represented in their entirety) from a larger work are acceptable.
• Selections must have been recorded within the past 2 years.
• Selections need not be the same as the repertoire prepared for Round 2.
• Only audio files in which the candidate is the featured soloist will be accepted; a recording of the candidate’s performance within an ensemble will not be accepted. (i.e. A concerto performance would be accepted, but a performance within a percussion ensemble for example, would not).
• Audio files may only be edited if you wish to cut extraneous/non-musical portions of your selections (i.e. spoken introductions or lengthy applause, etc.). Audio files may not be edited in any way to enhance performance quality.

 

Naming Your Audio Files
Name each audio file by composer/title/movement title. DO NOT include your name when you name each audio file.

Video Statement Requirements
A video (mp4, mov, avi, wmv) of up to 2 minutes stating why and how you plan to seek a career as a professional musician. The Round 1 screening panel will not view the video statements. Video statements will only be viewed internally by Astral staff.