APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All applicants must submit the completed application form, all supporting materials, and US$135 application fee online by September 30, 2016.  Only complete applications will be considered by the Competitor Selection Jury.

1. VIDEO AUDITION FILES

Your video audition files are the primary basis on which you will be evaluated to become a competitor for the 2017 Hilton Head International Competition.  Thus it is incumbent upon all applicants to be sure that video audition files adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Submitted files should represent the applicant’s best possible performance of his/her selected works
  • Applicants should utilize the best possible video and audio equipment to record the audition files. These files represent the first and only opportunity for applicants to display their pianistic capabilities to the selection Jury, and should be of the highest possible quality to create a positive impression. Be sure your setting is professional and appropriate, your piano is in good tune, and the sound quality accurately reflects your musicality. For best sound quality, use external microphones (mounted independently of camera).
  • All video audition files must be uploaded to the HHIPC Acceptd website. NO DVDs or CDs will be accepted for audition purposes to the 2017 Competition.
  • Video audition files must include compositions reflecting contrasting styles and periods, in order to demonstrate the applicant’s lyrical and technical capabilities.
  • The total time for video files should not exceed 25 minutes.
  • Each work must be uploaded in an individual video file.
  • In order to preserve anonymity during the audition process, please refrain from adding your name to the title of the individual files.   
  • All works must be played from memory, with no music scores in evidence.
  • Solo performance only; no orchestral performance will be accepted.
  • NO EDITING of an individual work is permitted.
  • The video must clearly show applicant’s face and hands during the performances.
  • Video files must be recorded after September 30, 2015.
  • Listen to the video files before uploading to guarantee the quality of the recording. 

 

2. AUDIO FILES

Three (3) separate audio files must also be submitted with the application.  The audio files are not adjudicated by either the Competitor Selection Jury or the Competition Jury.  The audio files will be used only if the applicant is chosen as a competitor, and then only for media publicity purposes and to create a sampler CD which showcases all of the competitors. The files must be uploaded as follows:

  • Three works uploaded in 3 separate audio files, each being a complete work or movement lasting a maximum of 10 minutes.
  • Total time of all files combined should be no more than 30 minutes.
  • Works should be of contrasting composers and styles.
  • Audio files may be extracted from the video audition files (as long as they meet the above timing criteria) or may be different works than those submitted for audition purposes.
  • Please ensure that the audio files are of good quality as well.

 

3. OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The following supporting documents must be uploaded with the application:

  • Current biography, between 225 and a maximum of 250 words, as a WORD file
  • One (1)  professional color photograph (headshot) uploaded as HI-RES 300dpi JPEG file
  • Proof of citizenship and age (scan of passport preferred)
  • One letter of recommendation is required from a current or recent teacher or someone who can speak to your performance quality and capabilities.
    • Note: The letter of recommendation may be e-mailed directly from the recommender’s professional e-mail address as an attachment, or may be sent via postal mail directly to HHIPC. The letter should be written/typed on the recommender’s letterhead and must be signed by the recommender. 
    • Letters must be e-mailed or postmarked on or before September 30, 2016. E-mail to pianocomp@hhipc.org OR mail to Hilton Head International Piano Competition, P.O. Box 5757, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29938 USA. 

 

NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance/alternate/non-acceptance status by e-mail, sent no later than November 30, 2016.

Applicants should retain copies of all materials sent with their applications, especially the repertoire for each round of competition. The Hilton Head International Piano Competition accepts no responsibility for lost documents. All application materials become the property of the Competition.