Competition Rules

Youth Competitions (Category I: under 15 - Category II: 15-18 years old)

• The Youth Divisions are open to performers 18 years old or younger as of the first day of competition. There are two categories within the Youth Divisions: under 15 and 15-18 years old. Three performers will be selected from each category to participate in the final round.
• Participants in the Youth Competition must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must present proof of age at registration.
• Free-choice program for all rounds
• Program Time Limits: Preliminary Round – 5 minutes, Final Round – 7 minutes
• Prizes: Youth Divisions, 1st place - $100; 2nd place - $50; 3rd place - $25.  
• Competitors will be evaluated on technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges comments will not be made available to competitors until after the final round of the competition. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments directly from the judges only after the competition has ended. Upon such requests, sharing comments with performers is at the sole discretion of each judge.
• Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. 
• It is expected that each competitor's choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. Timing begins with the first note of the performance and continues between pieces. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his or her evaluation. 
• All judge's decisions are final. 
• By participating in the final round of the competition all performers agree to terms allowing the University of Louisville competition to use audio and video recording of their final-round performance for archival and promotional purposes.

Collegiate Competition

• The Collegiate Competition is open to classical guitarists of all ages who have not completed an undergraduate degree as of the first day of competition. Four performers will be selected to participate in the final round.
• Free-choice program for all rounds
• Program Time Limits: Preliminary Round – 7 minutes, Final Round – 10 minutes
• Prizes: 1st place - $500; 2nd place - $250; 3rd place - $125; 4th place - $75. 
• Competitors will be evaluated on technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges comments will not be made available until after the final round of the competition. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments directly from the judges only after the competition has ended. Upon such requests, sharing comments with performers is at the sole discretion of each judge.
• Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. 
• It is expected that each competitor's choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. Timing begins with the first note of the performance and continues between pieces. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his or her evaluation.  
• All judge's decisions are final. 
• By participating in the final round of the competition all performers agree to terms allowing the University of Louisville competition to use audio and video recording of their final-round performance for archival and promotional purposes.

Open Division Competition

• The Open Division Competition is open to classical guitarists of all ages. 
• Three rounds of free-choice repertoire, which may be repeated in all rounds.
• Program time limits: Preliminary Round – 7 minutes, Semi-final Round – 10 minutes, Final Round – 15 minutes
• Prizes: 1st place - $1,000; 2nd place - $500; 3rd place - $250; 4th place - $125.
• The Preliminary Round is by video. All video recordings must be submitted with the application as an unlisted YouTube link. 
• Videos must frame the entire guitar and allow a clear view of the performer's head and hands at all times.
• Videos must be made in color and consist of a single take per piece. 
• A $20 video submission fee is due by September 15 but videos can be submitted with the registration at any time prior to that deadline. 
• Up to 12 semi-finalists will be announced online and emailed by September 20. 
• Four finalists will be announced at the evening concert following the semi-final round.
• Semi-final and Final Rounds will be held at the University of Louisville School of Music. See the Guitar Festival schedule for date, time, and location. 
• Competitors will be evaluated on technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges comments will not be made available until after the final round of the competition. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments directly from the judges only after the competition has ended. Upon such requests, sharing comments with performers is at the sole discretion of each judge.
• Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. 
• It is expected that each competitor's program fits within the time allowed for each round. Timing begins with the first note of the performance and continues between pieces. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to evaluation.  
• All judge's decisions are final. 
• By participating in the final round of the competition all performers agree to terms allowing the University of Louisville competition to use audio and video recording of their final-round performance for archival and promotional purposes.