Summer Masterclass on Chopin

Rules and Application Instructions

Please read the following information thoroughly before filling out the application. Failure to comply with the following rules may result in disqualification. The US New Star Summer Masterclass on Chopin Audition will be held via .mp4 video file submissions. To apply, fill out the application form via the “Apply” button. Application forms must be filled out clearly and completely.

Applicants must select the correct age group on the application form that corresponds to their age as of June 30th, 2022. The grouping are as follows:

◦ Applicants must prepare one Chopin piece for Group I, and two Chopin pieces for Group II and III
◦ The piece must be memorized.
◦ There is no time limit.

◦ The music recording must be clear and free of background noise.
◦ The side of the applicant’s face must be visible in the frame. Both hands and the pedals must also be visible in the frame.
◦ The submitted video may not be used for any purposes except for submission in the competition.
◦ The video may not be edited.
◦ Each piece should be recorded in a single continuous take.
◦ The video should be recorded by a single camera.
All recordings sent will not be returned and will be the sole property of US New Star Music, LLC. US New Star Music, LLC reserves the right to post the winners and their videos to the Internet.

All application forms, fees, and audition videos must be submitted no later than July 7th, 2022 to be considered. The entry fee for each category is $120. An early discount of $10 per application is available if the application form, all fees, and the video are submitted prior to May 30th, 2022, and a late fee of $20 applies if the application, fees, or video is submitted after June 30th, 2022.

Application fees must be paid through the online application form via credit card payment (linked below). All application fees are non-refundable.

If applicants are missing application form information or choose to change their music or any application form information, they must resend the application form with all changes and resubmit the audition video if there is a change in music. Any missing fees should be sent in as well.

If any of the above changes are made, applicants must submit an application change form (linked below) in addition to the changed application form or video. An additional re-entry processing fee of $20 must be enclosed with the form.

Applicants may submit their videos through Google Drive, YouTube, WeTransfer, or some video or file sharing platform. All videos must be in .mp4 file format or uploaded online. An audio only file will not be accepted, and an application change request must be submitted, along with its respective form and fee. Each video file or title of the video should be named ‘2022 MasterClass Video: (Applicant Name): Piece (I/II)’. There will be a form field requesting for the link to the video in the online application form.

If submitted through Google Drive, the videos must be shared with competition@usnsmc.org and titled ‘2022 MasterClass Audition Video: (Applicant Name)’.

If applicants choose to share their videos by e-mail, the files must be sent to competition@usnsmc.org. Applicants must change the subject of the e-mail to ‘2022 MasterClass Audition Video: (Applicant Name)’.

The winners of the US New Star Summer MasterClass on Chopin with Dr Hsiang Tu will be announced on our YouTube site first by July 18th, then usnsmc.org by July 21th, 2022. The adjudicators will be professional musician(s), unaffiliated with US New Star Music, LLC (you may visit their bios in the link below). Adjudicator(s) will select winners for each age group. Decisions of the adjudicator(s) are final.

The winners and their videos will be posted on the US New Star Music Competition website. Winners will be announced for each category for each age group. The winners of the US New Star Summer MasterClass on Chopin Audition with Dr. Hsiang Tu will each receive a certificate, and the First Prize winners will receive a cash prize of $50 . Certificates and cash prizes will be sent by August 1th, 2022 to the addresses of the applicants’ teachers for US Entries. International Entries will receive winners certificates in terms of pdf along with comments from Dr Hsiang Tu by Aug 10th. Due to unpredictable international mail since 2021, we do not sent out international winners physical certificates anymore unless applicants are willing to pay $75 to cover the certified mail fee($68)+credit card fee($3)+processing fee($4).