Competition Information

This competition is organized and convened by Tuning Fork (Pty) Ltd t/a Yamaha Distributors South Africa (YDSA), in association with Yamaha Music Gulf (YMGF).

All correspondence relating to the Young Soloist Music Competition, including the supporting documentation to the official entry form, must be directed to:

The Competition Director: Mr Eustace Wilken
Email: ymc@yamaha.co.za
Telephone: 082 555 4948

Welcome to the prestigious Young Soloist Music Competition! If you're a young and talented jazz musician showcasing your skills on the acoustic piano, digital piano, keyboard, brass, or woodwind instruments, we invite you to join our esteemed competition. This is your chance to shine on a national stage, gain recognition for your exceptional musical talent, and be a part of a celebration of young musical excellence.

Yamaha’s commitment to music education and music development spans several decades and has reached young students globally. The Young Soloist Music Competition is your gateway to a world of musical opportunities and recognition, and we can't wait to witness your incredible talent. Get ready to make your mark and let your music resonate with the world!

Competition Rounds:

• 1st round (all age categories) will be online entries, submitted via a shareable link to your pieces loaded on YouTube, for all categories. The shareable links will need to be pasted onto your entry form on the website.
• 2nd round (successful participants from Age Category 2: 16-18 years and Age Category 3: 19-25 years entries only) will be adjudicated in-person, at venues to be advised in the following locations: Cape Town, Durban, Mangaung, Gqeberha, Potchefstroom, Tshwane and Johannesburg.
• A maximum of 36 finalists across all instrument categories will be drawn from the pool of second round participants to take part in the final gala event. In the event of a tie situation, the decision will rest with the Chief Adjudicator.
• 3rd round finals (successful participants from 2nd round adjudication results) will be adjudicated in-person, at a live performance during a gala event in Johannesburg, at the World of Yamaha Theatre.
• Should a successful candidate be unable to attend at the Round 2 adjudication or at the Gala evening, the adjudicating panel reserve the right to select a suitable replacement candidate, should this be deemed appropriate in the circumstances.

Competition Timeline:

• Competition entries open on 10 January 2025 and close on 31 March 2025.
• Round 1 Online Adjudication (All age categories): 1 April 2025 – 30 April 2025.
• Age Category 1 awards and Age Category 2 & 3 successful participants to proceed to round 2 will be informed by email, not later than 7 May 2025.
• Round 2 Adjudication (Age Category 2 and Age Category 3): 19 May 2025 – 23 May 2025 at various regional adjudication centres.
• Successful participants to proceed to the Gala Event will be informed by email, not later than 6 June 2025.
• Round 3 Gala event (Age Category 2 and Age Category 3): Friday, 20 June 2025 (Jazz) at World of YAMAHA Theatre in Johannesburg.

General Information

• All the information presented in this booklet was accurate as of the time it was published. However, the Young Soloist Music Competition organizers retain the right to make alterations if circumstances necessitate.
• When participants sign the entry form, they acknowledge their acceptance of all the competition's rules and regulations, they agree to respect decisions made by the adjudicators, and commit to fulfilling all the obligations related to the prizes.
• The onus rests on each entrant (and their parents / legal guardians in the case of a minor) to ensure that they have read and understood the rules and procedures of this competition.
• YDSA reserves the right to record all performances during the competition for potential digital and/or public broadcasts or other purposes. By signing the entry form, competitors waive all rights, fees, and claims related to such images, recordings, films, and broadcasts.
• Any candidate found providing false or misleading information will face disqualification.
• Please note that the application materials will not be returned, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
• All communications with candidates during the course of the competition will be via the email address and the contact telephone number contained on the entry form. It is the responsibility of each candidate to inform the competition director should there be any changes required after the entry form has been submitted.
• In line with the Protection of Personal Information Act all personal details submitted on the entry form will be utilized for administration purposes related to the YMC and will not be published or provided to any third party without prior consent from the candidate.

Eligible Categories: Jazz Genre

Age Categories and Entry Fees:

• Age Category 1 : 12-15 years Entry fee : R350
• Age Category 2 : 16-18 years Entry fee : R500
• Age Category 3 : 19-25 years Entry fee : R550

The contestants age category will be determined as at the closing date of entries for the competition, ie. 31 March 2025.

Entry fees, which are non-refundable, are categorized based on the age groups and prize values. These fees are paid as a one-time payment covering the entire competition.

Instrument Categories:

• Piano (Acoustic Piano, Digital Piano, Keyboard)
• All Woodwind Instruments
• All Brass Instruments

Eligibility:

• All applicants are required to be legally residing in South Africa. The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation to verify their identity and date of birth according to the age category entered.
• The following items must be uploaded in support of the online entry form:
  • A recent digital colour photograph (300 dpi of head and shoulders).
  • A certified copy of: birth certificate, identity document or passport to verify date of birth.
  • Copies of the sheet music (arrangement / lead sheet / chord chart) for the First Round entry pieces.
• A separate payment in support of each entry is required to be made through the payment gateway on the website in order to complete the entry.
• The closing date for online entries is midnight on 31 March 2025.
• All entry fee payments must be made via the payment gateway on the competition website, and must include the reference number that has been issued to your entry.  NB: The entry will only be considered as complete once the payment has been finalized.
• Multiple entries are permissible for both instruments and genres, each entry carrying a separate entry fee.

Video recording for Round 1 Online Entries:

• All applicants are required to submit active, viewable links to their online video recordings uploaded to YouTube. It is important to note that this is the only format of submission that will be accepted in 2025.
• All files must be viewable online via YouTube. The competition organisers will not download video recordings.
• Each piece must appear as a separate video track on YouTube.
• Each recording must be original and unedited. Edited recordings are prohibited.
• Own original compositions are not permitted.
• In the case of all instruments, both the face and the hands of the candidate are required to be visible throughout the entire recording.
• All video recordings for Brass and Woodwind instruments require some form of accompaniment (e.g., backing tracks, live band, or piano accompaniment)

Entry Fee: R350

This category comprises a single online round only, for Acoustic Piano, Digital Piano, Woodwind and Brass instruments, in Jazz Genre.

1. Candidates are expected to perform:

• Three (3) contrasting pieces of music, aiming to create a balanced programme.
• Total performance duration combined: Minimum 8 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
• Repertoire choice is up to the candidate and does not necessarily need to include improvisation if this is not a strength. For example, candidates could perform.
  • A jazz “lead sheet” (American Songbook or South African Jazz standards) with some improvisation in the style, over the chord progression.
  • Jazz Etudes by authors like Jim Snidero, Lennie Niehaus, Jack Gale, and Mark Nightingale (with backing track – rhythm section accompaniment only*).
  • A Jazz Transcription (perform with the original recording or a backing track).

*Backing tracks for jazz etudes must not include the soloist example.

All video recordings for Brass and Woodwind instruments require some form of accompaniment (backing tracks, live band, or piano accompaniment).

Pianists may perform solo or with accompaniment (backing tracks or live band); or a combination thereof.

2. All participants will receive Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze certificates based on their performance.

The points criteria for each award are:

• 95 – 100%          Diamond Certificate
• 85 – 94.9%         Gold Certificate
• 75 – 84.9%         Silver Certificate
• 65 – 74.9%         Bronze Certificate
• <65%                 Participation Certificate

Please ensure that the Name and Surname on your entry form is the correct name that you would like to be on your certificate.

A digital e-Certificate will be available to download from the website by no later than 31 May 2025.

Entry Fee: R500

This category is divided into three rounds, each with specific requirements:

1. In Round 1, candidates are expected to perform:

• Three (3) contrasting pieces of music, aiming to create a balanced programme.
• Total performance duration combined: Minimum 8 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
• Repertoire choice is up to the candidate and all pieces should include jazz improvisation. Choose from the following styles in order to create a balanced programme:
  • Swing (including Blues, Bebop, Hardbop etc.
  • Latin Jazz - Brazilian (Bossa Nova, Samba etc.) or Afro-Cuban (Montuno, Salsa etc.)
  • Modal
  • South African Jazz
  • Contemporary (Smooth Jazz, Gospel)
• All video recordings for Brass and Woodwind instruments require some form of accompaniment (backing tracks, live band, or piano accompaniment).
• Pianists may perform solo or with accompaniment (backing tracks or live band); or a combination thereof.The outcome of the adjudication process will be communicated to all participants by no later than 7 May 2025. Successful candidates proceeding to Round 2 will receive further information regarding their adjudication venue and other requirements by no later than 12 May 2025.
• Round 2 takes place in a live setting at designated adjudication centres. Successful candidates must perform:
  • Three (3) contrasting pieces of music that aim to create a balanced programme with different styles.
  • The repertoire performed in Round 2 may contain up to two (2) of the same pieces as the Round 1 entry submission. At least one (1) piece must be new, guided by point 1.c. for Age Category 2.
  • At an in-person live performance - venue, date and time to be confirmed, between 19 – 23 May 2025.
  • Total performance duration combined: Minimum 8 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
  • The responsibility for all instrument accompaniment arrangements and costs lies with each participant. The provision of a PA / Speaker system depends on availability at the regional venue and cannot be guaranteed. Further information on this will be provided along with the final instructions for Round 2.
  • Copies of the sheet music (arrangement / lead sheet / chord chart) should be available at the adjudication venue on request by the adjudicators.
  • The outcome of the Round 2 adjudication process will be communicated to all Round 2 participants by no later than 6 June 2025. Successful candidates proceeding to the Final Round will receive further information regarding requirements for the Gala Event by no later than 10 June 2025.
• The Final Round will be held at the World of YAMAHA Theatre in Johannesburg.Successful candidates must perform:
  • Three (3) new contrasting pieces of music that aim to create a balanced programme with different styles, with an in-person live performance at the Gala Event.
  • Total performance duration combined: Minimum 10 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
  • The adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance if the time limit is exceeded.
  • The pieces performed in the Final Round are required to be different from all previous submissions, guided by the requirements in point 1.c. for Age Category 2.
  • Accompaniment will be provided. It is the responsibility of each successful candidate to submit sheet music (arrangement / lead sheet / chord chart) for the accompanists by no later than 12 June 2025.
  • Accompanists should not take solo participation unless it enhances the finalist performance. (E.g. trading / call and response.)
  • Winners will be adjudicated at the Gala Performance and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event.
  • Prize monies will be paid into a verified bank account held in the name of the prize-winner, by no later than 31 July 2025.

Prize categories:-  Jazz Genre Age Category 2: 16-18 years

• • • First Prize: R15,000.00
    • Second Prize: R10,000.00
    • Third Prize: R  5,000.00

Entry Fee: R550

This category is divided into three rounds, each with specific requirements:

1. In Round 1, candidates are expected to perform:

• Three (3) contrasting pieces of music that create a balanced programme.
• Total performance duration combined: Minimum 10 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
• Repertoire choice is up to the candidate and all pieces should include jazz improvisation. Choose from the following styles in order to create a balanced programme:
  • Swing (including Blues, Bebop, Hardbop etc.)
  • Latin Jazz - Brazilian (Bossa Nova, Samba etc.) or Afro-Cuban (Montuno, Salsa etc.)
  • Modal
  • South African Jazz
  • Contemporary (Smooth Jazz, Gospel)
• All video recordings for Brass and Woodwind instruments require some form of accompaniment (backing tracks, live band, or piano accompaniment).
• Pianists may perform solo or with accompaniment (backing tracks or live band); or a combination thereof.

The outcome of the adjudication process will be communicated to all participants by no later than 7 May 2025. Successful candidates proceeding to Round 2 will receive further information regarding their adjudication venue and other requirements by no later than 12 May 2025.

2. Round 2 takes place in a live setting at designated adjudication centres. Successful candidates must perform:

• Three (3) contrasting pieces of music that create a balanced programme with different styles.
• The repertoire performed in Round 2 may contain up to two (2) of the same pieces as the Round 1 entry submission. At least one (1) piece must be new, guided by point 1.c. for Age Category 3.
• At an in-person live performance - venue, date and time to be confirmed, between 19 – 23 May 2025.
• Total performance duration combined: Minimum 10 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
• The responsibility for all instrument accompaniment arrangements and costs lies with each participant. The provision of a PA / Speaker system depends on availability at the regional venue and cannot be guaranteed. Further information on this will be provided along with the final instructions for Round 2.
• Copies of the sheet music (arrangement / lead sheet / chord chart) should be available at the adjudication venue on request by the adjudicators.The outcome of the Round 2 adjudication process will be communicated to all Round 2 participants by no later than 6 June 2025. Successful candidates proceeding to the Final Round will receive further information regarding requirements for the Gala Event by no later than 10 June 2025.

3. The Final Round will be held at the World of YAMAHA Theatre in Johannesburg.Successful candidates must perform:

• • Three (3) new contrasting pieces of music that create a balanced programme with different styles, with an in-person live performance at the Gala Event.
  • Total performance duration combined: Minimum 10 minutes and maximum 15 minutes in total.
  • The adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance if the time limit is exceeded.
  • The pieces performed in the Final Round are required to be different from all previous submissions, guided by the repertoire requirements outlined in point 1.c. for age category 3.
  • Accompaniment will be provided. It is the responsibility of each successful candidate to submit the original sheet music (arrangement / lead sheet / chord chart) for the accompanists by no later than 12 June 2025.
  • Accompanists should not take solo participation unless it enhances the finalist performance. (E.g. trading / call and response.)

Winners will be adjudicated at the Gala Performance and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event.

Prize monies will be paid into a verified bank account held in the name of the prize-winner, by no later than 31 July 2025.

Prize categories:-  Jazz Genre Age Category 3: Advanced

• • • First Prize: R20,000.00
    • Second Prize: R15,000.00
    • Third Prize: R10,000.00

Competitors must be available in Johannesburg, at the World of YAMAHA, one day prior to the gala event so that sufficient rehearsal time can be allocated to every competitor. Specific rehearsal times will be allocated and communicated accordingly.

Travel costs will fall outside of the scope of the competition in 2025. A once-off stipend is available on request to Gala Event participants, in support of travel and accommodation costs to attend the event:

Gauteng:                                          Maximum R2,000.00

Other provinces:                              Maximum R4,000.00

• When selecting the repertoire for each round, applicants should consider that the adjudicators will make their decisions by a common scoring sheet based on, but not exclusive to, the following criteria:
  • Technique
  • Tone quality
  • Musical Interpretation
  • Musical Accuracy
  • Stage Presence
  • Improvisation
  • Creativity and choice of programme (Repertoire demonstrates a balanced programme showcasing ability in different styles)
• The marking sheets will be consolidated and scrutinized by the Chief Adjudicator, as head of the adjudicating panel.
• In the adjudication of candidates and live performances, the decision of the adjudicating panel will be final. No correspondence or verbal negotiations will be entertained.

• All adjudicators are selected based on their expertise in the music industry and will comprise of both Music educators and professional musicians.
• Adjudicators are prohibited from evaluating competitors who are presently their students, have been their students within the past two years, or are related to them.
• Any matters pertaining to the rules and procedures of the YMC not covered by this document shall be referred to the Competition Director for clarification. Their decision on such matters will be final.
• Rounds are NOT cumulative. Performances in previous rounds will not be taken into account towards the adjudication decision at the final gala evening performance.
• Disqualification of candidates will result from the following circumstances:
  • Providing false or misleading information on the entry form.
  • Non-attendance, or late attendance, at any live performance round.
  • Any other breach of competition rules or other lawful requirements deemed necessary for live performance in a public venue.
  • Any attempt to establish contact with or to influence the decision of any adjudicators.