VYMI EduConcert 2023: Soloist Audition: Q&A

Can I apply for the Audition if I am over 26 years old?

Answer: No

The Soloist Audition Program is an opportunity for youth who play the violin, flute or piano, aged from 10 to 26 years old (starting from 14/10/1998 to 14/10/2013), regardless of occupation or nationality.

How much is the application fee? Do I have to pay any extra fee?

Answer: The whole program is free of charge with the goal of bringing this precious opportunity to everyone. Candidates will have to cover their expenses for hiring pianists, transportation and accommodation (if necessary).

As a student at a Music or Art academy, but not learning the piano, flute or violin professionally, can I apply for the audition in the amateur group?

Answer: Có

As long as at your Music or Art academy, you do not learn professionally the instrument that you wish to audition for this program, you can apply for the amateur group.

In the Video Audition and Live Audition, do I have to perform the whole concerto?

Answer: No

For professional candidates: in both Video Audition & Live Audition, you are required to play TWO MOVEMENTS: 2nd AND 3rd movement in ONE OF THREE concerti provided by the organiser.

For amateur candidates: in both Video Audition & Live Audition, you are required to play ONE MOVEMENT: 1st movement in ONE OF THREE concerti provided by the organiser.

Lưu ý: the piece that you play in both Video Audition & Live Audition must be the same.

Where can I find the music score for the audition?

Answer: Candidates need to find music scores by themselves, VYMI will not provide them. You can search in online libraries (with public domain), such as https://imslp.org/, where pieces before the 20th century can be easily found.

When performing the piece, am I allowed to look at the music score?

Answer: Yes, but not recommended

One of the traditions in the performance practice of classical music, especially for concerto, is to learn the piece by heart. We regard this as part of the challenge. You can choose to look at the music score; however, you should also be aware that other candidates who learn the piece by heart will have more advantages when the board of jury gives scores.

In the Video Audition, do I need someone to play the accompaniment part in replacement of the orchestra?

Answer: Yes

Whether you are a professional or amateur candidate, in the second video - perform the required piece - you need to PERFORM WITH A PIANIST (who will play the orchestral piano reduction part).

What should I keep in mind when videotaping my audition performance?

Answer:

You need to make sure that:

1. Both your full face and your full hands are in the video (including feet for piano candidates). We attach here several sample photos for your preference: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1981cz9OOvVK00kCrc9UI43z6IfcT7TuE?usp=drive_link, so that you can coordinate a suitable shooting angle. Video shooting needs to be fixed, no movement or noise.

2. Video resolution should be at least 720p, in order to guarantee the quality of image and sound.

3. Video sent is the original video, without editing, cutting, or adding effects. Candidates will be disqualified from the audition if they violate this rule.

4. Video of the performance must be in one take. Note: professional candidates need to play both 2nd & 3rd movement continuously, without pausing the video in the middle.