Norman Levine Memorial Playing Contest Rules

The Norman Levine Playing Contest, sponsored by the Classical Mandolin Society of America, was established 9 years ago as a way to involve and recognize as many of our talented membership as possible in playing and performing at as high a level as possible. To encourage a high level of performance, cash prizes are awarded:

  • $300 for First Place
  • $200 for Second Place
  • $100 for Third Place

CONTEST RULES

The Contest is open to mandolin, mandola, and mandocello players. All contestants must be registered attendees of the CMSA convention. Pre-registration for the Contest is required as part of the convention registration process.

  • Each contestant will play solo (without accompaniment).
  • Each contestant will be allowed up to 8 minutes to play one or more pieces.
  • There is no charge for entering the contest.
  • Players will play in random order determined immediately prior to the contest.
  • Players are allowed to be in the room while others are competing.
  • Players are not allowed to play their instruments in the room until it is their turn to compete.
  • The emcee will announce the contestant and the name of their piece(s).
  • Contestants will not be allowed to make announcements from the stage.
  • All warm-up and tuning must be done in a designated "green room" / area.
All contestants will be judged on a 50 point scale as follows:

Intonation (5 points maximum)
  • Is the instrument in tune with itself and close to concert pitch of A=440?
Stage Presence (5 points maximum)
  • What was your impression of the performers demeanor and stage presence throughout performance?
Accuracy (10 points maximum)
  • Was the playing accurate with few wrong or "sour" notes?
Difficulty (10 points maximum)
  • Did the piece require right and left hand dexterity and coordination?
  • Are the notes played in multiple positions up and/or down the finger board?
  • Did the piece require the use of more difficult techniques such as duo style, tremolo, cross picking, etc.?
Performance (10 points maximum)
  • Was your overall impression of the performance favorable?
  • Was the performance expressive and musical?
  • Did the performer interpret the piece well?
Tone Production (10 points maximum)
  • Are the notes full sounding?
  • Are the notes clear and distinct?
  • Is the tremolo smooth and expressive?
  • Did the performer use dynamics well?

The Judge’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal. The Judges will award cash prizes for First, Second and Third place. The judges will award one or more Honorable Mention(s) at their discretion.