Please note that there are now numerous sources on the Internet for downloading music, both for purchase and for free. You must be careful to see that the version of the music you are downloading is the same as the one listed. For example, there is a version of the Duncombe Sonatina available for download in which the rhythm is different from the edition that was listed on the 2020 contest list. If your student plays the wrong version of a composition, he or she may be disqualified. Also, if you are downloading free music, please be certain that it is in the public domain or the composer has permitted to use the music. Even if the original version of a composition is in the public domain, that does not mean that a specific edition of the music is in the public domain. For example, Haydn’s music was composed in the 18th Century, so it is in the public domain. However, the Maurice Hinson Edition of Haydn’s works is not in the public domain. If you wish to use a free version of a Haydn Sonata, download it from IMSLP or some other source that allows you to download music that is in the public domain. If you purchase music from an Internet site and download it, please purchase as many copies as needed. Purchasing one copy and making additional copies is theft. The Lubbock Music Teachers Association does not condone the illegal copying of music. We support the rights of composers, publishers, and music dealers to earn income from their work.

CONTEST JUDGING PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS

1. First, second, and third place winners can be declared for each movement of each sonata, sonatina. Judges have the prerogative not to declare a winner.  In addition, each contestant will receive a judge’s critique with a rating of Superior, Excellent, Very Good, or Good and a ribbon.

2. First Place can’t be tied.  Second and Third Place can be tied, if the judge so chooses. First-place winners will be invited to participate in the Winners’ Recitals. If the winner is unable to perform, the winner’s teacher must contact the desk chairman immediately, and that movement will not be heard on the winner’s recital.  Teachers are responsible for making sure their students know which recital to play in.

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3. Judges may call back students to play again. Only those students still present will play again. Any contestant leaving the area automatically forfeits their chance to win.

4. A student preparing the wrong repertoire for any reason will not be allowed to compete but will be permitted to play for a critique and a rating from the judge.

5. Parents and teachers who are not working the contest must remain downstairs in the designated waiting areas, or their student will be disqualified. Parents/teachers are not allowed outside the judging rooms where students are waiting to compete.

6. Students must check in 15 minutes before their scheduled playing time. If desired, they may warm up in a practice room BEFORE checking in. Once checked in, students must remain in their assigned place until judging is complete, and winners will be announced.

7. The decisions of the judges are final and may not be questioned by the participants, their parents, or their teachers. Anyone who questions a judge’s decision or confronts a judge will not be permitted to enter LMTA events the following year. Concerns may be sent in writing after the contest to the chairperson.

8. Administrative decisions made at any level of competition are binding on all parties concerned.