JAZZ

This genre is for piano pieces that contain what is commonly understood as a "jazz" style, including ballad, bebop, blues, Latin, ragtime, swing, or other variations and combinations.

Participants can choose either a solo or a four-handed performance. They may play one piece, or multiple pieces, given that the total playing time does not exceed what they have decided during the application process. 

There are 3 Divisions:  

1. Performer

One may select any piano piece written in a jazz style, including compositions and jazz arrangements published by others. The piece could be played while reading music, but playing by heart is recommended and will be taken into consideration when judging. Due to the fact that some published pieces or arrangements may not be widely known, all contestants must submit the music scores beforehand. With respect to the composers and arrangers, the contestants must play the piece exactly as written, including all repetitions. Otherwise, points will be deducted. 

2. Creator

One may arrange a composer's piece or even compose an original piece at home and perform in front of the judges. The piece (arrangement or composition) needs to be kept in the style of jazz and be the contestant’s own work. Contestants may play by reading the score, but playing by heart is recommended and will be taken into consideration when judging. In case of an arrangement, we will require the submission of the original music score (or lead sheet). If it is an original piece composed by the contestant, the submission of the music score is not required. 

3. Specialist

This is a Division where participants will be required to arrange a piece of music chosen at random by the judges. Once they signal to the judges that they are seated comfortably, the participants will be given a lead sheet out of a prepared list of jazz standards (example) as well as 30 seconds to prepare. Once the bell rings after 30 seconds, the participants will start playing. A free spontaneous arrangement can be based on any chosen style but must include jazz elements. 

POP

This genre is for piano pieces that contain what is commonly understood as "pop", which has undergone transformations over time since it was born in the 1950s. Within this competition, we understand this vast genre to include anime, country, dance, folk, lounge music, rock, urban, or other variations and combinations.

Participants can choose either a solo or a four-handed performance. They may play one piece, or multiple pieces, given that the total playing time does not exceed what they have decided during the application process.

There are 3 Divisions: 

1. Performer

One may select any piano piece written in what is commonly understood as a pop style, including pop compositions and pop arrangements. The piece could be played by reading the score, but playing by heart is recommended and will be taken into consideration when judging. Due to the fact that some published pieces or arrangements may not be widely known, all contestants must submit the music scores beforehand. With respect to the composers and arrangers, the contestants must play the piece exactly as written, including all repetitions. Otherwise, points will be deducted. 

2. Creator

One may arrange a composer's piece or even compose an original piece at home and perform in front of the judges. The piece (arrangement or composition) needs to be kept in the style of pop and be the contestant’s own work.  Contestants may play by reading the score, but playing by heart is recommended and will be taken into consideration when judging. 

If an arrangement: We will require the submission of the original music score (or lead sheet). Contestants are free to change the structure or the tonality of the piece. If playing exactly the same as how another person has arranged the piece, the contestant should apply for the Performer Division, not the Creator.

If an original piece composed by the contestant: The submission of the music score is not required. 

3. Specialist

This is a Division where participants will be required to arrange a piece of music chosen at random by the judges. Once they signal to the judges that they are seated comfortably, the participants will be given a lead sheet out of a prepared list of popular music pieces that are well-known both within and outside Japan (example). Once the bell rings after 30 seconds of preparation time, the participants will start playing. The free spontaneous arrangement can be based on any style of pop.

＊ ＊ ＊ Important Notice ＊ ＊ ＊ 

* If you do not know which genre (Jazz or Pop) is more fitting, please feel free to contact us prior to your registration. Send us a sample link, PDF file, or audio file and we would be happy to assist you.

* It is possible to apply for multiple divisions and across both genres.

* When playing multiple pieces, the break between pieces would also be included in their total playing time.

* The timer will start after the contestant has sat down. 

* If the contestants go over the allotted time, their performance will be cut off, but this will not affect their result. It is advisable to bring a watch to keep track of the time. It is also acceptable to use smartphones as timers, but please make sure that it is on silent mode and would not disrupt the performance.

* There will not be any support piano pedals for children, so please bring if needed.

* Due to common restrictions of the hall, techniques involving the manipulation of the strings are prohibited.

* The performance can only be recorded (audio or video) by the contestants themselves or their supporters. However, please note that the comments by the judges, as well as comments during the awards ceremony may not be recorded. 

* The copyright of the videos and photos taken by the staff belongs to the Competition, and participants shall not claim image rights. The videos and images may be used on the official website, video distribution on YouTube, and pamphlets and videos for commercial purposes by the sponsoring companies.

* Changing rooms will not be available at the venue. 

Fees

Please apply through this website and transfer the participation fee.

If the application number reaches the limit before the deadline, the notice will be posted on this website. We cannot respond to any inquiries regarding this matter.

The application form can be found here

* Deadline: Saturday August 26th, 2023

* The payment should be completed within 2 weeks after the application. All bank charges are to be paid by the contestants.

* The participation fee is non-refundable. 

* In the event of natural disasters, like typhoons and earthquakes, this Competition may be cancelled and will be announced on this website. In such unavoidable cases, entry fees will be fully refunded to the participants.

Bank account:

　Mizuho Bank, Kyodo Branch

　Account number: 3026049 

　Swift: MHCBJPJT

　Recipient: SOBKOWIAK PIANO ASSOCIATION

After the application：

A confirmation message will be sent within 3 business days once the application has been received. If you do not receive the email, please contact the committee (info@jazzpiano.jp).

* Please be sure to provide us an address that accepts emails from our "info@jazzpiano.jp" domain.

* The contestants will receive their schedule by September 6th.

Submission:

Contestants are required to send the following to the Competition Committee. 

Requirements differ depending on the Division chosen.

　1) The photo of the participant

　2) If applying for the Performer Division: the music score of the chosen piece

　　If applying for the Creator Division and wish to arrange a composer's piece: the original music score

<Photo>

The photo should be around passport-size (45x35mm). There is no need for an official ID photo, but it will be used for identification on the day of the Competition. 

<Music Scores>

For contestants applying for Divisions for which submission of music scores is required, please send 5 copies to the Competition Committee.

　1 page: A4 one side

　2 pages: A4 double-sided

　3+ pages: A3 booklet (no need to staple)

<Address>

　4-3-13 Sonan Minami-ku Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa

　JAPAN 252-0312

* Please write the name of the participant on the envelope

* The materials sent will not be returned to the participant under any circumstances

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