Dear Participant,
Ragamala's Annual Competition 'Raga Sadhana' welcomes you and your talent to our online stage. This competition is to encourage young students of Hindustani Classical Music in North America (US and Canada), to showcase their talent and accomplishment, in front of distinguished judges. The judges are Performing Artists from India.
Participants can apply to one or more of these categories: Classical Vocal (Khayal, Dhrupad, Thumri/Dadra, Tappa, etc.), Classical Instrumental (Sitar, Sarod, Harmonium, Violin, etc.), and Classical Rhythm (Tabla, Pakhavaj, etc.), and under two age groups: 5-12, 13-18 years.
How it works:
Participants will be screened asynchronously based on a 3-min live video recording submission by a panel of judges. Each participant will receive a Participation Certificate. Participants who clear the screening will proceed to the Final Round.
The Final Round will be a live Zoom session with another panel of judges. Here, you will perform a longer piece of your choice. The top 3 winners in each category will receive a Ragamala Trophy, a $50 Ragamala gift certificate; Commendation certificates.
How to participate:
Submit your entry by the end of August 10, 2021, using the link here.
(Have your 3 min video ready before you start. There is a $20 entry fee for participation.)
If you are selected for the final round, you will perform live on Zoom in front of a panel of judges. The final rounds will be held on the last two Saturdays of September (September 18 and 25). Ragamala will share additional details regarding the finals.
Please note that Ragamala reserves the right to cancel any category if there are fewer than 3 entries, to ensure a fair competition.
Requirements for the screening round video:
The video should be 3-minutes max in length.
The video should be submitted in the form of a YouTube link. You can share an unlisted link in case you want to limit the privacy of your video. Here's an article on how to upload your video to YouTube: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
Make sure you record the video in a bright room setting with your face clearly visible.
You can record with either live accompaniments (tabla and harmonium) or use software such as iTablaPro.
The video needs to represent a continuous session. Edited recordings will be disqualified.
FAQ
Am I eligible?
If you are a student or (non-professional) performer of Hindustani Classical Music based in North America (US and Canada), and between 5-18 years of age, you are eligible to apply. You don't need to be a US or Canadian permanent resident or a citizen.
Is there an entry fee for participation?
Yes, there's a $20 entry fee that you will need to pay as part of your registration for the screening round.
When are the final rounds scheduled?
The final rounds will happen live on Zoom on Saturday, September 18, and Saturday, September 25.
How will I be judged?
Your performance for the Screening round and the Final round will be judged across the following criteria: Sur, Taal, Raag, Presentation. In the screening round, you will not be ranked in any way. In the final round, you will perform live before the judges. The top 3 winners in each category and age group will receive trophies and a $50 gift certificate to Ragamala.
Can I participate in more than one music category?
Yes. You are welcome to participate in one or more musical categories including Vocal, Instrumental, and Rhythm.
Is any instrument allowed in the Instrumental category?
Yes, even Western instruments such as the Piano or Cello, as long as you play Hindustani Classical Music.
Are group performances allowed?
This year, we are only focused on solo performances.
Other questions?
Please write to us at seattleragamala@gmail.com. We will be happy to assist you.