RUBY HOLLAND FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION – VIRTUAL PLATFORM
The RHFA International Music Competition is an online competition that celebrates the talent, musicianship and artistry of our musician youths within a nurturing and virtual platform, where coaching and mentorship are of paramount importance. Welcoming applicants worldwide of all levels specified in the divisions, and genres. Solo performances and composition.
1st through 3rd place winners are given the rare and coveted opportunity of exclusive guidance and mentorship from jurors on our internationally renowned panel of jurors. Winning contestants who attend and perform in person at the foundation’s Gala Fundraiser Concert are eligible for scholarship sponsorship for music education studies.
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Video Submission guidelines
Repertoire Requirements
Top Prize winners will be featured on the foundation’s website and social media sites. Contestant application headshots will be used plus, concert portraits, and also their prize-winning video.
Honorable Mention awardees i.e. 4th and 5th places winners are not eligible for the below prize awards.
WINNER’S GALA PERFORMANCE - ORLANDO, FLORIDA UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR TOP WINNING CONTESTANTS (PLACING 1ST. THROUGH 3RD).
The Foundation is excited to unveil a new prize award for the competition top winners. The primary purpose is to provide musicians a next level enriching opportunity in the course of their music education.
Note: Only contestants who attend and perform at the foundation’s Winner’s Concert and Gala Fundraiser Concert are eligible for the below prize opportunities. A contestants can only be entered for one of the below awards.
- Additional Mentorship: Contestants in first to third place in the competition have the option to purchase a one-on-one master coaching session of 90m at a reduced rate. Note:schedule planned on availability of professor, and the session coordinated by RHFA office. Depending on location, sessions can be virtual.
- International Student Award One international contestant will be chosen to receive a Benefactor Music Scholarship Award of $1,000 towards the pursuit of music studies at an approved summer music camp OR for music studies at the college level. The RHFA Scholarship Committee for this award selects the ‘Winning Student’. Note: Contestant is selected, based on their competition performance results and essay submitted with their application for the competition.
- United States Student Award: One contestant from the USA will be encouraged to apply for the Mayee Leung Charitable Family Fund award scholarship of $1,000 towards the pursuit of music studies at an approved summer music camp OR for music studies at the college level (freshman only). Note: This scholarship is awarded based on financial need. If interested, application forms for the scholarship can obtained by sending a request to info@rubyhollandfoundation.org.
Prize awards outlined in #2 and #3 are for soloist contest winners only.
Apply
Applications open: January 19th
Application deadline: April 7th
- Incomplete applications will disqualify the applicant(s) from being considered.
- Winner’s Announced: mid-month of July
- Grand Gala Recognition and Performance third weekend, month of October year of competition
- No exceptions are made on deadlines and the receipt of materials
- Questions may be directed to:
FAQs
Are there any fees associated with the application process, and how can I pay them?
Yes, there is a fee required to register for the competition. Please click the link below for access to fee table. For additional information, you may contact administration at: info@rubyhollandfoundation.org.
May I apply to the competition on multiple instruments and categories, or should I choose one instrument, 1 category?
Yes, if you play 2 instruments (for example: violin and piano), you may apply on both instruments. However, each application will be considered as a separate transaction and applicable and separate fees will be calculated.
Do I need to perform from memory for the audition?
Yes. Your audition tape is not considered a ‘preliminary round’ submission. It is your opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Memorization is therefore important and mandatory. Repertoire being submitted for audition should be ones that you have mastered and memorized.
Do I need a professional studio quality audio and video recording?
While you want to create the best audio/visual possible, you may use whatever device you have available to you. Keep in mind that you’ll want to use good lighting so we can see you and a quiet room with no distractions so we can hear you clearly. See instructions on how to videotape your audition performance.
Can I begin my application one day and come back the next?
Yes, you may begin your application and come back at a later date or time to complete. Your information will be saved for you to submit prior to the final deadline.
When will I find out the results?
Results are usually available 3rd weekend month of July and will be sent out via email.
Does RHFA offer audition feedback with the results?
Each contestant audition video performance is assessed independently by a team of 4 – 5 jurors. All juror scores are tabulated for each individual and assessment concluded. Unfortunately, for administrative reasons, RHFA does not offer audition feedback. However, after the competition, a great opportunity for one-on-one coaching and feedback is offered our 1st – 2nd and 3rd place winners.
Is there benefit to applying even if I did not make it as a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or Honorable Mention winner?
Yes, musicians may still be informed of eligible programs offered by RHFA. You may be asked to apply for our scholarship program for summer music studies.
For winners who are invited to perform at the RHFA Annual Gala event, are there other activities that are available for participants?
Yes, because the RHFA Competition we work to maintain a holistic experience for our contestants. One that is intended to enhance and enrich their musical development and open up a gateway to a possible career path through each of our programs. These may include one-on-one masterclasses, through our ‘study abroad’ summer music study opportunity, panel discussions.
How do I submit my application materials, and what is the deadline for submission?
Please refer to information on the below link. The information link will apprise you of all requirements and deadlines.
What are the criteria for judging the competition, and who are the judges?
1: Participants will be judged based on age and experience (duration of study of their instrument)
2: Judges on the RHFA faculty are established and internationally known music professors and performers. See – www.rubyhollandfoundation.org/boardofjurors
Is attendance at the Annual Fundraiser Gala Event in Orlando, Florida mandatory for all applicants, or is it optional?
Attendance at the Annual Fundraiser Gala Event is not mandatory but suggested. Contestant have the opportunity to perform with faculty, on stage recognition and the opportunity to enter the annual drawing for a scholarship of $1,000USD to attend an international music festival or scholarship for college studies.
What are the prizes for each division, and what additional recognition do winners receive?
Prizes vary per competition division and levels. Additionally, all first prize winners are invited to perform the ‘OPENING NUMBER’ at the Annual Gala Fundraiser Concert.
How does the Ahtram Ybur Certificate of Distinction relate to the competition?
Each First Prize winner, in addition to the monetary award, receives the foundation’s most prestigious Laureate Award – the Ahtram Ybur Certificate of Distinction. This certificate symbolizes strength, wisdom, creativity, perseverance, and vision.
Can international applicants participate, and are there specific tax rules for non-US residents?
Yes! The competition is open globally to all who can and would like to participate. It is the individual taxpayer’s responsibility to report any prizes won over $50.00 in value. No reporting by the prize awarding organization will be required under $600.00 in total prizes to an individual. For U.S.A. residents, the fair market value of the prize should be entered into the winner’s own tax reporting form 1040 on line 21.
If I have won a 1st place award in a previous competition, am I still eligible to apply for this one?
No, 1st place winners of a division may not re-apply for that division.
However, honorable mention, 2nd place, 3rd place, winners may re-apply if they have not placed 1st in that specific division.
Is there a contact email or resource for further questions and clarifications regarding the competition?
Yes, for further questions and clarifications, you can contact administration at info@rubyhollandfoundation.org
How should I submit the completed application form, and where to send it?
You can now submit your application electronically. The completed application form must be postmarked by midnight on March 24th of your high school graduation year. It is not explicitly mentioned where to send the electronic application, so it’s recommended to reach out to the foundation at info@rubyhollandfoundation.org for specific details on the submission process.
What is the deadline for submitting the scholarship application, and are there any specific dates outlined on the application form?
The application must be postmarked by midnight on March 24th of your high school graduation year. There are specific dates outlined on the application form, and it is crucial to adhere to these deadlines.
How should I ensure that my letters of recommendation are sent? Is there a specific process for this?
Letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to the Ruby Holland Foundation at the provided address: Ruby Holland Foundation, 3613 E. Lina Lane, Apopka, FL 32703-6120. It’s advisable to inform your recommenders about this address and ensure that they are sent in a timely manner.
Can students from outside Orange or Seminole county apply for this scholarship, or is it limited to residents of these areas?
The eligibility criteria state that applicants must be residents of Orange or Seminole county. It is not specified whether students from outside these areas are eligible. For clarification, you can contact the foundation at info@rubyhollandfoundation.org.
Is there a limit to the number of scholarships awarded each year, and how competitive is the selection process?
The information does not specify a limit on the number of scholarships awarded each year. The competitiveness of the selection process is not explicitly mentioned. For more details on the selection process and the number of scholarships awarded, it’s recommended to contact the foundation.
Are there any specific guidelines for the 3-minute video if I become a finalist, including the questions to be answered?
If you become a finalist, you will be notified and asked to provide a 3-minute video. The specific questions to be answered on the video will be communicated to you at that time. The general guidance for the video is to introduce yourself, state your name, age, high school, career choice for college studies, and explain how the scholarship will help you.
Can students from outside Florida apply for this scholarship, or is it limited to Florida residents?
The information does not explicitly state whether students from outside Florida can apply. It is recommended to contact the foundation at info@rubyhollandfoundation.org for clarification on eligibility for out-of-state students.
Can you provide more details about the personal video-taped recording that is required for submission by finalists - what questions should I cover in the taped recording?
Your video-taped recording must be 2-3 minutes long. Introduce yourself by stating your name, age, and high school. State your career choice for college studies and explain how the scholarship will help you. This recording will be emailed to the committee if you become a finalist.
Is there any additional information or guidelines regarding the required photograph, including size and quality?
The information does not provide specific details about the photograph, including size and quality. It’s advisable to contact the foundation at info@rubyhollandfoundation.org for any additional guidelines or requirements related to the photograph.
Could you explain the eligibility criteria in more detail, such as the academic record, financial need, and U.S. citizenship requirement?
The eligibility criteria include factors such as academic record, financial need, U.S. citizenship, and residency in Orange or Seminole county. Detailed information on academic requirements, specific financial criteria, and other eligibility details is not explicitly provided. For more specific details, you can contact the foundation at info@rubyhollandfoundation.org.
Are there specific guidelines for the brief letter explaining why I want to attend the Music Festival and how it can benefit me?
The information provided does not include guidelines for a brief letter related to attending a Music Festival. It seems there might be a mix-up in the content. If you have such a letter requirement, it’s recommended to refer to the specific instructions provided or contact the foundation for clarification.