American Guild of Music Rules and Regualtions
2020 Rules and Regulations
ELIGIBILITY
All students must be entered by teachers or studios that are members of the American Guild of Music. An individual teacher may become a Professional member, or a Studio may become a Studio/Store member, which permits all of the teachers who teach at that studio to enter students. At a National Contest, all teachers and students must be a member of the American Guild of Music.
GENERAL RULES and INFORMATION
1) The decisions of the judges are final!
2) The Contest Director reserves the right to delete, create or group divisions depending on entries. No refunds unless entry is denied by the contest director.
3) Contestants are required to provide an original, published music score for the judge for all competitive solo, duet, and group divisions with the exception of Pop Solos and Entertainment Groups. A 5 point deduction will be levied for those who do not provide an original, published score. Photocopies are strictly prohibited unless accompanied by a letter of permission from the copyright owner.
4) A score of 91 is necessary for a first place award.
5) Appropriate performance dress is mandatory. Performance dress is defined as no t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, jeans, flip-flops, sneakers, hats, or any clothing with tears and rips or offensive language. Exceptions would be costumes for performance theme enhancement. (In the Vocal Musical Theatre divisions, additional points will not be awarded for the use of props and costumes) If a judge deems that performance attire is questionable, they will instruct the performer to change, or be sent to the contest director before the performance. If the attire is deemed unacceptable, the contestant will not be allowed to compete, but may be permitted to perform for comments only.
6) Solo score sheets and ribbons will be given to the teacher or studio operator immediately following the Awards Ceremony. Every studio/teacher is responsible for picking up their own score sheets, ribbons, and awards in case of a student's absence. Unclaimed awards will not be shipped.
7) Equipment will not be provided for the groups, with the exception of a PA and microphones for Battle of the Bands and Show Choirs. Vocal rooms will have a karaoke machine with CD player and audio auxiliary jack. A microphone will be provided for vocal pop events. All other instrumentalists must bring their own CD/Tape players. Organists and Keyboard Students must bring their own instruments.
8) The Contest Director cannot guarantee a certain brand of piano for the contest.
9) Special accommodation will be made for persons with disabilities upon request.
10) Any request for special placement (separating siblings, etc) must be made at the time of the original entry.
11) The American Guild of Music and its Board of Directors are not responsible for any bodily injury or property damage or loss sustained by the participant, instructor, contestant or visitor during the time they are on the premises in which the contest is being held.
12) Any damages or mischief to the Hotel or Hotel property will result in disqualification of the person(s) and/or studio(s) involved. The American Guild of Music and the Contest Committee are in no way responsible for said persons and their actions, and no refund will be issued.
13) All performances are the property of the American Guild of Music and may be used for promotion. All rights reserved.
14) All contestants and attendees are expected to act in a respectful and dignified manner. Cell Phones and Pagers must be turned off in contest rooms. Non-compliance will result in disqualification and removal from the contest.
15) If a contestant enters one or more divisions for a second instrument, the length of study for the secondary instrument will include a handicap of 50% of the difference between the length of study of the primary and secondary instrument. If the secondary instrument length of study exceeds that of the primary instrument, a handicap of 50% of the difference between the length of study of the secondary and primary instrument will be added to the primary instrument's length of study. This length of study handicap will be added before any age handicap. There will be no handicapping between piano and keyboard. Students whose primary instrument is voice, will have no handicap when competing on a secondary instrument.
16) Any point deductions or disqualification for music by a judge must be approved by the Contest Director at that Contest.
17) For all Band and Orchestral String instrument divisions, students must perform in the instrumentation for which the piece of music is written. (E.g. If a flutist plays a piece of music that includes an accompaniment part, it must be performed with the accompaniment. If the piece is a flute duet, it can only be performed as flute duet and not as a solo.) Failure to comply will result in a "performance for comments" only.
18) Student must receive a score of 80% or above to pass a theory test. If a 91% or above is received, student must move to the next level.
19) No song can be sung in any vocal or group division that includes profanity, sexually explicit content, or obscene gestures. Violators will be immediately disqualified.
20) A page turner is allowed for all group divisions.
21) During any performance, audience members may NOT take any audio, video, or still recordings of any child other than their own, unless there is express written consent from a parent or legal guardian of the performer.
22) Audio, video, or still recordings are strictly prohibited during Evaluations. Evaluations are not performances.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SOLO EVENTS
1) All competition solos must be memorized. A penalty deduction of 10 points will be levied if the solo is not memorized.
2) Time limits will be strictly observed. Players exceeding the time limits will be stopped and/or lose points. Non-essential repeats must be eliminated. All omissions of repeat signs must be noted on the score.
3) All measures must be numbered. If measures are not numbered, students will be required to number the measures before they compete and the judge will hear the student out of order but before the end of the division.
4) Accompaniment is permitted in the Accompanied Guitar, Voice, and Band/Orchestra Instrument and Concerto Divisions only. Vocalists cannot accompany themselves in any solo or duet division except in vocal self-accompanied division. Live accompaniment should be used in other accompanied divisions. If live accompaniment is not available, a recorded accompaniment will be allowed provided the solo, vocal or lead line is not reproduced in that recording.
5) Improvisation is not allowed except in the Pop divisions and in the Drum Set divisions. Guitar is split into two Pop divisions: Hard Rock (which may use effects) and Pop Guitar (which may not). Effects may also be used in the Hard Rock Guitar LOS division. Keyboard may use appropriate effects if noted, but no multi-track sequencing is allowed in Non-Sequenced Keyboard events.
6) Guitar tablature without a notated score is allowed in all guitar divisions.
7) The student plays one song or pre-arranged medley within the time limits for each division they enter. Vocal medleys are allowable but only as a published arrangement. Medleys are allowable in all other divisions, as long as they meet time limit requirements. Allowable medleys are defined as 2 pieces of music with a written segue connecting the 2 pieces. Multiple pieces cannot be performed in a solo division without a written segue.
8) In a time conflict, group playing takes precedence over solos, but the student must inform the solo room that they will be delayed. The Judge will hold a finished Division up to 30 minutes if previously notified.
SCHEDULING CHANGE POLICY
Please note that it is the teachers' responsibility to check all entries for accuracy. Once a schedule has been released, a teacher has the opportunity to submit changes up to 72 hours before the start of the contest. No changes will take place 72 hours before the contest or at the contest. All changes must be accompanied by a $5 change fee.
SOLO DIVISIONS
TEST LIST - Accordion, Classical Guitar, Guitar, Tab Guitar, Keyboard (either Sequenced or Non-Sequenced may be used), Percussion, Snare Drum, Piano, Viola/Violin, Vocal Art Song, and Vocal Musical Theatre.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be given to each level only on each of the instruments listed above. The piece must be memorized and chosen from the Test List provided in the 2019-2020 Syllabus. Be sure to provide the Level on the accounting form. The student may enter any Level, regardless of length of study or age. If the student wins a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, they must move up to the next grade level after the next AGM National Contest held in July of each year. Students may enter only once on each instrument played. Adults may not enter this division (“adult” is defined as any person 21 years of age or older). If a student is found to be performing a piece that is not on the list for the grade level entered, they will be moved to the proper level for that piece. If that is not possible, they may play for comments only.
AGE QUALIFICATION - Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Guitar, Hard Rock Guitar, Non-Sequenced Keyboard, Sequenced Keyboard, Percussion, Drum Set, Snare Drum, Piano, Violin, Vocal Musical Theatre, and Vocal Classical.
Classified according to age as of the contest date and can only compete in their own age division. The student performs a solo of their own choice and competes against others of the same age on the same instrument. The Vocal Musical Theatre division encompasses repertoire including trunk songs and songs from musicals written for stage or screen, excluding jukebox musicals. Vocal Classical repertoire must be Classical-style. Ages may be combined depending on entries. Qualification rounds at both regional and national contests will be subdivided into smaller groups (i.e. Age 10A, 10B, 10C, etc.). The top three finishers from each sub-group will be invited into the North American Age Finals at the national contest for that year. While contestants are free to compete for awards in the Age Qualification division at both regional and national contests, contestants may qualify for the NAAF only once. Therefore, for example, if a contestant places first in an Age Qualification division at both regional and national contests in the same year, the second, third and fourth place finishers of the Age Qualification division at the national contest will qualify for the NAAF. At the national contest, a Championship award will be given in each Age division on each instrument, with a Runner-up award for each additional 5 entries.
Age Achievement Time Limits:
6 years old and under, 2 minutes
7 & 8 years old, 3 minutes 11 to 14 years old, 9 minutes
9 & 10 years old, 5 minutes 15 years old & up, 12 minutes
POP - For All Instruments (except Drum), Includes Vocal Self-Accompanied
Contestants are NOT required to provide the judge with a musical score. Based on Length of Study, Pop division allows the students to perform a solo of their own choice. Vocal Pop is grouped by age, and is also open to vocalists not taking lessons. Vocal Self-Accompanied is a Pop division only and is the only division in which a student may accompany themselves. This division emphasizes entertainment value. Any improvisation or effects may be used within time limits (See Length of Study times). Any guitar or vocal effects may be used in this division only. Guitar is split into Hard Rock (which may use effects) and Guitar Pop (which may not). Pop-style repertoire only (Jazz, Blues, Rock, Swing, Folk, or any other style from the Modern Period are all acceptable). Original, full classical solos may not be used. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies awarded.
EVALUATION - For All Instruments
The students perform a solo of their own choice, not necessarily memorized, for an evaluation in a one-on-one experience with a judge. This division is not a contest. Each student has the opportunity to receive an award based on their own personal evaluation. Award designations are: A, AA, AAA, with AAA being the highest award. A parent or guardian is encouraged to be in the room during the entire evaluation. If possible, a room monitor will also be present in all evaluation rooms. If a room monitor is not available and no parent or guardian is present, the door of the evaluation room will be kept open during the entire evaluation.
LENGTH OF STUDY - For All Instruments (except Voice)
The students play a solo of their own choice. The Length of Study must be given in months as of the contest date, including study from any and all teachers the student may have had! Time may not be deducted unless the student has had 6 consecutive months without lessons. Age must be included. After an age handicap is applied, entries will be sorted into the following categories:
LOS Category Pop Category Time Studied
Preparatory Novice 0 through 6 months of study 2 minute time limit
Cadet Elementary 7 through 12 months of study 2 minute time limit
Junior Freshmen 13 through 24 months of study 3 minute time limit
Intermediate Sophomore I 25 through 42 months of study 5 minute time limit
Senior Performer 43 through 51 months of study 5 minute time limit
Advanced Player 52 through 69 months of study 8 minute time limit
Student Artist Artist 70 through 96 months of study 10 minute time limit
Open Pro 97 months & up 12 minute time limit
Adult Student Adult Student 21 years + taking lessons 10 minute time limit
Adult Hobby Adult Hobby 21 years + not taking lessons 10 minute time limit
Adult Teacher Adult Teacher 21 years + teacher 12 minute time limit
NAIC NAIC 72 Months (or permission) 15 minute time limit
Depending upon the number of entries within each division, these may be further subdivided at the Contest Director's discretion.
1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards will be given in each division for the following instruments:
Accordion Keyboard - Non-Sequenced
Brass Instruments Keyboard - Sequenced
Accompanied Guitar - pick and finger-style Combo Drums (Drum Set)
Bass Guitar Rudimental Drums (Snare)
Classical Guitar - nylon string, Classic repertoire only Percussion
Finger-Style Guitar - steel strings only Piano
Pick-style Guitar - steel strings only Orchestral Strings
Hard Rock Bass Guitar (effects allowed) Woodwinds
Hard Rock Guitar (effects allowed) All Other Instruments (according to entries)
Band/Orchestra and Accompanied Guitar may use live or recorded accompaniments, provided the solo or lead line is not reproduced in that recording. Non-sequenced keyboard can include automatic accompaniment with chords or drum styles that are part of the keyboard. Sequenced Keyboard must have additional tracks added to the original music such as background orchestra and counter melody parts sequenced into the other parts. Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, and Strings may be further subdivided at Contest Director's discretion.
THEORY - For All Instruments, Includes Vocal
Written tests are offered to evaluate the students’ knowledge on various aspects of musical theory including rhythm, note reading, musical terms, key signatures, etc. Levels range from Preparatory through Level 10. A complete list of information contained in each level is listed in the theory section of the syllabus. This division is not a contest. Each student has the opportunity to receive a certificate based on their score. Students with a passing score of 80% or above will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Scores of 91% and above must advance to the next level at the next contest. These tests are offered at every Regional and National Contest. During the National Contest, students with passing scores will receive up to 6 points toward the All-Around. Students who have passed the level 10 theory test at nationals will be awarded up to 6 points toward the All-Around award, based on their score. At subsequent nationals, students will be allotted the same number of points when the Contest Director is informed. A student has the opportunity to retake an additional level 10 test at a future national contest to try to better their score to achieve the maximum number of points allotted toward the All-Around. The highest score (91 or above) in Level 10 will receive the Ruth Bockelman Theory Achievement Award.
NORTH AMERICAN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATIONS - Accordion, Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Guitar, Hard Rock Guitar, Non-Sequenced Keyboard, Sequenced Keyboard, Drum Set, Snare Drum, Classical Piano, Pop Piano, Violin, Vocal Musical Theatre, Vocal Classical, and Vocal Pop.
This division is open to any person who is currently studying the applied instrument or voice and has studied for a minimum of 72 months (not required for vocal students), is at least 14 years of age with a maximum age of 21 years, and performs a piece or composition equivalent to Test List Level 8 or above. Students studying less than 72 months and/or is less than 14 years of age may enter with permission by the Contest Director and Board of Directors upon approval and provided the contestant submits the manuscript with entry. The contestant must play the same piece submitted for this division at the competition. A 15 minute time limit will be strictly enforced. Scripted music must be provided for the judge (except Drum Set). Original compositions must receive prior approval from the Board of Directors in the field of expertise. Vocal Pop contestants must submit the title of their song selection at the time of entry for approval from the Board of Directors in the field of expertise. Championship, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up awards are given on each instrument at each regional qualifying round. The Champion, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up of this division automatically qualify to participate in the North American Invitational Championship held the following summer at the AGM National Convention. All students entering this division must be prepared to travel to the final round at the National Contest in July of that year. A student may qualify only once each year for the Nationals. At the Nationals, if there are less than 3 contestants in the qualifying round, those students will perform in the NAIC Finals instead of having to qualify. Championship and Runner-up awards will be given for each instrument at Nationals. All NAIC contestants must be present at the Awards Ceremony to win. In the event that the winner cannot be present, they may forfeit their trophy and/or cash award. Awards should only be received by the contestant.
NORTH AMERICAN OPEN CONCERTO CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATIONS - Three categories of instruments: Piano, Guitar, and Band/Orchestra (which is to include all other non-keyboard instruments)
5 divisions: Prep (ages 6 and Under), with an 8 minute time limit, Elementary (ages 7-9) with a 10 minute time limit, Junior (ages 10-12) with a 15 minute time limit, Senior (ages 13-15) with a 20 minute time limit and Advanced (ages 16-21) with a 25 minute time limit. An allowable concerto must include the word “concerto” in the title of the piece. First, second and third place awards will be awarded in each division. Only the solo performer will be adjudicated. The winners of the Senior and Advanced Divisions will advance to the North American Open Concerto Championship at the nationals. All NAOCC contestants must be present at the Awards Ceremony to win. In the event that the winner cannot be present, they may forfeit their trophy and/or cash award. Awards should only be received by the contestant.
DUET DIVISIONS
A duet must be two moving parts, with any combination of two instruments (except piano or organ with another instrument), regardless of age or length of study. Divisions are determined by the average handicapped LOS. An original copy of the music is required for the judge, but it need not be memorized. Duets involving piano or organ must be four hands on one instrument. Piano duets are divided into two divisions: Classical and Pop. Piano Duos include the use of 2 pianos, 4 hands. For Vocal Duets, a minimum of a lead sheet must be provided, and the performance must include harmony. Same time limits as for Solo Division (see Length of Study), including set up--play--tear down. Students may only play one piece of music for duet and duo divisions. A page turner is allowed for Duets/Duos.
GROUP DIVISIONS - Music required
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be given in each category. Divisions are based on the average LOS of the students in each group. Age and length of study will be averaged and handicapped. Music need not be memorized, but a complete orchestration is required for the judge. A short warm-up will be permitted. A director may enter an additional group in the same division, providing a 60% change of members is made for each entry and performance. Drum machines are considered to belong to the percussion family. Percussion is optional. Numbers of the group and all players in the group must be listed on the Group Enrollment Form. Also a separate list of the name of the group and the number of players in the group must be listed on the group sheet provided. Be sure all information is on the Contest Enrollment Form and Group Enrollment Form.
ENSEMBLES - 10 minute playing time limit, 3-8 players, 75% of the same instrument including bass. For Piano, there are trios (1 piano, 6 hands) and Piano Ensembles (2 pianos, 8 hands). May play one piece of music or pre-arranged medley only.
MIXED ENSEMBLE - 10 minute playing time limit, 3-8 players, less than 75% of same instruments. May play one piece of music or pre-arranged medley only.
BAND - 15 minute playing time limit, 9 or more players, 75% of same instrument including bass. May play one piece of music or pre-arranged medley only.
MIXED BAND - 15 minute playing time limit, 9 or more players, less than 75% of same instrument. May play one piece of music or pre-arranged medley only.
ENTERTAINMENT GROUP DIVISIONS - No music required
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be given in each category. Divisions are based on the average ages of the students in each group. Age and length of study will be averaged and handicapped. No music is required for this division. A director may enter an additional group in the same division, providing a 60% change is made for each entry and performance. Numbers of the group and all players in the group must be listed on the Group Enrollment Form. Also a separate list of the name of the group, and the number of players in the group must be listed on the group sheet provided. Be sure all information is on the Contest Enrollment Form and Group Enrollment Form.
POP COMBO - This division allows 3-7 players to play 1-3 songs in a 10 minute playing time limit. Each entry must have instruments from three of 4 different categories: percussion, keyboard, vocal and guitar (includes bass guitar). Any other instruments and vocals may be added. Groups in Pop Combos may not enter Battle of the Bands.
SHOWBAND & SHOWCHOIR - Any combination of instruments may be used with a minimum of 5 members in each group. A time limit of 30 minutes performance will be strictly enforced. Exceeding this limit will result in a loss of 1 point for each minute over the time limit. The bands will set up ahead of time. Judging is as follows: 50% musical value, 25% entertainment value, 25% novelty, appearance, variety, and general effect. Showchoir rules are the same as for Showband, except time limit is 15 minutes and choir may be accompanied by live or recorded accompaniment.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS - shall consist of two divisions, average age 17 and under, and 18/above, depending upon entries. Any combination of instruments may be used with a minimum of 3 members. All bands must use vocals. A time limit of 20 minutes per band will be strictly enforced. Exceeding the time limit will result in a loss of 1 point for each minute over the time limit. At least one of the band members must be a student of the teacher that is entering them. Each member must play at least one solo competition besides an evaluation solo. Judging is as follows: 75% musical value, 10% entertainment value, 15% appearance, variety, audience participation and general effect. Bands must keep in mind that this is family entertainment. No obscene language, or inappropriate material or gestures will be allowed. Inappropriate behavior or material will result in instant disqualification from the Battle of the Bands and all solo contests. Bands must provide their own instruments. AGM will provide a PA, microphones, and lighting if entries permit. Battle of the Bands will be held at each Regional contest. The National contest will have a qualifying round and a final round. First, second, and third place awards will be given in each division. The top two bands from each Battle of the Bands qualification divisions will advance to the final round of the Battle of the Bands, which will be held at the National Contest each summer, and will compete for the John Lummen Memorial Award. In the event either the first or second place winner does not attend the National Contest, the third place winner will be invited to advance to the finals. Each division will be limited to the maximum of the first six bands on a first come, first serve basis. At the Nationals, if there are less than 4 bands in the qualifying round, those bands will perform in the Battle of the Bands Finals instead of having to qualify.
Divisions Offered by Instrument at AGM Contests
A complete listing by instrument is included in the 2019-2020 syllabus.
NATIONAL CONTEST
All students must be entered by teachers who are paid-up members of the AGM, either individually or with a Studio. All Divisions previously listed are available at the National Contest with no previous qualification necessary.
NORTH AMERICAN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS - N.A.I.C.
Accordion, Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Guitar, Hard Rock Guitar, Non-Sequenced Keyboard, Sequenced Keyboard, Drum Set, Snare Drum, Classical Piano, Pop Piano, Violin, Vocal Musical Theatre, Vocal Classical, and Vocal Pop.
All those who have won Champion or Runner-up at a Regional Qualification, were the previous year's National Champion or runner-up, or who win the qualifications at the National Contest are eligible to enter. The top 2 open division winners of other organization's contests are also eligible, provided that the contestants show their competitive status from the other organization in writing. Studio and student membership fees will be waived one time for the top 2 winners of other organization's contests who are non-member entrants. A student may qualify only once each year for the Finals. A cash award, based on entries, will be given to the Champion only. The Classical Piano Champion will also receive the George and Bertha Osius Award. The Drum Set Champion and Snare Drum Champion will each receive the Donn O'Brien Memorial Award. All NAIC contestants must be present at the Awards Ceremony to win. In the event that the winner cannot be present, they may forfeit their trophy and/or cash award. Awards should only be received by the contestant. The winner of the NAIC at Nationals must perform at the Awards Banquet.
NORTH AMERICAN AGE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS - N.A.A.C.
Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Guitar, Hard Rock Guitar, Non-Sequenced Keyboard, Sequenced Keyboard, Percussion, Drum Set, Snare Drum, Piano, Violin, Vocal Musical Theatre, and Vocal Classical.
Those who have placed in the top three in an Age division sub-group at a Regional or National Contest are eligible, as well as the top 2 age winners of other organization's contests, provided that the contestants show their competitive status from the other organization in writing. Studio and student membership fees will be waived one time for the top 2 winners of other organization's contests who are non-member entrants. Age groups must contain at least three entries to receive the cash award, based on number of entries, to be given to the Champion only. In the event that the winner cannot be present, they may forfeit their trophy and/or cash award. Awards should only be received by the contestant.
NORTH AMERICAN OPEN CONCERTO CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS - N.A.O.C.C.
Three categories of instruments: Piano, Guitar, and Band/Orchestra (which is to include all other non-keyboard instruments)
All those who have won Senior or Advanced Divisions at a Regional Qualification, were the previous year's National Champion or Runner-up, or who win the qualifications at the National Contest are eligible to enter. A student may qualify only once each year for the NAOCC. Championship and Runner-up will be awarded in each. The Piano Champion will receive the Glenn LeClair Memorial Award. The Band/Orchestra Champion will receive the Walter Truszkowski Memorial Award. All NAOCC contestants must be present at the Awards Ceremony to win. In the event that the winner cannot be present, they may forfeit their trophy and/or cash award. Awards should only be received by the contestant. The winner of the NAOCC at Nationals must perform at the Awards Banquet. Concerto accompanists must also be present at the Awards Ceremony so that the winner can perform.
ALL AROUND CONTEST
The all-around awards are exclusive to the American Guild of Music's National Convention & Contest. Everyone who participates in the National Contest is automatically entered into the All-Around Student Competition. A cash award and a trophy will be given to the student scoring the highest cumulative points on each instrument where there is a minimum of 20 students or 10% of the total number of students in the contest entering in solo divisions.
Points are given for all Solo entries except for NAIC and NAOCC qualifications and finals and Age finals. Up to 2 duet and/or duo entries and up to 2 ensemble (includes Piano Quartet and Trio) and/or group entries also count toward all-around competition. Battle of the Bands, Show Band, Show Choir, and Pop Combo entries count as a group entry. If a student enters more than the prescribed number of events in a category, the two highest scores will be taken toward all around points. Additional points are given for participating in the Convention Orchestra and/or Convention Choir, Cadet Teachers Clinic (or student essay, not both), sight-reading test, and theory test. The more categories and activities that are entered, the better chance of winning. See Syllabus for point table.
In the event of a tie for an All-Around award, the student earning the most 1st places in solo competitive events shall be declared the winner. If a further tie-breaker is required, the most 2nds, then 3rds, then the highest score of the student's highest theory test level taken at the current contest. If all are the same, then a tie will be declared.
CONVENTION ORCHESTRA & CHOIR
These are popular and fun activities for all students that take place during the American Guild of Music's National Convention & Contest. Students rehearse nightly and perform at the awards presentations or banquet. The Convention Choir is open to all students. The Convention Orchestra is open to students playing portable instruments at Intermediate level and higher. Teachers may enter and are encouraged to enter these two events.
CADET TEACHER CLINIC
A four-year course designed to teach students, age 14 and above, the fundamentals of becoming a music teacher. Students discuss different situations that may arise in everyday teaching. It prepares the student emotionally and socially to handle a very demanding profession. The student with the highest score above 91% in the Graduate division will win the Myrtle Robertson Memorial Award.
SIGHT READING TEST
This is designed to evaluate the students’ sight reading ability. An original, written example is given for the student to perform without rehearsal. The student may enter any level based on ability, as determined by their teacher, regardless of age or length of study. A complete list of information contained in each level is listed in the sight reading section of the Syllabus. Students with a passing score of 80% or above will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Scores of 91% and above must advance to the next level at the next contest. Students with passing scores will receive up to 6 points toward the All-Around.
STUDENT ESSAYS
Students ages 13 and younger that are unable join the Cadet Teacher Course may write a 100-word essay to obtain All-Around points. The topic should be "What the AGM Means to Me". If a student has graduated from the Cadet Teacher Course, that student may write a 1000-word essay entitled "What Teaching Means to Me" to obtain All-Around points. All students, regardless of age, are encouraged to write a 25-word essay titled "What Music Means to Me" This essay does not receive All-Around points; the best essay will receive the Elmer Herrick Award.
NATIONAL CONTEST SPECIAL AWARDS
ELMER HERRICK MEMORIAL AWARD Presented to an author of an essay titled "What Music Means to Me." This essay should be at least 25 words in length. This award will be presented at the Award Ceremony to winning essay.
RUTH PIKSA - JOYCE LUCIDO MEMORIAL AWARD An award established in the memory of late Past Presidents Ruth Piksa and Joyce Lucido. A trophy will go to the most versatile student on a fretted instrument, based on chosen divisions that the student enters.
MARK PEEL MEMORIAL AWARD All plectrum guitar students are eligible for this award, regardless of length of study. The recipient of the memorial plaque is selected by results of chosen events that the student enters.
MYRTLE ROBERTSON MEMORIAL AWARD This award is given to the student with the highest score in the 4th year Graduate Division of the Cadet Teacher Course. This division must have a minimum of 3 participants. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
GEORGE AND BERTHA OSIUS AWARD This award is given to the Piano North American Invitational Champion for use toward accomplishing the goals of the American Guild of Music and the advancement of musical talent throughout North America. This division must have a minimum of 3 contestants. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
RUTH BOCKELMAN THEORY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award will be given to the student who receives the highest score in the level 10 theory test. In event of a tie, the tied contestants will be asked a tie breaker question. This division must have a minimum of 3 contestants. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
DONN O’BRIEN MEMORIAL AWARD This award will be given to both NAIC Drum Set and NAIC Snare Champions. This division must have a minimum of 3 contestants. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
WALTER TRUSKOWSKI MEMORIAL AWARD This award will be given to the student that wins the North American Open Concerto Championship in the Orchestral /Band Division. This division must have a minimum of 3 contestants. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
GLENN LeCLAIR MEMORIAL AWARD This award will be given to the student that wins the North American Open Concerto Championship in the Piano Division. This division must have a minimum of 3 contestants. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
JOHN LUMMEN MEMORIAL AWARD This award will be given to the winner of the Senior Battle of Bands at the National contest. This division must have a minimum of 4 bands. A minimum of score of 91% is required.
TERRY BREESE MEMORIAL AWARD This award will be given to the contestant accumulating the most points in the following categories: at least (2) Rudimental snare events, at least (1) Drum set event, at least (2) Percussion events, and at least (1) Sight-reading event.
AWARDS
All evaluation awards will be given out at time that solo is performed. All other awards will be given at a ceremony at the conclusion of the contest. At the National Contest, the awards presentation is in the form of a sit down banquet on the final day and a theater style presentation on the second from last day of the contest. All Students must follow the dress code and wear identification badges at all times. Students should plan to attend the Award Ceremonies to receive their awards. A representative may be sent as a stand-in but they must be dressed appropriately and have the student's badge. Teacher/studio owners may pick up awards for any of their students. Score sheets are placed into a Teacher’s Packet along with those belonging to other students from the same studio. This Teacher’s Packet will be available at the end of the Grand Award Ceremony held on the last day of the contest. This can be picked up only by the teacher or studio owner. An exception may be made if only one student is attending from the studio. In that case, the student may show their badge to receive the packet. Any trophies not picked up will not be available until the end of the Grand Award Ceremony held on the last day of the contest. Trophies left behind can be obtained by sending a check to cover shipping charges, plus a Special Handling fee of $20 per trophy. Checks should be made payable to “American Guild of Music” and sent to P.O. Box 599, Warren, MI 48090. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to verify the exact amount due.
Rules revised August 2019 (bold, italicized print identifies new rule changes).