SOCAR ELECTRIC GUITAR

COMPETITION
Since 1967, the worlds greatest guitarists have graced the stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival. Their
biographies tell tumultuous tales of hard work and artistic endeavor, but also of solidarity with fellow
artists and magical opportunities.
In 2004, the desire to provide one such opportunity led Claude Nobs, founder and director of the Festival, to create an international electric guitar competition for professional guitarists. His aim was not only
to lend a helping hand to young guitar players struggling for cognition, but also to enable them to meet
guitarists of the same age and level from other countries. The guitar competition is open to musicians
under the age of 30.
The organizers receive entries from over forty different countries. In the spring, around ten to fifteen guitarists are selected to take part in the semi-finals and final at the Montreux Jazz Festival, in front of a jury
of professionals and a discerning international audience. Musicians, record company representatives
and producers seeking new talents, take their seats among the general public. During the Festival, the
competing guitarists are encouraged to exchange their experiences and forge friendships and are given
plenty of opportunities to attend concerts and workshops together in Montreux.
Only four prizes are awarded each year. But the organizers believe that all the participants leave Montreux with the conviction that they have taken their career one step further through this culturally enriching musical experience.

STAGES OF THE COMPETITION

Applications
To be returned by March 1st 2014 (postmark date) with the requested items.
First Selection
Jury members will examine entries that include a CD with the Artists performance (a total of 10 minutes
max.). Both candidates selected for the semifinals and non selected- will be notified approximately
by May 1st 2014 by email . The selected Artists will be invited to perform in Montreux in July 2014 (the
exact dates of the competition, as well as the names of the jury members, are still to be determined).
The Artists have to confirm their participation in writing to the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Semi-finals (maximum 15 competitors)
The candidates qualified for the semi-finals will be invited to perform in Montreux in July 2014 (dates
of competition are yet to be determined). The candidates will have to perform the requested pieces
(length of the performance 10 min. maximum) in front of a jury. The non respect of the timing will be
penalized by the jury.
Final (maximum 4 competitors)
The final will be held shortly after the semi-finals. The participating guitarists will have to perform in
front of the jury. The length of the performace will be determined after the jurys selection at the semifinals depending on the candidates at the final (15 minutes max.) The non respect of the timing will be
penalized by the jury.
The final will take place at the Montreux Palace-Petit Thtre
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place straight after the final at Petit Thtre- Montreux Palace.

Name (artist):
Signature:

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PRIZES
The first prize winner of the Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition receives
CHF 5000.
Swiss francs, a certificate and recording session at the Balik Farm Studio, located in the breathtaking
scenery of Switzerlands Toggenburg region (The Balik Farm Studio prize consists in 4 complete days
in a professional studio recording, accommodation and a professional sound engineer for the recording
of the cd. The Balik Farm Studio prize is non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or credit, in
whole or in part. Travel expenses are to be covered entirely by the winner.)
The second prize winner receives CHF 3000. Swiss francs and a certificate.
The third prize winner receives CHF 2000. Swiss francs and a certificate.
The Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition attracts an audience of connoisseurs who award
their own prize. The winner of the Public Prize receives an anthology cd box and a certificate.

GUITAR COMPETITION WINNERS

2013
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004

Leandro Pellegrino (Brazil) www.facebook.com/leandro.pelle

Roland Balogh (Hungary)
Jeff Miles (USA) www.myspace.com/jeffmilesmusic
Frederico Casagrande (Italy) www.federicocasagrande.com
Jacob Hertzog (USA) www.jakehertzog.com
Gilad Hekselman (Israel) www.giladhekselman.com
Antal Pusztai (Hungary) www.pusztai.uw.hu

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
The Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition is open to guitarists of all nationalities born after
January 1st, 1984. Previous first prize winners of the competition are not eligible to compete. Finalists
and semifinalists of Montreuxs previous competitions may not compete more than three times.
For the selection (demo CD), the candidate will be able to choose the instrument(s) that accompany
him/her. For the semi-finals and final, the candidate must present the musical pieces either as a solo
electric guitar performance or with an electric guitar accompanied by a rhythm section (bass and drum,
provided by the Montreux Jazz Festival).
For the semi-finals and final, the score should be sent in advance so it can be given to the backing
band. The Festival will also provide the candidates Fender amplifier.
The following criteria are among those that will be taken into consideration: Originality, personal language and musicality, sound, phrasing, interplay with the band and mastery of the instrument.

Jury
The competition is placed under the patronage of Quincy Jones, extraordinary ambassador to the
Montreux Jazz Festival, with the collaboration of guitarists and musicians from the international jazz
scene. The jury has been presided by:
2013 Lee Ritenour
2008 & 2009
Lee Ritenour
2007
George Benson
2006
Terry Callier
2005
Al di Meola
2004 Cornell Dupree
Name (artist):
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Travel and accommodation

Travel and accommodation expenses are to be covered entirely by the candidates. However, the Montreux Jazz Festival office can help by providing addresses of hotels and youth hostels in the area and
by sending seminalists an invitation that can be used to seek funding from cultural institutions in their
native countries.

Legal notice
The jurys assessment will take place in private in accordance with the assessment criteria presented
(see above). The participant accepts that the jurys decisions are nal and that no appeal is possible.
The Montreux Jazz Festival Foundation will not be held responsible if, in case of necessity, the present
competition is modied, postponed or cancelled. Any dispute relating to the interpretation, execution
or non-execution of the present regulations will be subject to Swiss law.

Recordings
The Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux or its successor has the right to record the sound (the
Audio Recording) and visuals (the Video Recording) of all singers performances during the competition and any other venues concerning the Montreux Jazz Festival now and in the future and to exploit
the same, without payment of any compensation to the singer, for all forms of worldwide television
and radio (including for news and information purposes), Internet streaming (including free on-demand
streaming) and on any kind of commercial audio device or commercial audiovisual device (including
download) now known or hereafter developed.
The Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux or its successor has the right to use singers name and
likeness as well as the right to use the Audio Recording and the Video Recording for the promotion
of the Montreux Jazz Festival. If the Singer grants an interview recorded or filmed by or on behalf of
Montreux Jazz Festival, such interview may be utilized by the Montreux Jazz Festival or its successor
in connection with the rights granted above.

For any questions, information and contact

at the Montreux Jazz Festival
Victoria Leon
v.leon@mjf.ch

ADDRESS TO SEND THE APPLICATION

Montreux Jazz Festival
2m2c
Montreux Competitions-Guitar
Av. Claude Nobs 5
1820 Montreux
Switzerland

Name (artist):
Signature:

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To be returned by March 1st 2014 (postmark date)

With the requested items. The competition is open to guitarists of all nationalities born after January
1st, 1984 (under the age of 30).
Items to be sent with the entry
1. a demo CD in mp3 format: the recording must include three pieces of music. The total length of the
recording should not exceed 10 minutes and must include:
-one standard: you have to choose between one of this 12 pieces:
Solar
Blame it on my youth
Blackbird
River man
My favorite things
Afro blue
My one and only love
Naima
Impressions
Aqua De Beber
Corcovado
Waltz for Debby

Entrants should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it.
- one blues (12 bars)
- a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)
2. Two ID or professional photos (max size 11*15cm) with the name of the entrant written on the
back.
3. A photocopy of the entrants Identity Card, Passport or Driver License (the birth date has to
appear on the copy)
4. A curriculum vit.
5. Other relevant documents (diplomas, press) if any.

If you are selected for the semifinals, you will be asked

to play:
- one of the standards excluding the one played for the demo CD (Entrants should perform their own
interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it).
- a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)

If you are selected for the final, you will be asked to

play:

- one of the ten standards excluding the one played for the demo CD and excluding the one you played
for the semifinals (Entrants should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving and
developing it).
- a 12 bar Blues
- a personal composition or a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)

ADDRESS TO SEND THE APPLICATION

Montreux Jazz Festival
2m2c
Montreux Competitions-Guitar
Av. Claude Nobs 5 / 1820 Montreux / Switzerland

Name (artist):
Signature:

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By signing this Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition 2014 entry form, the artist confirms
to have read, understood and accepted the rules and regulations of the competition and to comply
with them. By signing this Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition 2014 entry form, the artist
confirms the accuracy of the documents and information sent.
Please, complete this document in CAPITAL LETTERS.
Surname/Family Name

First Name

__________________________________________ __________________________________________
Street/Number
________________________________________________________________________________________

ZIP/Town

Country

__________________________________________ __________________________________________
E-mail
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone

Mobile Phone

__________________________________________ __________________________________________
Nationality

Date of birth (day/month/year)

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

How have you heard about that competition?
(Name of school, club, etc)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The organisers reserve the right to refuse incomplete applications.
PLEASE SIGN ALL THE PAGES OF THIS FORM (from 1 to 5).
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE SENT BACK. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL.
NO FEE IS ASKED TO ENTER THE SELECTIONS OR THE COMPETITION.
THE JURY WILL NOT GIVE ANY FEEDBACK ABOUT THE DECISIONS.

Date:___________________________________

Read and agreed:___________________________

Name (artist):
Signature:

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PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION
To fill in ONLY if under 18 years old
I certify, as a parent or guardian, I give permission for:
(Childs name): _____________________________________________________________________
to participate in the Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition according to the terms signed in
the application form/subscription to the competition, on July 2014.

Relation to participant: ______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________________________________________________________

Please enclose a copy of the Parent/Guardian identity card or passport.

Place and date: ____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: ___________________________________________________________

Name (artist):
Signature:

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