Before you apply

Video entry guide.

Please read this guide before you begin your application. It explains what to record, how to record it, and the two ways you can send it to us — upload a file, or paste a YouTube/Vimeo link — so you don't have to stop halfway through the form.

Before you start the form

✓ Record your two contrasting pieces (max 3 minutes total).
✓ Save the video file to the device you'll use for the form.
✓ Check the file is under 500 MB.
✓ If you're under 18, have a parent or guardian's contact details ready.

What to perform

Perform two contrasting pieces of your own choice, lasting not more than 3 minutes overall. Choose repertoire that shows your range and musical personality.

Recording your video

Don't worry about Hollywood-level production. We know you're recording this yourself with the equipment you have to hand — a smartphone is absolutely fine. The points below will help your recording show off your musical ability clearly.

Lighting. Record in a well-lit area where possible. Natural light usually works best.
Sound. Find a space that doesn't echo too much. Singers — do a sound check and make sure any backing track isn't louder than your voice. Ask someone to press play on a separate device if it helps.
Introduce yourself. At the start of the recording, state your name and the piece you'll be performing.
Camera setup. Set your phone (or other device) to landscape. Rest it on something steady — a table, tall stool, or tripod — or ask someone to hold it for you.
Movement is fine. You don't need to stay perfectly framed for the whole performance — move naturally within the space.
Where to look. Look just off camera — not directly into the lens, and not straight on.
Relax. Let your personality come through. At this stage the adjudicators are looking for potential and the possibility of selection for the live performance.

Sending us your video

There are two ways to send us your video, and both are equally welcome. Choose whichever suits you — you only need one. Either way, only the organisers and adjudicators will watch it; nothing is made public.

Option 1 — Upload a file

Upload your video straight in the application form. No account needed — just pick the file and it uploads directly to us.

Fill in the application form up to the Video section.
Choose your video file from your phone or computer.
Wait for the progress bar to reach 100% — keep the page open while it uploads.
Play it back to check the sound and picture, then submit.

File types. MP4, MOV, M4V or WebM. Videos recorded on a phone are normally MP4 or MOV already.
File size. Up to 500 MB. A 3-minute phone recording is usually well under this. If yours is bigger, record at a lower resolution (1080p is plenty) or export a smaller version.
Connection. Upload over Wi-Fi if you can — it's faster and won't use your mobile data.

Option 2 — Paste a YouTube or Vimeo link

If you've already uploaded your video to YouTube or Vimeo, just paste the link in the form instead. There's no need to upload the file again.

Visibility. Make sure anyone with the link can watch it — it must not be Private or password-protected.
Unlisted is fine. Unlisted videos won't appear in search, but anyone with the link can still view them.
Public is fine too. If your video is already public, that works as well.
Either YouTube or Vimeo. Both are supported — paste whichever one you use.

You only need one. Use Option 1 or Option 2 — whichever is easier for you. Both are treated the same by the adjudicators.

Need help?

If you have any difficulty recording or uploading your video, please get in touch via the contact page and we'll do our best to help. We aim to respond within two days of receiving your application.

Ready when you are. The form takes around 10 minutes to complete.

Start your application