How a Fiddle Contest is Run and What to Expect

So, now, you've learned at least three or four tunes and are ready to take on the fiddle contest world. The first thing to do is to find out information about the specific contest that you are going to enter. Read the rules and see how many tunes will be required and when the draw for order will take place. It is also imperative to know if pre-registration is required.

If you don't have a backup guitar player make sure that you get there early. Many contests have several guitar players available that can accompany you. You need to come prepared knowing your chord changes and with plenty of time to find a guitar player and rehearse before the contest begins. Once the contest starts, the guitar players may be busy on stage and not have the time to work with you. You might even be lucky enough to have two guitar players to back you up.

Most fiddle contests go in order of age division with the children's divisions going first and then working towards the senior division. Some contests will have both an adult, usually ages 20 - 60, and an open division in which anyone can compete. If you are new to the fiddle world, the open division is usually reserved for the experienced fiddlers who play on an extremely high level. Some contests have trick fiddling and a fancy (show tune) division in addition to twin fiddling. These are the divisions that very experienced fiddle players enter.

While you are waiting for your turn to compete, it is a good idea to be supportive of all the contestants who are playing before you, especially the children. It is difficult to get up on stage and perform for an audience and judges.

When it is approaching your turn, make sure that you are close by and know where your guitar player is. If you are late to take the stage you might be disqualified. Once you are on stage, take a deep breath, relax and play your best. Remember that the audience is there for you and they want you to do well.

After all of the competitors are done playing there might be some time while the judges deliberate. This is a good time to meet other fiddlers and complement them on their performances. In some contests all contestants will be asked to come up on stage and jam until the judges have reached their decisions. Usually the on stage jam session will only consist of the most well known fiddle tunes.

Once the prizes are announced and awarded remember to show support for the winners as well as those who did not place. On any given day it is impossible to predict how the judges will make their decisions. Just keep fiddling and have fun!