Fiddler Contest Rules

Contestants will draw for order of appearance prior to the contest. Contestants must be present and ready to play when their number is called or they will be disqualified.

No electrical or amplified instruments allowed.

Each contestant will play a waltz, a schottische, a jig and a reel in that order.

Tunes that do not meet the definitions below or tunes played out of order will be penalized.

Trick fiddling, cross-tuning, show tunes and novelty tunes such as “Listen to the Mockingbird”, “Orange Blossom Special” and “Black Mountain Rag” are not allowed. Styles of playing other than Michigan old-time fiddling are not acceptable, although the judges may take into account variations in Michigan old-time fiddling.

Each contestant may use one accompanist playing in chord-style rhythm. Contestants may play without accompaniment if they choose. Scores will not be based on the presence or absence of an accompanist.

Contestants and accompanists must play from memory. Sheet music is not allowed on stage.

In the event of an accident beyond the player’s control (such as a broken string), at the judges’ discretion, a replay may be allowed from the point of the incident.

There will be a six- minute time limit. No scoring will take place after the six-minute mark. Contestants may use less playing time if desired.

In the event of a tie, a one-tune playoff will decide the winner. Any tune a contestant has played in a qualifying round or playoff may not be repeated in any subsequent rounds or playoffs.

Any person placing first a total of three times will no longer be eligible to compete.

Contestants will only be identified by number. Contestants are not allowed to speak on stage.

All decisions of the judges are final.