Competitors will be evaluated on their technique, musicianship, and overall presentation. Judges’ comments will not be made available to competitors. Competitors are encouraged to inquire for comments from the judges directly only after the competition has ended.
Choice of music is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. All music must be performed from memory. A competitor may perform the same or different music from round to round without penalty. It is expected that every competitor’s choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his/her evaluation. All judges’ decisions are final.

All master classes and competition events are free and open to the public. Due to limited space, not every student will have the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with the guest artists. Performing students will be chosen by random drawing.
Additional tickets for the evening concerts can be purchased below.

Per U.S. IRS regulations, prizes awarded to non-U.S. citizens may be subject to tax withholding, dependent upon current tax treaty between the U.S. and the winner’s country of citizenship. U.S. citizens who are awarded prizes will not have tax withheld, and will receive an IRS Form 1099 from the Florida Guitar Foundation at the end of the year if the total of earnings are $600 or more.