MLAG Autoharp Championship Rules

The Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering Autoharp Contest is open to anyone except (1) those who are performing as a billed or paid entertainer at the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering in the year that they wish to compete and (2) those who are members of the MLAG Board of Directors. Previous winners may enter the contest. We will accept only forty contestants. These will be the first forty contestants registered. Registration will close after this number is reached. Contestants must also have a ticket for the Gathering to be eligible to compete.

Contestants must play only acoustic instruments. No electrical instruments are allowed. Contestants may have one rhythm instrument for accompaniment. It is MLAG policy that billed or paid performers may not accompany contestants.

All contestants will be prepared to play four instrumental numbers. No vocals will be allowed. No medleys are allowed. Two numbers will be played in the first round of competition and the other two in the final round should the contestant be selected as a finalist. Contestants may have one rhythm instrument for accompaniment but not another autoharp. Special tunings will be allowed (i.e. the diatonic just tuning, etc.; however; the contestant will not be allowed to take more than one instrument on stage. Use of fingerpicks, flatpicks or bare fingers are all acceptable. Lap-style or Appalachian style playing is acceptable. However a player is not limited to only these techniques. All brands of chorded zithers will be allowed, including custom- made ‘harps. Any custom-made ‘harp must be within the size of the standard (no more or no less than 36-37 strings) model acoustic autoharp. Contestants must be registered before 6:30 p.m. on the date of the contest (Friday of the Gathering) at the contest registration stage and be present at the contest stage at 7:00 pm to draw for order of appearance and to receive final instructions. Winners will be announced and will receive their awards immediately after the contest.

Prizes: We are proud to present three fine handmade autoharps.These instruments will be on display one half hour before the event in front of the stage. Also the winners will be presented with trophies and checks. The champion will be invited back next year to the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering as an opening performer.

Judging: Judging is based upon the Winfield Rules. The following criteria will be considered by the judges and assigned point value in each area.

Arrangement – contestant’s version of the tune selected. Difficulty and originality will be considered (40 points)
Execution, Tuning – fingering, picking, and dynamics will be considered. Is the instrument in tune? (40 points)
Show Value – the music should be played with life and feeling. It should not appear listless nor should it drag (10 points)
Overall Impression - 10 points

Rules for the MLAG Autoharp Championship