Judging Criteria for all categories is listed below.

There will be a total of 100 points awarded per tune per judge.  These points are divided into 5 scoring categories.  After the scores are tabulated, the high and low scores with be discarded and the other three will be added together to arrive at the contestant’s scores.

Grand Master Open Fiddler Championship

Scores from the Preliminary round will not carry over to the Finals. The middle three scores from the Finals round WILL be added to the middle three scores in the Championship round to arrive at the contestant’s total score. In the event of a tie, the dropped scores from the round will be added back in to break the tie. 

Grand Master Traditional Fiddler Championship

The middle three scores from the Preliminary round WILL be added to the middle three scores in the Finals round to arrive at the contestant’s total score. In the event of a tie, the dropped scores from the round will be added back in to break the tie.  Any recognized “contest” style performance in this division will result in disqualification and is solely at the judges’ discretion.

Grand Master Youth Fiddler Championship

The middle three scores from the Preliminary round WILL be added to the middle three scores in the Finals round to arrive at the contestant’s total score. In the event of a tie, the dropped scores from the round will be added back in to break the tie.

Grand Master Fiddler Accompanist Championship

There will be one round of competition.  In the event of a tie, the dropped scores from the round will be added back in to break the tie.

SCORING CATEGORIES

1. Rhythm and Timing - 15 points - The judges will listen for even, consistent rhythm. Rushing, dragging, or unevenness in performance will result in lost points in this category.  

2. Creativity - 15 points - The judges will listen for variations, improvisations and "good licks". Repetitious performance (i.e., using the same "licks" over and over in the same tune) will result in lost points. 

3. Authenticity and Taste - 30 points - The judges will listen for selection of authentic performance styles in each category. Indiscriminate use of variations that make the base tune unclear (for example, use of "hokum" bowing or "double shuffle" where not a part of the traditional tune), and inappropriate modern licks will result in lost points.  Recognized fiddle styles should be adhered to and use of classical, jazz or other non-traditional improvisation will result in lost points.   Remember - this is a FIDDLE contest, not a violin recital - fiddling ability as opposed to technical perfection is encouraged.

4. Expression - 20 points - The judges will listen for the feeling that the contestants put into their performance. Flat, mechanical, unfeeling performances will result in lost points, as will excessive "showmanship". 

5. Execution - 20 points - The judges will listen for tone quality, clarity, and general command of the instrument(s). Bad tone and muffled notes will result in lost points.

Last revised: July 30, 2022