San Francisco, CA
Klein competition: how to prepare
Irving M. Klein International String Competition screens applicants before any live round. Yes, by recording (audio). The preliminary round is a submitted recording of around 30 minutes; semifinals and finals are live in San Francisco. The fastest way to get your take to standard is to fix the passage holding it back, on the same five dimensions a panel listens for, before you ever hit submit.
Eligibility, repertoire, and dates change every cycle. Always confirm the current, official rules before you prepare: Klein official site
Frequently asked
Does the Klein competition use a recorded or video round?
Yes, by recording (audio). The preliminary round is a submitted recording of around 30 minutes; semifinals and finals are live in San Francisco.
Who can enter the Klein competition?
Violin, viola, cello, and double bass players ages 15 to 23. Eligibility can change each cycle, so confirm on the official site.
What repertoire does Klein require?
Typically around 30 minutes including solo Bach, a concerto movement, and a 20th or 21st-century work. The exact requirements vary by cycle. Always confirm the exact, current requirements on the official page.
How can I practice my Klein prescreen recording?
Practice it with the teacher first, free, no signup. Talk through your Klein excerpt, get the one specific fix that is actually costing you points, then run it again before the real thing.
One passage standing between you and the Klein deadline?
Tell the teacher which passage it is and what goes wrong in it. Real fix in 30 seconds. Free to try, no card.
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