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The Picker's Circuit 2027 National Championship

Official Rules and Regulations

The Picker’s Circuit 2027 National Championship is the premier acoustic competition series in the United States. Produced by Nashville Production Studios (NPS) in partnership with the American Musical Arts Group (AMAG), this circuit identifies the finest instrumentalists in the nation through a series of sanctioned regional qualifiers, leading to the crowning of the National Champion in Murfreesboro, TN.

 

Website: PickersCircuit.com     Official Inquiries: PickersCircuit@gmail.com


 

1. Eligibility & Registration

  • Age Requirements: All competitors must be 18 years of age or older by the date of their Regional/State Competition. Competitors under 18 may participate only if accompanied by a legal guardian throughout the event. Legal Guardian must maintain underage competitor at all times.

  • Application Process: All entries must be submitted via the official website.

  • Submission Requirements:

    • A high-quality photograph of the individual or band.

    • A video link (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) showcasing a live performance of the competing act.

  • Entry Fee: A non-refundable fee of $25 is required per application.

 

2. Instrumentation & Accompaniment

This contest focuses on "picking" and acoustic strings. The following instruments are permitted:

  • Solo/Ensemble Strings: Violin, Fiddle, Upright Bass, Acoustic Guitar, and Banjo.

  • Percussion Policy: Bands are permitted a single drum (e.g., a snare, cajon, or frame drum) for rhythmic accompaniment. Full drum kits are strictly prohibited.

  • Vocals: Singing is permitted but not required. Performances will be judged primarily on instrumental proficiency.

 

3. Competition Structure

  • Regional Qualifiers: Competitions will be held at participating sanctioned festivals across the United States.

  • The Finals: The first-place winner (Individual or Band) from each state-level host festival will receive an invitation to the National Finals in Murfreesboro, TN.

  • Performance Limits: Each act is allotted a maximum of 8 minutes on stage to perform. ALL contestants MUST perform the Baseline Song (Music, Lyrics, and an Audio is provided  CLICK HERE). Judges will decide if you will perform another song OR give you a "pass" and a score based on the baseline song. IF you are given a "Pass" and score, please exit the stage. OR Please have a medley or song prepared for the remaining amount of time.

 

4. Scoring Criteria

Judges will receive the same scorecards to score competitors based on a 100-point scale:

  • Technical Ability (40 pts): Proficiency, speed, and accuracy.

  • Tone & Intonation (25 pts): Clarity and tuning.

  • Stage Presence (20 pts): Engagement and professionalism.

  • Originality (15 pts): Unique arrangements and flair.

 

5. Prize Pool & Proceeds

All application fees collected nationwide will be pooled into the "National Finalists' Prize Purse" and  This purse will be divided exclusively among the top three overall winners at the Murfreesboro National Finals:

  1. Grand Champion: 60% of total purse.

  2. Second Place: 25% of total purse.

  3. Third Place: 15% of total purse.

 

6. General Conduct

  • All instruments must be acoustic; internal pickups for sound reinforcement are allowed, but no synthesized effects or electric guitars.

  • The National Committee reserves the right to disqualify any participant for unsportsmanlike conduct or failure to adhere to local festival safety guidelines.

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