Competition Registration Opens January 15, 2016 and Closes May 15, 2016. Winners Announced June 1, 2016.

Welcome to the 2016 Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Rhythm Competition!

Competition is open to “Non-Professional Musicians” (see Rules for details & definition of “non-professional”).

Here’s how to sign up:

• Go to the Competition Sign Up section to fill out our online application and submit your application fee.
• There are 3 OPTIONS FOR RHYTHM SECTION: 1) SOLO (Individual) $25 2) DUET (keyboards & bass; drums & bass, or any combination) $50 3) TRIO (keyboards, bass & drums) $75
  PLEASE NOTE: If you are part of a duo or trio, there is only one sign-in (you) and the other member’s information will be requested upon your video upload submission stage.
• Prepare 2 videos (5 min maximum per video, no camera stops) and upload them to YouTube unless you already have them uploaded. Before you register on this site, you should have your 2 videos uploaded and have the URL links. During the registration process, you will provide the YouTube links.
• Backing Tracks – both guitar and rhythm applicants may use backing tracks. Preferably they would be original backing tracks (or by musicians associated with the applicant) to demonstrate originality and style. But technically an applicant may use backing tracks that aren’t original.
• It is recommended, however not required, that one of the two videos submitted be performing live with other musicians. It doesn’t have to be a public event. It gives the judges an idea on how you play with other musicians.
• An applicant may register in both the guitar competition and rhythm competition but each would need a separate registration. Guitar applicants may also register in more than one guitar genre but would require separate registration as well.
• If you’ve registered for the competition in a previous year (or even won as a finalist), you may register again. Former grand prize winners may not re-apply.
• Our panel of online judges will evaluate all the videos and announce the 3 winners no later than June 1, 2016.

Rhythm Section Grand Prizes for Keyboardist, Bassist, Drummer

1. Yamaha Instrument: (or comparable models depending on inventory)
   • Keyboard Winner- Yamaha Keyboard PSRS970
   • Bassist Winner- Yamaha Electric Bass  TRBX504
   • Drummer Winner- Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5 piece drum kit
2. Berklee College of Music Scholarships- The 3 rhythm grand prize winners may be selected by Berklee College of Music to apply for the scholarships. All must meet Berklee eligibility requirements (see Rules & Regulations for details).
3. Recording a track on Lee Ritenour’s forthcoming album to be recorded in 2016/2017. Travel, lodging and stipend are included in the prize. The recording will take place at the incredible Woodshed Recording Studio in Malibu, California. One of the most beautiful and unique studios in Southern California, complete with state of the art equipment and the most scenically stunning of environment where the likes of Sting, U2, Peter Gabriel, Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Kanye West, Sam Elliott and Coldplay have recorded there.
4. The opportunity to perform for one night with Lee Ritenour and up-and-coming All-Star musicians from Japan at the legendary Blue Note Tokyo! This performance would take place sometime in Autumn 2016. This prize package includes international travel, domestic transportation, work visas and Hotel accommodations for three nights. Further details TBD.
5. Live Performance as one of the Rhythm Sections at the 2016 Crown Guitar Workshop & Festival. Prize includes Workshop, Festival performance, Domestic Travel (within the USA), Ground Transportation, Accommodations, Meals, and a Performance fee will be provided. Dates are August 28-September 4, 2016. This is a prize for one each of the top 6 semi-finalists in the piano, bass and drum categories to be selected by Lee Ritenour and Crown Guitar Festival & Workshop. For more details see: www.crownguitarfest.org
6. Professional Mentoring Sessions with Lee Ritenour
7. Monster headphones
8. Opportunity for a potential recording contract with Concord Records for 4 SST Grand Prize Winners, if mutually agreed upon by winner and Concord.
9. Bass Guitar Winner-  Xotic Effects Pedal  Bass RC Booster

The Rhythm Competition is open Jan. 15 and closes May 15, 2016. Winners announced June 1, 2016.

• $25 application fee required for solo entries, $50 for duos and $75 for trios.

Click here, for official rules.

Click here for comprehensive Prize information.

• Yamaha Instrument: *or comparable models depending on inventory
  Keyboard Winner- Yamaha Motif Keyboard MOX8
  Bassist Winner- Yamaha Electric Bass BB1024X or BB1025X
  Drummer Winner- Yamaha "Rock Tour" Drum Kit w/Hardware
• Berklee College of Music Scholarships- The 3 rhythm grand prize winners may be selected by Berklee College of Music to apply for the scholarships. All must meet Berklee eligibility requirements (see Rules & Regulations for details).
• Recording a track on Lee Ritenour’s forthcoming album to be recorded in Los Angeles 2016/2017. Travel, lodging and stipend are included in prize.
• Professional Performance Opportunities at various esteemed festivals and concerts with Lee Ritenour TBD.
• Professional Mentoring Sessions with Lee Ritenour
• Monster headphones
• Live Performance as one of the Rhythm Sections at the 2016 Crown Guitar Workshop & Festival. Prize includes Workshop, Festival performance, Domestic Travel (within the USA), Ground Transportation, Accommodations, Meals, and a Performance fee will be provided. Dates are August 28-September 4, 2016. This is a prize for one each of the top 6 semi-finalists in the piano, bass and drum categories to be selected by Lee Ritenour and Crown Guitar Festival & Workshop. For more details see: www.crownguitarfest.org
• Opportunity for a recording contract with Concord Records for 4 SST Grand Prize Winners, if mutually agreed upon by winner and Concord.

Keep up with the latest competition news by visiting the news page.

Guitar Competition