**Rhythm Section Rules are below Guitar Rules...please scroll down for Rhythm Section Rules**

THE YAMAHA SIX STRING THEORY GUITAR COMPETITION

OFFICIAL RULES

Effective January 21, 2012

NO PURCHASE OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING

1. SPONSORS: The Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition (the "Contest") is sponsored by 6 String Theory, LLC; Yamaha Corporation; Berklee College of Music, National Guitar Workshop; Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation; Dave Grusin; Premier Guitar Magazine; Monster; Concord Records; D'Addario String Company, Jazziz Magazine, Flathead Lake Lodge; Music Connection Magazine; James Stroud and Captain Fingers Productions (collectively, the "Sponsors"), subject to the following terms and conditions.
   
2. ELIGIBILITY: An Entrant (Individual) must be sixteen (16) years of age or older at the time of entry, and possess a valid form of identification (no top age limit). An Entrant under the age of eighteen (18) shall require parental consent to participate. Invalid or ineligible entries shall be excluded from consideration. Employees of Sponsors, their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, and agents, and foregoing employees' household or immediate family members (defined as parent, spouse, child, sibling, or grandparent) are NOT eligible to enter Contest. By their submission of entry, Entrants warrant they are legally entitled and authorized to make such submission on their own behalf. In the event of a dispute as to the winner's identity, entries will be deemed made by the holder of the email account associated with the entry. Void where prohibited by law or restricted. Subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

   The Contest is open to Non-Professional Guitarists of all nationalities. An Entrant may not be a Professional Guitarist and may not be signed to any labels or management. Professional Guitarists are defined as a guitarist who is making 100% of his/her living from professional guitar endeavors such as teaching guitar lessons (i.e. 30-60 full time students); touring full-time with a band; doing session work full-time (records, t.v., film, commercials, pit orchestras, etc). For example, if a guitarist teaches a few students or does some gigs, shows and sessions, they would not necessarily be considered a Professional Guitarist. We realize it is subjective defining what a Non-Professional Guitarist is but we are providing some general definitions for guidance. The qualifications of a Non-Professional Guitarist will ultimately be the discretion of the Six String Theory Management Team. Previous Six String Theory Grand Prize Winners cannot re-apply, however previous Semi-finalists or Finalists, as well as previous applicants may apply again.



3. TIMING: Contest begins at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 21, 2012 and continues until 11:59 p.m. GMT on May 1, 2012. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. GMT on May 1, 2012 to be eligible. Late entries will not be considered.


4. HOW TO ENTER: One Entrant (Individual) must submit two (2) unedited YouTube Videos, no longer than 5 minutes each and with no camera stops, of themselves playing the guitar by embedding it via HYPERLINK: http://www.sixstringtheory.com.

   Entries may be comprised of original songs or covers, and may be solo performances or accompanied by others. If accompanied by others, only the entrant is eligible to win and receive prizes. It is acceptable to submit a non-original composition; provided that it will not be accepted if it is found that an entrant is "copying" the performance of another guitarist or artist. In all entries, the interpretation of the melody and solo of that song must be original in flavor and content. Only one submission allowed per applicant. If multiple entries are submitted, only the first submission will be considered, and all entries subsequent to the original submission will be void. The following must accompany each video submission in order for your entry to be complete: 1) Applicant's address, email, telephone number, and age; and 2) a non-refundable application fee of USD $25.00, submitted via credit card through "SixStringTheory.com." Incomplete entries will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all materials sent with their entries. Sponsors will accept no responsibility for lost entries. No submissions will be returned. All entries (video and audio submissions) will become the property of Six String Theory LLC. For any questions regarding the Application Process, please contact us at: 6stringtheory@gmail.com.



5. CONCORD RECORDS RIGHTS: Concord shall have the exclusive right (but not the obligation) for a period of six (6) months beginning July 15, 2012 to enter into an exclusive recording agreement with any of the Six Finalists. In the event that Concord exercises its right to enter into an exclusive recording agreement with any of the Six Finalists, the exclusive recording agreement shall contain terms and provisions which are customarily included in agreements of this nature, subject to good faith negotiations between the parties. Concord shall also have the right (but not the obligation) to commercially release and to authorize others to release throughout the world, both digitally and physically, an audio version of the Six Finalists' videos as an E.P. Concord's right to release the audio E.P. shall include the right to release the E.P. on Concord's website www.concordmusicgroup.com and/or any other websites (e.g., www.sixstringtheory.com) as Concord shall determine in its sole discretion. Each of the Six Finalists shall receive a royalty for the sale of the E.P., which shall be subject to good faith negotiations between Concord, Six String Theory LLC and the Six Finalists.


6. CATEGORIES AND JUDGING: A panel of professional guitarists will evaluate the videos on the basis of technique, interpretation, and artistry in each of the following six categories: Rock, Blues, Jazz/Fusion, Country, Acoustic, and Classical/Flamenco (special cash prize for classical/flamenco finalist, see below) The top 36 entrants spread out over all categories as selected by the judges, will be contacted by email and/or phone no later than June 1, 2012.

   The top six (6) entrants out of the 36 semi-finalists as selected by the judges shall go on to compete at the final competition ("Final Event"). Each of the six (6) finalists will win a $500 cash prize for use towards travel to Bigfork, Montana for the Final Event (all applicable taxes are the responsibility of the winner). This cash prize was also courtesy of sponsor James Stroud. For the Classical Guitar Finalist, there will be a special $2,500 cash prize (all applicable taxes are the responsibility of the winner). This cash prize was specifically designated by sponsor James Stroud, whose intention is to support the education and development of classical guitarists. The six (6) finalists will be asked to attend and perform live before the public and panel in the Final Event to determine the order of the prize winners and to receive the various awards.

   The Final Event will take place in Bigfork, Montana hosted by the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation on August 29, 2012. The Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival and Workshop dates are August 26, 2012 thru September 2, 2012. By entering the Contest, all Entrants represent that in the event they are selected as a semi-finalist or finalist, they will be able and available to attend and perform in the Semi-Final Event and the Final Event. (If you are an Entrant residing outside of the United States, please be reminded that you may require a visa. The Sponsors are not responsible for processing visas or other travel documentation.) Based on each entrant's performance at the Final Event, the judges will rank the six winners for purposes of the awarding the prizes described below. The thirty-six semi-finalists shall be responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation. The six finalists will receive a $500 cash prize to use towards their travel to Montana. Room and board accommodations will be provided at the Semi-Final Event and the Final Event.

   Sponsors reserve the right to reject any entry that they deem in their sole discretion to be vulgar, profane, offensive, or inappropriate. All decisions of the judges are final.

7. PRIZES AND ODDS: Grand Prize: The Grand Prize will be awarded to the the top-ranked performer out of the 6 finalists at the Final Event on Wednesday August 29, 2012.

   Thirty-six Semi-finalists: win 3 Monster guitar cables

   Six Finalists (i.e. Grand Prize winner and 5 Runners up):

   1. Shall receive a full scholarship to the esteemed Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival and Workshop located in Bigfork, Montana where the final live competition will be held. Room and board included during stay from August 26-September 2, 2012. Transportation/Airfare not included however, each of the six finalists will win $500 cash to use towards their travel to Bigfork, Montana (winners are responsible for any applicable taxes).

   Grand prize winner: *Berklee College of Music Scholarships- (see Berklee section for details)*

   1. Seven day vacation stay at the world-renowned Flathead Lake Lodge for winner and guest (up to 2 persons total) during summer of 2013
   2. Up to 10 hours of "Professional Mentoring" from Lee Ritenour either in person, phone, Skype (subject to scheduling)
   3. First choice of One (1) Yamaha acoustic, classical, or electric guitar from the list below:
    -Acoustic/Electric: A3R
    -Acoustic/Electric: AC3R
    - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NTX1200R - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NCX1200R
    - Electric Guitar: SBG1820
    - Handmade Classical Guitar: CG31
   4. Yamaha guitar endorsement opportunity (details determined at conclusion of contest)
   5. $1,000 worth of your favorite gear from D'Addario strings & Planet Waves accessories
   6. Monster endorsement
   7. Diesel Vektr headphones

   1st runner up:

   1. Second choice of One (1) of the remaining Yamaha acoustic, classical, or electric guitars from the list below:
    - Acoustic/Electric: A3R
    - Acoustic/Electric: AC3R
    - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NTX1200R - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NCX1200R
    - Electric Guitar: SBG1820
    - Handmade Classical Guitar: CG31
   2. Yamaha guitar endorsement (details determined at conclusion of contest)
   3. $100 worth of D'Addario strings
   4. Diesel Vektr headphones

   2nd runner up:

   1. Third choice of One (1) of the remaining Yamaha acoustic, classical, or electric guitar from the list below:
    - Acoustic/Electric: A3R
    - Acoustic/Electric: AC3R
    - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NTX1200R - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NCX1200R
    - Electric Guitar: SBG1820
    - Handmade Classical Guitar: CG31
   2. Yamaha guitar endorsement (details determined at conclusion of contest)
   3. $100 worth of D'Addario strings
   4. Diesel Vektr headphones

   3rd runner up:

   1. Fourth choice of One (1) of the remaining Yamaha acoustic, classical, or electric guitar from the list below:
    - Acoustic/Electric: A3R
    - Acoustic/Electric: AC3R
    - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NTX1200R - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NCX1200R
    - Electric Guitar: SBG1820
    - Handmade Classical Guitar: CG31
   2. $100 worth of D'Addario strings
   3. Diesel Vektr headphones

   4th runner up:

   1. Fifth choice of One (1) of the remaining Yamaha acoustic, classical, or electric guitar from the list below:
    - Acoustic/Electric: A3R
    - Acoustic/Electric: AC3R
    - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NTX1200R - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NCX1200R
    - Electric Guitar: SBG1820
    - Handmade Classical Guitar: CG31
   2. $100 worth of D'Addario strings
   3. Diesel Vektr headphones

   5th runner up:

   1. Sixth choice of One (1) of the remaining Yamaha acoustic, classical, or electric guitar from the list below:
    - Acoustic/Electric: A3R
    - Acoustic/Electric: AC3R
    - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NTX1200R - Acoustic/Electric Nylon String: NCX1200R
    - Electric Guitar: SBG1820
    - Handmade Classical Guitar: CG31
   2. $100 worth of D'Addario strings
   3. Diesel Vektr headphones

   [Regarding Yamaha product awards]

The winner can choose one guitar from the designated awards list. The way to choose the guitar will be subject to the award ranks, starting from the grand prize winner choosing the guitar he/she wishes. If several winners choose the same guitar, the winner with the higher rank retains the right to choose first. All prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the Final Event. If any winner is deemed a minor in the state or country of his/her residence, prize may be awarded to his/her parent/legal guardian. All federal, state and local taxes on prizes are solely the responsibility of winners. All prizes shall be awarded. The odds of winning depend on the number of Entrants.

8. BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS:

   In support of Lee Ritenour's Six String Theory Competition, Berklee will provide one (1) four-year full tuition scholarship to the Grand Prize Winner of the International Competition in either guitar, piano/keyboards, bass or drums. In addition, Berklee will provide three (3) one-half tuition scholarships to the three runners up (scholarship pays half of annual tuition for 4 years; approx $18,000 annually towards tuition for 4 years = approx $72,000). Berklee will select one guitarist, one pianist, one bassist and one drumset player to receive the four scholarships choosing from a pool of 6 from each instrument- guitar, piano, bass & drums. The Berklee candidate selected may or may not be the grand prize winner of the SST contest in that instrument but will be chosen from the top 6 in each instrument. *Berklee may also offer additional scholarships to any of the top applicants in each instrument, beyond the competition scholarships. Disclaimer: SST contest applicants do not have to participate in the Berklee scholarship program in order to apply and/or win the Six String Theory Guitar & Rhythm Section Competition. Likewise, the winners of the Berklee scholarship program may or may not be the grand prize winners of each instrument as they will be chosen from the pool of 6 in each instrument according to Berklee eligibility requirements and criteria. A Berklee representative will participate as a member of the Six String Theory Guitar & Rhythm Section Advisory Board, and the Berklee Scholarship Committee will select the four scholarship recipients from the list of finalist candidates identified by the Rhythm Section Advisory Board and SST Guitar Judges.

   Eligible Students:

   To qualify, applicants must demonstrate outstanding performance abilities on guitar, piano, bass, or drumset through an initial submission of video/audio material to the Six String Theory Website. The Six String Theory Guitar & Rhythm Section Advisory Board Judges will identify twenty-four finalists from all the submissions, and the finalists will be reviewed by the Berklee Scholarship Committee (6 from each instrument- guitar, piano, bass & drums) to be considered for a Berklee scholarship. Berklee will determine which will be the grand prize winner (full tuition, 4 yr scholarship) and which 3 will be the runner-ups (half tuition, 4 yr scholarship). Berklee may also choose to award additional scholarships to candidates beyond the competition prize scholarships. Ideal candidates will be high school seniors or recent high school graduates. Recipients must apply and be admitted by Berklee's Board of Admissions in order to use the award. Already enrolled Berklee students are not eligible to receive this award. All scholarships awarded are for four years of study at Berklee in the undergraduate degree or diploma program. All candidates must be eligible for undergraduate study in the United States and have completed secondary school prior to July 1, 2012.

   Timeline:

   All submissions for contest registration must be received by May 10, 2012 at sixstringtheory.com. The top applicants in each instrument will be notified by Berklee in June 2012 and invited to apply to Berklee. Candidates must apply to Berklee by August 10, 2012. The four scholarship recipients will be notified by September 15, 2012 after they have been accepted to Berklee. Scholarships awarded will be available to the winners beginning in the January 2013 semester. Berklee may choose to award additional scholarships beyond the Six String Theory Competition prize package scholarships.

9. NOTIFICATION: Within ten (10) days of winner notification, and prior to the Final Event, all winners must complete, execute and return the provided Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release (plus any additional documents required at the discretion of Sponsors). Failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph (or the return of any prize or prize notification as non-deliverable) may result in disqualification and in the forfeiture of any right to a prize, in which case prize will be awarded to an alternate entrant chosen by the judges. The names of the winners will be available for one (1) year after award of prizes by sending a self-addressed envelope with sufficient prepaid postage to:

   Six String Theory LLC
   280 S. Beverly Dr.
   Suite 409
   Beverly Hills, CA 90212
   Attn: Winner's List

10. RELEASE: By participating in the Contest and/or accepting a prize, the Entrants (or Entrant's parent/legal guardian if any Entrant is deemed a minor in the state or country of his/her residence) agree to defend, release and hold harmless the Sponsors and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, advertising and promotion agencies, and the foregoing companies' officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents (collectively "Releasees") from and against any actions, claims and/or liability for injury, loss or damage of any kind, (including the violation or infringement of any proprietary or personal right of any individual or entity) resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in the Contest, and/or the use, acceptance, or possession of a Contest prize, and/or participation in a Contest prize-related activity, including any action, claim or liability arising from the unauthorized submission of any information.

    By participating in the Contest and/or accepting a prize, Entrants (or Entrant's parent/legal guardian if any entrant is deemed a minor in the state or country of his/her residence) consent to and give the Sponsors the right to use, publish, and display a winner's (and where applicable an entrant's) name, likeness, video submission, city and state, and prize awarded, for the purpose of advertising, trade, publicity and promotional purposes in any media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Web, without review, notification or approval, all without additional consideration, unless prohibited by law.

11. CONDITIONS: Neither the Sponsors nor their respective agencies or affiliates are responsible for lost, late, damaged, destroyed, delayed, stolen, misdirected, incomplete entries, or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server or other connections, miscommunications, failed telephone or computer hardware or software or other technical failures, unauthorized human intervention, garbled or jumbled transmissions or other errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical or electronic, including without limitation, the incorrect or inaccurate capture of entry information online regardless of cause. Sponsors reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to cancel, suspend, or modify the Contest if it becomes corrupted in any manner such that it cannot be conducted as originally planned and, in such event, to select winners from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsors. In such event, Sponsors shall have no liability to any Entrant who is disqualified due to such an action. ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PERSON TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM, OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND IF SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

    Sponsors reserve the right to modify these Official Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the term and conditions of the Contest. Failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12. LAW: The Contest is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of Entrants or Sponsor in connection with any award, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of, the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any cause of action by you with respect to the offer (and/or any information, products or services related thereto) must be instituted within one (1) year after the cause of action arose or be forever waived and barred. All actions shall be subject to the limitations set forth above. The language in these Official Rules shall be interpreted as in accordance with its fair meaning and not strictly for or against either party. All legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Contest or these Official Rules shall be brought solely in Los Angeles County, California. You expressly submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of said courts and consent to extraterritorial service of process.
13. LANGUAGE: English is the primary language of the Contest.

LEE RITENOUR/DAVE GRUSIN RHYTHM SECTION COMPETITION

Piano/Keyboards, Electric/Acoustic Bass, and Drums

OFFICIAL RULES

Effective January 21, 2012

NO PURCHASE OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

1. SPONSORS: The Lee Ritenour/Dave Grusin Rhythm Section Competition (the "Rhythm Section Contest") is sponsored by Six String Theory, LLC; Berklee College of Music, Concord Records; Yamaha Corporation; Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation; Premier Guitar Magazine; Monster; Music Connection Magazine; Dave Grusin; Jazziz Magazine and Captain Fingers Productions (collectively, the "Sponsors"), subject to the following terms and conditions.


2. ELIGIBILITY: Entrants must be sixteen (16) years of age or older at the time of entry, and possess a valid form of identification (no top age limit). Entrants under the age of eighteen (18) shall require parental consent to participate. Invalid or ineligible entries shall be excluded from consideration. Employees of Sponsors, their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, and agents, and foregoing employees' household or immediate family members (defined as parent, spouse, child, sibling, or grandparent) are NOT eligible to enter Contest. By their submission of entry, Entrants warrant they are legally entitled and authorized to make such submission on their own behalf. In the event of a dispute as to the winner's identity, entries will be deemed made by the holder of the email account associated with the entry. Void where prohibited by law or restricted. Subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

   The Contest is open to Non-Professionals Musicians (Pianist, Bassist, Drummer) of all nationalities. Entrants may submit as Piano or Keyboard (Rhodes, etc.); Electric or Acoustic Bass or Drum set. Contest is not open for Percussion. Entrants may not be Professional Musicians and may not be signed to any labels or management. Professional Musicians are defined as a musician who is making 100% of his/her living from professional musical endeavors such as teaching musical lessons (i.e. 30-60 full-time students); touring full-time with a band; doing session work full-time (records, TV, film, commercials, pit orchestras, etc). For example, if a musician teaches a few students or performs some gigs, shows or sessions, they would not necessarily be considered a Professional Musician. We realize it is subjective defining what a "Non-Professional Musician" is but we are providing some general definitions for guidance. The qualifications of a Non-Professional Musician will ultimately be the discretion of the Six String Theory Management Team. The "Rhythm Section" will be personally selected by Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin and other judges from Advisory Board.

3. TIMING: Contest begins at 11:59 p.m. PT on January 21, 2012 and continues until 11:59 p.m. PT on May 1, 2012. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. GMT on May 1, 2012 to be eligible. Late entries will not be considered.


4. HOW TO ENTER: Entrants must submit two (2) unedited YouTube Videos, no longer than 5 minutes each and no camera stops, by embedding them via HYPERLINK http://www.sixstringtheory.com. Entrants may perform on any Keyboard instrument (Piano, Rhodes, etc.), Acoustic or Electric Bass or Drum set. The contest is not open to Percussion. All Keyboard, Bass and Drum Entrants must apply individually.
   1. Individuals or Solo applicants must be performing with other live musicians as in a "band." A "band" could be defined as a duo, trio, quartet, or quintet (no big bands please). No Backing Track or Solo Performance Submissions will be accepted. When applying via the website, there will be a box to check to apply as an Individual or Solo. In this category, each applicant will be judged solely on their instrument even though they are performing with other musicians.
   2. Duo or Trio applicants: You can also apply as a duo or trio with any of the Rhythm Section instrument combinations. There will only be ONE application necessary for a duo or trio. When applying via the website, there will be a box to check should you like to be considered as a duo or trio. In the application, there will be indicators to check for each specific musician, instrument played and the application fee (i.e. $50 for Duo; $75 for Trio). The requirement is still a total of Two (2) YouTube videos in total. We reserve the right to choose any individual musician from the duo or trio or any combination thereof and we are not bound to select the entire duo or trio.

   Entries may be comprised of original songs or covers. It is acceptable to submit a non-original composition; provided that it will not be accepted if it is found that an entrant is "copying" the performance of another artist. In all entries, the interpretation of the melody and solo of that song must be original in flavor and content. Only one submission allowed per applicant. If multiple entries are submitted, only the first submission will be considered, and all entries subsequent to the original submission will be void. The following must accompany each application in order for your entry to be complete: 1) Applicant's address, email, telephone number, and age; and 2) a non-refundable application fee of USD $25.00 (or $50 as a duet; $75 as a trio), submitted via credit card through "SixStringTheory.com." Incomplete entries will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all materials sent with their entries. Sponsors will accept no responsibility for lost entries. No submissions will be returned. All entries (video and audio submissions) will become the property of Six String Theory LLC. For any questions regarding the Application Process, please contact us at: 6stringtheory@gmail.com.

5. CONCORD RECORDS RIGHTS: Concord shall have the exclusive right (but not the obligation) for a period of six (6) months beginning (July 15, 2012) to enter into an exclusive recording agreement with any of the Three Winners. In the event that Concord exercises its right to enter into an exclusive recording agreement with any of the Three Winners, the exclusive recording agreement shall contain terms and provisions which are customarily included in agreements of this nature, subject to good faith negotiations between the parties. Concord shall also have the right (but not the obligation) to commercially release and to authorize others to release throughout the world, both digitally and physically, an audio version of the Three Winner's videos as an E.P. Concord's right to release the audio E.P. shall include the right to release the E.P. on Concord's website www.concordmusicgroup.com and/or any other websites (e.g. www.sixstringtheory.com) as Concord shall determine in its sole discretion. Each of the three Winners shall receive a royalty for the sale of the E.P., which shall be subject to good faith negotiations between Concord, Six String Theory LLC and the Three Winners.


6. CATEGORIES AND JUDGING: Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin and other members of the Six String Theory team will judge all of the Rhythm Section entries and determine the top 6 in each instrument (totaling 18). The top 6 finalists for each instrument will then be judged and ranked (1 thru 6) by the "Rhythm Section Advisory Board" of: Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Daniel Jobim, Jesse Milliner, Larry Goldings, Patrice Rushen, John Patitucci, Melvin Lee Davis, Nathan East, Tom Kennedy, Victor Bailey, Chris Coleman, Dave Weckl, Gary Novak, Harvey Mason, Oscar Seaton, Simon Phillips, Sonny Emory and Will Kennedy and many others. The top ranked, grand prize winner in piano, bass and drums will be determined by the votes of the Advisory Board.

   The entrant's videos will be evaluated on the basis of technique, interpretation and artistry in the suggested categories of: Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Blues or Contemporary genres. No Classical Entries in this category will be considered. The winner from each instrument as selected by the judges will be contacted by email and/or phone no later than May 10, 2012. The three winners will be required to travel to Los Angeles for a one (1) day Rehearsal and one (1) day Recording Session with Lee Ritenour for a track on his forthcoming Concord/Universal Records album. By entering the Contest, all Entrants represent that in the event they are selected as a winner, they will be able and available to travel and perform for this Rehearsal and Recording Session between the dates of May 20-May 30, 2012. If you are an Entrant residing outside of the United States, please be reminded that you may require a visa. The Sponsors are not responsible for processing visas or other travel documentation. The three winners shall be responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to Los Angeles. Lodging and Per Diem for 2 nights will be provided to the contestants living outside the greater Los Angeles area. Sponsors reserve the right to reject any entry that they deem in their sole discretion to be vulgar, profane, offensive, or inappropriate. All decisions of the judges are final.

7. PRIZES AND ODDS: There will be 3 Grand Prize Winners: 1 Pianist/Keyboardist, 1 Bassist, 1 Drummer

   Grand Prizes:

   1. Keyboardist Winner- Yamaha Motif Keyboard MOX8
      Bassist Winner- Yamaha Electric Bass BB1024X or BB1025X
      Drummer Winner- Yamaha "Rock Tour" Drum Kit w/Hardware
   2. The opportunity to record on Lee Ritenour’s upcoming album on Concord Records distributed worldwide by Universal. Lodging and per diem for 2 nights provided if residing outside the Greater Los Angeles area.
   3. The opportunity for an exclusive contract with Concord Records (see Section 5- Concord Records Rights)
   4. Up to 10 hours of "Professional Mentoring" from Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin or members of our celebrity Advisory Board. These mentoring sessions will either in person, phone, Skype (subject to scheduling).
   5. The opportunity to perform at the esteemed Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival and Workshop as the backing group for the Six String Theory Guitar Final Competition and student workshop performances. Dates are August 26-September 2, 2012. Lodging and board provided; travel to Bigfork, Montana not provided.
   6. Rhythm Section winners will be notified by May 10, 2012. If any winner is deemed a minor in the state or country of his/her residence, prize may be awarded to his/her parent/legal guardian. All federal, state and local taxes on prizes are solely the responsibility of winners. All prizes shall be awarded. The odds of winning depend on the number of Entrants.

   [Regarding Yamaha product awards]

8. BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS:

   In support of Lee Ritenour's Six String Theory Competition, Berklee will provide one (1) four-year full tuition scholarship to the Grand Prize Winner of the International Competition in either guitar, piano/keyboards, bass or drums. In addition, Berklee will provide three (3) one-half tuition scholarships to the three runners up (scholarship pays half of annual tuition for 4 years; approx $18,000 annually towards tuition for 4 years = approx $72,000). Berklee will select one guitarist, one pianist, one bassist and one drumset player to receive the four scholarships choosing from a pool of 6 from each instrument- guitar, piano, bass & drums. The Berklee candidate selected may or may not be the grand prize winner of the SST contest in that instrument but will be chosen from the top 6 in each instrument. *Berklee may also offer additional scholarships to any of the top applicants in each instrument, beyond the competition scholarships. Disclaimer: SST contest applicants do not have to participate in the Berklee scholarship program in order to apply and/or win the Six String Theory Guitar & Rhythm Section Competition. Likewise, the winners of the Berklee scholarship program may or may not be the grand prize winners of each instrument as they will be chosen from the pool of 6 in each instrument according to Berklee eligibility requirements and criteria. A Berklee representative will participate as a member of the Six String Theory Guitar & Rhythm Section Advisory Board, and the Berklee Scholarship Committee will select the four scholarship recipients from the list of finalist candidates identified by the Rhythm Section Advisory Board and SST Guitar Judges.

   Eligible Students:

   To qualify, applicants must demonstrate outstanding performance abilities on guitar, piano, bass, or drumset through an initial submission of video/audio material to the Six String Theory Website. The Six String Theory Guitar & Rhythm Section Advisory Board Judges will identify twenty-four finalists from all the submissions, and the finalists will be reviewed by the Berklee Scholarship Committee (6 from each instrument- guitar, piano, bass & drums) to be considered for a Berklee scholarship. Berklee will determine which will be the grand prize winner (full tuition, 4 yr scholarship) and which 3 will be the runner-ups (half tuition, 4 yr scholarship). Berklee may also choose to award additional scholarships to candidates beyond the competition prize scholarships. Ideal candidates will be high school seniors or recent high school graduates. Recipients must apply and be admitted by Berklee's Board of Admissions in order to use the award. Already enrolled Berklee students are not eligible to receive this award. All scholarships awarded are for four years of study at Berklee in the undergraduate degree or diploma program. All candidates must be eligible for undergraduate study in the United States and have completed secondary school prior to July 1, 2012.

   Timeline:

   All submissions for contest registration must be received by May 10, 2012 at sixstringtheory.com. The top applicants in each instrument will be notified by Berklee in June 2012 and invited to apply to Berklee. Candidates must apply to Berklee by August 10, 2012. The four scholarship recipients will be notified by September 15, 2012 after they have been accepted to Berklee. Scholarships awarded will be available to the winners beginning in the January 2013 semester. Berklee may choose to award additional scholarships beyond the Six String Theory Competition prize package scholarships.

9. NOTIFICATION: Within ten (10) days of winner notification, and prior to the Recording date, all winners must complete, execute and return the provided Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release (plus any additional documents required at the discretion of Sponsors). Failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph (or the return of any prize or prize notification as non-deliverable) may result in disqualification and in the forfeiture of any right to a prize, in which case prize will be awarded to an alternate entrant chosen by the judges. The names of the winners will be available for one (1) year after award of prizes by sending a self-addressed envelope with sufficient prepaid postage to:

   Six String Theory LLC
   280 S. Beverly Dr.
   Suite 409
   Beverly Hills, CA 90212
   Attn: Winners List

10. RELEASE: By participating in the Contest and/or accepting a prize, the Entrants (or Entrant’s parent/legal guardian if any Entrant is deemed a minor in the state or country of his/her residence) agree to defend, release and hold harmless the Sponsors and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, advertising and promotion agencies, and the foregoing companies' officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents (collectively "Releasees") from and against any actions, claims and/or liability for injury, loss or damage of any kind, (including the violation or infringement of any proprietary or personal right of any individual or entity) resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in the Contest, and/or the use, acceptance, or possession of a Contest prize, and/or participation in a Contest prize-related activity, including any action, claim or liability arising from the unauthorized submission of any information. By participating in the Contest and/or accepting a prize, Entrants (or Entrant's parent/legal guardian if any entrant is deemed a minor in the state or country of his/her residence) consent to and give the Sponsors the right to use, publish, and display a winner's (and where applicable an entrant's) name, likeness, video submission, city and state, and prize awarded, for the purpose of advertising, trade, publicity and promotional purposes in any media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Web, without review, notification or approval, all without additional consideration, unless prohibited by law.


11. CONDITIONS: Neither the Sponsors nor their respective agencies or affiliates are responsible for lost, late, damaged, destroyed, delayed, stolen, misdirected, incomplete entries, or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server or other connections, miscommunications, failed telephone or computer hardware or software or other technical failures, unauthorized human intervention, garbled or jumbled transmissions or other errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical or electronic, including without limitation, the incorrect or inaccurate capture of entry information online regardless of cause. Sponsors reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to cancel, suspend, or modify the Contest if it becomes corrupted in any manner such that it cannot be conducted as originally planned and, in such event, to select winners from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsors. In such event, Sponsors shall have no liability to any Entrant who is disqualified due to such an action. ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PERSON TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM, OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND IF SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

Sponsors reserve the right to modify these Official Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the term and conditions of the Contest. Failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12. LAW: The Contest is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of Entrants or Sponsor in connection with any award, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of, the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any cause of action by you with respect to the offer (and/or any information, products or services related thereto) must be instituted within one (1) year after the cause of action arose or be forever waived and barred. All actions shall be subject to the limitations set forth above. The language in these Official Rules shall be interpreted as in accordance with its fair meaning and not strictly for or against either party. All legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Contest or these Official Rules shall be brought solely in Los Angeles County, California. You expressly submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of said courts and consent to extraterritorial service of process.


13. LANGUAGE: English is the primary language of the Contest.