What is Critique Meister?
CritiqueMeister is a feature of SlideMeister.com that allows Chromatic players to submit samples of their playing for a real professional critique.”
 
Who are the Judges?
The judges are professional players, personally selected by SlideMeister, International. These judges are folks with decades of experience, expertise and of course, passion for the instrument. Our judges also have a genuine concern for future of the Chromatic harmonica and how it's perceived by the public, it's players, and it's future.
   
How much will the judges know about the person submitting a piece for critique?
Nothing! While our judges may even know each other outside of SlideMeister, they won't know each other because of this feature on SlideMeister. Judge's identities are kept confidential by SlideMeister and have been given innocuous number designations like “Judge 1,” “Judge 2” and so on.  So, the judges are kept totally in the dark; even from each other! So, we have anonymous judges” critiquing anonymous players!
 
Are the judges going to be tough?
Of course, but they're also understanding. They weren't always professionals, and therefore know the meaning of encouragement as well constructive criticism. So, while they won't “baby” you, neither will they degrade or discourage you. On the other hand, they're not gonna “stroke” you either. 
 
Will folks on the Internet know the who submits a piece for critique?
No. If the submitter chooses to discuss the critique on the forum and blow their cover” that's fine, but even if a judge engages them in the forum, that judge will still not reveal his/her identity as a judge.
 
Can the judge add an instructive sound file in response to a critique entry?
Although not required, the judge may submit a sound file as an example, as: "Try to play it something like this . . ."
 
How will the entries be judged?
Entries will be judged in five categories. Grades will be from 1 through 10 with details on each grade.  The categories will be: 

Articulation (speed/accuracy)
Timing
Tone / Technique
Style/Originality
Feeling /Soul/Passion/Guts, etc.
 
Each of the above categories will receive a 1 through 5 grade, and a comment as well as an overall “general” closing comment from each judge. 

Where will the entries and results be posted?Each submission will show up in the “CritiqueMeister” portion of the Gallery in it’s own folder as a number; i.e. “12345” The file can be downloaded and listened to by anyone. Then judges (A,B,C,D and so on) individual critiques' will also appear in the same folder. To insure the judges' opinions aren’t influenced by each other, the individual critiques will be quarantined, till they all come in.
 
Who should submit a piece for critique?
Who really wants to get better?  This is a “win/win” deal. No one knows who you are. You can’t get embarrassed, but you will find out where you’re strong, weak or average. Better yet, you’ll get a real professional opinion and possibly even a suggestion or two.
 
What are the rules?

* Submissions must be an established piece (no fair making up your own composition for this program)
* Submissions should be limited to about one minute in length (5.8 MB limit)
* MP3 format preferred, but we’ll accept others
* Submissions must be good quality (clean recording)
* Any music style is acceptable (as long as it's easily recognizable by our judges)
* Submissions must be “raw”  (no amplification, or effects of any kind)
* Submissions must be Ah Capella / Avocado / no backup 
* Submissions should be free of background noises (TV, radio, dogs, children, etc.)
* Submissions can only be used for the purpose of this “Critique” program and may not be used outside this program.

*CritiqueMeister II is now operational. It works exactly as CritiqueMeister I except with CritiqueMeister II, you are allowed to use backup tracks. Where CritiqueMeister I deals more with your technique, timing, and sound, CritiqueMeister II will deal more with your improvisational skills, phrasing and so on. For the best and most comprehensive critique, we suggest you submit both.
 
How do I submit a piece for critique?
First, join us by clicking on the "Join MeisterForums!" button at the top of this page, then you can simply eEmail your MP3 file to: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or
Mail your good quality cassette, CD or minidisk recording to:
 
SlideMeister, International
c/o CritiqueMeisters
P.O. Box 478
Newbury, OH 44065
USA