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General Info ​

When: October 3-5, 2025 - All Day 9am-8pm

Where: Barnsdall Gallery Theater in Hollywood, California

Why: To celebrate and expand the art of whistling and self-expression

Who: Brought to you by Creative Being Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring community and creativity through artistic self-expression.

 Schedule: 9 am, October 3rd - 8 pm, October 5th (Optional group dinner after awards ceremony)

Contact: Communications should be sent to mastersofwhistling@gmail.com.

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 Guidelines& Info

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AUDITIONS & REGISTRATION

Auditions Application Form: All contestants must be accepted through the audition process outlined on our Audition page

Registration Payment: Due July 13, 2025

Registration Forms: All accepted contestants will receive multiple mandatory registration forms that must be completed to participate in the competition.

Music Form: Once registration and payment are submitted, MMW will provide details for submitting music. Due Date TBD

Levels: There are four levels of competition: Youth, Open, Advanced, Masters.  Judges will determine your level based on your video audition. (Note: Only Masters Level contestants are eligible to win the title of "World Champion.")

Divisions: Solo Performance, Hikifuki, Allied Arts. Contestants may perform in any division(s) that they qualify for:

Registration Fees: Payment is due with registration. 

   $100 for the first performance 

+ $75 for each additional performance

+ $50 Live Band Fee (Masters only)​

Examples:​​​

• 2 performances - Advanced Level, Solo Performance Division = $100 + $75 = $175 Total

• 2 performances - Masters Level, Solo Performance Division (Classical + Live Band performances) = $100 + $75 + $50 = $225 Total

• 3 performances - Advanced Level, Solo Performance Division (2 performances, Popular &/or Classical) + Hikifuki Division performance = $100 + $75 + $75 = $250 Total

• 4 performances - Masters Level, Solo Performance Division (Classical + Live Band performances) + Hikifuki Division performance + Allied Arts performance = $100 + ($75 x 3) + $50 = $375 Total

Late Fee: Late registration or payment will incur a late fee - due with registration. 

No Refunds: Registration fees are non-refundable for any reason.

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COMPETITON DETAILS

Orientation Video: First-time contestants must watch and review the Orientation Video for basic info and frequently asked questions.

Song Length: 

- Youth Level - Your song may be a maximum of 4.5 minutes in length and a minimum of 2 minutes.

- Open Level - Your song may be a maximum of 4.5 minutes in length and a minimum of 2 minutes.

- Advanced Level - Your 2 songs may be a maximum of 7 minutes total and a minimum of 5 minutes

- Masters Level - Each song must be a maximum of 5 minutes and a minimum of 2.5 minutes.​

- Hikifuki/Self Accompaniment - Each song must be a maximum of 5 minutes and a minimum of 2.5 minutes.

- Allied Arts - Each song must be a maximum of 5 minutes and a minimum of 2.5 minute

Genres:

-Popular  – Any non-classical style. Includes pop, rock, jazz, musical theater, film music, world music, original compositions etc.

      ​- ​​​​Popular Christmas songs are not accepted at this time.

-Classical - Compositions that are distinguished as music performed in a “classical” setting such as a concert hall, symphony hall, recital venues, or opera house. Western classical repertoire, opera, orchestral works, and instrumental solos etc. Compositions must be considered "classical music" such as:  

• ​​Modern classical music or vintage pieces.

• American, Asian, European and other composers.

• Music written in the European tradition during a period lasting approximately from approximately 1750-1880 when forms such as the symphony, concerto, and sonata were standardized (e.g., Mozart, Debussy, or Bach).

  • ​​Your song must utilize a European/American musical scale

  • You may change the key of your Classical song if the integrity of the song is maintained.​​​ (Judges may deduct points for switching between keys during performance).

  • ​Do thorough research, and/or consult local musicians to ensure that your your classical composition meets the requirements.

  • ​Your classical composition choice is subject to judges' approval, especially modern or obscure pieces.

  • Indian classical music is not an option at this time.

Ornamentation: MMW is dedicated to promoting whistling as a fine art instrument. While we respect all types of musical expression, we ask that competitors perform pieces that reflect our intention. Chirping and bird sounds, while a talent in itself, may be acceptable only if used as minimal ornamentation.

Prepare Extra Songs: Prepare a minimum of 2 songs per division in order to have a backup. We try to avoid duplicate songs within each division to keep the show interesting for the audience, and you may be required to choose your alternate - you will be notified in advance if this is the case. Duplicate selections will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

Repeat Songs: Contestants should not repeat songs for three years. Example: If you performed "Crazy" in 2030, you may repeat it in 2033.

Awards: Winners of each division will receive awards. To qualify for the highest award of World Champion Whistler, you must be a Masters Level contestant. There is no cash prize. 

Dress: Professional, performance attire only. Semi-formal preferred. Avoid casual wear during performances.

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PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS

Mandatory Rehearsal and Orientation: ALL contestants must attend one (or both) to compete:

- Orientation on 9 am, Friday, October 3, 2025.

- Live Band rehearsal on Friday afternoon, October 3, 2025.

Attendance: Competitors are expected to attend the event until the end of the awards ceremony on Sunday night. Whistlers are encouraged to be in the audience during all levels of competition. Optional events, such as group dinners, will be included in the schedule.

Recording:

Media, Release, and Recording: Positive media attention is always welcome at MMW. You must be willing to be filmed to participate at MMW.  Your participation means you agree to be recorded and photographed. All content may be published for promotional reasons.

Participant Conduct: You may be disqualified for disruptive or disorderly behaviour.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Visa - Please consult your local agency regarding visa requirements. Unfortunately, MMW cannot assist in visa and/or governmental logistics.

• Airports:  Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Burbank "Bob Hope" Airport (BUR)

• Lodging - We do not have any block rooms on reserve. Airbnb.com, hotel search sites, and searching Google maps for "motels" are useful resources to find a room, apartment, or house to rent nearby.

• Connect: Converse with other whistlers via our private contestant Facebook group to see who is interested in sharing rooms or rides.​​

• Local Transportation:  Uber & Lyft (Car service and scooters via the App).  Take the Metro Rail to Barnsdall - located at the Vermont and Sunset station. More info on this page.​

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Accompaniment​

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​PRE-RECORDED ACCOMPANIMENT GUIDELINES

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• Advanced Level contestants will perform both songs consecutively, during their turn.

• ​Contestants must provide .ai or .wav files of backtracks in advance. (Date TBD)

• NO VOCALS or whistling allowed on backtracks (20% point reduction).

• NO INSTRUMENTAL MELODY LINES on backtrack (25% point reduction). Ensure that your backtrack does not too closely mirror your whistling tones (e.g. flute or piano music must not be playing the same melody as the whistler throughout the song). Judges need to be able to distinguish whistling from recording and ensure you know the piece. Points will not be deducted for normal, moderate overlap. (See Orientation Video at 11:00 for example.)

  • Example of what NOT to do

  • Example of what TO do  - this is an extremely simple arrangement, most backtracks have multiple instruments.

• Custom Classical Back Tracks: You may contact a pianist, Dr. James Lent for custom classical backtracks. Email:drjameslent@aol.com. Include song title, a recording of yourself whistling it at the tempo you like, with or without music, the key, and he'll create a version just for you and include a few changes.

 

LIVE BAND ACCOMPANIMENT GUIDELINES 

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• Masters Level contestants will not have an opportunity to compete in the Popular Pre-Recorded  Division.

• Whistlers may perform any Popular composition of their choosing. 

  • Your song must utilize a European/American musical scale.

  • Our professional piano, bass, and percussion musicians will accompany you during your performance.

• Requires rehearsal with the band on Friday, October 3, 2025.

  • You will be given your mandatory audition time at orientation. 

  • You will be allotted a maximum of 10 minutes to rehearse with the band. 

  • Time is very limited. If you have provided the correct reference music with the correct key and style, the rehearsal process will be simple and swift. 

  • You must be in the theater, ready to rehearse, 20 minutes before your rehearsal time.

  • Missed rehearsal may result in disqualification.

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 MUSIC SUBMISSION:

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​Our musical director, AJ Satsangi, will create a custom music chart for the band accompanying you.

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• You must upload the following details on the Music Form. 

• You will submit video links reflecting the SONG, ARRANGEMENT, STYLE, and KEY that you want to perform with the band.

  • Option A: If you have a link to a video/song in the exact Arrangement, Style, and Key:

    • You will submit a single link to the song you wish to perform. 

  • Option B: If you do not have a single video reflecting the exact way you want to perform the song:

    • You will submit multiple links for your song, which reflect each of the following:

      1. Arrangement

      2. Style

      3. Key

      • You may submit a link to a video of yourself whistling the song, in the Arrangement, Style, and/or Key as you wish to perform. 

      • It may be acapella or with background music.

      • You may record this on your phone or another device. 

      • Example: Submit an original Frank Sinatra video link of "Mac the Knife" which demonstrates the arrangement you like and also a video of you whistling it in the key you wish to perform it in.

• In addition:

  • You may submit piano music or additional chord charts if you wish.

  • A professional band chart of your song will be created by our musical director and made available for purchase $75.

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JUDGING GUIDELINES

    The following information is for reference only.

 

• Technical Ability – Rhythmic and note accuracy, breath support, dynamics, and shading, ability to perform the selection with the technique it requires. Is the tone pleasing and appropriate for the music at hand?

• Musicality and Interpretation – Musicality, expressiveness, phrasing, dynamics, emotional import, communicative power. Appropriate use of legato, staccato, rubato, portamento, etc… Is the whistling style appropriate for the selection?

• Stage Presence and Professionalism – Audience engagement, microphone technique, performance style, appearance, presentation, showmanship. Do you feel a connection to the performer? Do the energy and musicianship reach out and grab you?

• More Info:​

  • Tie breakers will be decided by judges.

  • Contestants are not promised an opportunity to see their scores. 

  • Judges will receive bonus points to award their top choice, ensuring the winner reflects the true favorite.