FAQ

How should I prepare for the event?
  1. Register for the event now!
  2. Download sign up for and download Remind as a “Student”, and enter class code “cmuhack”.
  3. Join the Facebook event.
Can I join this event if I don’t go to Carnegie Mellon?

Yes! However, you need at least one CMU student, faculty member, or staff member on your team.

What if I don’t have a team?

We’ll find you one! During sign-in, we’ll be facilitating team formation.

What if I want to join the event, write a song, collaborate, and perform, but don’t want to have the pressure of being judged?

Sign up using the normal registration form; you'll be able to choose not to compete during the event.

Can we perform a cover?

Only original songs can be submitted and performed.

Can I use lyrics, chord progressions, or motifs that I already have?

In the spirit of the event and fairness, please avoid using any pre-written or fleshed-out material in your songs. The goal is collaboration for complete originality!

Does every member of my group have to perform our song?

That depends!

In the competitive category, every member of each group must be on stage and contribute in some way to the performance. (That could include stage tech, sound mixing, singing, playing an instrument, dancing in the background, etc.)

In the noncompetitive category, at least two members of each group must contribute to the performance of the song.

How late can I decide to switch between competitive and noncompetitive?

Teams can decide whether they want to compete or not during sign-in (10:30-11:30 AM) at the latest.

Can I play along with a recording?

Yes! As long as there is a way to facilitate a live reconstruction of your song, and make it engaging for the audience, you’re welcome to perform with recordings. They must be submitted before dinner, however.

How will electronic music work?

If you can find a way to integrate it with live instruments or singing, that works!

If you have a MIDI controller that you can use to perform, that works!

Effectively, if there is a way to facilitate a live reconstruction of your electronic song, and make it engaging for the audience, you’re welcome to perform your song.

What if we write more than one song?

That’s a great problem to have! You are more than welcome to submit multiple recordings, but due to time restrictions, each group may not have time to perform more than one song.

Can I be in more than one group?

As it's unfair to your teammates (and maybe to yourself!) to be in more than one team, each participant may only be in one team.

How are you?

Pretty good, thanks.

I have another question that isn't listed here...

Please submit any other questions on the registration form or email imorg@andrew.cmu.edu.