Music & Arts' 'Find Your Voice' Facebook Contest Kickoff

FREDERICK, MD--(Marketwire - Dec 13, 2011) - On Thursday, Dec. 8 Music & Arts, Yamaha, and Greyson Chance launched the first-ever 'Find Your Voice' Facebook music video contest. Aspiring musicians between the ages of 13 and 17 are encouraged to submit a cover song from a selection of 12 famous songs, pop or classical to www.MusicArts.com/findyourvoice. The grand prize winner will win a trip for two to spend time with pop star and YouTube singing sensation Greyson Chance, $2,000 toward a Yamaha instrument that Music & Arts carries, a year of free music lessons up to a value of $1,500 and a spot in Music & Arts advertising.

Young entertainers who live within the continental United States can showcase their talent, musical style and creativity by performing and recording a three minute video. Music & Arts teamed with Yamaha and Chance to inspire young people who have a passion for music to enter the 'Find Your Voice' Facebook contest with a musical video that expresses individuality and imagination.

The critically lauded Chance shot to fame after his, now infamous, performance of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." The video garnered more than 45 million views on YouTube and eventually earned Chance a record deal with eleveneleven/Maverick/Streamline/Geffen records for his debut album Hold On 'Til The Night, released earlier this year. The talented singer, songwriter and pianist has since gone on to two successful North American tours and has performed on major television shows and national events including at the White House, at Variety's annual Power of Youth event and even appear on FOX's hit comedy series Raising Hope. His most recent music video for the title track from the album "Hold on 'Til The Night," debuted on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on Friday and tells a message of empowering youth to be themselves and embrace who they are.

"I really am proud to be a part of the 'Find Your Voice' contest because I know firsthand the power of social networks to showcase talented teens who need an outlet for their creativity," said Chance. "This contest is such a great opportunity for teens like me to do this and then be able to improve on their skills with the free music lessons. Plus I look forward to hanging out with them, too!"

Performers are encouraged to visit www.MusicArts.com/findyourvoice, "like" the page and follow contest instructions. Digital video submissions will be accepted until Jan. 18, 2012.

Fans across the nation will vote on the top six finalists who will be chosen by a panel of independent music professionals based on artistry, technical talent, including ability to play an instrument, stage presence and production value. Public voting begins Jan. 31, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. EST and will run until Feb. 13, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The winning musical performers will be announced by early March.

In addition to the grand prize winner, five semi-finalists will win $1,000 toward a Yamaha instrument and six months of free music lessons.

For additional contest details and all official contest guidelines and entry rules, please visit www.MusicArts.com/findyourvoice.

For more information on Greyson Chance, please visit his website at www.greyson-official.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/greysonchance or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreysonChance.

About Music & Arts
Music & Arts has served students, teachers, and families through retail stores and school representatives since 1952. Based in Frederick, Md., the company specializes in sales and rentals of music instruments, instrument repairs, and music lessons -- especially for the beginning and student musician. Music & Arts now has more than 100 retail locations across 20 states.