LOS ANGELES, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to overwhelming requests, Lee Ritenour has extended the deadline to enter the 6 String Theory Global Music Competition to May 10th. This extension applies to both The Inaugural Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin Rhythm Section Competition and 3rd Annual Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition.

The Rhythm Section Competition will award three winners, one winner each for their respective instrument of piano, bass and drums, the opportunity to record a track with Ritenour on his forthcoming album RHYTHM SESSIONS, scheduled for an autumn release on Concord Records.  Winners will join the likes of special guest artists on the album, including:  Oscar and Grammy Award winning musician/composer/producer Dave Grusin, (head of the advisory board of the Rhythm Section Competition), George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Kurt Elling, Zamajobe, Nathan East, Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl, John Beasley, Sonny Emory, Larry Goldings, and more.

Announced earlier this year, the Rhythm Section Competition marks an expansion of the Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition, which is in partnership with Yamaha, Berklee College of Music, Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and the National Guitar Workshop. Ritenour founded the competition three years ago, in conjunction with the release of his hit all-star recording SIX STRING THEORY.  The album culminated in being named "Best Album of the Year" by Guitar International, Publisher's Album of the Year by Jazziz Magazine and Ritenour receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player. Guitar winners to date are Canada's Shon Boublil (2010), who made his recording debut on the 6 String Theory album and Ireland's David Murray (2011), both representing the global reach of the competition, which has garnered applicants from over 45 countries.

Guitar Entries are accepted in the genres of Rock, Blues, Jazz/Fusion, Acoustic, Classical/Flamenco or Country. Rhythm Section Entries in the genres of Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Blues or Contemporary.  

Prizes for the Guitar Competition include a Berklee College of Music Scholarship, a weeklong stay at the four-star Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, MT for a party of two ($8,000 value), a potential Concord Records recording contract, 36 National Guitar Workshop scholarships, 6 Crown of the Continent Scholarships, Cash, Yamaha Guitars & endorsements as well as prizes from Monster, D'Addario Strings, and others. There is a special cash prize of $2,500 awarded to the Classical Guitar Finalist (courtesy of sponsor James Stroud), as well as $500 cash prize to each of the 6 Guitar Finalists.

Rhythm Section prizes, in addition to recording with Lee on his new album, include Berklee College of Music Scholarships, Yamaha instruments, an opportunity to perform at the esteemed Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival in Montana Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2012. Prizes from Monster and more. The total value of 4 prize packages is over $600,000. 

For further information, to register and for complete contest rules, regulations and prizes visit www.sixstringtheory.com

SOURCE Lee Ritenour