Piano Classes

Piano Entry Form, 2011 (PDF)

New and revised syllabus rules are highlighted in yellow.

Final Closing Date: January 10th
Late entries: May be accepted up to January 17th, at the discretion of the Section Chairperson. A double entry fee must accompany all late entry requests.

All Entries To: U.I.M.F. - Piano Chairperson, c/o 5994 Sunset Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9K 1K4

THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT PHOTOCOPYING MUSIC IS A VIOLATION OF THE CANADIAN COPYRIGHT ACT. THE USE OF PHOTOCOPIED MUSIC BY PERFORMERS OR ACCOMPANIST IS NOT ACCEPTED IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE. YOUR COOPERATION IS REQUESTED.

BEFORE FILLING IN YOUR ENTRY FORMS, PLEASE READ ALL GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE FESTIVAL. ALSO PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Each year the Piano Section of the festival is scheduled during the last week of February and the first week of March. If you plan to compete please realize that your time of competition is not flexible and that classes must be held as per the festival schedule.

  1. The syllabi of the various examining boards differ in grading standards. When choosing pieces, please conform to the grade levels set by the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, Ontario or Conservatory Canada.
  2. It is the responsibility of the student and teacher to select the correct grade level, class and piece. The piano chairperson will not be responsible for any errors. If you are not sure of the correct class or grade level, please choose another selection. Students entered in the wrong class or grade level will receive an adjudication only. For more information on grade level, please see General Rules.
  3. Competitors wishing to be considered for bursaries must:
    • Enter a minimum of three solo classes OR one solo class and Concert Group Class or a Recital Class.
    • One of the above selections must be from the Classical Period or Baroque Period.
  4. The competitor must furnish an original copy (NOT PHOTOCOPY) of the music for the adjudicator. Teachers should instruct their students to observe the following:
    • Bars should be numbered at the beginning of each line.
    • Student must supply his/her music for each class. It is not acceptable to share music books with others in the same class.
  5. General Rule #6 does not apply to students entering Recital, Piano Duets, Two-piano Duos or Concerto classes.
  6. One selection only unless otherwise specified. Students may perform a set of short pieces by one composer if this set appears in an examination syllabus.
  7. No simplified arrangements of solo piano works are acceptable.
  8. Repeats other than Da Capo are not to be observed unless specified in the syllabus.
  9. Please note general rules regarding entry forms etc.
  10. In ALL vocal and instrumental classes, the competitor must submit the original unmarked score of his/her music (NO PHOTOCOPIES) prior to the class in which he/she is to perform. Such music must be plainly marked with the competitor's name, number, and class and page number of the selection, to be given to the adjudicator's secretary on proceeding to the platform. All music must be reclaimed following the adjudication of such classes. The Festival Committee accepts no responsibility for such music. The use of photocopied music by performers or accompanist is prohibited. If original scores are not available, a letter of release is required from the publisher. Internet copies acceptable only with a viable receipt.

    The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals has now deemed it permissible to use photocopies for page turns etc. as long as the original copy is present at the performance. This does not mean that the adjudicator has the original and the performer the photocopy. There must be 2 original copies present in the competition hall. PHOTOCOPIES OF COPYRIGHTED MUSIC ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE.

FEES FOR THE FOLLOWING GRADE LEVELS - Other classes as specified individually

Grades I to IV $10.00
Grades V to VIII $12.00
Grades IX and X $14.00
Open $15.00

ENTRY FORMS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE TEACHERS USING THE ENTRY FORM SPECIFICALLY FOR PIANO SECTION

For Provincial and National Competition requirements, see the Provincial General Rules in this Syllabus. The adjudicator's decision is final in matters pertaining to adjudication, selection of winners and Provincial and National Representatives. Communication with the adjudicator by teachers, parents or competitors, except through the committee is strictly forbidden.

Classical Composers

Includes Classical style as listed in the new Conservatory syllabus. No repeats other than Da Capo are to be observed

Class Grade
1 I Own Choice Play one movement only
2 II Own Choice Play one movement only
3 III Own Choice Play one movement only
4 IV Own Choice Play one movement only
5 V Own Choice Play one movement only
6 VI Own Choice Play one movement only
7 VII Own Choice Play one movement only
8 VIII Own Choice Play one movement only
9 IX Own Choice As per Examination Syllabus
10 X Own Choice As per Examination Syllabus $15.00
11 Open Own Choice Play the whole sonata, above Grade X level $17.00

J.S. Bach

Any selection composed by J.S. Bach only.

Class Grade
12 I Own Choice
13 II Own Choice
14 III Own Choice
15 IV Own Choice
16 V Own Choice
17 VI Own Choice
18 VII Own Choice
19 VIII Own Choice
20 IX Own Choice
21 X Own Choice As per Examination Syllabus
22 Open Own Choice As per Examination Syllabus - Above Grade X level

Baroque Composers

Any selection from any composers of the Baroque period (1650-1750) Handel, Scarlatti, Telemann etc., excluding those compositions of J.S. Bach.

Class Grade
41 I Own Choice
42 II Own Choice
43 III Own Choice
44 IV Own Choice
45 V Own Choice
46 VI Own Choice
47 VII Own Choice
48 VIII Own Choice
49 IX Own Choice
50 X Own Choice As per Examination Syllabus
51 Open Own Choice As per Examination Syllabus - Above Grade X level

Canadian Composers

Class Grade
63 I Own Choice
64 II Own Choice
65 III Own Choice
66 IV Own Choice
67 V Own Choice
68 VI Own Choice
69 VII Own Choice
70 VIII Own Choice
71 IX Own Choice
72 X Own Choice
73 Open Own Choice Above Grade X level

20th Century (including R.C.M. Pop Selections)

Other than Canadian Composers

Class Grade
78 I Own Choice
79 II Own Choice
80 III Own Choice
81 IV Own Choice
82 V Own Choice
83 VI Own Choice
84 VII Own Choice
85 VIII Own Choice
86 IX Own Choice
87 X Own Choice
88 Open Own Choice Above Grade X level

Romantic or Character

Type of piece found in List C in Examination Syllabi (excluding categories already offered)

Class Grade
89 I Own Choice
90 II Own Choice
91 III Own Choice
92 IV Own Choice
93 V Own Choice
94 VI Own Choice

Romantic Composers

Class Grade
97 VII Own Choice
98 VIII Own Choice
99 IX Own Choice
100 X Own Choice
101 Open Own Choice Above Grade X level

Post-Romantic Composers

Class Grade
107 VII Own Choice
108 VIII Own Choice
109 IX Own Choice
110 X Own Choice
111 Open Own Choice Above Grade X level

Impressionist Composers

Class Grade
112 VIII Own Choice
113 IX Own Choice
114 X Own Choice
115 Open Own Choice Above Grade X level

Duets

Only one student need qualify for grade level, within reason

Class Grade
116 I and II Own Choice $10.00
117 III and IV Own Choice Own Choice $10.00
118 V and VI Own Choice $11.00
119 VII and VIII Own Choice $11.00
120 IX and X Own Choice $12.00
121 Open Own Choice $13.00 (Above Grade X level)

Concerto

Enter by age, not grade

Class Age
122 10 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 10 min. $15.00
123 12 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 10 min. $15.00
124 14 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
125 16 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
126 18 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 20 min. $21.00
127 Open Own Choice - not to exceed 20 min. $21.00 (Above Grade X level)

Two Piano Duo

Class Grade
128 I and II Own Choice - not to exceed 5 min. $10.00
129 III and IV Own Choice - not to exceed 5 min. $11.00
130 V and VI Own Choice - not to exceed 5 min. $11.00
131 VII and VIII Own Choice - not to exceed 10 min. $15.00
132 IX and X Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
133 Open Own Choice - not to exceed 20 min. $21.00 (Above Grade X level)

Recital Class

Enter by age, not grade. Two or three contrasting movements of the same piece will be accepted.
A high standard of performance and a carefully chosen program are expected

Class Age
134 6 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 5 min. $11.00
135 8 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 5 min. $11.00
136 10 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 8 min. $13.00
137 12 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 8 min. $13.00
138 14 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 10 min. $15.00
139 16 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
140 19 and under Own Choice - not to exceed 20 min. $23.00
141 Open Own Choice - not to exceed 25 min. $28.00

Concert Group

Three contrasting selections of various periods and styles
A high standard of performance and a carefully chosen program are expected

Class Grade
142 I Own Choice - not to exceed 12 min. $14.00
143 II Own Choice - not to exceed 12 min. $14.00
144 III Own Choice - not to exceed 12 min. $14.00
145 IV Own Choice - not to exceed 12 min. $14.00
146 V Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
147 VI Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
148 VII Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
149 VIII Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
150 IX Own Choice - not to exceed 15 min. $18.00
151 X Own Choice - not to exceed 20 min. $23.00
152 Open Own Choice - not to exceed 25 min. $28.00 (Above Grade X level)

Classes for Students Enrolled in an Accredited Post-Secondary Music Program

All Classes - Own Choice

Class
153 Baroque Composers
154 Romantic Composers
155 Classical Composers
156 Concert Group - 3 contrasting selections of various periods and styles. Not to exceed 25 minutes.

Non Competitive Piano Classes

Non Competitive Piano Classes will follow the general festival rules but there will be no marks awarded. While non competitive, a high standard of performance will be expected. Selections chosen do not need to be listed in the RCM syllabus. Memory is not compulsory.

Class Age
157 6 years and under Own Choice $10.00
158 8 years and under Own Choice $10.00
159 10 years and under Own Choice $10.00
160 12 years and under Own Choice $12.00
161 14 years and under Own Choice $12.00

National Anthem Accompanying Class

Open to all grade level students. Each student will be asked to open a session with the playing of "O Canada" (without music, please). A short written adjudication will be given. One student may be invited to play the National Anthem at the Honours Performance. No awards or certificates will be given for this class. Standard of playing is expected to be equal to the competitive classes.
Class 170 All Grades Entry Fee: $6.00

Family Music Class

This class is created to foster music in the home. Open to two or more members of a family. Accompanist (if necessary) must be a family member. Competitors can be of any age and may include relatives not of the immediate family. Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes.
Class 463 All Grades Entry Fee: $20.00

Piano Classes - Provincial Finals

General Regulations, Guidelines and Class Structure

For more information check the Provincial web site – www.bcprovincials.com

  1. Competitors will be selected from their festival in the same manner as in previous years, plus recommended competitors may choose to enter the Canadian classes.
    Note: No Participants May be Selected for the Canadian Class Only. (Please refer to Regulation #6)
  2. Provincial Junior, Intermediate, Senior and National class winners will be determined by their recommended class participation only - i.e. optional participation in Canadian class is not considered.
  3. Concertos or movements from concertos are NOT PERMITTED in Intermediate or Junior classes. Concerti in the Canadian classes are not permitted due to the fact that the Association cannot guarantee the provision of two pianos for these classes.
    A Concerto or Concerted Work is a composition written for solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.
  4. Two contrasting selections: must be from different periods showing contrast in style and mood.
  5. Two or more movements of a sonata, suite etc. are permissible provided another contrasting work can be performed within the time limit.
  6. Canadian Classes
    These are optional classes for pianists and will be judged on this category's merits alone. Participants may not enter Canadian classes only, but MUST first be recommended in Provincial Classes 20, 22, 24 or National Class 2; such recommended competitors may enter the Canadian class at the same level if they so choose, i.e. Canadian class recommendation from the local adjudicator is not required. Competitors may perform Canadian selections in their recommended class as well as in the optional Canadian class, however, they may not perform the same selection in both classes.
  7. Syllabi from the Royal Conservatory (Toronto), Conservatory Canada or other major institutions may be used as reference for grade levels.
  8. Competitors must be of accepted ages as of December 31, 2010.
  9. Please read the General Rules for further information.

Junior Piano

Class 20 Age: 14 & under Time Limit: 15 minutes Recommended Minimum Level: Grade 7
Two contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.
The Provincial Junior Piano Winner shall be selected from this class.

Junior Piano - Canadian Music

Class 21 Age: 14 & under Time Limit: 7 minutes
One selection of Canadian music of approximately minimum Grade 7 level - if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.

Intermediate Piano

Class 22 Age: 17 & under Time Limit: 20 minutes Recommended Minimum Level: Grade 8
Two contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.
The Provincial Intermediate Piano Winner shall be selected from this class.

Intermediate Piano - Canadian Music

Class 23 Age: 17 & under Time Limit: 10 minutes
One selection of Canadian music of approximately Grade 8 level - if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.

Senior Piano

Class 24 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 25 minutes Recommended Minimum Level: Grade 9
Two contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.
The Provincial Senior Piano Winner shall be selected from this class.

Senior Piano - Canadian Music

Class 25 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 12 minutes Recommended Minimum Level: Grade 9
One selection of Canadian music of approximately Grade 9 level - if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.

Piano Classes - National Finals

National Piano

Class 2 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 40 minutes

Two selections consisting of:

  1. Two consecutive movements of a senior Sonata or Concerto, or a complete Concerted work.
  2. One own choice selection. This may NOT be another movement of the above.

The National Piano Winner shall be selected from this class.
NOTE: Memorization is mandatory for this National level class at both the Provincial and National levels.

National Level Piano - Canadian Music

Class 26 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 15 minutes

One selection of Canadian Music of an advanced level - if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.
Please Note: This class is provided to the recommended National performer at the Provincial Festival in order to encourage the performance of Canadian music and to give further performance opportunities for this advanced level of performer - participation in this class at the Provincial Festival is strictly optional, and is not necessary nor considered when selecting the candidate who will then advance to the National Festival. This Class, therefore, forms no part of the National Festival of Music.

Attention National Class Competitors: Please Refer to Current National Syllabus.

It is the Responsibility of Each Competitor to Read and Comply With the General Rules Governing the Provincial and National Festivals.