Piano Classes

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.

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 'd' does not apply to students entering Recital, Piano Duets, Two-piano Duos or Concerto classes.
  6. One selection in each Class 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. For each Class performance, the competitor must present the original unmarked score of his/her music (NO PHOTOCOPIES) which he/she is to perform to the adjudicator at the desk when their name and competitor number is called. 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
11 ARCT Own Choice Play the whole sonata $17.00
12 OPEN Own Choice Play the whole sonata $17.00

J.S. Bach

Any selection composed by J.S. Bach only.

Class Grade
13 I Own Choice
14 II Own Choice
15 III Own Choice
16 IV Own Choice
17 V Own Choice
18 VI Own Choice
19 VII Own Choice
20 VIII Own Choice
21 IX Own Choice
22 X Own Choice
23 ARCT Own Choice
24 OPEN Own Choice

Baroque Composers

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

Class Grade
25 I Own Choice
26 II Own Choice
27 III Own Choice
28 IV Own Choice
29 V Own Choice
30 VI Own Choice
31 VII Own Choice
32 VIII Own Choice
33 IX Own Choice
34 X Own Choice
35 ARCT Own Choice
36 OPEN Own Choice

Canadian Composers

Class Grade
37 I Own Choice
38 II Own Choice
39 III Own Choice
40 IV Own Choice
41 V Own Choice
42 VI Own Choice
43 VII Own Choice
44 VIII Own Choice
45 IX Own Choice
46 X Own Choice
47 ARCT Own Choice
48 OPEN Own Choice

20th Century

Other than Canadian Composers

Class Grade
49 I Own Choice
50 II Own Choice
51 III Own Choice
52 IV Own Choice
53 V Own Choice
54 VI Own Choice
55 VII Own Choice
56 VIII Own Choice
57 IX Own Choice
58 ARCT Own Choice
59 OPEN Own Choice

Pop Selections

R.C.M. Pop selections Syllabus as a guide. Norton’s American Popular Piano Repertoire etc.

Class Grade
61 III Own Choice
62 IV Own Choice
63 V Own Choice
64 VI Own Choice
65 VII Own Choice
66 VIII Own Choice
67 IX Own Choice

Romantic or Character

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

Class Grade
68 I Own Choice
69 II Own Choice
70 III Own Choice
71 IV Own Choice
72 V Own Choice
73 VI Own Choice

Romantic Composers

Class Grade
74 VII Own Choice
75 VIII Own Choice
76 IX Own Choice
77 X Own Choice
78 ARCT Own Choice
79 OPEN Own Choice

Post-Romantic Composers

Class Grade
80 VII Own Choice
81 VIII Own Choice
82 IX Own Choice
83 X Own Choice
84 ARCT Own Choice
85 OPEN Own Choice

Impressionist Composers

Class Grade
86 VIII Own Choice
87 IX Own Choice
88 X Own Choice
89 ARCT Own Choice
90 OPEN Own Choice

Preparatory A

Repertoire found in RCM Examination Syllabus

Class Grade
91 Baroque
92 Classical
93 20th Century
94 Canadian

Preparatory B

Repertoire found in RCM Examination Syllabus

Class Grade
95 Baroque
96 Classical
97 20th Century
98 Canadian

Piano Duets

Class Age
99 8 and under Own Choice
100 10 and under Own Choice
101 12 and under Own Choice
102 14 and under Own Choice
103 16 and under Own Choice
104 18 and under Own Choice
105 OPEN Own Choice

Piano Trios

Class Age
106 10 and under Own Choice
107 12 and under Own Choice
108 14 and under Own Choice
109 16 and under Own Choice

Two Pianos

Class Age
110 8 and under Own Choice
111 10 and under Own Choice
112 12 and under Own Choice
113 14 and under Own Choice
114 16 and under Own Choice
115 18 and under Own Choice
116 OPEN Own Choice

Concerto

Orchestra part played on 2nd piano

Class Age
117 10 and under Own Choice
118 12 and under Own Choice
119 14 and under Own Choice
120 16 and under Own Choice
121 18 and under Own Choice
122 OPEN Own Choice

Recital Class

Two or three contrasting movements of the same piece will be accepted. A high standard of performance is expected.

Class Age
123 6 and under Own Choice
124 8 and under Own Choice
125 10 and under Own Choice
126 12 and under Own Choice
127 14 and under Own Choice
128 16 and under Own Choice
129 18 and under Own Choice
130 OPEN Own Choice

Concert Group

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

Class Grade
131 I Own Choice
132 II Own Choice
133 III Own Choice
134 IV Own Choice
135 V Own Choice
136 VI Own Choice
137 VII Own Choice
138 VIII Own Choice
139 IX Own Choice
140 X Own Choice
141 ARCT Own Choice
142 OPEN Own Choice

Non Competitive Piano Classes

Non Competitive Piano Classes will follow the general festival rules but there will be no marks awarded. This class is adjudication only. Memory is not compulsory. Selections chosen should be from RCM, RCM Popular, or equivalent syllabi.

Class Age
143 6 years and under Own Choice
144 8 years and under Own Choice
145 10 years and under Own Choice
146 12 years and under Own Choice
147 14 years and under Own Choice
148 16 years and under Own Choice

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 149 All Grades

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 150 All Grades

Joan Gosselin Music Writing Celebration

Class 151 Pop/Jazz Original Composition
Class 152 Classical Original Composition

The JGMWC criteria is taken from the CFMTA Student Composer. Each of the above classes are open to students of all ages. A copy of the entrant's original composition must be handed into the Piano Section Chairperson at the beginning of the festival session to be forwarded to the Adjudicator.

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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, 2011.
  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.

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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.