Syllabus - Piano

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2027

• Adult classes are being expanded to include junior, intermediate, and senior sub-categories, corresponding to the manner in which piano classes as a whole are divided among adjudicators. Class numbers in skills classes, concerto classes, ensemble classes, and popular classes have been revised as required.
• Concerto classes are being regrouped such that all classes for the same age cohort (10 years and under, 11-12 years, and so on) are in the same category. Class numbers have been revised as required.
• The Festival has added virtual piano classes.

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Adjudication Piano classes are customarily divided among three adjudicators: junior, intermediate, and senior.

• The junior adjudicator, by convention, oversees classes for Conservatory levels 6 and below, and classes organised by age for performers aged 12 and under.
• The intermediate adjudicator, by convention, oversees classes for Conservatory levels 7 and 8, and classes organised by age for performers aged 13 through 16.
• The senior adjudicator, by convention, oversees classes for Conservatory levels 9 and up, classes organised by age for performers aged 17 and 18, and Open classes.
• Classes for adult performers are split among the three standard adjudicators according to the technical proficiency of the performer.

Concerto Classes Piano concerto classes are treated distinctly, and may be divided amongst the junior, intermediate, or senior adjudicators or assigned to a different adjudicator.

 

DEFINITIONS

By-Level and By-Age Streams Select categories of piano classes, such as "Level 2 Solo Classical Piano", are explicitly identified as belonging to the By-Level Stream of classes. Likewise, select categories of piano classes, such as "Solo Classical Piano Age 11-12", are explicitly identified as belonging to the By-Age Stream of classes. Each of these classes may have additional eligibility restrictions, as noted in their category descriptions. Performers may usually freely enter classes not belonging to either category, subject to any restrictions specific to those classes.

Historical Periods Several classes in this discipline refer to historical periods. Repertoire typically is defined as belonging to a given period by means of convention or scholarly consensus. When in doubt about whether a repertoire selection belongs to any given historical period, use the following guidelines:

• Baroque Period 1600 through 1750.
• Classical Period 1751 through 1830.
• Romantic Period 1831 through 1890.
• Post-Romantic and Modern Periods 1891 through 1960. These periods are referred to as "Modern" by classes in this discipline.
• Contemporary Period 1961 to the present day.

 

RULES & REGULATIONS

Adjudication Classes in this discipline are adjudicated competitively except where otherwise specified.

Instrumentation Classes are for solo piano unless otherwise specified. If a class specifies piano duet or piano trio, the ensemble entering such a class must consist of a piano duet or trio as defined above.

Repertoire Each class specifies the quantity of repertoire selections required for that class in its description. If a class permits performance of more than one selection, multiple selections must be contrasting - distinct from one another in style, mood, tempo, and so on. Selections must be unaccompanied unless otherwise specified. When in doubt, the adjudicator determines the suitability of a repertoire selection for its class.

Classical Repertoire Selections in classical categories must be art music or "classical" repertoire. Repertoire selections may be the performer's own choice except where otherwise specified. Selections specified as Conservatory selections must be drawn from an RCM or CC repertoire list. If a class specifies a Conservatory level, selections performed in that class must match or approximately match its level; otherwise, they must be suited to the technical proficiency of the performer or performers.

Popular Repertoire Selections in popular categories may be from any popular genre, such as jazz, pop, rock, hip-hop, country, folk, and so on, instumental works of music theatre, or chosen from film, television, video games, or similar media. Selections may be the performer's own choice. They must be suited to the technical proficiency of the performer or performers.

Multi-Movement Works You may perform a single movement from a multi-movement work as a single selection. You may also combine multiple movements from a multi-movement work into a single selection. These movements must be contrasting where possible. You may not perform multiple movements from the same work as different selections in the same class. When performing multiple movements from a multi-movement work in a class, you combine a specified number of movements from the work together according to the class's rules.

Concerto A piano concerto, or a related work such as a concertino, may only be performed in concerto classes, and may not be performed in any other class in this discipline. A concerto must be accompanied.

Etude An etude may only be performed in etude classes, concert group classes, non-competitive classes, or virtual classes, except where otherwise specified.