Syllabus - Strings

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2027

• Classes for Conservatory repertoire now strictly require performance of Conservatory repertoire. Similar to piano, "Own Choice" classes have been added to allow the performance of single selections not found in Conservatory lists. Concert group classes still do not require Conservatory repertoire.
• The Festival has added virtual strings classes.

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Adjudication Strings classes are customarily divided among two adjudicators: junior and senior.

• The junior adjudicator, by convention, oversees classes for performers performing at Conservatory level 8 and below
• The senior adjudicator, by convention, oversees classes for performers performing at Conservatory level 9 and above, along with Open classes..
• Adult classes are overseen by an adjudicator based on time available within the schedule.

 

DEFINITIONS

String Instrument A string instrument is any type of violin, viola, cello (or violoncello), or double bass. Any other instrument qualifies as a string instrument at the adjudicator's sole discretion.

String Duet, Trio, or Ensemble A string duet, trio, or ensemble is:

• Any duet where either or both performers are playing a string instrument.
• Any trio where at least two performers are playing a string instrument.
• Any ensemble of four or more performers, in which at least half of the performers are playing a string instrument.

Concert Repertoire Any stand-alone accompanied or unaccompanied selection that is not a concerto (or related work), sonata (or related work), or etude, is considered to be "concert repertoire". For instance, works from RCM Violin Level 6 or Level 7 List C or works from RCM Viola Level 6 or Level 7 List C are defined as concert repertoire.

 

RULES & REGULATIONS

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

Instrumentation Each class in this discipline specifies its permitted instrumentation. If a class specifies string instrument, a performer of any such instrument may enter that class. If a class specifies string duet or trio or string ensemble, the ensemble entering such a class must satisfy the definitions of string duets, trios, or ensembles.

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 may be accompanied or unaccompanied except when one or the other is specified by the class rules. 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 strings 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. Accompaniment must be a reduction of the orchestral parts, performed by a collaborative pianist.

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

Orchestral Excerpt An orchestral excerpt may only be performed in orchestral excerpt classes.