Barrie Music Festival Association

April 2023 Syllabus - Classical Piano

It is the responsibility of every Competitor and/or Parent/Guardian and/or Teacher to ensure that they have read and complied with the current Syllabus and all the rules and regulations governing the Barrie Kiwanis Music Festival.

Prior to registering, we invite you to read the FAQ's.

In classes where age limit is specified, competitors must be the prescribed age or under as of December 31st of the previous year and must state their age on the online registration form.

Piano Solo by Level - List A

Selection must be from the List A of the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter these classes multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - List B

Selection must be from the List B of the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter these classes multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - List C

Selection must be from the List C of the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter these classes multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - List D

Selection must be from the List D of the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter these classes multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - List E

Selection must be from the List E of the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter these classes multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - List F

Selection must be from the List F of the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter these classes multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - Etude

Own choice of one etude from the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Beginning Method Books (Pre-Conservatory)

Own choice of repertoire selected from early teaching methods that precede Conservatory studies. The first listed level categories are from methods such as (but not limited to) Bastien, Celebrate Piano! Faber and Faber, Alfred, Music Tree etc.

The last 2 categories accommodate the Conservatory pre-Level 1 'Preparatory' books.

Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - Conservatory Popular Selection

Own choice. Repertoire must be selected from the Popular Selections section of the current Conservatory syllabus. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo by Level - Additional Repertoire

Own choice. Any repertoire. Selection does not need to be listed in the current RCM or CC syllabus. This category can also be used for an additional entry of a 'List' category (ie. to enter a second List A piece etc.). Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Concerto

Own choice. When applicable, cadenzas are to be played. One movement (fast or slow - please choose the appropriate class) of a concerto. Through-composed single movement concertos can be played. For a single movement concerto, please choose the fast or slow class as is most appropriate to your piece. Orchestral part (not adjudicated) for all concertos will be played on a second acoustic piano or digital keyboard. Orchestral introductions by accompanists may be abridged. The Italian Concerto by J.S. Bach is not permitted in this class. Must be repertoire not entered in another class in the Festival.
Max time - Level 8 & under - 15 min, Level 9 & up - 25 min.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Sonata

Own choice. One movement (fast or slow - please choose the appropriate class) of a sonata. Must be repertoire not entered in another class in the Festival.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Concert Group

Repertoire must be contrasting in style and mood and from different eras. Performance is to take the form of a miniature recital. Competitors may enter only once in this Section. Repertoire for this class must not appear in any other class in this Festival, and must follow the guidelines below:

Levels 1 - 8 - Minimum of 2, maximum of 3 contrasting selections, within the timeframe indicated below. Single movement of a multi-movement work may be played. One selection may be non-conservatory or an etude or popular repertoire. All repertoire must be at the current level of study.

Levels 9 and up - Minimum of 3, maximum of 4 contrasting selections, within the time frame indicated below. Single movement of a multi-movement work may be played. One selection may be non-conservatory or an etude or popular repertoire. Two selections must be at the grade level entered; one selection may be one grade level higher, if desired.

Time Limits:
Levels 1-3 - 5 min
Levels 4-6 - 10 min
Level 7 - 15 min
Level 8 - 20 min
Level 9 - 25 min
Level 10 and up - 30 min

Choice of repertoire, variety of program, variety of period and style, technique, artistry, and stage presence will be considered by the Adjudicator.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 15-40 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Canadian Composer

Selection originally written for piano by a Canadian composer (i.e. Anne Crosby Gaudet, Clifford Poole, Oscar Peterson, Christopher Norton etc.) Selection may be from any style, including jazz or pop. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo - JS Bach

Selections must be chosen from the J.S. Bach compositions (original version only—transcriptions are not permitted.) A Prelude and Fugue must be performed together as one selection. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo - Modern (post 1950)

Any late 20th Century (post 1950) or 21st Century piece. Repertoire may be but is not limited to the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabi. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo - Jazz, Blues, Ragtime

Own choice of a piece arranged or originally written for piano in the blues, jazz, or ragtime idiom. Repertoire may be but is not limited to the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabi. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo - Sacred

Own choice. Piece may be from a hymnal or a modern arrangement of any sacred piece. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Solo - Original Composition

Compose an original piece in what would be considered a 'classical' style for piano. Entrants are required to perform their own compositions. The composition may be handwritten or produced using any music scoring software. Entrants must submit a written score.

Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

Participants will be assessed on their creativity, originality, and overall musicality.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano - Years of Study

Own choice, at the appropriate experience level. Repertoire may be but is not limited to the current RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabi, Alfred's Premier Piano Course, Bastien, Celebrate Piano! Faber and Faber, Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, Music Tree, Northern Lights etc. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Student Duets by Age

Competitors must enter the class according to the age of the oldest in the duet. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with different partners and different repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry. Separate registration forms are required.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.

Piano Duets Student + Adult/Teacher

Own choice. Duet is performed with teacher or an adult, but only the student will receive an adjudication. Competitors may enter this category multiple times with repertoire that has not been previously performed in the Festival, but a separate registration is required for each entry.

ADJUDICATION PLUS categories will include an opportunity for each competitor to return to the piano and work with the adjudicator 1:1 for 10-20 min (level dependent) to receive immediate feedback on incorporating some of the adjudicator's suggestions.