2024 Syllabus - Popular Piano

This category is designed to incorporate the following genres: pop, pop/ folk, R & B, soul, rock, alternative, indie, jazz or country. Selections should be covers from commercial artists in these genres.

Selections that are NOT permitted:
• Rap and Hip Hop
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical piano syllabi

Competitors are encouraged to perform all selections from memory.

Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, style and age appropriateness.

Popular Piano Ballad

Own choice. Repertoire must be selected from any ballad that would be considered to be in the popular music idiom, but is not part of 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.

Popular Piano Up-Tempo

Own choice. Repertoire must be selected from any up-tempo piece that would be considered to be in the popular music idiom, but is not part of 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.

Popular Piano Jazz or Blues

Own choice. Repertoire must be a piece that would be considered to be in the jazz or blues idiom, but is not part of 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.

Popular Piano Canadian Composer

Own choice. Repertoire must be selected from any piece that would be considered to be in the popular music idiom and written by a Canadian, but is not part of 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.

Popular Piano Additional Repertoire

Own choice. This category is meant for a second piece that would belong in another class that has already been entered (ie. an additional ballad, up-tempo or jazz/blues piece). Piece can be, but is not required to be by a Canadian Composer. Repertoire must be considered to be in the popular music idiom, but is not part of 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.

Popular Piano Original Composition

Compose an original piece in what would be considered a 'popular' style for piano. Entrants are required to perform their own compositions. The composition may be handwritten or produced using any music scoring software. Entrants may use a lead sheet or chord chart or written score. If submissions are improvisatory, please provide a sketch or lead sheet for the Adjudicator.

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.

Popular Piano Duet

Competitors must enter the class according to the age of the oldest in the duet. Performance should be of a piece in the popular music idiom. 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.