MUSIC RULES
1. DEFINITIONS
a. OPEN CLASSES. Classes designated ‘open’ are for all ages of competitor, but they must be amateurs. Please see General Rule on Status in the syllabus which clarifies this.
b. LEVELS. Where indicated, in Instrumental and Piano classes, Elementary is of Grade 1-2 standard; Transitional: Grades 3-4; Intermediate: Grades 5-6; Advanced: Grade 7 & above (any examining board).
2. COPYRIGHT
a. The use of photo or other facsimile copies of printed music without the publisher’s permission is forbidden as contrary to law. However, when a work is part of a volume and not published separately, a copy may be made for the adjudicator and the official accompanist, provided that the competitor has already purchased a copy and the photocopy is retained and then destroyed by the festival.
b. No arrangement of music still under copyright is permitted, unless with written consent from the publisher.
c. Songs from the Shows. All performances using music from shows in current production
are subject to copyright law but may be sung as a concert item without the need for copyright permission.
3. CHOICE OF MUSIC
a. Your choice of music to be performed should be specified on the entry form with all particulars (title, composer and duration).
b. Competitors may not offer the same item in different classes.
c. An original copy of music to be performed must be provided on the day for the Adjudicator and also a pdf version in advance for an Official Accompanist, if required. This music must be sent to the relevant entry secretary by Monday 8th February 2027.
4. CHOIRS, ORCHESTRAS ETC
Only amateur musicians are eligible to take part in choirs, bands and orchestras etc other than as conductors or accompanists, or as permitted by the class description.
5. TIME LIMITS
Time limits, where applicable, are clearly stated in the syllabus. Where a performance exceeds the allocated time limit, one mark is deducted for each period of 30 seconds after the initial 15 seconds.
6. RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRIES
a. Competitors may not enter more than 5 classes in the Vocal section and no more than 5 classes in Instrumental and Piano sections combined.
b. Where similar classes are designated Elementary, Transitional, Intermediate and Advanced, no one may enter more than one such level unless offering different instruments.
c. In duet and trio classes entrants may enter more than once in the same class as long as it is with different partners and performing different pieces.
7. AWARDS
Trophies are awarded at the adjudicator’s discretion, but generally only for categories Commended and above. Only certain classes have trophy awards, the majority of awards are certificates or badges.
NOTE
Failure to comply with the Music Rules may result in a performance being adjudicated but not placed.