2025 Syllabus - Classical Upper Strings
Piece Selections
a) One of the selections must have been performed at the Local Festival and received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator. The second selection is the competitor's choice but may not be another movement from the first selection.
b) Graded Level Classes are for competitors studying in either the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus.
c) All selections must be at the same grade level and at the level at which the competitor was recommended by the adjudicator. If the competitor has taken an exam prior to December 31st, 2023, then they cannot enter that level at the provincial live finals.
d) Competitors must refer carefully to either the RCM or CC syllabus to determine how many and which movements of a selection are required (i.e. one mvt., two mvts., or complete). Failure to play the required movements could result in disqualification.
e) Competitors may count one or more movements of a multi-movement work as one selection only.
f) Studies/Etudes, as listed in the RCM or CC syllabi, will be permitted. However, only one (1) of the pieces selected may be a Study/Etude.
g) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will consider choice of repertoire and balance of program in their adjudication.
h) "Teacher's Choice" pieces are not permitted.
General Rules
i) Original music for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the Adjudicator on the day of competition. An original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt showing title and price (not a cover page or subscription to a sharing website) are acceptable. Measure numbers should be clearly marked in the music.
j) Except for sonatas, performances must be from memory.
k) All competitors must be an amateur which shall be defined as a music student, performer, or any person who does not earn significant income from performance or teaching in the discipline in which they are participating or, is a member of a professional union. (Please click here for the full definition of Amateur vs Professional: omfa.ca/glossary).
l) No announcement of name or selection is required prior to your performance.
m) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/live-festival/rules-and-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.
Accompaniment
n) Accompaniment must be by acoustic piano only. Unless a piece is specifically written to be unaccompanied it must have accompaniment or the submission will be for adjudication only.
o) If you do not have a collaborative pianist (accompanist), the people on this list (click here: omfa.ca/collaborative-pianists-accompanists) have indicated that they are willing to help out by providing live or recorded accompaniments. It is up to the competitor to contact them directly and pay for this arrangement.
Classical Upper Strings - Levels 1-5 - Solo
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
The maximum performance time limit is fifteen (15) minutes.
Both pieces must be at the level the competitor was recommended for.
There is no minimum performance time.
Accurate performance times must be included on the entry form. Do not guess timings.
If you do not provide all information required (your YouTube video link, the PDF of your music and payment) by your Festival's Provincial deadline, it will result in disqualification. "To Be Decided" in any field will not be accepted and will also result in disqualification.
The only exception to this is the field labelled "Movement/Musical". If your piece is a sonata or a concerto, etc. you will need to define which movements you will be playing. If your piece does not have any movements please put "none".
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:37001C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 1-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37001D - Classical Upper Strings - Level 1-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37001A - Classical Upper Strings - Pre-Grade 1-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37001B - Classical Upper Strings - Pre-Grade 1-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37002A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 2-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37002B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 2-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37003A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 3-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37003B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 3-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37003C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 3-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:37004A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 4-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:37004B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 4-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:37004C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 4-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:37005A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 5-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:37005B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 5-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:37005C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 5-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
Classical Upper Strings - Levels 6-10 - Solo
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus for their particular instrument.
The maximum performance time for levels 6-10 are listed below:
Levels 6 & 7: Fifteen (15) minutes
Levels 8 & 9: Twenty (20) minutes
Level 10: Thirty (30) minutes
There is no minimum performance time.
Accurate performance times must be included on the entry form. Do not guess timings.
If you do not provide all information required (i.e. the names of your pieces, movements, composer names and payment) by your Festival's Provincial deadline, it will result in disqualification. "To Be Decided" in any field will not be accepted and will also result in disqualification.
The only exception to this is the field labelled "Movement/Musical". If your piece is a sonata or a concerto, etc. you will need to define which movements you will be playing. If your piece does not have any movements please put "none".
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:14001A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 6-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14001B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 6-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14001C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 6-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14002A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 7-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14002B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 7-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14002C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 7-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14003A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 8-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14003B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 8-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14003C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 8-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14003D - Classical Upper Strings - Level 8-List D One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14004A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 9-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14004B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 9-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14004C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 9-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14004D - Classical Upper Strings - Level 9-List D One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:14005A - Classical Upper Strings - Level 10-List A One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:14005B - Classical Upper Strings - Level 10-List B One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:14005C - Classical Upper Strings - Level 10-List C One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:14005D - Classical Upper Strings - Level 10-List D One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
Classical Upper Strings - Open - Solo
DEFINITION
• Open Level Upper Strings competitors must be performing at the ARCT/A.Mus. level or above but do not have to have attained their associate degree. Competitors who have been studying at the Associate level for 2 or more years must enter this class.
• Level 10 pieces and below are not permitted in this category.
• Pieces do not need to be listed in the RCM or CC syllabi.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
In the Classical Upper Strings Open class, competitors will present a recital program which shows virtuosity, a high standard of performance ability and should include different genres/eras/styles etc.
A minimum of three pieces must be performed. Please note that competitors may play additional selections as long they fit into the designated time limit.
If one selection is a sonata or concerto, at least two consecutive movements (a minuet and trio is considered one movement) must be performed, even if the RCM & CC Syllabi indicate that the complete piece is required. Playing the complete is optional as long as it fits into the set time limit.
The maximum performance time for Open is sixty (60) minutes.
The absolute minimum performance time is fifteen (15) minutes.
Accurate performance times must be included on the entry form. Do not guess timings.
If you do not provide all information required (i.e. the names of your pieces, movements, composer names and payment) by your Festival's Provincial deadline, it will result in disqualification. "To Be Decided" in any field will not be accepted and will also result in disqualification.
The only exception to this is the field labelled "Movement/Musical". If your piece is a sonata or a concerto, etc. you will need to define which movements you will be playing. If your piece does not have any movements please put "none".
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:14007A - Classical Upper Strings - Open-Bach One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:14007E - Classical Upper Strings - Open-Canadian Composers One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:14007C - Classical Upper Strings - Open-Concerti One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:14007D - Classical Upper Strings - Open-Solos One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:14007B - Classical Upper Strings - Open-Sonata One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
Classical Upper Strings - Adults - Solo
DEFINITION
• Adult Classes are open to any amateur competitor 29 years of age and over.
• Please note there is only one level of competition for Adults.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections.
The maximum performance time for the Adult class is twenty-five (25) minutes.
There is no minimum performance time.
Accurate performance times must be included on the entry form. Do not guess timings.
If you do not provide all information required (i.e. the names of your pieces, movements, composer names and payment) by your Festival's Provincial deadline, it will result in disqualification. "To Be Decided" in any field will not be accepted and will also result in disqualification.
The only exception to this is the field labelled "Movement/Musical". If your piece is a sonata or a concerto, etc. you will need to define which movements you will be playing. If your piece does not have any movements please put "none".
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:14008 - Classical Upper Strings - Adults - Ages 29 and Above One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
Orchestral Excerpts
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:32030A - Classical Upper Strings - Orchestral Excerpts Level 7 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:32030B - Classical Upper Strings - Orchestral Excerpts Level 8 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32030C - Classical Upper Strings - Orchestral Excerpts Level 9 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32030D - Classical Upper Strings - Orchestral Excerpts Level 10 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:32030E - Classical Upper Strings - Orchestral Excerpts-Open One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
Sacred Solo
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:32031 - Classical Upper Strings - Sacred Solo One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
Canadian Composers
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:32031A - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 1 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:32031B - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 2 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:32031C - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 3 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:32031D - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 4 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:32031E - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 5 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32031F - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 6 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32031G - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 7 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32031H - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 8 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32031I - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 9 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32031J - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Level 10 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:32031K - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Open One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:32031L - Classical Upper Strings - Canadian Composers-Adult One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
Studies
One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. Selections to be chosen from RCM or CC syllabi
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:32035A - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Pre-Grade 1 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:32035B - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 1 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:32035C - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 2 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:32035D - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 3 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |
| Class:32035E - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 4 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:32035F - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 5 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$27.00 | Register |
| Class:32035G - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 6 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32035H - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 7 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32035I - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 8 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32035J - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 9 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$29.00 | Register |
| Class:32035K - Classical Upper Strings - Studies-Level 10 One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
First time in a Festival
One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. Less than 2 years of Study. Own -choice repertoire.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:32037 - Classical Upper Strings - First time in a Festival One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival. Less than 2 years of Study. Own -choice repertoire. | Fee:$25.00 | Register |