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.