2025 Syllabus - Contemporary Piano

Definition
Contemporary music is a musical term that defines a wide range of compositions that adopt ideas and elements from both classical and modern music.

This class is designed for competitors who wish to play contemporary piano pieces that were written after 1960, and do NOT appear in either the current RCM or CC Syllabus.

Piece Selections?
a) Only one selection is required and must have been performed at the Local Festival, received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator. The Adjudicator will take piece choice into consideration.

Permitted
Examples of pieces/collections that can be included, but not limited to are:

- Christopher Norton Connection Series (for pieces not in RCM or CC syllabi)
- Canadian Contemporary Repertoire Series
- Northern Lights Repertoire
- Canadian Contemporary Repertoire Series
- American Popular Piano Repertoire
- The Galaxy Series
- Violet Archer
- Boris Berlin
- John Burge
- Christine Donkin
- Anne Crosby Gaudet
- Clifford Poole
- Ann Southam

The list above is only a guideline. If you are uncertain about where a piece should be entered, please contact the office at mail@omfa.ca and we will get back to you quickly with an answer.

Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms
(conservatorycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CI-Piano-Repertoire-List-Complete.pdf) is a great source for contemporary works.

Not Permitted
b) Pop Songs, Covers and pieces are not permitted in this class.
Please note that the majority of selections found in the RCM Popular Piano series are "covers" of popular songs and therefore are not permitted in this section. They must be played in the Popular Piano section. There are exceptions – so care must be taken.

General
c) All selections must be played from memory.
d) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/virtual-festival/rules-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.
e) 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, Pro credit or subscription to a sharing website, eg. Scribd, Everand, Musescore) for each selection must be presented to the Registration desk for the Adjudicator's use on the day of competition.
f) All competitors must be an amateur which shall be defined as a music student, performer, or any person who does not earn significant income ($5000/year) 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).
h) No announcement of name or selection is required prior to your performance.

Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Competitors are required to play one selection only.

Competitors must enter the class corresponding to the age of the oldest member of the duet/trio.

The maximum performance time for each level are listed below:

Beginner Levels (Ages 6-8): Five (5) minutes

Primary Levels (Ages 9-10): Five (5) minutes

Elementary Levels (Ages 11-12): Five (5) minutes

Junior Levels (Ages 13-14): Eight (8) minutes

Intermediate Levels (Ages 15-16): Ten (10) minutes

Senior Levels (Ages 17-18): Ten (10) minutes

Advanced Levels Ages 19-28):Ten (10) minutes

Amateur Adults (Ages 29 and Above): Ten (10) minutes

Adult & Child: Ten (10) 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 (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 result in disqualification.
 

ClassFee
Class:40015 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Beginner Level - Ages 6-8

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$25.00Register
Class:40016 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Primary Level - Ages 9-10

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$25.00Register
Class:40017 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Elementary Level - Ages 11-12

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$25.00Register
Class:40018 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Junior Level - Ages 13-14

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$27.00Register
Class:40019 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Intermediate Level - Ages 15-16

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$27.00Register
Class:40020 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Senior Level - Ages 17-18

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$27.00Register
Class:40021 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Advanced Level - Ages 19-28

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$30.00Register
Class:40022 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Adults - Ages 29 and Above

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$30.00Register
Class:40023 - Contemporary Piano - Duets and Trios - Adult and Child

One selection required for Pickering GTA Music Festival.

Fee:$30.00Register