Piano

A professional is someone whose principal means of livelihood is obtained from the profession of the practice of music.  Competitors in this section may enter all or any of these classes.  Selections must be of a minimum Associate level but not necessarily found in the Syllabus of the RCM or Conservatory Canada Syllabi.  Unless otherwise indicated, own choice solo performance must not exceed a time limit of 40 minutes.

This section is exclusively for those students who have won the “Distinguished Award (formerly “Top Winner” Pianist” award in previous years.  These students are not eligible to compete in any other classes in the festival and are, therefore, not eligible to receive the “Distinguished Award (formerly “Top Winner” Pianist” award a second time.  A winner from this section will receive an alumni trophy and may be recommended to the Provincials.      Competitors in this section may enter all or any of these classes.  Selections must be of a minimum Associate level but not necessarily found in the Syllabus of the RCM or Conservatory Canada Syllabi.  If, however, the selection is listed in the syllabus, it must be performed as described therein.  For example, if a Sonata is listed as complete, all movements must be performed.  Performances must not exceed 40 minutes.

Selections from the Conservatory Syllabi as well as selections not listed but Level appropriate will be accepted.  If however, the selection is listed in the Syllabus, it must be performed as described therein.  For example, if 2 movements of a sonata are compulsory for the Level, the 2 movements must be performed in this class.  Competitors will be judged on the discrimination shown in their choice of piece/selections as well as on technique and interpretation.  Selections should be of contrasting style. For P310 and P311 if more than 2 selections are performed, please email the additional information to

All own choice selections must be chosen from the current List A of the RCM Syllabus or Group 1 of the Conservatory Canada Syllabus.

All own choice selections, must be movements of a sonata/sonatina chosen from the Current RCM List B or Conservatory Canada Group 1 or 2 Syllabi.  Please include movement and Opus number.

All own choice selections, other than Sonatas or Sonatinas must be chosen from List B of RCM Syllabus or Conservatory Canada syllabus Group 1 (for grades 1-5) or Group 2 (for grades 6-10).

All own choice selections must be chosen from the Current RCM List C or Conservatory Canada Group 2 (for grades 1-5) or Group 3 (for grades 6-10) of the Conservatory Canada syllabus.

All Own Choice selections must be chosen from the current RCM List D or E, or Conservatory Canada Group 4. All selections must be by a composer who lived in the 20th or 21st Century.   Canadian Composers are excluded from this section. Note: RCM Level 7 students may choose a selection by a composer who lived in the 20th or 21st Century from the current List C. Grade 7 CC students may choose a selection by a composer who lived in the 20th or 21st Century from the current CC Group 3 listing.

All Own choice selections unless otherwise indicated, must be taken from the current lists of RCM or Conservatory Canada Syllabi.  Studies may not be used in this class.

Studies must be chosen from current Etudes list of the RCM Syllabus.  Selections need not be memorized. However, an original copy must be provided should a student choose to perform the selection with the music. The student may perform using a photocopy.  One Study only.  NOTE: Selections may NOT be taken from the RCM Popular Selections list.

Two Studies must be chosen from the current edition RCM Syllabus.  Selections need not be memorized. However, an original copy must be provided should a student choose to perform the selection with the music. The student may perform using a photocopy. NOTE: Selections may NOT be taken from the RCM Popular Selections list.

Selections may be chosen from any edition of the Popular Selections Syllabus of the RCM or from the current Contemporary Repertoire Syllabus of Conservatory Canada. Selections need not be memorized. However, an original copy must be provided should a student chooses to perform the selection with the music. The student may perform using a photocopy.

One selection from the following genres: 
a)    Pop, Pop/ Folk, R & B, Soul, Rock, Alternative, Indie, Jazz or Country
b)    Selections from Conservatory Canada (CC) Contemporary Idioms Piano lists and the Royal Conservatory of Music Popular Lists (RCM) are eligible. 

Performance must be memorized. Competitors will be judged on the whole performance package, including selection choice, interpretation, and program. 

Orchestral part to be played by second piano. No recordings are permitted. If a competitor is striving for recommendation to the provincial festival please adhere to their requirements when selecting the concerto repertoire. 

Only one performer of the duo pair should register. Please ensure you have included the name of the additional performer in the appropriate area. Selections need not be memorized. One original copy is to be given to the adjudicator. Students may perform from a photocopy. 

Students may not enter a class below the current level of study as of January of the Festival year. Only one performer of the duet pair must register and pay for the desired class. Please ensure you have included the name of the additional performer in the appropriate area.  Selections need not be memorized. One original copy is to be given to the adjudicator. Students may perform from a photocopy. 

Competitors entering this section must be related (siblings, step-siblings, cousins, etc.) but may not necessarily have the same last name. Please ensure you have included the name of the additional performer in the appropriate area. Selections need not be memorized. One original copy is to be given to the adjudicator. Students may perform from a photocopy. 

Only one performer of the trio must register and pay for the desired class. Please ensure you have included the names of the additional performers in the appropriate area. Selections need not be memorized. One original copy is to be given to the adjudicator. Students may perform from a photocopy. 

Only one performer of the trio must register and pay for the desired class. Please ensure you have included the names of the additional performers in the appropriate area. Selections need not be memorized. One original copy is to be given to the adjudicator. Students may perform from a photocopy. Please note that if any member of the ensemble is 13 or older, the ensemble must choose to compete in the 13 and over class.

Level of sight class entered must reflect the level of the majority of other classes entered in the competition.

This section is for those students working towards obtaining their Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music or from Conservatory Canada. Competitors in this section must currently hold an Associate Diploma from RCM or CC. Selections must be taken from the current Licentiate Repertoire List of the RCM. Note: Selections with which a competitor has previously won a first standing in any class in any year may not be used. (See #10 General Rules). Unless otherwise indicated, own choice solo performance may not exceed a limit of 50 minutes.

Contemporary music is a musical term that defines a wide range of compositions that adopt ideas and elements from both classical and modern music.
a)    Selection must be played from memory.
b)    Piece must have been written after 1960.
c)    This class is designed for competitors who wish to play a contemporary piano piece that does not appear in either the current RCM or CC Syllabus
d)    Pop Songs and Covers are not permitted in this class.
e)    For examples of pieces/collections appropriate for this class see the syllabus PDF. 
Please note that the majority of selections found in the RCM Popular Piano series are “covers” of popular songs and are not eligible for this class.