New and revised syllabus rules and classes for 2023 are highlighted in yellow.Turn on [Print Background Colours and Images] in your browser's Page Setup to print changes with highlights

Piano Syllabus

Class Certificates

A Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate is issued to all participants of each competitive class.

• Gold: 85 and above
• Silver: 80 to 84
• Bronze: 79 and under

The Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates do not indicate a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place standing in a class. Each colour represents a level of performance achievement.

There will be no set number of Gold, Silver, or Bronze certificates allotted for each class.

Marks will not be announced, though they will be written on the adjudication sheets. 

Adjudicator’s Remarks in Piano Section

The adjudicator will give feedback in general terms when addressing the participants before handing out certificates.

For Provincial and National Competition requirements, see the Provincial General Rules in this Syllabus. The adjudicator’s decision is final in matters of adjudication, selection of winners and Provincial and National Representatives. Communication with the adjudicator by teachers, parents or competitors, except through the committee is strictly forbidden.

Scheduling

Each year, the Piano Section of the festival is scheduled during the last week of February and the first week of March. If you plan to compete please realize that your time of competition is not flexible and that classes must be held as per the festival schedule.

Rules

1. The syllabi of the various examining boards differ in grading standards. When choosing pieces, please conform to the grade levels set by the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Toronto, Ontario or Conservatory Canada (CC).
2. It is the responsibility of the student and teacher to select the correct grade level, class and piece.
   1. The piano chairperson will not be responsible for any errors.
   2. If you are not sure of the correct class or grade level, please choose another selection.
   3. Students entered in the wrong class or grade level will receive adjudication only.
   4. For more information on grade levels, please see General Rules.
   5. ALL ENTRIES MUST INCLUDE THE NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE TEACHER.
3. Competitors wishing to be considered for bursaries must:
   1. Enter a minimum of three solo classes OR a Concert Group / Recital Class plus one solo class.
   2. A Baroque or Classical piece must be in either the solo class or the Concert Group / Recital Class.
   3. We encourage students to compete in a number of classes as their average for consideration for a bursary will be taken from their top three marks, not the entire selection of classes.
4. The competitor must give an original copy (NOT PHOTOCOPY) of the music for the adjudicator. Teachers should instruct their students to observe the following:
   1. Bars should be numbered at the beginning of each line.
   2. Students must supply his/her music for each class. It is not acceptable to share music books with others in the same class.
5. General Rule ‘4’ (RE sharing) does not apply to students entering Recital, Piano Duets, Two-piano Duos or Concerto classes.
6. One selection in each Class only unless otherwise specified.
7. Repeats other than Da Capo are not to be observed unless specified in the syllabus.
8. Please note general rules about entry forms etc.
9. For each Class performance, the competitor must present the original unmarked score of his/her music (NO PHOTOCOPIES) which he/she is to perform to the adjudicator at the desk when their name and competitor number is called.
   1. Music must be plainly marked with the competitor’s name, number, and class and page number of the selection, to be given to the adjudicator’s secretary on proceeding to the platform.
   2. All music must be reclaimed following the adjudication of such classes. The Festival Committee accepts no responsibility for such music.
   3. Using photocopied music by performers or accompanists is prohibited. If original scores are not available, a letter of release is required from the publisher. Internet copies are acceptable only with a valid receipt/cover page.

Open Classes

COMPETITIVE OPEN CLASS entries will be accepted from MIPAF Alumni and adult students performing ARCT and higher-level repertoire. Participants may qualify for bursaries, but will not be eligible for Provincial or National representation.

Baroque Composers

Any selection from any composers of the Baroque period (1600-1750) Handel, Scarlatti, Telemann etc., including J.S. Bach.

Classical Composers

Includes Classical style as listed in the new RCM syllabus. No repeats other than Da Capo are to be observed.

Romantic and Character Composers

Type of piece found in Examination Syllabi “List C”, excluding categories already offered.

Post-Romantic and Impressionist Composers

Canadian Composers

20th and 21st Century Composers

Excluding categories already offered.

Norton Class

Any selection by Christopher Norton.

Popular, Broadway, Jazz and Contemporary Selections

Reference RCM Popular Selection List, Hal Leonard, Alfred, Lee Evans, Martha Mier, and CC Contemporary Syllabus publications for this category.

Ensemble Class

Ensemble selections, including duets, trios, and two-piano pieces.

Concerto

Orchestra part played on a second piano.

Recital Class

Two or three contrasting movements of the same piece, or a set of short pieces by one composer, will be accepted. A high standard of performance is expected. A mixing of grade levels in the recital group class is allowed as this is an Own Choice class categorized by age.

Adult Recital Class

Concert Group

Three contrasting selections of various periods and styles. A high standard of performance and a carefully chosen program are expected.

Preparatory A

RCM Syllabus is the guide for this category.

Preparatory B

RCM Syllabus is the guide for this category.

Non-Competitive Piano Classes

Non-Competitive Piano Classes will follow the general festival rules but there will be no marks awarded. This class is adjudication only. Memory is not compulsory. Selections should be chosen from RCM, RCM Popular, or equivalent syllabi, and appropriate method books. The level should be above Preparatory.

National Anthem Accompanying (Non-Competitive)

Open to all grade-level students. Each student will be asked to open a session with the playing of “O Canada” (without music, please). A short written adjudication will be given. One student may be invited to play the National Anthem at the Honours Performance. No awards or certificates will be given for this class. The Standard of play is expected to be equal to the competitive classes.

Vocal and Instrumental Accompanying (Non-Competitive)

The registrant will supply the vocal or instrumental collaborator. Only the piano part will be adjudicated. Duos only. All ages category. Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes. A short written adjudication will be given.

Family Music Ensembles (Non-Competitive)

This class is created to foster music in the home. Open to three or more members of a family. The accompanist (if necessary) must be a family member. Competitors can be of any age and may include relatives not of the immediate family. Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes. A short written adjudication will be given.

Piano Classes – Provincials

General Regulations, Guidelines and Class Structure

1. Competitors will be selected from their festival in the same way as in earlier years, plus recommended competitors may choose to enter the Canadian classes.
   Note: No Participants May be Selected for the Canadian Class Only. (Please refer to Regulation #6)
2. Provincial Junior, Intermediate, Senior and National class winners will be determined by their recommended class participation only – i.e. optional participation in Canadian class is not considered.
3. Concertos or movements from concertos are NOT PERMITTED in any piano classes. Concerti in the Canadian classes are not permitted as the Association cannot guarantee the provision of two pianos for these classes.
   A Concerto or Concerted Work is a composition written for a solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.
4. Two contrasting selections: must be from different periods showing contrast in style and mood.
5. Two or more movements of a sonata, suite etc. are permissible provided another contrasting work can be performed within the time limit.
6. Canadian Classes
   These are optional classes for pianists and will be judged on this category’s merits alone. Participants may not enter Canadian classes only, but MUST first be recommended in Provincial Classes 20, 22, 24 or National Class 2; such recommended competitors may enter the Canadian class at the same level if they so choose, i.e. Canadian class recommendation from the local adjudicator is not required. Competitors may perform Canadian selections in their recommended class as well as in the optional Canadian class, however, they may not perform the same selection in both classes.
7. Syllabi from the Royal Conservatory (Toronto), Conservatory Canada or other major institutions may be used as a reference for grade levels.
8. Competitors must be of accepted ages as of December 31.
9. Please read the General Rules for further information.

Junior Piano

Two contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.
The Provincial Junior Piano Winner shall be selected from this class. Please note that MIPAF may send up to TWO Junior Piano Winners to Provincials, one each in Level A AND Level B, depending on their grade level. Level A includes Grade 9 and under. Level B includes Grade 10 and above.

Junior Piano – Canadian Music

One selection of Canadian music of about minimum Grade 7 level – if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.

Intermediate Piano

Two contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.
The Provincial Intermediate Piano Winner shall be selected from this class.

Intermediate Piano – Canadian Music

One selection of Canadian music of about Grade 8 level – if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.

Senior Piano

Two contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.
The Provincial Senior Piano Winner shall be selected from this class.

Senior Piano – Canadian Music

One selection of Canadian music of about Grade 9 level – if a multi-movement work is selected, one or more movements may be performed providing the time limit is observed. A concerted work is not permitted.

Provincial Excellence Piano Classes

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH COMPETITOR TO READ AND COMPLY WITH THE GENERAL RULES GOVERNING THE PROVINCIAL FESTIVAL.