2025 Festival Syllabus - Piano

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Contemporary Classes Contemporary selections must be written after 1960 (inclusive), and do not have to be included in any published syllabus (Teacher/Student choice). Contemporary music is defined as a wide range of compositions that have both classical and modern elements. Repertoire that is included in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi, or Popular repertoire (see definition below) is not permitted. Selections from the CC Contemporary Idioms Piano Lists are permitted (but not required). Participants may also refer to the OMFA Contemporary Piano Guidelines for a list of suggested resources.

Popular Piano Classes Popular selections should be covers from commercial artists in any of the following genres: Pop, Folk, R&B, Soul, Rock, Alternative, Indie, Jazz or Country. Selections from the RCM Popular Piano Lists are permitted (but not required). Participants must enter the level based on their age as of December 31st, 2024.

Solo Classes Participants must perform one (1) selection.

Recital Classes Participants must perform two (2) contrasting selections and should enter the level that they are generally enrolled in. The total performance time

PIANO RULES & REGULATIONS

Age Levels Participants must enter the age level of the oldest participant based on their age as of December 31st, 2024, for competitive classes. Participants who are playing at the ARCT/ACCM level or above must enter the Advanced level regardless of age.

Sheet Music Participants must provide the adjudicator with a legally purchased copy of the music for all selections (a purchase receipt or IMSLP listing must be presented for digital copies), even when the piece is being performed by memory. Refer to section 7.14 of the Rules, Regulations & Guidelines for more information about Copyright.

Memorization is required for all competitive piano classes.

Multi-movement Selections One (1) Selection may consist of multiple movements. Participants may perform one (1) or two (2) contrasting movements for Contemporary classes.

Time Limit Total performance time must not exceed twenty (20) minutes in total for any class.

OMFA Provincial Requirements
Contemporary & Popular Piano, Piano Duets & Trios One (1) selection must be performed.

Piano Resources
CC Classical Piano Syllabus
CC Contemporary Idioms Piano Syllabus
RCM Piano Syllabus, 2022 Edition
RCM Popular Selection List, 2022 Edition
Loud and Clear: A Guide to Levelled Piano Music by Women Composers in the 20th and 21st Centuries
OMFA Contemporary Piano Guidelines

Complete Rules & Regulations

CONTEMPORARY PIANO