2026 Syllabus - Strings - Classical
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 must follow the rules of this category.
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 the practical portion of an exam prior to December 31st, 2025, then they cannot enter that level at the provincial live finals.
Please note that unlike RCM and CC exam requirements, both selections must be the same grade/level for the Provincial Competition.
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.
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.
Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take song choice into consideration.
"Teacher's Choice" pieces are not permitted
Accompaniment must be by acoustic piano only.
For Live Classes Only: 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 play for the festival. It is the competitor's responsibility to contact the collaborative pianist directly and negotiate a fee for their service.
Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required.
General Rules
All competitors must be an amateur. Please click here for the full definition of Amateur vs Professional: omfa.ca/amateur-vs-professional
No announcement of name or selection is permitted prior to your performance.
Live Festival - originals must be provided at the time of registration.
Virtual Festival - a pdf of the music must be uploaded at the time of registration.
It is important to note that if the Festival office has to contact you because of incomplete information (i.e. missing movements, pieces at the wrong grade level, etc.) will result in an additional $25 charge. Failure to pay the charge will result in disqualification and refunds will not be given.
All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/festival/rules-and-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.
****All of the requirements for video submissions are detailed in the red Virtual Submission Requirements button.****
Classical Lower Strings - Solo
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:16101 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 1 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:16102 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 2 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:16103 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 3 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:16104 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 4 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:16105 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 5 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:16106 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 6 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. | Live:$150.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:16107 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 7 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Live:$150.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:16108 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 8 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Twenty-Five (25) minutes | Live:$150.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:16109 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 9 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Thirty (30) minutes | Live:$150.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:16110 - Classical Lower Strings - Level 10 Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Thirty-Five (35) minutes | Live:$175.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:16111 - Classical Lower Strings - Open Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. If one selection is a sonata or concerto, at least two consecutive movements (a minuet and trio is considered one movement) must be performed, even if the RCM & CC Syllabi indicate that the complete piece is required. Playing the complete piece is optional as long as it fits into the set time limit. Open Level competitors must be performing at the ARCT/A.Mus. level or above but do not have to have attained their associate degree. Level 10 pieces and below are not permitted in this category. Pieces do not need to be listed in the RCM or CC syllabi. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Minimum Performance Time: Fifteen (15) minutes Maximum Performance Time: Forty-Five (45) minutes | Live:$200.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:16112 - Classical Lower Strings - Adult - Ages 29 and Above Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the current Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) syllabus. Both pieces must be at the same level that the competitor was recommended for and at least one of the pieces must have been performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. The only exception to this rule is for Sonatas - where memorization is not required. Time Limit: Twenty-Five (25) minutes | Live:$150.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |