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 Strings - Small Ensembles
| Class | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:16401 - Classical Strings - Small Ensembles - Ages 10 & Under Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members with the majority of members 10 years of age or under. Competitors may only perform one (1) classical selection that was performed at the Local Festival. The selection may include brief solo or small-ensemble passages; however, these passages must not exceed 20% of the total number of bars in the selection. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$160.00 | Register |
| Class:16402 - Classical Strings - Small Ensembles - Ages 12 & Under Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members with the majority of members 12 years of age or under. Competitors may only perform one (1) classical selection that was performed at the Local Festival. The selection may include brief solo or small-ensemble passages; however, these passages must not exceed 20% of the total number of bars in the selection. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$160.00 | Register |
| Class:16403 - Classical Strings - Small Ensembles - Ages 14 & Under Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members with the majority of members 14 years of age or under. Competitors may only perform one (1) classical selection that was performed at the Local Festival. The selection may include brief solo or small-ensemble passages; however, these passages must not exceed 20% of the total number of bars in the selection. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$160.00 | Register |
| Class:16404 - Classical Strings - Small Ensembles - Ages 16 & Under Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members with the majority of members 16 years of age or under. Competitors may only perform one (1) classical selection that was performed at the Local Festival. The selection may include brief solo or small-ensemble passages; however, these passages must not exceed 20% of the total number of bars in the selection. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$160.00 | Register |
| Class:16405 - Classical Strings - Small Ensembles - Ages 18 & Under Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members with the majority of members 18 years of age or under. Competitors may only perform one (1) classical selection that was performed at the Local Festival. The selection may include brief solo or small-ensemble passages; however, these passages must not exceed 20% of the total number of bars in the selection. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$160.00 | Register |
| Class:16406 - Classical Strings - Small Ensembles - Ages 19 & Over Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members with the majority of members 19 years of age or over. Competitors may only perform one (1) classical selection that was performed at the Local Festival. The selection may include brief solo or small-ensemble passages; however, these passages must not exceed 20% of the total number of bars in the selection. Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$160.00 | Register |