2026 Syllabus - Original Composition
Composition refers to creating an original piece or work of music, either vocal or instrumental and refers to the structure of a musical piece or to the process of creating or writing a new piece of music.
The composition must have been submitted at the Local Festival and received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator. Only one composition is permitted per category.
A competitor's composition will be adjudicated on originality and competence in handling form, harmony, melody and rhythm.
Only competitors in the 'With Performance Video' classes may submit an accompanying performance video. Please note that performers may be the composer or individuals that the composer has asked to perform their composition but the performers will not be adjudicated.
Pop compositions are not permitted in this category.
Scores must be clear and legible. The beginning of each line must have a bar number. Scores must be uploaded by the competitor's deadline.
Teacher assistance in scoring is not permitted.
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.****
Original Composition - Solo or Ensemble
| Class | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:23101 - Original Composition for Solo - Beginner Level - Ages 6-8 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:23102 - Original Composition for Solo - Primary Level - Ages 9-10 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:23103 - Original Composition for Solo - Elementary Level - Ages 11-12 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:23104 - Original Composition for Solo - Junior Level - Ages 13-14 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:23105 - Original Composition for Solo - Intermediate Level - Ages 15-16 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:23106 - Original Composition for Solo - Senior Level - Ages 17-18 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$115.00 | Register |
| Class:23107 - Original Composition for Solo - Advanced - Ages 19-28 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Twenty-five (25) minutes | Virtual:$125.00 | Register |
| Class:23108 - Original Composition for Solo - Amateur Adults - Ages 29 and Above Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$115.00 | Register |
| Class:23109 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Beginner Level – Ages 6-8 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:23110 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Primary Level – Ages 9-10 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:23111 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Elementary – Ages 11-12 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:23112 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Junior Level - Ages 13-14 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:23113 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Intermediate Level - Ages 15-16 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Virtual:$100.00 | Register |
| Class:23114 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Senior Level - Ages 17-18 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$115.00 | Register |
| Class:23115 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Advanced Level - Ages 19-28 Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Twenty-five (25) minutes | Virtual:$125.00 | Register |
| Class:23116 - Original Composition for Ensemble – Amateur Adults - Ages 29 and Above Competitors must submit only one (1) composition that was adjudicated at the Local Festival. Compositions are not performed in this category. Pop compositions are not permitted in this category. Maximum Time Limit: Twenty (20) minutes | Virtual:$115.00 | Register |