2026 Syllabus - Piano - Contemporary/Popular
Contemporary selections are piano pices that were wtitten after 1960 and do NOT appear in either the current RCM or CC Syllabus.
Examples of contemporary pieces/collections that can be included, but not limited to are:
- Christopher Norton Connection Series (for pieces not in RCM or CC syllabi)
- Canadian Contemporary Repertoire Series
- Northern Lights Repertoire
- Canadian Contemporary Repertoire Series
- American Popular Piano Repertoire
- The Galaxy Series
- Violet Archer
- Boris Berlin
- John Burge
- Christine Donkin
- Anne Crosby Gaudet
- Clifford Poole
- Ann Southam
Popular selections are piano pieces that are covers from commercial artists.
Popular piano pieces can be from any of the following genres: pop, pop/ folk, R & B, soul, rock, alternative, indie, jazz or country. Please note that the majority of selections found in the RCM Popular Piano series are "covers" of popular songs and therefore are permitted.
The selection must have been performed at the Local Festival and received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator.
Not Permitted
• Rap and Hip Hop
• Pieces listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi
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.****
Contemporary/Popular Piano - Solo
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:15601 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Beginner Level - Ages 6-8 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:15602 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Primary Level - Ages 9-10 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Five (5) minutes | Live:n/a | Virtual:$85.00 | Register |
| Class:15603 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Elementary Level - Ages 11-12 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Eight (8) minutes | Live:$100.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:15604 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Junior Level - Ages 13-14 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Eight (8) minutes | Live:$100.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:15605 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Intermediate Level - Ages 15-16 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Live:$100.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:15606 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Senior Level - Ages 17-18 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:$100.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:15607 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Advanced Level - Ages 19-28 Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Fifteen (15) minutes | Live:$100.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |
| Class:15608 - Contemporary/Popular Piano - Adults - Ages 29 and Above Competitors may only perform one (1) contemporary or popular selection that was performed at the Local Festival. Memorization is required. Not permitted: Rap, Hip Hop or songs listed in the RCM or CC Classical Syllabi. Time Limit: Ten (10) minutes | Live:$100.00 | Virtual:n/a | Register |