Important dates
2027 Music dates
- Registration opens
- November 15, 2026
- Registration closes
- January 15, 2027
- Junior/Intermediate Piano
- March 1 to 5, 2027
- Senior Piano
- March 8 to 9, 2027
- Voice
- March 2 to 5, 2027
- Strings, Guitar, and Orchestra
- March 5 to 8, 2027
- Gala Concert
- March 11, 2027
Registration and payment
Register online at vpaf.ca
Read the general rules and the information for your discipline before registering.
Have this information ready
- Participant name, birthdate, phone number, and email.
- Teacher name, phone number, and email.
- Each selection's full title, including opus number and movements when needed.
- Composer, performance time, and the syllabus from which the selection is taken, where applicable.
Payment
- PayPal payment at registration is preferred.
- E-transfer to [email protected] is accepted. Include the student's name and entry number or numbers.
- Studio teachers paying for many students by e-transfer must contact the festival for the required entry and fee spreadsheet.
- E-transfers without a clear student name and entry number will not be accepted.
General rules and information
Rules for all Music entries
Teachers, participants, and parents are responsible for knowing the syllabus and rules. Failure to follow the general rules may result in disqualification.
Eligibility
- Competitors must be residents of the Southern Interior of British Columbia.
- Classes are open to amateurs unless a class says otherwise. An amateur's principal income is not derived from the discipline entered.
- The amateur rule does not apply to choir and orchestra conductors, or to music students who teach to support their musical education.
- Adults aged 23 and above are not eligible for scholarships or awards.
Entry information
- Age is determined as of December 31 before the upcoming festival.
- Selections must come from the current or one previous Royal Conservatory of Music or Conservatory Canada syllabus unless a class says otherwise. If the syllabi conflict, the current RCM syllabus sets the level.
- Enter at the level currently being studied and use that level across all classes. Vocal selections may come from adjacent levels. A Concert Class may include one selection one level higher.
- Ensembles enter at the level of the most advanced player. Pop, jazz, and other non-syllabus selections should match the student's current level.
- Pieces must be performed as entered. Changes are not accepted. A selection entered at the wrong level or in the wrong class is adjudicated as non-competitive.
- Non-competitive performers receive an adjudication, but are not eligible for awards or provincial recommendations. Choose this option in the online form.
Printed music and copyright
- Provide the adjudicator with a legally purchased score or an authorized copy. Accompanists, directors, groups, and performers using music must each have an authorized copy.
- Unauthorized copies result in disqualification and a non-competitive adjudication.
- An authorized copy requires a letter from the copyright holder. Public-domain copying requires publisher confirmation and permission.
- Downloaded music must show "Public Domain" on every sheet or have a purchase receipt attached. If a membership provides access, bring proof of membership.
- IMSLP downloads are permitted. Write the full work URL on the first page of every part and copy used.
- Vocal music may be transposed, but the original score must be present.
- Photocopies may be used for page turns when the full score and an original adjudicator copy are also present.
Adjudication and communication
- The adjudicator's decision is final and the adjudicator may stop a performance at any time.
- Do not address a protest or complaint directly to an adjudicator.
- Teachers, participants, parents, and audience members may not communicate with the adjudicator without authorization before or during the festival. A participant may be disqualified for unauthorized communication by the participant, parent, or teacher.
Scheduling and venue rules
- Class divisions depend on level and entry count. Classes may run on any day of the week.
- Preferential scheduling requests cannot be accommodated.
- The Festival Committee may eliminate, combine, divide, or create classes, or refuse an entry.
- A participant may enter a particular class only once, but is encouraged to enter several different classes.
- Do not practise in a venue unless a room is specifically provided. Stay in the designated festival areas.
- No food or drinks are allowed in venues. Do not talk, enter, or exit during a performance. Silence electronic devices.
Performance procedures
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled performance.
- Erase pencil marks and notations from music. Number the first measure of each line in the adjudicator's copy.
- When called, give the book to the Adjudicator's Secretary before going to the performance area.
- Memorization is encouraged but not compulsory. Using sheet music results in a two-mark deduction.
Accompaniment
- Strings and Vocal performances require piano accompaniment, except unaccompanied solos and self-accompanied Vocal classes.
- Participants arrange their own accompanist. Pre-recorded accompaniment is not permitted.
Scholarships and provincial recommendations
- Individual scholarship eligibility requires at least two competitive classes, excluding ensembles.
- Competitive adjudication sheets do not show a numeric mark. Teachers may request student marks after the festival.
- Up to three top students may receive scholarships in each Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Piano and Strings category.
- Voice scholarships may go to the top Classical and Musical Theatre student in each Junior, Intermediate, and Senior category. The adjudicator may award more scholarships.
- The adjudicator selects Provincial Competitors and Alternates.
Piano
Piano classes and fees
Junior Piano, Pre-Level 1 to Level 3
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Baroque | Composed during the Baroque era or in the Baroque style. |
| Classical | Composed during the Classical era or in the Classical style. |
| Romantic | Composed during the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| Early 20th century | Bartok, Kabalevsky, and similar composers. |
| Later 20th/21st century | Excludes Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Pop | Popular songs, film music, and similar arrangements. The selection does not need to be in a recognized syllabus, but should reflect the student's current level. |
| Jazz and Blues | A jazz or blues selection. It does not need to be in a recognized syllabus, but should reflect the student's current level. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Own Composition | Non-competitive. |
Concert Program: Two or three contrasting selections, up to 7 minutes. One may be one level higher. The program counts as one scholarship entry.
Junior Ensemble: Duet or trio, with the most advanced player at Level 3 or below.
| Junior fee | Pre-Level 1 | Levels 1 to 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | $25 | $28 |
| Concert Class | $45 | $55 |
| Ensemble | $15 per participant | $15 per participant |
Intermediate Piano, Levels 4 to 7
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Baroque | Composed during the Baroque era or in the Baroque style. |
| Classical | Composed during the Classical era or in the Classical style. |
| Romantic | Composed during the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| Early 20th century | Bartok, Kabalevsky, and similar composers. |
| Later 20th/21st century | Excludes Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Pop | Popular songs, film music, and similar arrangements. The selection does not need to be in a recognized syllabus, but should reflect the student's current level. |
| Jazz and Blues | A jazz or blues selection. It does not need to be in a recognized syllabus, but should reflect the student's current level. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Own Composition | Non-competitive. |
Concert Program: Two or three contrasting selections, up to 10 minutes. One may be one level higher. The program counts as one scholarship entry.
Ensemble: Duet or trio, with the most advanced player at Level 7 or below.
| Intermediate fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solo | $33 |
| Concert Class | $65 |
| Ensemble | $15 per participant |
Senior Piano, Levels 8 to ARCT
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Baroque | Bach, Handel, and contemporaries. |
| Classical | Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and contemporaries. |
| Romantic | Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, and contemporaries. |
| Impressionistic | Debussy, Ravel, and similar composers. |
| Early 20th century | Bartok, Rachmaninoff, and similar composers. |
| Later 20th/21st century | Excludes Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Pop | Popular songs, film music, and similar arrangements. The selection does not need to be in a recognized syllabus, but should reflect the student's current level. |
| Jazz and Blues | A jazz or blues selection. It does not need to be in a recognized syllabus, but should reflect the student's current level. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Own Composition | Non-competitive. |
Concert Program: Two or three contrasting selections, up to 12 minutes. One may be one level higher. The program counts as one scholarship entry.
Ensemble: Duet or trio, with the most advanced player at ARCT or below.
| Senior fee | Levels 8 to 9 | Level 10 | ARCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo, excluding Classical | $38 | $42 | $45 |
| Classical | $38 | $47 | $50 |
| Concert Program | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Ensemble | $15 per participant | ||
Strings and orchestra
Strings classes and fees
Junior Strings, Pre-Level 1 to Level 3
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Suzuki | A piece from the Suzuki books that is not in a recognized syllabus. It should match the student's current level. |
| Baroque | From the Baroque era or in the Baroque style. |
| Unaccompanied Solo | Music for solo string instrument. |
| Classical | From the Classical era or in the Classical style. |
| Concerto/Concertino | Perform the movements required by the syllabus. |
| Romantic | From the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| Traditional Fiddle | May be outside the syllabus, but should match the student's current level. |
| 20th/21st Century | Works by recognized 20th or 21st century composers, excluding Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Own Composition | Non-competitive. |
Concert Class: Two or three contrasting selections, up to 7 minutes. One may be one level higher. It counts as one awards entry.
Duet: The most advanced student is at Level 3 or below.
| Junior fee | Pre-Level 1 | Levels 1 to 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | $25 | $28 |
| Concert Class | $45 | $55 |
| Duet | $15 per participant | |
Intermediate Strings, Levels 4 to 7
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Baroque | From the Baroque era or in the Baroque style. |
| Unaccompanied Bach | Music by J.S. Bach for solo string instrument. |
| Unaccompanied Solo | Music for solo string instrument, excluding Bach. |
| Classical | From the Classical era, other than a sonata or concerto. |
| Sonata/Sonatina | Perform the movements required by the syllabus. |
| Concerto/Concertino | Perform the movements required by the syllabus. |
| Romantic | From the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| French | Debussy, Ravel, and similar composers. |
| Traditional Fiddle | May be outside the syllabus, but should match the student's current level. |
| 20th/21st Century | Works by recognized 20th or 21st century composers, excluding Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Own Composition | Non-competitive. |
Concert Class: Two or three contrasting selections, up to 12 minutes. One may be one level higher. It counts as one awards entry.
Duet: The most advanced student is at Level 7 or below.
| Intermediate fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solo, excluding Sonata/Concerto | $33 |
| Concert Class | $65 |
| Duet | $15 per participant |
Senior Strings, Levels 8 to ARCT
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Baroque | From the Baroque era or in the Baroque style. |
| Unaccompanied Bach | Music by J.S. Bach for solo string instrument. |
| Unaccompanied Solo | Music for solo string instrument, excluding Bach. |
| Classical | From the Classical era, other than a sonata or concerto. |
| Sonata/Sonatina | Perform the movements required by the syllabus. |
| Concerto/Concertino | Perform the required movements. Time limit: 20 to 25 minutes. |
| Romantic | From the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| French | Debussy, Ravel, and similar composers. |
| Traditional Fiddle | May be outside the syllabus, but should match the student's current level. |
| 20th/21st Century | Works by recognized 20th or 21st century composers, excluding Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Own Composition | Non-competitive. |
Concert Class: Two or three contrasting selections, up to 20 minutes. One may be one level higher. It counts as one awards entry.
Duet: The most advanced student is at ARCT or below.
| Senior fee | Levels 8 to 9 | Levels 10 to ARCT |
|---|---|---|
| Solo, excluding Sonata/Concerto | $38 | $38 |
| Sonata/Concerto | $43 | $48 |
| Concert Class | $75 | $75 |
| Duet | $15 per participant | |
String Ensembles
| Ensemble | Requirements | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber Ensemble | 3 to 9 performers. Two or three selections. Average age 14 and under: 15 minutes. Average age 17 and under: 20 minutes. Average age 28 and under: 25 minutes. | $12 per participant |
| Community String Ensemble | Up to 20 performers. Two or three selections, 15 to 20 minutes. | $100 |
| Youth Community Orchestra | More than 20 performers. Two or three selections, 15 to 20 minutes. | $150 |
Classical Guitar
Classical Guitar classes and fees
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Renaissance / Baroque | From the Renaissance or Baroque era. |
| Bach | Works by J.S. Bach. |
| Classical | From the Classical era, other than a concerto. |
| Concerto | Concerto repertoire. |
| Romantic | From the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| Spanish | Traditional Spanish composers or Spanish folk idioms. |
| 20th/21st Century | Recognized 20th or 21st century composers, excluding Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | Works by recognized Canadian composers. |
| Jazz/Contemporary | With or without improvisation. |
| Additional Repertoire | An additional selection from a category the student has already entered. |
| Concert Class | Two or three contrasting selections. One may be one level higher. The program is one entry for awards. |
| Duet/Trio/Quartet | One selection, entered at the level of the most advanced player. |
| Ensembles | Two or three contrasting selections. |
| Fee | Junior, Pre-Level 1 to Level 3 | Intermediate, Levels 4 to 7 | Senior, Levels 8 to ARCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | $28 | $33 | $38 |
| Concerto | $28 | $33 | $48 |
| Concert Program | $55 | $65 | $75 |
| Duet/Trio/Quartet | $15 per person | $15 per person | $15 per person |
| Ensembles | $15 per person | $15 per person | $15 per person |
Voice and Choral
Voice and Choral classes and fees
Age divisions
- Junior A: age 10 and under.
- Junior B: ages 11 to 14.
- Intermediate: ages 15 to 17.
- Senior: ages 18 to 22.
- Open: age 23 and older.
Classical classes
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Baroque | From the Baroque era or in the Baroque style. |
| Classical | From the Classical era or in the Classical style. |
| Romantic/Post-Romantic | From the Romantic era or in the Romantic style. |
| 20th/21st Century | By recognized 20th or 21st century composers, excluding Canadian composers. |
| Canadian | By recognized Canadian composers. |
| Folk Song | A traditional folk song. |
| Additional Repertoire | From a category the student has already entered. |
| Concert Class | Two or three contrasting selections, treated as one performance for awards. One selection may be one level higher. |
| Opera and Oratorio | Available in Senior and Open. |
Musical Theatre and Contemporary classes
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Musical Theatre: Comedy | Lighter and more humorous than a ballad selection. |
| Musical Theatre: Ballad | Slower and more introspective than a comedy selection. |
| Musical Theatre: Additional Repertoire | From a category the student has already entered. |
| Musical Production | Two or three contrasting selections, treated as one performance for awards. |
| Contemporary: Pop and Modern | Popular songs, film music, and similar arrangements. |
| Contemporary: Jazz and Blues | In a jazz or blues style. |
| Contemporary: Self-Accompanied | The singer accompanies themselves on piano, guitar, or another instrument. |
| Own/Original Composition | A non-competitive performance of an original composition. |
| Duet/Trio | Enter at the level of the most advanced singer. |
Choral rules
- Perform two or three contrasting selections. A brief solo or solo ensemble may not exceed 10 percent of the total score.
- The 30-minute total includes warm-up, performance, and adjudication.
- One selection may be one or more movements from a multi-movement work. Only one folk song is permitted.
- Split-grade classes enter the higher grade category. Age is determined as of December 31 before the festival.
- Choirs provide their own accompaniment. Recorded accompaniment is permitted for choirs.
- Choirs stay for the full class. Directors are responsible for concert etiquette.
| Choral category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ensemble | 4 to 10 singers. |
| School Choir, Grade 4 and under | Unison. |
| School Choir, Grade 6 and under | One two-part selection is encouraged. |
| School Choir, Grade 8 and under | At least one selection in two or more parts. |
| School Choir, Grade 10 and under | At least one selection in three or more parts. |
| School Choir, Grade 12 and under | At least one selection in three or more parts. |
| Community Choir, age 12 and under | One two-part selection is encouraged. |
| Community Choir, age 16 and under | At least one selection in two or more parts. |
| Community Choir, age 19 and under | At least one selection in three or more parts. |
| Community Choir, age 19 and over | Most participants are over 19. At least one selection in three or more parts. |
| Seniors | Two or three contrasting selections. |
| Mixed Community Choir | No age restrictions. |
Voice and Choral fees
| Vocal fee | Junior A/B | Intermediate | Senior/Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | $28 | $33 | $38 |
| Concert Class/Musical Production | $55 | $65 | $75 |
| Duet/Trio | $15 per participant | ||
| Choral fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ensemble, 4 to 10 singers | $12 per participant |
| School Choir | $100 |
| Community Choir | $100 |