2026 Syllabus - Popular Piano

Classes are grouped by AGE for those performing popular covers from commercial artists. i.e. pieces that have been heard on the radio, or in TV and movies, from 1950 onwards.

Memorization is required, unless stated otherwise.
Neurodiverse participants requiring accommodations must contact the Festival Administrator directly admin@kiwanismusicfestival.net.
Participants must provide the adjudicator with an original copy of the music. Failure to do so will result in a "for adjudication only" performance.

SOLO SELECTIONS
Music is own choice but must be a popular cover of a commercial artist.
Students may choose pieces from Conservatory Canada's Contemporary Idioms, or from RCM's Popular Selection List, if the pieces meet the criteria listed above.
NOT PERMITTED: Rap and Hip Hop, songs listed in the RCM or CC classical piano syllabi, pieces from Christopher Norton anthologies, or pieces from contemporary repertoire anthologies.

OWN COMPOSITION
Scores must be typeset or musically engraved so they can be forwarded electronically to our composition adjudicator.
Competitors are NOT allowed teacher assistance in preparing the written score.
Email scores to: musicgck90@gmail.com by the composition deadline. Late entries cannot be accepted.
Students will also be required to perform their piece at the Festival.
Composition classes count as one (1) class in the discipline.

AWARDS
Enter a minimum of two (2) classes in this discipline to be eligible for a Festival Award.

PROVINCIALS
Beginner to Adult levels are eligible for Provincial nomination.
While only ONE qualifying piece will be entered as the adjudicator's recommendation and must be performed at Provincials, participants MUST PERFORM at least TWO PIECES MATCHING THIS DISCIPLINE'S CRITERIA at Provincials.
Check Provincial rules at www.omfa.ca - the Ontario Music Festival Association's website.