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2025 Rules & Regulations

Registration Rules

  1. Teachers, parents, guardians and/or competitors are responsible for reading and understanding the rules governing the festival. See also specific discipline rules which are outlined at the beginning of each section.

  2. It is the responsibility of teachers, parents, guardians and/or competitors to ensure they are entering the correct class(es). If unsure, please contact the festival office.

  3. By submitting the registration, the teachers, parents, guardians and/or competitors agree to:
    a) receive electronic communication from the festival;
    b) publication of their name in the program.
    c) agree to information will be used for festival purposes only including social media, website, and publicity.

  4. Entry fees must be paid at the time of registration and must be via etransfer norfolk.m.a.f@gmail.com or cheque (payable to the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival). Entry fees will not be refunded.

  5. Multiple competitors may be registered under one account. Whoever creates the registration(s) must pay the entry fee(s). For instance, if a music teacher registers all his/her students that teacher is responsible for paying the entry fees.

  6. Only one person of a duet, trio or quartet needs to register however please provide the names of the other participants.

  7. Only one member of a group (such as a teacher or choir conductor) needs to register. Please include the number of members in the group, specifically where there is some overlap in members such as school bands. This information is needed to ensure adequate seating is available at the venues.

  8. Competitor's age is as of December 31, 2024.

  9. Please indicate the length of the piece(s) to assist the festival with scheduling.

  10. Piece titles, composers and authors of texts are required; however, if you do not have that information at the time of registration please put "tba" in those fields. The information must be entered into the registration prior to the registration close date (11:59 pm Monday, January 13, 2025).

  11. Competitors cannot perform the same piece in more than one class.

  12. Repeats may be omitted at the discretion of the entrant. Da Capo and Dal Segno passages are not considered to be repeats and shall be observed.

  13. Competitors will have two options for accompaniment: live or recorded. Either option must be piano or acoustic guitar only (no singing over recorded voices). Competitors must bring their own sound system. Recorded accompaniment is not permitted in the duet mentor classes. Any competitor who brings accompaniment other than piano or acoustic guitar will receive an adjudication only. No mark will be awarded.

  14. The designation solo "Open" class is intended as competition at the Conservatory Associate level or above. Adults not at the Open level, please see levelled classes (Introductory to Level 10) or non-competitive classes.

  15. All competitions, unless otherwise stated, shall be open to amateurs only. An amateur shall be defined as follows: "Any person whose principal means of livelihood is not obtained from the profession or practice of the arts, even if he or she from time to time accepts remuneration for services rendered."

  16. Teachers are eligible and encouraged to enter any of the non-competitive classes. Teachers and professionals are not eligible for awards.

Participation

  1. All participants must supply an original copy of their music for the adjudicator and accompanist. Bars should be numbered for the use of the adjudicator. It is a violation of the Canadian Copyright Act to copy any portion of music without the authorization from the copyright owner. Downloaded music will be accepted with proof of purchase.

  2. Competitors must be prepared to perform any day or time during the festival. Competitors must compete in the order indicated in the program; however, the festival reserves the right to change the order if necessary.

  3. Competitors failing to comply with any rule will receive an adjudication and a certificate of merit, but no mark or award placement will be given.

  4. Non-competitive classes are not eligible for awards. Competitors will receive an adjudication but no mark. A certificate of merit will be issued.

  5. Competitors using music or cue cards (except where noted) will receive an adjudication and a certificate of merit, but no mark or award placement will be given.

  6. The marks awarded by the adjudicator are final.

  7. All scholarships and trophies are given at the absolute discretion of the adjudicators and do not necessarily have to be awarded if the required standard of performance is not met.

  8. Questions, conflicts, or problems should be directed to the Hall Manager, not the adjudicator. Competitors, parents, and teachers are not permitted to enter into any discussion or correspondence with the adjudicators prior to or during the festival.

  9. Coaching of competitors by teachers and/or parents is not permitted.

  10. The use of any audio and video equipment as well as cell phones is strictly prohibited. Cell phones must be turned off during competition.

  11. The festival is a scent-free environment.