ENTER THE FESTIVAL

Final date for entry is 31 July 2025 or earlier if we reach our capacity before then.

Early entry is therefore advised to be sure of gaining a place in your chosen classes.

Each entrant can enter any number of classes for which they are eligible.
PARENTS and/or TEACHERS ENTERING CHILDREN should bear in mind that it can be a stressful experience for a child to enter multiple classes in a high quality competitive festival. Your attention is drawn to our Child Protection Policy
Transcriptions: There are no restrictions on playing arrangements or transcriptions in the majority of classes, except Class 14 Baroque Masters and Class 16 Sonata. Any transcriptions entered must not be a simplification of the original music.
Video recording: Recording performances is a serious breach of the Festival Rules and our Child Protection Policy. Should anyone be spotted making a recording, the performer will be disqualified, and those in the performer’s family will be asked to leave immediately for the rest of the Festival weekend. No compensation will be paid for missed performances.

Grade Classes (Classes 6 - 9):

Grade limits refer both to the music performed and the skills of the performer. An entrant may not perform in more than one grade class during the Festival.
Players should not play repeats in the Grade classes, except for DC and DS indications.
These classes must have music from the relevant current grade syllabuses for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.

Repeats:

Repeats may be played in classes (other than grade classes - see above) provided that the time limit is not exceeded.

In response to popular demand we have made the following changes to previous year's syllabus:

Open classes 12-19: these are open to any age group but are restricted to a minimum of Grade 5 standard.
Class 15 My Piano Showpiece now has a minimum of Grade 5 standard, instead of previously required Grade 8.
Class 14 Baroque Masters now accepts music by F. Couperin, L.-C. Daquin and J.-P. Rameau, in addition to the previously accepted J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel and D. Scarlatti.
Class 17 Romantic Connections now accepts music by Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, in addition to the previously accepted Brahms, Chopin and Liszt.
We have introduced categories of Individual and Business Supporter of the Birmingham Music Festival. Please support us, and we will thank you in the Programme and give you free entry.

PLEASE NOTE:

Classes will take place on Saturday and on Sunday, between 9am and 8pm (see the dates at the top of the page).
Players must be prepared to come on either day, or possibly on both days if playing in more than one class.
We will confirm by email a personal schedule of your performance day and start times once all entries have been received and the Festival schedule drafted.
We appreciate the understanding of entrants, their parents, and/or teachers if classes are scheduled at the beginning or at the end of the day. While we strive to be as accommodating as possible, we cannot guarantee class times in advance.

How to enter...

Open the entry for the class you are interested in by hovering your mouse over the box and clicking Enter this class.
This will open the form. On the left will be a description of the class and who can enter and on the right will be the form that needs to be completed.
If you do not wish to enter the class, just click Return to list of classes to go back to the class list.
If you do wish to enter - just fill out the fields and click Enter this class.
To enter more classes, in the basket just click Back to class list and then repeat steps 1 - 4 for each class you wish to enter.
If you are a teacher and have a number of students to enter into the same class (or classes), click on the class to enter, fill out the form, click Enter this class, then enter the info for the next student and press the button above the checkout where HERE is. You will know you've entered the second entrant correctly when a tick appears. Remember if you do not enter new information you may be charged for entering the same student.
When you are ready - just go to the checkout to pay for all your entries all in one go.
The checkout will take you to our secure payment portal to complete your purchase - just use your payment card, if possible please use a debit card rather than a credit card as our transaction costs will be lower.