Question 1

What can I expect at the Birmingham Music Festival?

Accepted Answer

We think the Birmingham Music Festival is one of the best piano competitions around.
 
Here’s why:
 
As a specialist piano festival we have top quality grand pianos, including a Steinway Model D in Ruddock Hall, which properly react to the pianist’s touch and allow a full expressive range.

We use specialist piano adjudicators.

Our two music theatres are comfortable and conducive to performance. The Ruddock Hall is a high quality concert venue.

We offer 19 different classes covering all pianists skills and age ranges, all of which are “own choice” classes.

All class winners receive an invitation to play in our free Summer Concert held in the year following the Festival.

We have plenty of free parking and for those using public transport we are on several bus routes and only a 10 minute walk from University Station

Question 2

How many theatres are there?

Accepted Answer

We have 2 theatres operating simultaneously on the Saturday and Sunday: the Ruddock Hall and the Osborn Room. The Ruddock Hall is equipped with a Steinway Model D grand piano. The Osborn Room also has a quality grand piano. 
 
The Ruddock Hall is a premier performance space used for all of our senior open classes; the Osborn Room is a smaller performance space regularly used for recitals, competitions and small concerts.  Click here for a slideshow and more info about our venue.

Question 3

Are there any refreshments available on the day?

Accepted Answer

Only tea, coffee and water are available in the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre.
 
Attendees wishing to eat lunch are welcome to bring their own food and there are pleasant places to eat in the foyer and also in the grounds outside.  
 
There are some eating places at the University of Birmingham  immediately across the road opposite the entrance to the Schools.  
 
Alternatively, there are a selection of local eating places available nearby in Selly Oak for people with a car within 5 minutes. Just turn left out of the King Edward's School, then turn right back onto the Bristol Road South where you will find a large range of pubs, cafes and sandwich shops.

Question 4

Do you have any practice pianos?

Accepted Answer

Neither the BMF or The Ruddock Performing Arts Centre provide practice pianos.
 
Nevertheless, Vale Pianos will be exhibiting a display of some of their pianos and these will be available for participants to play throughout the days of the Festival.
 
Players are welcome to use them but should not monopolise them to the detriment of other participants. 
 
Competitors will be allowed to play a few bars from their piece or a practice scale at the start of their performance if they wish.

Question 5

Can friends and family attend?

Accepted Answer

YES we welcome friends and family and would believe an audience can really lift a performance.

Question 6

How much does it cost to attend?

Accepted Answer

Players are not charged an additional fee beyond their class entry fees.
 
Supporters will be charged a modest entry fee on the door, which allows entry to all classes all day.  
 
Everybody is encouraged to attend as many classes as they like during the day, not just the ones that they are playing in or have a particular connection with. Everybody, especially younger players, learn by hearing others play and then hearing the adjudicators’ comments on someone else’s playing.

Although we are a competition, the main benefit from playing in a festival is not winning but the opportunity to end the day in a position to be a better player than you started it, and of course to enjoy yourself.

Question 7

What should a player wear?

Accepted Answer

Remember that you will be giving a public performance, and visual impressions are also important.  
 
You should wear clothes that are comfortable and allow you to play at your best.
 
Most players wear casual clothes although a few dress more formally. If you are dressed in smart but unfussy clothes you are more likely to play more confidently and appear to be in control of you performance.

Question 8

Can someone make a video or recording of my performance?

Accepted Answer

We are afraid not. There are simply too many performing rights issues and other legal pitfalls were we to allow this.

Please see our Child Protection Policy for more information
 
In any case, making any form of recording is often disturbing to performers and audience alike.

Birmingham

Music Festival

- 10 and 11 October 2026 -

FESTIVAL FAQs