FESTIVAL 2024 SYLLABUS
All classes at Birmingham Music Festival are for pianoforte solo.
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
Please note the following important rules:
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Previous winners: Going forward we have decided that any person winning an open class should be unable to perform the winning piece again at the Festival for a period of 3 years. So a person winning a class in 2023 cannot perform the winning piece again in any class at the BMF until 2026.
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Transcriptions: We have removed the restriction on playing arrangements or transcriptions in the majority of open classes. In 2024 transcriptions will be allowed in all open classes except Classes 14 and 16.
Any transcriptions entered must not be a simplification of the original music. -
Video recording: Sadly some parents ignored our requests not to record performances at the 2022 Festival, which is a serious breach of our Child Protection Policy. In response we have had to introduce a penalty. 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.
‘Open’ classes are open to any age group.
All categories are ‘own choice’ of music - the Grade Classes (Classes 6 - 9) must have music from the relevant current grade syllabuses for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.
Grade Classes (Classes 6 - 9):
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Grade limits refer both to the music performed and the skills of the performer.
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Players should not play repeats in the Grade classes (classes 6 - 9), except for DC and DS indications.
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These classes must have music from the relevant current grade syllabuses for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.
Repeats:
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Repeats may be played in classes (other than grade classes - see above) provided that the time limit is not exceeded.
Classes 14 and 16:
Please note that classes 14 and 16 require an original piece of keyboard music to be performed. Arrangements and transcriptions are not permitted even if by the original composer for these classes.
PLEASE NOTE:
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Classes will take place on Saturday or Sunday, 12 or 13 October 2024.
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Players must be prepared to come on either day, or possibly on both days if playing in more than one class.
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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.
FESTIVAL SYLLABUS
> This is a non-competitive class.
> Own choice of music no higher than Grade 2 standard.
> Players must have been learning for less than 2 years.
> Players must be 8 years or younger.
> Players may not enter any other class.
1
2 mins
£7.50
8 years and under: Non-Competitive
(maximum Grade 2)
2
3 mins
£9.00
> This is a competitive class.
> Players must be 8 years or younger.
> All music is own choice.
> A minimum of Grade 3 standard is required.
8 years and under: Competitive
(minimum Grade 3)
> Class only open to specific age groups.
> All music is own choice.
3
3 mins
£9.00
9 - 10 Years
4
11 - 13 Years
4 mins
£10.00
> Class only open to specific age groups.
> All music is own choice.
14 - 17 Years
> Class only open to specific age groups.
> All music is own choice.
6 mins
£12.50
5
> One piece selected from the current Grade syllabus for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.
> Class open all age groups BUT players should not enter grade classes lower than their grade level or ability.
> Players should not play repeats in the Grade classes, except for DC and DS indications.
6
Grades Two and Three - Open
£9.00
£10.00
> One piece selected from the current Grade syllabus for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.
> Class open all age groups BUT players should not enter grade classes lower than their grade level or ability.
> Players should not play repeats in the Grade classes, except for DC and DS indications.
Grades Four and Five - Open
7
8
Grades Six and Seven - Open
£11.00
> One piece selected from the current Grade syllabus for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.
> Class open all age groups BUT players should not enter grade classes lower than their grade level or ability.
> Players should not play repeats in the Grade classes, except for DC and DS indications.
9
£12.00
> One piece selected from the current Grade syllabus for the Associated Board, Trinity College London or London College of Music.
> Class open all age groups BUT players should not enter grade classes lower than their grade level or ability.
> Players should not play repeats in the Grade classes, except for DC and DS indications.
Grade Eight - Open
10
Junior Recital (under 17 years)
> The programme must consist of at least 2 but not more than 3 contrasting pieces by different composers.
> Entrants in this class may not also enter the Open Recital Class (Class 19).
> Class only open to entrants aged Under 17.
10 mins
£15.00
11
French - Open
6 mins
£12.50
> Any piano piece by a French composer.
> As well as the music of the best-known French composers, competitors are encouraged to consider the piano music of lesser-known but attractive composers such as Alkan, Chaminade, Farrenc, Ibert and Severac as well as the baroque composers Couperin and Rameau.
> Class open to all age groups.
12
30 Years and Over
> Class only open to specific age group indicated.
> All music is own choice
6 mins
£12.50
13
Your Piano Favourites – Open
> Any piano piece by any composer that you particularly enjoy.
> Players are encouraged to state what attracts them to the piece, in one minute or less.
> Class open to all age groups.
7 mins
£13.50
14
J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel and D. Scarlatti – Open
> Any original keyboard piece by J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel or Domenico Scarlatti.
> Class open to all age groups.
8 mins
£14.00
15
My Piano Showcase – Open
> Any piece which you play particularly well such that you could play it as an encore
> Virtuoso pieces are encouraged but not essential.
> Minimum standard Grade 8
6 mins
£12.50
16
Sonata – Open
> One complete movement (excluding Minuet and Trio) of a sonata.
> Class open to all age groups.
10 mins
£15.00
17
Romantic Connections – Open
7 mins
> Any original piano composition by Brahms, Chopin, Liszt,
Clara Schumann or Robert Schumann.
> Class open to all age groups.
£13.50
18
Russian - Open
6 mins
> Any piano piece by a Russian composer.
> Class open to all age groups.
£12.50
19
Recital – Open
> The standard expected in this class is very high.
> Players should be experienced public performers playing at or beyond diploma level, although it is not required that players necessarily hold a diploma.
> The programme must consist of at least 2 but not more than 3 contrasting pieces by different composers.
> Programmes deemed to be of insufficient length or difficulty will be rejected on entry.
> Minimum duration is 18 minutes.
> Entrants are expected to observe all elements of public performance in respect of programme and presentation.
> Class open to all age groups.
> Numbers entering this class may be limited. Early entry is advised.
> The winner of this class will receive the BMF’s nomination to play in the Emanuel Trophy Competition in 2025. The BMF will also fund the entry fee.