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Preliminary Notes

• The Montreal Classical Music Festival is organized and hosted by the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association, in collaboration with the École Vincent-d’Indy.

• There is only one round of competition, no semi-finals, or finals. 

• Performance sessions and gala concert are held at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, 628 Cote Ste Catherine Rd, Montreal (Outremont), H2V 2C5 (Edouard Montpetit metro station). 

• During Festival hours, parking is free on the property.

• Performance sessions take place on May 20–21, 2023, and the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony on June 17, 2023, at 2 p.m.

• In this text, the designation of "competitor" refers to the individual or the group of musicians (ensemble category) participating.

• At the time their entry is submitted, competitors must be:
  • aged 23 years or younger (30 for voice).

  • residing or studying music in the Province of Quebec.

• In submitting an entry to the MCMF, the competitor and their teacher acknowledge that they have read and understood the present rules and agree to abide by them in good faith.

• Any infringement may result in disqualification. A disqualified competitor may, at the jury’s discretion, perform their program selections, but will not earn any comment, score, or prize.

Teacher's Status

• The competitor must currently be studying music with an active or provisional member in good standing of the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association (see List of certified QMTA members).
  • Solo and concerto categories: The instrument teacher must be a member.
  • Ensemble category: The teacher directing or coaching the ensemble must be a member.

  • Music writing category: The instrument teacher OR the composition teacher must be a member.

• Non-member teachers may join the QMTA within seven (7) days of their students’ entries, provided they meet the membership criteria and pay the dues for the current year (see How to Become a Member).

• Teachers are responsible for their student's participation in the MCMF at all stages of the competition. Therefore, teachers may not register students belonging to other teachers, even if said students are family members.

Schedule

• General schedule
  • Saturday, May 20: strings solo & concerto; voice; winds; guitar; music writing.

  • Sunday, May 21: ensemble; piano solo & concerto.

• Upon submitting their entry form, the competitor commits to be free of any other activities on the day of their assignment, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• The official schedule of sessions is established at the closing of registration and uploaded to the website on May 1. Once issued, the schedule is not modified.

• A competitor may not play their program at a time other than the one appointed.

Registration

• The competitor wishing to submit an entry to the MCMF must complete the online MCMF Official Entry Form. There is no paper version of the form.

• Competitors (or parents) submitting their own entry forms must do so with the approval of their music teachers.

• Online registration runs from February 20 to April 20, 2023. Entry forms must be duly completed and submitted by the deadline of April 20, 2023, 11:59:59 p.m.

• Late entries may be accepted, based on availability. Late fees apply.

• A competitor may enter multiple categories or instruments, provided they complete one (1) form per participation.

• For each of their participations, the competitor receives a confirmation email including a five-digit reference number which will serve in all future communications with MCMF's Secretary's office.

• A competitor cannot select a piece of music that has been previously presented at the MCMF.

• Performing music that is not listed on the entry form is liable for disqualification.

• CANCELLATION. The candidate may cancel their participation at any time at no extra charge, by notifying the registrar’s office as soon as possible. All fees paid will be forfeited.

Post-Entry Amendment

• The competitor wishing to make changes once their entry has been sent must submit a Post-entry amendment request form with any applicable fees before the closing date of May 1, 2023.

• Accepted post-entry amendments include ensemble stage name change, age group upgrade, repertoire selection change/withdrawal/addition, and performance order of pieces. Category and instrument changes are not eligible.

• Any amendment of the original entry must have been authorized by the teacher.

• Errors and omissions must be reported by email to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as noticed. A correction does not require an amendment form.

Categories and Age Groups

• Competitors are classified by category, instrument and age, regardless of level.

• Categories are:
  • SOLO: piano, violin, cello, winds, guitar, voice
  • CONCERTO: piano, strings
  • ENSEMBLE: all types of instrumental, vocal or mixed formation

  • MUSIC WRITING: free

• Age divisions are:
  • Junior (age groups 13 years and under)

  • Senior (age groups 14 years and up)

• See the specific guidelines for the list of age groups available in each category. 

• All age groups imply the mention “and under”.

• The competitor must not be older (as of January 1, 2023) than the age group selected. Proof of age may be required.

• A competitor may not enter more than one age group in a given category, with the same instrument.

• It is possible to enter the same age group in subsequent years.

• Age groups where few participants are enrolled will not be combined. 

Timing the Performance

• Only solo and ensemble performances have time limits, however, all performances must be timed.

• While it may not always be possible to time a performance in the early stages of learning, approximate timings of pieces may be found on the Internet.

• The timing of a performance must include the preparation time (tuning) and the pauses between the movements, if applicable.

• The timing entered should be rounded up to the next 30-second interval (e.g., 1 min 35 s. = 2 min).

Adjudication

• The MCMF jury is composed of eight adjudicators:
  • Piano solo junior (5–13 years)
  • Piano solo senior (14–23 years)
  • Ensemble and Piano concerto
  • Strings (solo & concerto)
  • Winds
  • Voice
  • Guitar

  • Music writing

• Names of adjudicators will be disclosed upon closing of the registration.

• The adjudicators are required to write a brief appraisal comment on each competitor’s performance.

• Evaluation of solo, concerto & ensemble performances is based on repertoire selection, technical skills, stage presence and interpretation.

• Adjudicators cannot evaluate their students or members of their household or immediate family.

• Competitors’ teachers’ names are not revealed to adjudicators.

• The jury’s determinations are final and not subject to revision or appeal.

Prizes and Awards

• Each competitor receives a certificate of participation.

• Prizes are awarded in each category's age group to competitors who reach the three highest scores, provided the minimum score required for each prize has been attained, thus:
  • 1^st prize: 90%
  • 2^nd prize: 88%

  • 3^rd prize: 85%

• Exceptional ex aequo prizes may be awarded; each of the tied winners receives the whole prize amount.

• All 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd prizes include monetary bursaries (cash prizes), medals, and other rewards, which will be handed out during the gala concert and awards ceremony.

• Competitors are eligible to win grand prizes and trophies in consecutive years.

Performance Sessions

• A performance session takes place for each age group, in each category and instrument, where there is at least one competitor.

• To create larger audiences, some sessions may be combined to include several age groups (e.g., violin 5, 6 & 7 years). Each age group competes separately nonetheless.

• Performance sessions are held simultaneously in three halls: Marie-Stéphane, Cécile-Romaine, and Salle de musique.

• Performance sessions are public, and admission is free. Competitors may invite guests at their discretion. Teachers are encouraged to attend their students’ performances.

• Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult on Festival premises.

• WELCOME DESK REGISTRATION. Competitors must register at the welcome desk 15 to 30 minutes before the start of their performance sessions. The presentation of their convocation slips is not required.

• If for unforeseen circumstances, a competitor expects to be delayed, they should, if possible, inform the assistant coordinator, who is the on-site resource person (see Contact, below). At the discretion of the session supervisor, competitors who arrive late, but before the end of their session, may still be allowed to perform. Absentees will be disqualified.

• The official MCMF program will be available with a scannable QR code. A paper program for the current session will also be offered to the members of the audience.

• The scores handed to the judge must be placed in the order of performance that appears on the program, with the books opened to the correct pages. Please don’t forget to pick up your scores after the session!

• All instrumentists must be able to step on stage with their instrument in hand, without prior set-up.

• The names of the competitors and the titles of the pieces are not always announced during performance sessions. The public may follow the progress of the session in the MCMF program.

• Although the competitors’ order of performance is usually based on the difficulty of repertoire selections, it may also be randomly arranged. The MCMF reserves the right to modify the order of performance of a session at any time, without prior notice.

• At the end of the session, the winners’ names are announced, and each competitor receives a global score for their performance, a certificate of participation, and written comments from the judge. Bursaries and other awards are distributed to the prizewinners during the awards ceremony following the gala concert, on June 17.

• Playing the pianos (whether before, between or after the sessions), practicing or loitering in rooms and corridors other than those designated for the MCMF is strictly forbidden. 

• Only authorized persons may step on the stage. It is not permitted to take photos on the stage before, between, or after the sessions.

• Competitors and audience members are asked to vacate the room promptly upon the termination of their session.

Printed Music and Copyright (Solo, Concerto & Ensemble)

• All sheet music used by competitors, accompanists, and judges must be legal editions. Photocopies of music sheets or book pages are strictly forbidden. Printed digital scores are acceptable with proof of purchase. Infringement to this rule will be penalized: The competitor will have to, per their choice, either (1) purchase the score at the on-site Cooperative Vincent-d'Indy; or (2) withdraw the piece from the repertoire to be performed.

Technical Questions

• Grand pianos are available in all three halls.

• All music is acoustic (unplugged). Singers do not use microphones.

• Piano pedal extenders (supplied by the competitor) are permitted.

• The competitor may authorize one of their guests to record, videotape or take photos of their performance, provided it is done unobtrusively, from their seat. It is forbidden for anyone, except the MCMF’s official photographer, to record, videotape or take photos of other competitors without their consent.

• The QMTA reserves the right to use MCMF photos and videos on their social media and channels. The competitor who wishes to withdraw their consent must inform the person in charge before the beginning of the session or concert.

Awards Ceremony and Gala Concert

• A prestigious gala concert and awards ceremony will close the MCMF on Saturday, June 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Salle Marie-Stéphane, École Vincent-d’Indy.

• General admission is free for MCMF competitors, officials, jury members, sponsors, volunteers, and all children aged 12 and under. Admission is $12 per person for teachers, parents, and other guests.

... The Awards Ceremony

• All 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes include monetary bursaries (cash prizes), medals, and other rewards; these are presented to the winners during the awards ceremony which follows the concert. In 2022, over $6,000 worth of prizes were distributed to MCMF winners.

• CASH PRIZES. Cash prizes are awarded by cheque made out to the competitor’s name. In the case of ensembles, cash prizes are divided between the members of the group, and a cheque is made out to each one individually.

• If unable to attend, the prizewinner may designate someone to collect their prize(s). All unclaimed prizes and bursaries will be kept at the Cooperative Vincent-d’Indy, where they may be picked up until September 30. After this date, all remaining monies will revert to the MCMF bursary fund. Prizes will not be mailed. Uncashed or lost cheques will not be replaced.

• TROPHIES. The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in their trophy classification will be presented with the corresponding trophy. The MCMF reserves the right to modify or withdraw the attribution of any trophy.

• GRAND PRIZE. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in the junior division, all categories combined, receives the “Junior Grand Champion” designation. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in the senior division, all categories combined, receives the “Senior Grand Champion” designation. The grand champions, announced on the night of the gala, win exclusive prizes.

• PEOPLE'S CHOICE "COUP DE COEUR" AWARD. After the concert, during the intermission, members of the audience will be invited to vote for the performance that "touched their hearts". A special prize, offered by the Coopérative Vincent-d'Indy will be awarded to the winner.

... The Concert

• Trophy recipients receive an invitation to perform at the concert. Guest competitors are informed within 3 days following their performance session. If a participant is unable to perform, the next runner-up is invited to play. However, the trophy is awarded to the titleholder.

• The performers at the gala concert and their musical programs are selected by the jury, with the right of review by the MCMF officials. A competitor will not be invited to perform a repertoire selection other than the one that earned their first prize award.

• DRESS CODE. Gala performers and presenters are expected to wear appropriate attire for the event (business/smart casual, semi-formal or formal).

• For guidelines on photography and recording, see Technical Questions.

MCMF Funding

... Charity Donations

• Thanks to our generous donors, the Quebec Music Education Foundation has been funding prizes and bursaries for the Montreal Classical Music Festival for over twenty years. Competitors, parents, teachers, organizations, and businesses are invited to donate to the Foundation and thus contribute directly to the MCMF’s success.

• Participate by accessing the Quebec Musical Education Foundation Donation Form, or add a donation amount to your entry fees.

• Receipts for charitable donations are sent upon request.

• The names of the individual or business donators contributing $100 or more (with logos and clickable links as provided) will be listed on the MCMF webpage. 

... Advertisement

• Businesses may also insert advertisements in the MCMF program.

• Available packages include (1) Platinum: full page; (2) Gold: ½ page; (3) Silver: ¼ Page; (4) Bronze: Business card.

• For more information and a price grid, please go to Become a sponsor.

Please refer to the specific guidelines for your category.

This section applies to the SOLO category

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Categories and Age Groups

• Participation in solo category is open to the following instruments:
  • Piano
  • Violin (or viola)
  • Violoncello
  • Guitar
  • Winds (all instruments combined)

  • Voice (all voice types combined)

• The solo category is open to the followin age groups:
  • all ages 5 to 19 years
  • 23 years

  • 30 years (voice only) 

Restrictions

• A competitor’s performance may include one or more pieces, or movements provided the time limit in their age group is observed:
  • 5, 6, 7 years: 5 min
  • 8, 9 years: 6 min
  • 10, 11 years: 7 min
  • 12, 13 years: 10 min
  • 14, 15, 16 years: 15 min

  • 17 years and over: 20 min

• A competitor should consider the duration of their performance in their selection of an age group. If the performance exceeds the prescribed limit, the competitor must (a) remove a selection from the repertoire, or (b) choose an age group allowing the duration of the performance.

Musical Program

• The program selections are not subject to the MCMF officials’ approval, nor do they need to be listed in a recognized syllabus. There are no guidelines regarding the level of difficulty. The approximate level required on the entry form is for classification purposes only.

• The "suggested minimum level of pieces" chart, offered as a reference, presents general equivalences between age groups and syllabi published by recognized institutions.

• Guidelines regarding musical genres accepted at the MCMF
  • Pieces of classical genre: yes, without reserve
  • Popular music: no

  • Pieces of all other genres, abridged, arranged, simplified, or adapted works: accepted, provided the selection is listed in the syllabus of a recognized (classical) music institution.

• Piano and strings concertos should be entered in the concerto category, except for baroque (composed between 1580 and 1750) concertos for strings, which may be entered in solo or concerto categories, at the competitor's discretion.

• Unnecessary repeats should be avoided.

• Memorization of the repertoire is compulsory.

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, the competitor is required to provide the judge with a hard copy of the music to be performed. Accompaniment scores should not be included. Failure to provide music scores will result in disqualification. Music scores are returned to the competitors after the session.

• Scores must be clean and unmarked. To enable the judge to provide more precise comments, it is recommended that the measures be numbered.

Accompaniment

• Accompaniments, if required, must be performed live by a pianist. Pre-recorded backing tracks are not accepted.

• The competitor is responsible for arranging and paying for their accompanist if required. The availability of an accompanist must be ensured for the performance sessions as well as the gala concert, if applicable. Competitors must also provide page-turners if required.

• Digital accompaniment scores (e.g., on iPad) are allowed for works of the public domain.

• Memorization of accompaniments is not required.

• The skills of the accompanists are not considered in the jury’s performance evaluation. 

This section applies to the CONCERTO Category

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Categories and Age Groups

• Concerto participation is open to the following instruments:
  • Piano

  • Strings (violin, viola, cello)

• The age groups open in the concerto categories are: 9, 13, 16, 19, and 23 years.

Restrictions

• Concerto performance is restricted to either one (1) movement of concerto or concertino regardless of duration OR several movements of the same concerto, within a maximum duration of five (5) minutes.

Musical Program

• The program selections are not subject to the MCMF officials’ approval, nor do they need to be listed in a recognized syllabus. There are no guidelines regarding the level of difficulty. The approximate level required on the entry form is for classification purposes only.

• Piano and strings concertos should be entered in the concerto category, except for the baroque concertos (composed between 1580 and 1750) for strings, which may be entered in solo or concerto categories, at the competitor's discretion. Concertos for other instruments (winds, guitar) should be entered as solo performances. 

• If a movement of the concerto includes a cadenza, it must be performed. Any published version will be accepted.

• Lengthy openings, repeats and tutti sections should be avoided.

• MEMORIZATION. Concertos must be performed from memory.

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, the competitor is required to provide the judge with a hard copy of the music to be performed. Accompaniment scores should not be included. Failure to provide music scores will result in disqualification. Music scores are returned to the competitors after the session.

• Scores must be clean and unmarked. To enable the judge to provide more precise comments, it is recommended that the measures be numbered.

Accompaniment

• Accompaniments, if required, must be performed live by a pianist. Pre-recorded backing tracks are not accepted.

• The competitor is responsible for arranging and paying for their accompanist if required. The availability of an accompanist must be ensured for the performance sessions as well as the gala concert, if applicable. Competitors must also provide page-turners if required.

• Digital accompaniment scores (e.g., on iPad) are allowed for works of the public domain.−

• Memorization of accompaniments is not required.

• The skills of the accompanists are not considered in the jury’s performance evaluation. 

The following section applies to the ENSEMBLE category

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 Ensemble Category Guidelines

• The ensemble category includes piano four and six hands, two-piano ensembles, and all chamber music formations, instrumental, vocal, or mixed.

• Upon entry, an ensemble must supply a stage name (pseudonym) (for example, “Smith Piano Trio” or “The Fabulous”. 20 characters maximum.) which will thereafter serve to designate the group as “the competitor”.

• All musicians must be present. Pre-recorded backtracks are not accepted.

• All the musicians of the group must perform each repertoire selection.

• No member substitutions to the ensemble shall be authorized once the entry has been submitted.

• A competitor may join more than one ensemble if their instrumental formation is different. (e.g., a string quartet and a piano duet).

 Age Groups

• The age groups open in the ensemble category are: 9, 13, 16, 19, and 23 years.

• The ensemble’s age group selection should be determined according to the age of the eldest member of the ensemble. As of January 1, 2023, all participants’ actual age must be equal or younger than the age group selected. Proof of age may be required.

Restrictions

• The number of musicians in each ensemble is restricted to a maximum of five (5). The teacher may not be part of the ensemble.

• A competitor’s performance may include one or more pieces, or movements provided the time limit in their age group is observed:
  • 9 years: 5 min
  • 13 years: 10 min
  • 16 years: 15 min
  • 19 years & 23 years: 20 min

• The competitor should consider the duration of their performance in their selection of an age group. If the performance exceeds the prescribed limit, the competitor must (a) remove a selection from the repertoire, or (b) choose an age group allowing the duration of the performance.

Musical Program

• The program selections are not subject to the MCMF officials’ approval, nor do they need to be listed in a recognized syllabus. There are no guidelines regarding the level of difficulty. The approximate level required on the entry form is for classification purposes only.

• Guidelines regarding musical genres accepted at the MCMF
  • Classical: yes, without reserve
  • Popular: no
  • Pieces of all other genres: yes, provided the name of the composer is listed in the syllabus of a recognized (classical) music institution.

  • Abridged, arranged, simplified, or adapted works: yes

• Memorization of the music is not required.

• Lengthy repeats should be avoided.

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, the competitor is required to provide the judge with a hard copy of the music to be performed. Failure to provide music scores will result in disqualification. Music scores are returned to the competitors after the session.

• Scores must be clean and unmarked. To enable the judge to provide more precise comments, it is recommended that the measures be numbered.

• While musicians are free to use digital or paper scores, the judge must have an orchestral score (full score), where each instrument is well identified. For duets, "primo" and "secondo" format is accepted.

This section applies to the MUSIC WRITING Category

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Age Groups

• Age groups open in music writing category are: 8, 11, 15, 19 and 23 years.

Restrictions

• Music writing category participation is restricted to two (2) compositions, or one (1) composition including several movements (e.g. sonata, suite).

• There are no timing considerations in music writing category.

Musical Program

• The whole composition, including the accompaniment if applicable, must be the original work of the competitor whose name appears on the entry form.

• The composition may be for a soloist or an instrumental, vocal, or mixed ensemble. All acoustic (unplugged) instruments are eligible, including small percussions.

• The minimum length of the score should be 24 measures (exclusive of repeats). 

• The number of parts/voices is not limited.

• The submissions must be new compositions, not previously entered in the MCMF.

Performance of Compositions

• Compositions must be performed live by the composer, or another appointed musician.

• Multi-part compositions. While the primary part must be performed live, the secondary parts may be played on a digital device (see Technical Questions).

• If musicians are hired, the competitor is responsible for the expense. The availability of the musicians must be ensured for the performance sessions as well as the gala, if applicable. Competitors must also provide page-turners if required.

• Unnecessary repeats should be avoided.

• The musicians may use paper or digital scores.

• Memorization of the music is not required.

• The quality of the performance or the technical skills of the players do not affect the judge’s rating.

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, competitors must supply the judge with a hard copy of each manuscript, including all instrumental parts, and necessary dynamics, editing, and tempo markings. Failure to supply the printed music will result in disqualification.

• Multi-part compositions must be orchestral scores, with each instrument (or voice) labelled.

• The music should be printed by computer, in black ink, on letter-size white paper, with pages and bars numbered (at the beginning of each system).

• Winning manuscripts will be retained by the MCMF.

Technical Questions

• The competitor must carry the digital device (e.g., smartphone) required for playing the soundtracks. The device must be equipped with a stereo 3,5 mm headphone jack (standard). If not, the competitor must also carry the appropriate USB adaptor.

CFMTA Student Composer Competition

• At the discretion of the coordinator and with the consent of the competitors, one first-prize composition in each age group may be submitted to the CFMTA National Student Composer Competition as part of Canada Music Week®’s activities in November 2023. Please visit cfmta.org for more info.

ENTRY FEES

• Payment of fees must reach the registrar’s office within 24 hours of entry submission. Entries that remain unpaid beyond this time limit will be voided without further formality.

• The payer must be 18 years or older. The payer's name provided on the entry form must be the one that appears on the transaction record.

• All payments should be correctly identified (from and for whom/what). 

• Combining several entry fees into a single payment is admissible, provided a list of the competitors with their respective categories and age groups is sent along with the payment.

• All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to other competitors, or categories. Any forfeited or overpaid amount will revert to the MCMF bursary fund.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES

• Penalty for late entry (until May 1): $12 per entry form.

• Post-entry amendment (until May 1)
  • Age group upgrade: $12 plus the additional fees incurred (if applicable);

  • Others: $12 per change.

PAYMENT METHODS

• Interac e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Credit/debit card or PayPal® (via entry form secure payment terminal)

• Payments by cheque or cash are NOT accepted

* Bank transfers should be made from your financial institution. If a security question is required, we suggest you send the answer via email or text message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the time of the transfer.

Communications 

• All correspondence after entry submission must quote your entry reference number.

• MCMF information will be provided by email or by access to the website.

• All documents are issued in the competitor’s language of preference, as indicated on their entry form.

• The competitors’ teachers must address all special requests to the registrar’s office by email. Although every effort is made to accommodate competitors and teachers, we cannot guarantee that all their claims will be satisfied.

MCMF Organizing Committee

• David Côté: Chief-Coordinator and QMTA President

• Monique T. Armand: Assistant-Coordinator

• Danielle Langevin: Secretary-Registrar and Web Administrator

• Patrycia Meunier: Treasurer

• Jean-Michel Rousseau: Music writing competition Coordinator

• Hélène Lord: Advisor and QMEF Treasurer

Contact Us

• Email/SMS: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Facebook page: facebook.com/FMCMcmf