How to choose appropriate music and prepare your students         
for Festival 

Choice of Material

  1. Required compositions must be taken from the current Bulletin.
  2. Choice compositions may not appear in the Bulletin.
  3. Pre-primary and Primary I choice compositions must be at least 12 measures, not including repeats. Beginning with Primary II, all choice compositions must be at least 16 measures in length.
  4. Required and choice compositions must represent the same level of musicianship.
  5. Hymns and or folk songs are not acceptable choice pieces for the Piano Solo event.
  6. Time limit for choice pieces: the judge will hear no more that 10 min. Eliminate repeats.
  7. One movement of a multi-movement work will be considered as a choice selection.
  8. For this purpose theme and variations compositions will not be defined as multi-movement works.
  9. Published scores of the required and choice work must be provided.
  10. No photo copying of music is allowed.

Steps in choosing music

  1. Age of student
  2. Length of study
  3. Abilities/strengths
  4. Weakness
  5. What does the student like? Fast, slow
  6. How well do they memorize?
  7. Consider the length of the piece.
  8. What skill will be learned?
  9. How do they perform under pressure?
  10. Will the piece get boring?
  11. Does the piece sound like music?

  • For first time students, don’t put them in too high of a level to begin with. You can always jump levels.
  • Don’t start the little ones too soon on their pieces.
  • More advanced students start pieces in the late fall.
  • Find contrasting pieces and styles.
  • If a piece just isn’t working, change it.
  • How do you find music for your students and where do you look?

What the Judge will expect from the students

  • Come prepared to play
  • Piece memorized
  • Performs the best they can
  • Dressed nicely
  • Music in hand, no photo copies
  • Understands what they are supposed to do
  • Enjoy the experience


What the student can expect from the Judge

Each judge will evaluate the student with the following in mind:
  1. Does the student seem prepared?
  2. Is the performance carefully prepared within the student’s level of capability?
  3. Are the minor inaccuracies from nerves, if so may be forgiven depending on overall performance?
  4. Performance is satisfying and finished. Preparation and practice are evident.
  5. Are the following intact: accurate notes, rhythm, good control of basic touch, tone, steady pulse, dynamics, over all does it sound musical?
Each entrant is rated on the merits of his performance as a developing student, not a professional performer.

How you can prepare your student for the Festival experience

  • Thoroughly teach them the music.
  • Look up terms, signs, tempo markings
  • Make sure they have the memory work completed
  • Give them several performance opportunities
  • Literally walk them through festival
  • Don’t pressure them about getting a superior
  • Prepare the parents about the experience
  • Physically prepare; good nights rest, eat breakfast, don’t add extra activities that day
  • Have a mock festival in your studio
  • Make it fun!