ELIGIBILITY

1. ​Performers, unless otherwise indicated or agreed, must be amateurs. Conductors/directors of groups need not be amateurs. An amateur is defined as a person whose whole or principal means of livelihood is obtained from non-musical work even if from time to time, they accept remuneration for musical services rendered.
2. Performers must play the pieces as listed in the CURRENT Royal Conservatory of Music or Conservatory Canada syllabus, if relevant, (e.g. if two movements are required then two movements must be played or if it is complete, then all movements must be played, etc.). In a year when a new RCM or Conservatory Canada syllabus is introduced, the previous syllabus may be used for one year only. For reference, all RCM and CC syllabi are available online.
3. Open level pianists must be performing at the ARCT/A.Mus. level or above but do not have to have attained their Associate Degree.
4. Once a performer has entered one level, they may not enter a lower level for the same instrument/discipline in future years.
5. If a performer has completed the repertoire section and has taken a partial conservatory examination before June 30th of the HHMF year, they are not eligible to enter that graded level of the HHMF class.
6. ​Changes to music selection after the closing date of entries will be accepted ONLY in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Festival Committee.
7. Online or recorded performances will not be accepted. Performances must be “live” in person.
8. Performers are not permitted to perform the same piece in consecutive Halton Hills Music Festivals, or if entering two different classes.
9. Complaints, suggestions, or any matter not already mentioned must be forwarded in writing to The Festival Committee at [email protected]
10. Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated and are grounds for immediate disqualification.
11. Consequences for not adhering to the regulations may result in students not receiving a grade. They may also not be eligible for awards or promotion to provincial competitions.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Performers must review and meet requirements within each class.
2. In all classes where an age limit is indicated, the age shall be taken as of September 1st of the HHMF year.
3. Performers must complete and send in the registration form during the registration period. Registration opens August 1st and closes October 11th. Click the link below to register.
4. Payment must be an e-transfer to [email protected] and must be sent in no more than 48 hours following the submission of the registration form.
5. On your registration form copy the title of the piece exactly as you see it in either the RCM or CC Syllabus for graded class entries.  Example: Minuet 1 from Suite in G Minor, BWV 822 – do not simply put Minuet 1.Sonatina in G Major, op. 36, no. 2 – 1st mvt. – do not simply put Sonatina in G or SonatinaGià il sole dal Gange – do not simply put Gia il sole. Ensure that the name of the composer is included using the full first name and full last name. Ludwig van Beethoven – and NOT – Beethoven, or L.V. Beethoven or L. Beethoven, or Beethoven, Ludwig
6. Entry fees are non-refundable. 
7. EARLY REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.

SCHEDULING OF PERFORMANCES

1. The Festival Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry and/or to refuse a scheduling request.
2. By submitting an entry form, the performer agrees to perform at any time between the beginning and the end of the Halton Hills Music Festival competition dates.

PERFORMANCE AND PARTICIPATION

1. An original copy of the music must be provided for the adjudicator. Please present a copy as clean as possible. See CANADIAN COPYRIGHT ACT for more information. Digitally purchased music will be permitted with a receipt. 
2. Plan to sign in at least 30 minutes before your class. Performers must be in The Sanctuary Concert Hall at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their performance.
3. Warm-up space(s) will be provided, whenever possible. The warm-up room will be available for 5 minutes and is based on fair use for all performers. Warm-up rooms are for competitors only and should NOT be used for rehearsals of any kind. Collaborative pianists, teachers are not allowed in the warm-up room(s).
4. Performers must be inside The Sanctuary Concert Hall and ready to perform at their scheduled time. A late arrival may result in a disqualification, at the discretion of the Festival Committee.
5. Performers are required to perform without assistance or coaching from teachers or guardians.
6. Performers are encouraged to give a verbal introduction to the song by stating their name, title, and composer.
7. Music with “repeats” can be observed within the time limits specified.
8. Memorization is mandatory for all competition classes. Marks will be deducted if music is used.
9. Performers must neatly mark the bar numbers at the beginning of each line of music in the original score, if not already noted in the score.
10. Audio/video recordings of festival performances are encouraged. However, audio/video recordings of the adjudications are not permitted.
11. Friends and family will be required to pay a $5 festival entry fee in cash or e-transfer at the door. Performers, collaborative pianists and teachers are free.
12. Sharing on social media is encouraged. Please tag #hhmf #HHMF #haltonhillsmusicfestival @haltonhillsmusicfestival

SPECIFIC RULES FOR MUSICAL THEATRE / VOICE / POP / SCREEN

1. Singers must provide their own collaborative pianist (a recommended list is posted on the website).
2. Singers in pop classes where a microphone is being used will have time to adjust and test the microphone. (maximum 20 seconds, after you are called to the stage)
3. Accompaniment will be acoustic piano only. Exceptions to this rule are outlined in the syllabus (i.e. Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Original Song).
4. Collaborative pianists are permitted to get a feel for the piano before the performance begins (maximum 20 seconds, after you are called to the stage)
5. Page turners for collaborative pianists are permitted.
6. Acapella singing is permitted where no accompaniment is written.
7. Instrumental cuts are allowed in songs which have lengthy instrumental sections between sung sections that are not essential to the overall storytelling aspect of the song (eg. Morning Person, I See the Light)
   

SPECIFIC RULES FOR PIANO

1. Music with “repeats” can be observed within the time limits specified. For level 10 and ARCT sonata classes, two movements are recommended with no repeats other than Da Capos.
2. Pianists are permitted to get a feel for the piano before the performance begins (maximum 20 seconds, after you are called to the stage)

JUDGING AND ADJUDICATION

1. Adjudication will be based on the quality of the performance only.
2. No one is permitted to speak to the adjudicator for the duration of the festival.
3. All performers will receive a grade and an adjudication. The top places will be announced immediately following the class.
4. Performers recommended for PROVINCIAL FINALS will be at the discretion of the adjudicator.
5. All adjudicators’ decisions are final.

RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION

1. Performers who are awarded 1st or 2nd place may or may not be asked to perform at "THE BIG SHOW" at the discretion of the adjudicator.
2. Scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator taking into account performance, ability, and potential.
3. Performers MUST be available to perform at THE BIG SHOW to receive their scholarship.
4. Winners who receive a scholarship MUST send a hand-written thank-you letter to the donor of the prize. Contact information details will be provided.

CANADIAN COPYRIGHT ACT

1. ​Please do not copy, by any means, any part of music without the written authorization of the copyright owner. To do so, without authorization, is illegal.
2. Originals or legal copies must be provided to the adjudicator on the day of your festival performance.
3. Digitally purchased music will be permitted with a receipt.
4. Illegal copies will not be accepted.

KEEP CHECKING THIS PAGE FOR A LINK TO REGISTER