This section applies to the SOLO category

Get a printable PDF version here

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 take place at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, in Montreal, May 21–23, 2022, and the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony is presented at the same venue, on June 18, 2022, at 2 p.m.

• In this text, the participant is referred to as “the competitor”.

• When their entry is submitted, the competitor must be:
  • aged 23 years or younger (30 for voice).
  • residing or studying music in the Province of Quebec.
  • currently studying music with an active or provisional member in good standing (2020-21) of the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association (see List of registered QMTA teachers).

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

• 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.

[The disqualified competitor may, at the jury’s discretion, perform their program selections, but will not earn any comment, score, or prize.]

Schedule

• Upon submitting their entry form, the candidate acknowledges that their category may be scheduled at any time during the MCMF performance sessions, on May 21, 22, and 23, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. May 23, 2022, is a legal holiday (Victoria Day).

• The official schedule is established at the closing of registration and uploaded to the website on May 1, 2022. Around that date, the teachers receive a mailing including their students’ schedules and convocation slips.

• Once issued, the schedule is not modified. A competitor may not play their program at a time other than the one appointed.

Registration

• Online registration runs from February 21 to April 21, 2022. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all their students’ entry forms are duly completed and submitted by the deadline of April 21, 2022, 11:59:59 p.m.

• 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. Entry forms may be filled out by the competitor, their parent/guardian, or their music teacher.

• Music teachers should be informed of their students’ participation in the MCMF.

• A competitor may enter multiple categories, provided they complete one (1) form per category entered.

• Late entries may be accepted under certain conditions. Late fees apply.

• Once their initial entry fees are paid, the competitor receives a confirmation email including a five-digit reference number which will serve in all future communications regarding their participation in the MCMF.

• The candidate may cancel their participation at any time and at no 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, 2022.

• 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. Corrections do not require amendment forms.

• Accepted post-entry amendments include age group upgrade, repertoire selection change, withdrawal or addition, and performance order of pieces. Category change is not eligible.

• The competitor should inform their teacher of any modification made to their original entry.

Categories and Age Groups

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

• Solo participation is open in the following classes:
  • Piano solo
  • Violin (or viola) solo
  • Violoncello
  • Guitar
  • Winds (all instruments combined)

  • Voice (all voice types combined)

• Age groups are
  • all ages 5 to 18 years
  • 23 years

  • 30 years (voice only)

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

• The competitor must not be older (as of January 1, 2022) than the age group selected. Proof of age may be required.

• A competitor may not enter more than one age group within a category.

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

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

Timing

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

• Timing the performance. While it may be difficult to time a performance in the early stages of learning, approximate timings of pieces may be found on the Internet.

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

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

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 the syllabi published by the McGill Schulich School of Music, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy.

• Guidelines regarding musical genres accepted at the MCMF
  • Pieces of classical genre: yes, without reserve
  • Popular music: no
  • Pieces of all other genres: conditional
  • Abridged, arranged, simplified, or adapted works: conditional*.

[*Accepted, provided the selection is listed in the syllabus of a recognized (classical) music institution. If in doubt, please contact the Registrar’s office.]

• Piano and violin concertos should be entered into concerto categories.

• Unnecessary repeats should be avoided.

• Memorization of the repertoire is compulsory.

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

• Performing a piece that is not listed on the entry form is liable to disqualification.

Accompaniment

• All accompaniments 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 accompanist are not considered in the jury’s evaluation of performance.

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, the competitor is required to provide the judge with a hard copy of each piece 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.

• All sheet music used by competitors, accompanists, and judges must be official editions or printed digital scores with proof of purchase. The use of photocopies is strictly forbidden and will be penalized*.

[The competitor will have to, per their choice either (1) purchase the score from the on-site music store; (2) pay the MCMF a fine equivalent to the monetary value of the score, (3) withdraw the piece from the repertoire to be performed, OR (4) be disqualified.]

• For your convenience, the “Cooperative Vincent-d’Indy” music store, located in the basement of École Vincent-d’Indy, will be open during Festival hours.

Entry Fees

• Payment of registration 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.

• Payment methods
  • Interac e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • PayPal® at PayPal.me/APMQMTA
  • Credit card (via our Secure Payment Terminal on the entry form)

  • Payments by cheque or cash are not accepted.

• Additional charges
  • Penalty for late entry (until May 1): $10 per entry form.
  • Post-entry amendment (until May 1)
    • Age group upgrade: $10 plus the additional fees incurred (if applicable);

    • Repertoire or order of performance revision: $10 per change.

• Bank transfers and PayPal payments. All payments should be identified (from and for whom). If a security question must be entered, please send the answer by email or text message with the payment.

• 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.

Adjudication

• The MCMF jury is composed of seven adjudicators, one in each of the following divisions:
  • Piano solo junior (5–13 years)
  • Piano solo senior (14–23 years) and piano concerto
  • Strings (all classes combined)
  • Winds
  • Voice
  • Guitar

  • Music writing and Ensemble

• 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 performance is based on repertoire selection, technical skills, and interpretation.

• Adjudicators cannot evaluate their own students or members of their household or 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:
  • 1st prize: 90%
  • 2nd prize: 88%

  • 3rd prize: 85%

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

• All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes include monetary bursaries (cash prizes), medals, and other rewards.

• Cash prizes are awarded by cheque made out to the competitor’s name.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in their trophy classification will be presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 5–13 years, all categories combined, receives the “Junior Grand Champion” designation. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 14–23 years, all categories combined, receives the “Senior Grand Champion” designation.

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

Venue Information

• The 2022 edition of the MCMF is held at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, 628 Cote St. Catherine Rd, Montreal (Outremont), H2V 2C5 (Edouard-Montpetit metro station).

• Parking is free anywhere on the property.

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

• 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. 

Conduct of Performance Sessions

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

[The attendance may have to be limited depending on the Covid-19 sanitary measures in force at the time of the events.]

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

• 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. 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.

• To create a larger audience, some sessions have been combined to include several age groups within the same category (e.g., violin 5, 6 & 7 years). Each group competes separately nonetheless, and winners are announced for each age group.

• The names of the competitors and the titles of pieces will not be 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.

• 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!

• 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 18.

• 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.

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. It is not permitted to take photos between and after the sessions.

Awards Ceremony and Gala Concert

• A prestigious gala concert and awards ceremony will close the MCMF on June 18, 2022, 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 $10 per person for teachers, parents, and other guests.

The Awards Ceremony

• All 1st, 2nd and 3rd 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 2021, over $6,000 worth of prizes were distributed to MCMF winners.

• 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, 2022. After this date, all remaining monies will revert to the 2023 MCMF bursary fund. Prizes will not be mailed. Uncashed or lost cheques will not be replaced.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in his trophy category is presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The MCMF reserves the right to modify or to withdraw the attribution of any trophy.

• In addition, the competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 5–13 years, receives the title of Junior Grand Champion. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 14–23 receives the title of Senior Grand Champion. The grand champions, announced on the night of the gala, win exclusive prizes.

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.

• Gala performers are expected to wear appropriate attire for the event.

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

This section applies to the CONCERTO Category

Get a printable PDF version here

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 take place at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, in Montreal, May 21–23, 2022, and the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony is presented at the same venue on June 18, 2022, at 2 p.m.

• In this text, the participant is referred to as “the competitor”.

• When their entry is submitted, the competitor must be:
  • aged 23 years or younger
  • residing or studying music in the Province of Quebec
  • currently studying music with an active or provisional member in good standing (2020-21) of the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association* (see List of registered QMTA teachers).

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

• 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*.

[*The disqualified competitor may, at the jury’s discretion, perform their program selections, but will not earn any comment, score, or prize].

Schedule

• Upon submitting their entry form, the candidate acknowledges that their category may be scheduled at any time during the MCMF performance sessions, on May 21, 22, and 23, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. May 23, 2022, is a legal holiday (Victoria Day).

• The official schedule is established at the closing of registration and uploaded to the website on May 1, 2022. Around that date, the teachers receive a mailing including their students’ schedules and convocation slips.

• Once issued, the schedule is not modified. A competitor may not play their program at a time other than the one appointed.

Registration

• Online registration runs from February 21 to April 21, 2022. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all their students’ entry forms are duly completed and submitted by the deadline of April 21, 2022, 11:59:59 p.m.

• 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. Entry forms may be filled out by the competitor, their parent/guardian, or their music teacher.

• Music teachers should be informed of their students’ participation in the MCMF.

• A competitor may enter multiple categories, provided they complete one (1) form per category entered.

• Late entries may be accepted under certain conditions. Late fees apply.

• Once their initial entry fees are paid, the competitor receives a confirmation email including a five-digit reference number which will serve in all future communications regarding their participation in the MCMF.

• The candidate may cancel their participation at any time and at no 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, 2022.

• 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. Corrections do not require amendment forms.

• Accepted post-entry amendments include age group upgrade or repertoire selection change. Category change is not eligible.

• The competitor should inform their teacher of any modification made to their original entry.

Categories and Age Groups

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

• Participation in concerto categories is open to:
  • Piano

  • Strings (violin, cello)

• Concertos for other instruments should be entered as solo performances.

• Age groups are 8, 11, 15, 19 and 23 years.

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

• The competitor must not be older (as of January 1, 2022) than the age group selected. Proof of age may be required.

• A competitor may not enter more than one age group within a category.

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

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

Timing

• Timing the performance. While it may be difficult to time a performance in the early stages of learning, approximate timings of pieces may be found on the Internet.

• The total timing of the performance includes the preparation time (tuning) and the pauses between the pieces or movements, if applicable.

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

Musical Program

• The concerto category includes baroque, classical, and modern concertos. Baroque concertos should be entered in solo performances. This rule does not apply to piano.

• 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 of five (5) minutes.

• 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.

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

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

• Memorization of the repertoire is compulsory.

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

• Performing a piece that is not listed on the entry form is liable to disqualification.

Accompaniment

• All concerto accompaniments 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 accompanist are not considered in the jury’s evaluation of the performance.

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, the competitor is required to provide the judge with a hard copy of each selection to be performed, including cadenzas, if applicable. 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.

• All sheet music used by competitors, accompanists, and judges must be official editions or printed digital scores with proof of purchase. The use of photocopies is strictly forbidden and will be penalized*.

[*The competitor will have to, per their choice either (1) purchase the score from the on-site music store; (2) pay the MCMF a fine equivalent to the monetary value of the score, (3) withdraw the piece from the repertoire to be performed, OR (4) be disqualified.]

• For your convenience, the Cooperative Vincent-d’Indy music store, located in the basement of École Vincent-d’Indy, will be open during Festival hours.

Entry Fees

• Payment of entry 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.

• Payment methods
  • Interac e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • PayPal® (Paypal.me/APMQMTA)
  • Credit card (via our Secure Payment Terminal on the entry form).

  • Payments by cheque or cash are not accepted.

• Additional charges
  • Penalty for late entry (until May 1): $10 per entry form
  • Post-entry amendment (until May 1)
    • Age group upgrade: $10 plus the additional fees incurred (if applicable)

    • Musical program revision: $10 per change.

• Bank transfers and PayPal payments. All payments should be identified (from and for whom). If a security question must be entered, please send the answer by email or text message with the payment.

• 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.

 Adjudication

• The MCMF jury is composed of seven adjudicators, one in each of the following divisions:
  • Piano solo junior (5–13 years)
  • Piano solo senior (14–23 years) and piano concerto
  • Strings (all categories combined)
  • Winds
  • Voice
  • Guitar

  • Music writing and Ensemble

• 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.

• The evaluation of performance is based on repertoire selection, technical skills, and interpretation.

• Adjudicators cannot evaluate their own students or members of their household or 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:
  • 1st prize: 90%
  • 2nd prize: 88%

  • 3rd prize: 85%

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

• All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes include monetary bursaries (cash prizes), medals, and other rewards.

• Cash prizes are awarded by cheque made out to the competitor’s name.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in their trophy classification will be presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 5–13 years, all categories combined, receives the “Junior Grand Champion” designation. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 14–23 years, all categories combined, receives the “Senior Grand Champion” designation.

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

Venue Information

• The 2022 edition of the MCMF is held at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, 628 Cote St. Catherine Rd, Montreal (Outremont), H2V 2C5 (Edouard-Montpetit metro station).

• Parking is free anywhere on the property.

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

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

Conduct of Performance Sessions

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

[*The attendance may have to be limited depending on the Covid-19 sanitary measures in force at the time of the events.]

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

• 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. 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.

• To create a larger audience, some sessions have been combined to include several age groups within the same category. Each group competes separately nonetheless, and winners are announced for each age group.

• The names of the competitors and the titles of pieces will not be 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 their 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 18.

• 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.

Technical Questions

• Grand pianos are available in all three halls.

• Pre-recorded backing tracks are not accepted.

• 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. It is not permitted to take photos between and after the sessions.

Awards Ceremony and Gala Concert

• A prestigious gala concert and awards ceremony will close the MCMF on June 18, 2022, 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 $10 per person for teachers, parents, and other guests.

The Awards Ceremony

• All 1st, 2nd and 3rd 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 2021, over $6,000 worth of prizes were distributed to MCMF winners.

• 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, 2022. After this date, all remaining monies will revert to the 2023 MCMF bursary fund. Prizes will not be mailed. Uncashed or lost cheques will not be replaced.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in his trophy category will be presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The MCMF reserves the right to modify or to withdraw the attribution of any trophy.

• In addition, the competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 5–13 years, receives the title of Junior Grand Champion. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 14–23 receives the title of Senior Grand Champion. The grand champions, announced on the night of the gala, win exclusive prizes.

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.

• Gala performers are expected to wear appropriate attire for the event.

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

The following section applies to the ENSEMBLE category

Get a printable PDF version here

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 take place at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, in Montreal, May 21–23, 2022, and the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony is presented at the same venue on June 18, 2022, at 2 p.m.

• In this text, the ensemble is referred to as “the competitor”.

• When the entry is submitted, each member of the ensemble must be aged 23 years or younger, and be residing or studying music in the Province of Quebec

• The ensemble must be directed or coached by an active or provisional member in good standing (2021-22) of the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association* (see List of certified QMTA members).

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

• 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*.

[*The disqualified competitor may, at the jury’s discretion, perform their program selections, but will not earn any comment, score, or prize.]

Ensemble Category Specifics

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

• The number of musicians in each ensemble is restricted to a maximum of five (5).

• A teacher may not be part of an ensemble.

• 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.

Schedule

• Upon submitting their entry form, the candidate acknowledges that their category may be scheduled at any time during the MCMF performance sessions, on May 21, 22, and 23, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. May 23, 2022, is a legal holiday (Victoria Day).

• The official schedule is established at the closing of registration and uploaded to the website on May 1, 2022. Around that date, the teachers receive a mailing including their students’ schedules and convocation slips.

• Once issued, the schedule is not modified. A competitor may not play their program at a time other than the one appointed.

Registration

• Online registration runs from February 21 to April 21, 2022. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all their students’ entry forms are duly completed and submitted by the deadline of April 21, 2022, 11:59:59 p.m.

• 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. An entry form may be filled out by any member of the group, their parent/guardian, or their music teacher.

• Upon entry, an ensemble must supply a stage name (pseudonym*), which will thereafter serve to designate the group as “the competitor”.

[* For example, “Smith Piano Trio” or “The Fabulous”. 20 characters maximum.]

• Music teachers should be informed of their students’ participation in the MCMF.

• A competitor may enter multiple categories, provided they complete one (1) form per category entered.

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

• Late entries may be accepted under certain conditions. Late fees apply.

• Once their initial entry fees are paid, the competitor receives a confirmation email including a five-digit reference number which will serve in all future communications regarding their participation in the MCMF.

• The candidate may cancel their participation at any time and at no 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, 2022.

• 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. Corrections do not require amendment forms.

• Accepted post-entry amendments include age group upgrade, repertoire selection change, withdrawal or addition, and performance order of pieces. Category change is not eligible.

• The competitor should inform their teacher of any modification made to their original entry.

Age Groups

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

• Age groups are 8, 11, 15, 19 and 23 years

• All age groups imply the mention “and under”

• The ensemble’s age group selection should be determined according to the age of the eldest member of the ensemble. As of January 1, 2022, all participants’ actual age must be equal or younger than the age group selected. Proof of age may be required.

• A competitor may not enter more than one age group within a category.

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

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

Timing

• Time Limits. A competitor’s performance may include one or more pieces, or movements provided the time limit in their age group is observed*:
  • 8 years: 5 min
  • 11 years: 10 min
  • 15 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.]

• Timing the performance. While it may be difficult to time a performance in the early stages of learning, approximate timings of pieces may be found on the Internet.

• The total timing of the performance includes the preparation time (tuning) and the pauses between the pieces or movements, if applicable.

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

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

[*Accepted, provided the name of the composer is listed in the syllabus of a recognized (classical) music institution. If in doubt, please contact the Registrar’s office.]

• Lengthy repeats should be avoided.

• Music for ensembles does not have to be memorized.

• A competitor cannot select a repertoire that has been previously performed at the MCMF.

• Performing a piece that is not listed on the entry form is liable to disqualification. 

Printed Music

• Before the beginning of their performance session, the competitor is required to provide the judge with a hard copy of each selection 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.

• All sheet music used by competitors, accompanists, and judges must be official editions or printed digital scores with proof of purchase. The use of photocopies is strictly forbidden and will be penalized*.

[*The competitor will have to, per their choice either (1) purchase the score from the on-site music store; (2) pay the MCMF a fine equivalent to the monetary value of the score, (3) withdraw the piece from the repertoire to be performed, OR (4) be disqualified.]

• For your convenience, the Cooperative Vincent-d’Indy music store, located in the basement of École Vincent-d’Indy, will be open during Festival hours.

Entry Fees

• Payment of entry 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 fees shown are for the ensemble, not per participant.

• The payer must be 18 years or older.

• Payment methods
  • Interac e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • PayPal® at PayPal.me/APMQMTA
  • Credit card (via our Secure Payment Terminal on the entry form)

  • Payments by cheque or cash are not accepted.

• Additional charges
  • Penalty for late entry (until May 1): $10 per entry form
  • Post-entry amendment (until May 1)
    • Change of pseudonym: $10
    • Age group upgrade: $10 plus the additional fees incurred (if applicable)

    • Repertoire or order of performance revision: $10 per change.

• Bank transfers and PayPal payments. All payments should be identified (from and for whom). If a security question must be entered, please send the answer by email or text message with the payment.

• 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.

Adjudication

• The MCMF jury is composed of seven adjudicators, one in each of the following divisions:
  • Piano solo junior (5–13 years)
  • Piano solo senior (14–23 years) and piano concerto
  • Strings (all categories combined)
  • Winds
  • Voice
  • Guitar

  • Music writing and Ensemble

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

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

• The evaluation performance is based on repertoire selection, technical skills, and interpretation.

• Adjudicators cannot evaluate their own students or members of their household or 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

• Documents and certificates of participation are drawn in the name of the group.

• 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:
  • 1st prize: 90%
  • 2nd prize: 88%

  • 3rd prize: 85%

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

• All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes include monetary bursaries (cash prizes), medals, and other rewards.

• Cash prizes are divided between the members of the group, and a cheque is made out to each one individually.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in their trophy classification will be presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 5–13 years, all categories combined, receives the “Junior Grand Champion” designation. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 14–23 years, all categories combined, receives the “Senior Grand Champion” designation.

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

Venue Information

• The 2022 edition of the MCMF is held at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, 628 Cote St. Catherine Rd, Montreal (Outremont), H2V 2C5 (Edouard Montpetit metro station).

• Parking is free anywhere on the property.

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

• 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.

Conduct of Performance Sessions

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

[*The attendance may have to be limited depending on the Covid-19 sanitary measures in force at the time of the events.]

• Performance sessions will be held simultaneously in three halls: Marie-Stéphane, Cécile-Romaine, and Salle de musique, on May 21, 22, and 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. May 23 is a public holiday (Victoria Day).

• 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. 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.

• All musicians (except pianists, of course) must be able to walk on stage with their instrument in hand, without prior set up.

• To create a larger audience, all ensemble category sessions have been combined to include all age groups. Each age group competes separately nonetheless, and winners are announced for each age group.

• The names of the competitors and the titles of pieces will not be 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.

• 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!

• At the end of their 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 18.

• 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.

Technical Questions

• Grand pianos are available in all three halls.

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

• Pre-recorded backing tracks are not accepted.

• 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. It is not permitted to take photos between and after the sessions.

Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony

• A prestigious gala concert and awards ceremony will close the MCMF on June 18, 2022, 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 $10 per person for teachers, parents, and other guests.

The Awards Ceremony

• All 1st, 2nd and 3rd 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 2021, over $6,000 worth of prizes were distributed to MCMF winners.

• 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, 2022. After this date, all remaining monies will revert to the 2023 MCMF bursary fund. Prizes will not be mailed. Uncashed or lost cheques will not be replaced.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in his trophy category will be presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The MCMF reserves the right to modify or to withdraw the attribution of any trophy.

• In addition, the competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 5–13 years, receives the title of Junior Grand Champion. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 14–23 receives the title of Senior Grand Champion. The grand champions, announced on the night of the gala, win exclusive prizes.

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.

• Gala performers are expected to wear appropriate attire for the event.

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

This section applies to the MUSIC WRITING Category

Get a printable PDF version here

 Preliminary Notes

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

• There is only one round of competition, no semi-finals, or finals. Performance sessions take place at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, in Montreal, May 21–23, 2022, and the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony is presented at the same venue, on June 18, 2022, at 2 p.m.

• In this text, the participant is referred to as “the competitor”.

• When their entry is submitted, the competitor must be:
  • aged 23 years or younger
  • residing or studying music in the Province of Quebec
  • currently studying music with an active or provisional member in good standing (2020-21) of the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association (see List of certified QMTA members).

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

• 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.]

 Schedule

• Upon submitting their entry form, the candidate acknowledges that their category may be scheduled at any time during the MCMF performance sessions, on May 21, 22, and 23, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. May 23, 2022, is a legal holiday (Victoria Day).

• The official schedule is established at the closing of registration and uploaded to the website on May 1, 2022. Around that date, the teachers receive a mailing including their students’ schedules and convocation slips.

• Once issued, the schedule is not modified. A competitor may not play their program at a time other than the one appointed.

Registration

• Online registration runs from February 21 to April 21, 2022. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all their students’ entry forms are duly completed and submitted by the deadline of April 21, 2022, 11:59:59 p.m.

• 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. Entry forms may be filled out by the competitor, their parent/guardian, or their music teacher.

• Music teachers should be informed of their students’ participation in the MCMF.

• A competitor may enter multiple categories, provided they complete one (1) form per category entered.

• Late entries may be accepted under certain conditions. Late fees apply.

• Once their initial entry fees are paid, the competitor receives a confirmation email including a five-digit reference number which will serve in all future communications regarding their participation in the MCMF.

• The candidate may cancel their participation at any time and at no 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, 2022.

• 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. Corrections do not require amendment forms.

• Accepted post-entry amendments include age group upgrade, repertoire selection change, withdrawal or addition, and performance order of pieces. Category change is not eligible.

• The competitor should inform their teacher of any modification made to their original entry.

Age Groups

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

• Age groups are 8, 11, 15, 19 and 23 years.

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

• The competitor must not be older (as of January 1, 2022) than the age group selected. Proof of age may be required.

• A competitor may not enter more than one age group within a category.

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

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

Timing

• Time Limits. A competitor’s performance may include one or more pieces, or movements provided the time limit in their age group* is observed:
  • 8 years: 5 min
  • 11 years: 10 min
  • 15 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.]

• The total timing of the performance should include the preparation time (tuning) and the pauses between the pieces, if applicable.

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

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 number of parts is not limited. The minimum length of the score should be 24 measures (exclusive of repeats).

• The submission must be a new composition, not previously entered in the MCMF.

• A maximum of three (3) compositions may be submitted, provided the total performance time does not exceed the limit for the age group selected.

• Performing a piece that is not listed on the entry form is liable to disqualification.

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.

• Manuscripts 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.

Entry Fees

• Payment of registration 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.

• Payment methods
  • Interac e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • PayPal® at Paypal.me/APMQMTA
  • Credit card (via our Secure Payment Terminal on the entry form)

  • Payments by cheque or cash are not accepted.

• Additional charges
  • Penalty for late entry (until May 1): $10 per entry form
  • Post-entry amendments (until May 1): $10
    • Age group upgrade: $10 plus the additional fees incurred (if applicable)

    • Repertoire or order of performance revision: $10 per change.

• Bank transfers and PayPal payments. All payments should be identified (from and for whom). If a security question must be entered, please send the answer by email or text message with the payment.

• 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.

Adjudication

• The MCMF jury is composed of seven adjudicators, one in each of the following divisions:
  • Piano solo junior (5–13 years)
  • Piano solo senior (14–23 years) and piano concerto
  • Strings (all categories combined)
  • Winds
  • Voice
  • Guitar

  • Music writing and Ensemble

• 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.

• Compositions will be judged on melody, harmony, rhythm, overall structure and coherence, and creativity.

• Adjudicators cannot evaluate their own students or members of their household or 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:
  • 1st prize: 90%
  • 2nd prize: 88%

  • 3rd prize: 85%

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

• All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes include monetary bursaries (cash prizes), medals, and other rewards.

• Cash prizes are awarded by cheque made out to the competitor’s name.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in their trophy classification will be presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 5–13 years, all categories combined, receives the “Junior Grand Champion” designation. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark in age groups 14–23 years, all categories combined, receives the “Senior Grand Champion” designation.

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

• At the discretion of the coordinator*, 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 2022. Entry fees will be covered by the MCMF. Candidates will be notified upon receiving their prizes.

[*The provincial coordinator of the Student Composer Competition is Mr. Jean-Michel Rousseau.]

Venue Information

• The 2022 edition of the MCMF is held at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, 628 Cote Ste Catherine Rd, Montreal (Outremont), H2V 2C5 (Edouard Montpetit metro station).

• Parking is free anywhere on the property.

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

• 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.

Conduct of Performance Sessions

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

[*The size of the audience may have to be limited, depending on the Covid-19 sanitary measures in force at the time of the events.]

• Performance sessions will be held simultaneously in three halls: Marie-Stéphane, Cécile-Romaine, and Salle de musique, on May 21, 22, and 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. May 23 is a public holiday (Victoria Day).

• 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. 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.

• Before the beginning of the session, the competitor must hand the judge the required manuscripts, placed in the order of performance that appears on the program. If applicable, the device used for backing tracks must be handed to the technician.

• To create a larger audience, all music writing category sessions have been combined to include all age groups. Each age group competes separately nonetheless, and winners are announced for each age group.

• The competitors’ order of performance is randomly arranged. The MCMF reserves the right to modify the order of performance of a session at any time, without prior notice.

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

• 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 18.

• 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.

Technical Questions

• Grand pianos are available in all three halls.

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

• 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.

• 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. It is not permitted to take photos between and after the sessions.

Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony

• A prestigious gala concert and awards ceremony will close the Festival on June 18, 2022, 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 $10 per person for teachers, parents, and other guests.

The Awards Ceremony

• All 1st, 2nd and 3rd 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 2021, over $6,000 worth of prizes were distributed to MCMF winners.

• 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, 2022. After this date, all remaining monies will revert to the 2023 MCMF bursary fund. Prizes will not be mailed. Uncashed or lost cheques will not be replaced.

• The first-prize winner who has obtained the highest mark in his trophy category is presented with the corresponding trophy.

• The MCMF reserves the right to modify or to withdraw the attribution of any trophy.

• In addition, the competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 5–13 years, receives the title of Junior Grand Champion. The competitor who has obtained the highest mark, inclusive of all categories, in age groups 14–23 receives the title of Senior Grand Champion. The grand champions, announced on the night of the gala, win exclusive prizes.

 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.

• Gala performers are expected to wear appropriate attire for the event.

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

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 for all amounts over $25.

• 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.

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• 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 go to Become a Sponsor, or fill out your sponsorship form now.