Clarification of teacher/student policy for piano competition

  • For the purpose of this competition "Studying with a BCRMTA Member" will be defined as "weekly or biweekly lessons for a minimum period of 6 months".
  • Students must register for the competition as a representative from the Branch to which their teacher belongs, regardless of their own geographical location. It is the responsibility of the teacher to notify their Branch if extra travel costs may be incurred if a student from out of the district is chosen as a representative.

BCRMTA Multidiscipline Competition 2026

September 18 - 19, 2026 New Westminster, BC
Deadline for entry - May 1, 2026 - online application
Deadline for any changes to repertoire order - July 1, 2026
Entry fee $50

1. The BCRMTA Multidisciplinary Competition is open to competitors who are:

a. Canadian citizens or legal residents of Canada
b. instrumentalists who have not reached their 25th birthday by January 1, 2027
c. vocalists who have not reached their 33rd birthday by January 1, 2027
d. students of a BCRMTA member in good standing, at the time of application and competition
e. NOT previous 1st place winners of a BCRMTA Competition

2. Each Branch may send two competitors in two different disciplines; the Branch is responsible for the entry fee(s), costs of accommodation, transportation, and any per diem.

3. General Repertoire Requirements

a. Repertoire must be at a senior concert level or higher
b. Competitors may select movements from a sonata; the entire work need not be performed
c. Repertoire substitutions are not permitted once the application is received
d. Memorization is strongly encouraged
e. Competitors must provide scores and/or legal copies for the judges, a second set of scores and/or legal copies will berequired in the case of collaborators
f. Stage time is defined as the time between the first note of the performance and the last note of the final selection

Semi-Final Round Information

a. Competitors in the BCRMTA Semi-final Round should present a stylistically balanced program Repertoire should be chosen carefully to reflect the experience and maturity of the student
b. The overall programme must contain 25 to 30 minutes of stage time
c. Program requirements:

i. Instrumentalists’ programs must include:
1. One Canadian composition
2. One major composition from the Baroque or Classical Period
3. A variety of shorter works to form a well-balanced program

ii. Vocalists’ programs must include:
1. One Canadian composition
2. One operatic or oratorio aria
3. A variety of shorter works to form a well-balanced program

d. Three finalists will be selected from the Semi-Final Round of the competition to proceed to the Final Round of the competition

Final Round Information

a. Competitors in the BCRMTA Final Round should present a stylistically balanced program. Repertoire should bechosen carefully to reflect the experience and maturity of the student
b. A completely new program must be presented
c. The overall programme must contain 30 to 45 minutes of stage time
d. The piano and/or multi-discipline winners must be prepared to continue to the July 2027 CFMTA National Competitionin Wolfville, Nova Scotia

PRIZES

Piano

  • 1st place - $ 1000
  • 2nd place - $ 700
  • 3rd place - $ 500

Additional prizes to be confirmed

Intrumentalist /  Vocalist Prizes

  • 1st place - $ 1000
  • 2nd place - $ 700
  • 3rd place - $ 500

Additional prizes to be confirmed
Placement is at the discretion of the judges.

Additional Information

  • Each competitor must submit his/her repertoire list by May 1st 2026. Selections may not be changed after the list has been submitted, however, the order may be revised up to July 1, 2026.
  • All expenses for a competitor attending the BCRMTA Multidiscipline Competition 2026 must be borne by the competitor sponsoring branch. Competitors who must travel more than 300km round trip, may apply for financial support, please review the Policies and Procedures Manual, page 30 for details.
  • Expenses for a chaperone (if required by the competitor) will be the responsibility of the competitor.
  • There will be a public drawing for the order of performance at the BCRMTA Multidiscipline Competition 2026 at least 30 days before the event.  All competitors will be immediately advised of their placement in the program and no changes will be allowed.
  • All competitors will be given an opportunity to play the competition piano prior to the event.  The time allotted will be 10 minutes.
  • There will be no personal biographies printed in the program.  Competitors will be listed by name and branch only.