EYMF Performance Requirements

Piano and Bowed Strings

Solo Performance Category

The Solo Performance Category is open to participants of all ages, there is no lower or upper age limit.

Initial – Grade 8 Divisions
  • The participant is to select and perform ONE piece from either the ABRSM or Trinity College London examination syllabus for the chosen grade. Both the past and current syllabi are accepted.
  • Participants are only allowed to participate in one grade division, but are permitted to submit multiple entries within the same grade.
  • Performance from memory is optional.
Diploma Division
  • The participant is to present a balanced programme of two contrasting works from two composers. The programme must not exceed 15 minutes. Only one movement is permitted from Sonatas and Concertos and Suites. Set works (e.g. Prelude and Fugue by Bach) are considered as one piece.
  • Participants are permitted to submit more than one entry, but must present an entirely different programme.
  • Performance from memory is optional.

Duo Category: Piano Duets; Bowed String Duets/Duos

  • The age groups determine the entry division with the participant’s age determined by the year of birth, regardless of month.
  • Participants are to present a free-choice balanced programme, comprising of at least two contrasting works.
  • The maximum time allowed for the Duet Categories are:
    • Junior Division: 5 minutes
    • Open Division: 8 minutes
  • Participants for this division are not limited to choosing repertoire from the ABRSM or Trinity Syllabus and publications. All genres and arrangements are allowed, but participants are strongly encouraged to perform original works written for the instrumentation selected.

Classical Guitar

Solo Category

  • The guitar division welcomes participants of all nationalities and accepts applications in the following age groups. The participant’s age group is determined by the Year of Birth.
  • All repertoire listed under the ABRSM and the Trinity College London graded and diploma syllabuses are accepted.
  • The repertoire chosen for solo entries must be a published work from the Baroque to 21st Century periods. Works of jazz, pop, rock are not permitted unless it is a repertoire included in the ABRSM or Trinity College London exam syllabuses. Duet and Ensemble entries are not limited by this rule.
  • Performances exceeding the allotted time limit will be disqualified regardless of the quality of performance. There is no minimum performance time required.
  • Only ONE piece is accepted for the Solo Open Category. A single movement from a set work, e.g. Sonata, Concerto, or Suite, is considered as one piece.
  • The piece must be performed in entirety, with no parts omitted (with the exception of long introductions for the accompaniment part, and/or orchestral tutti). Any work that is not performed in entirety will result in disqualification regardless of the quality of performance.
  • Performance from memory is optional.

Duet Category

  • The age groups determine the entry division with the participant’s age determined by the year of birth, regardless of month.
  • Participants are to present a free-choice balanced programme, comprising of at least two contrasting works.
  • The maximum time allowed for the Duo Categories are:
    • Junior Division: 5 minutes
    • Open Division: 8 minutes
  • Participants for this division are not limited to choosing repertoire from the ABRSM or Trinity Syllabus and publications. All genres and arrangements are allowed, but participants are strongly encouraged to perform original works written for the instrumentation selected.
  • Piano accompaniment is not allowed in the Guitar Duet Category.

Ensemble Category

  • Ensemble category is open to a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 players. (no piano accompaniment is allowed)
  • Two contrasting pieces not exceeding 10 minutes inclusive of break in between items.

For more information on the Rules and Regulations of the EYMF, please click HERE.