2026 Syllabus - Music Writing
The composition title and the competitor’s name must appear clearly on the first page of the score. Scores may be created with notation software or written by hand; handwritten scores must be neat and easy to read. All scores must include essential musical details (such as tempo, dynamics, and articulations), with the first measure of each system numbered and page numbers included. For works involving multiple instruments, a complete score—not individual parts—must be provided.
All scores must be submitted by email in PDF format to info@hamiltonmusicfestival.ca by March 15th, labeled as follows: Competitor's Name_Class_Title of Work. For the Singer-Songwriter class only, an MP3 audio file or MP4 video recording of a performance must be submitted in addition to the written score. These files may be sent by email or through a shareable link to info@hamiltonmusicfestival.ca.
Composition without Performance
Participants must submit one original composition for any instrument (including voice) or any combination of instruments. The notated score will be evaluated as of the submission date, and competitors will receive feedback and class placements during a live session at the festival. The piece will not be performed.
Suitable submissions for this class include, but are not limited to: original works that exceed the competitor’s current performance abilities, works the competitor prefers not to perform, or multi-instrument compositions for which organizing a performance is not practical.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:80101 - Beginner: Ages 6 - 8 The music must be entirely the student’s own creation, though an adult may assist with the notation. The composition may not exceed 5 minutes in length. | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
| Class:80102 - Primary: Ages 9 - 10 The music must be entirely the student’s own creation, though an adult may assist with the notation. The composition may not exceed 5 minutes in length. | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
| Class:80103 - Elementary: Ages 11 - 12 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 10 minutes in length. | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |
| Class:80104 - Junior: Ages 13 - 14 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 10 minutes in length. | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |
| Class:80105 - Intermediate: Ages 15 - 16 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 15 minutes in length. | Fee:$45.00 | Closed |
| Class:80106 - Senior: Ages 17 - 18 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 20 minutes in length. | Fee:$45.00 | Closed |
| Class:80107 - Advanced: Ages 19 - 28 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 25 minutes in length. | Fee:$50.00 | Closed |
| Class:80108 - Adults: Ages 29 & up The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 20 minutes in length. | Fee:$45.00 | Closed |
Composition with Performance
Participants must submit one original composition for any instrument (including voice) or any combination of instruments. The notated score will be adjudicated as of the submission date, and feedback and class placements will be provided during a live festival session, where the piece must also be performed. Although the work will be evaluated solely on its compositional qualities, competitors (or performers of their choosing) are required to present the piece in performance.
This class is intended for competitors who wish both to submit an original composition and to have it performed for a live audience at the festival. Competitors are responsible for arranging all instrumentalists and/or singers needed for the performance.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:80201 - Beginner: Ages 6 - 8 The music must be entirely the student’s own creation, though an adult may assist with the notation. The composition may not exceed 5 minutes in length. | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |
| Class:80202 - Primary: Ages 9 - 10 The music must be entirely the student’s own creation, though an adult may assist with the notation. The composition may not exceed 5 minutes in length. | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |
| Class:80203 - Elementary: Ages 11 - 12 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 10 minutes in length. | Fee:$45.00 | Closed |
| Class:80204 - Junior: Ages 13 - 14 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 10 minutes in length. | Fee:$45.00 | Closed |
| Class:80205 - Intermediate: Ages 15 - 16 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 15 minutes in length. | Fee:$50.00 | Closed |
| Class:80206 - Senior: Ages 17 - 18 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 20 minutes in length. | Fee:$50.00 | Closed |
| Class:80207 - Advanced: Ages 19 - 28 The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 25 minutes in length. | Fee:$55.00 | Closed |
| Class:80208 - Adults: Ages 29 & up The music must be composed and fully notated by the student. The composition must not exceed 20 minutes in length. | Fee:$50.00 | Closed |
Singer Songwriter
Participants will submit an original song in a popular style (e.g., folk, pop, rock, etc.) with accompaniment. The song can be fully notated with lyrics and accompaniment, or in lead sheet format, with lyrics, structure and chord progression. A recording of a performance of the song is required upon submission of the score. Competitors will also perform their work during the live festival session.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:80301 - Any age The length of the song may not exceed 10 minutes | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |