2025 Syllabus - Music Writing
The title of the composition and name of the competitor must be clearly displayed on the first page of the score. Scores may be notated using computer software or handwritten. If handwritten, they must be neat and legible. Scores must include all necessary musical details (eg tempo, dynamics, articulations, etc), and the first measure of each system must be numbered. Page numbers should also be included. For multi-instrument works, a full score must be submitted (i.e. not individual parts). All scores must be submitted by email in PDF format to info@hamiltonmusicfestival.ca by March 15th. Files must be labeled: Competitor's Name_Class_Title of Work. For the Singer Songwriter class only, an MP3 audio or MP4 video recording of a performance must be submitted alongside the written score. Share these files by email or shareable link with info@hamiltonmusicfestival.ca.
Composition
Participants are to submit an original composition for any instrument (including voice) or any combination of instruments. The notated composition (i.e., musical score) will be adjudicated upon the submission date, and the feedback and class placements will be shared with the competitors at the live session held during the festival. Performance of the piece is not required. Entries suitable to this class include, but are not limited to: original compositions that are beyond the performing abilities of the competitor, the competitor does not wish to perform their work, it is a multi-instrument work where arranging a performance is not viable, etc
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:80101 - Junior: 9 years and under Music must be created entirely by the student, but can be notated by an adult. Length of composition may not exceed 5 minutes. | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |
| Class:80102 - Intermediate: 14 years and under Music must be created entirely by the student, but can be notated with the assistance of an adult. Length of composition may not exceed 10 minutes. | Fee:$50.00 | Closed |
| Class:80103 - Senior: 19 years and under Music must be created and notated entirely by the student. Length of composition may not exceed 15 minutes. | Fee:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:80104 - Open Music must be created and notated entirely by the student. Length of composition may not exceed 20 minutes. | Fee:$70.00 | Closed |
Composition with Performance
Participants will submit an original composition for any instrument (including voice) or combination of instruments. The notated composition (i.e., musical score) will be adjudicated upon the submission date, and the feedback and class placements will be shared with the competitors at the live session held during the festival at which time performance of the piece is required. While the musical work will only be assessed based on its compositional merits, competitors will also perform their original work. This class is suitable for those competitors who wish to both submit an original composition AND perform it for a live audience at the festival. The competitor must arrange for all instrumentalists and/or singers required for a performance of their work.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:80201 - Junior: 9 years and under Music must be created entirely by the student, but can be notated by an adult. Length of composition may not exceed 5 minutes. | Fee:$40.00 | Closed |
| Class:80202 - Intermediate: 14 years and under Music must be created entirely by the student, but can be notated with the assistance of an adult. Length of composition may not exceed 10 minutes. | Fee:$50.00 | Closed |
| Class:80203 - Senior: 19 years and under Music must be created and notated entirely by the student. Length of composition may not exceed 15 minutes. | Fee:$60.00 | Closed |
| Class:80204 - Open Music must be created and notated entirely by the student. Length of composition may not exceed 20 minutes. | Fee:$70.00 | 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:$50.00 | Closed |