Repertoire Requirements
The audition must be given on a solo vocal category or on a single type of instrument, but it is permissible to use, for example two different recorders or trumpets or saxophones, but not a trumpet and then trombone, or recorder and then clarinet. Drums or orchestral percussion instruments would count as one instrument in this context. Entrants must create their own audition program. The audition program may include a repertoire from any musical genre and period or from a variety of these. There is no need for repertoire to be approved in advance; however, advice on the selection of repertoire is available from the Academy. It is important that the repertoire selected by the entrant is of an appropriate technical and musical standard for the chosen Level of difficulty. Where a sonata, suite or a similar work in more than one movement is selected, entrants may decide to perform the whole work, or a movement or selection of movements from it, as they wish. Performance of repeats is at the entrant’s discretion. In general, shorter repeats should be included, but longer repeats should not be played. Da Capo and Dal Segno signs should be observed. Up to two thirds of the audition program may feature the entrant playing or singing with an ensemble/band, providing that his or her contribution is at least equal in prominence to those of the other performers. Any work having an accompaniment must not be performed unaccompanied.
Ensembles/Bands
Ensembles/bands are invited to enter the competition. In that case, up to two thirds of the audition program may be performed jointly by the ensemble/band and the remaining program must be performed solo by each member of the ensemble/band separately. It is important that the repertoire selected by the ensemble/band is of an appropriate technical and musical standard for the chosen Level of difficulty. Each member of the ensemble/band must submit a separate 'entry'. Each 'entry' constitutes a separate submission and requires its own online entry form, video-recorded audition and entry fee (the 'entry'). If all members of an ensemble/band enter the competition, a special certificate will be issued in the name of the ensemble/band. If all members of an ensemble/band receive a Prize, a special Prize will also be awarded to the ensemble/band.
Editions and Scores
Any complete standard edition of a piece may be selected by entrants. Entrants are advised, however, that they should attempt to obtain reliable editions of all music and should exercise particularly careful judgment in using older editions of Baroque and Classical music which, when produced, may not have had the benefit of contemporary musicological research into the performance conventions of the period. Editorial markings vary from one edition to another. Assessment marks will not be deducted for altering these editorial suggestions as long as the resulting change is musically and stylistically acceptable.
Accompaniments and Page-turners
Music for solo instrument or voice that was written with an accompaniment must be performed with that accompaniment. The accompaniment may be for keyboard instrument or any group of instruments and/or voices. For both instrumentalists and singers, not more than one piece may be unaccompanied. Completely unaccompanied audition programs are permitted on piano, harpsichord, electronic keyboard, organ, electronic organ, accordion, harp, classical guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and orchestral percussion categories only. A page-turner is allowed for these categories only. Page-turners may assist with organ (not electronic organ) registration changes only where appropriate pre-set combination pistons are not available.
Pre-recorded Backing Tracks
Pre-recorded backing tracks may not be used except in the following circumstances:
- in drum kit, popular voice (jazz, pop, rock, R&B, gospel, folk, country, alternative, etc.) and musical theater categories; or
- where a piece is published with a pre-recorded backing track.
Performance from Memory
Performance of pieces from memory is not a requirement in any category or Level of difficulty. However entrants are encouraged to play or sing all or part of their audition program from memory if they feel that it will enhance their performance. No mark will be given for performance from memory and no allowance will be made if memorization inhibits musical performance.
