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Rules & Regulations

Before completing an entry form, please read these General Rules AND the Regulations found at the beginning of each of the Sections entered. If you have any questions, contact the Peel Music Festival office at (647) 282-7335 or email us at: admin@peelmusicfestival.ca.

General

  1. All matters not dealt with in these rules shall be referred to the Festival Committee, whose decisions will be final and binding on all issues. Any concerns or complaints MUST be submitted in writing or by email to the Festival Committee.

  2. Entries with fees must be submitted online.  

  3.  The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry, in which event the fees will be refunded. Refunds and/or credits cannot be made for any other reason.

  4. It is the responsibility of the teachers and competitors to accurately complete the registration. Incorrectly completed entries cannot be corrected once scheduling is finished, and incomplete entries will result in automatic disqualification.

  5. All competitors will receive notice in MARCH 2026 regarding the times and locations of the classes in which they are entered. The Festival reserves the right to adjust the competition dates in response to entries received and venue availability.

  6. The Committee will provide a piano for all sessions where appropriate. Competitors requiring other equipment must make their own arrangements accordingly. The Committee CANNOT assume responsibility for damage or loss of instruments, equipment or personal property.

  7. Coaching from the audience during performances is not permitted. If coaching occurs, the competitor involved will be subject to disqualification.

  8. By submitting an entry, competitors consent to publication of their name, performance time(s), and placing in Peel Music Festival publications and on the PMF website, and agree to perform at the time(s) scheduled or forfeit their performance(s) and entry fees. 

  9. The Peel Music Festival DOES NOT endorse the illegal copying of copyright music.

Eligibility

  1. In AGE LIMIT classes, the age of a competitor will be determined as of midnight on December 31st, 2025. Competitors must provide their birth date on the entry form. Those selected for scholarships may be required to establish proof of age.

  2. All competitions are open to AMATEURS only unless otherwise specified. An amateur is defined as a person whose principal livelihood is not derived from the performance or teaching of music or drama.

  3. Competitors in church choirs, chorus, and orchestra classes, may be amateur or professional, provided they are bona-fide members from January of the year of entry. Conductors may be either amateur or professional and one conductor may conduct any number of ensembles.

Competitions

  1. No rehearsing is permitted on stage.

  2. “Own Choice” pieces are selected by the competitor, normally from within a defined list.

  3. In “Own Choice” selections, all competitors must supply an original copy of their music for the adjudicator.

  4. Classes may be divided or combined at the discretion of the Committee.

  5. Test pieces for solos, except Brass and Woodwinds or unless otherwise specified, should be memorized. The use of music will result in adjudication only; no mark will be given.

  6. Unless otherwise specified, all instrumental test pieces must be played without repeats except da capo.

  7. Time limits must be observed where specified.

  8. A test piece, whether prescribed or “Own Choice”, may not be used in more than one class.

  9. A competitor may not use as an “Own Choice” piece, one which is specified elsewhere as a test piece.

  10. No competitor may use a song, whether a test piece or “Own Choice”, in more than one class.

  11. No individual may participate in more than one entry in any one class, unless it is a non-competitive class.

  12. Unauthorized photocopying of copyright music is illegal. Any use of photocopied material by competitors or accompanists may result in disqualification.

  13. One (1) designated seat will be available at each venue for one of a parent, guardian or teacher to record their own competitor’s performance.  All other audio recording, video recording or photography of competitors during performances or adjudication is prohibited and may result in the disqualification of the competitor.

  14. In order to help offset facility rental costs, a nominal administration fee ($10.00) will be added per cart during the registration process.  This replaces the cash admission fees previously collected at the venues

Adjudications

  1. The desk clerk may require any competitor to certify that the regulations herein set out have been met. If an infringement has occurred, no mark will be awarded but an adjudication will be given.

  2. Adjudicators’ decisions are final, subject to the no photocopying rule being observed. The adjudicator must NOT be approached. Any questions may be directed to the clerk’s desk; all other concerns must be submitted in writing to the Festival office.

  3. First, second and third prizes will be awarded in all classes provided that the following minimum marks are obtained. For first prize an 80%, for second prize a 75%, and for third prize a 70%.

  4. The adjudicator may discuss the performance of any or all contestants but only the marks of the prize winners will be announced. Each competitor, whether a prize winner or not, will receive the adjudicator's comments.

Awards

  1. Senior winners will be chosen by the adjudicators based on performance during senior competitions. Some of these classes may be marked with a “🌹”.

  2. When awarding scholarships, preference will be given to those who compete successfully in several classes.

  3. Winners of scholarships will be chosen by the Section Head based on the recommendations of the adjudicator(s) of the section.