Our regulations are necessary for the fair and proper running of the Festival.
Eligibility
- The Festival is for amateurs and students, whatever their standard. An amateur is defined as someone who does not derive more than out-of-pocket expenses for teaching and performing. This applies unless a specific competition gives different eligibility criteria.
- If an entrant has been a pupil of an Adjudicator in the year prior to the Festival, they should contact the relevant Section Head before entering a class judged solely by that Adjudicator.
- If an entrant has been well-known by an Adjudicator in the year prior to the Festival, they should contact the relevant Section Head before entering a class judged solely by that Adjudicator.
- Where there is an age requirement, the age for each entry is taken as the age of the entrant on the 1st September before the date of the class. Thus all entrants in a class are in the same school year (or year range). In the case of duets, ensembles and groups, the age of the oldest performer is the age to be considered.
- Entrants will not be allowed to perform in a competition for which they are not eligible by age.
Entries
- All entries must reach the Section Head on or before the published closing date for that section. All dates and application links can be found on the Festival website.
- The acceptance of late entries is solely at the discretion of the Section Head.
- The Entry Fee for each competition is shown in the syllabus and on the website.
- Entries made online must be paid for online before they can be accepted.
- Posted entries on the printed form must be accompanied by a cheque, payable to ‘North London Music Festival’.
- Entry Fees, once received, are not refundable unless the class is cancelled.
- For live music competitions, please state the Title, Composer/Author and playing time when applying.
- Ensembles, Choirs and Orchestras should indicate the approximate number of performers.
Performance
- For live competitions, all entrants should arrive for the start of their class at the time indicated on the information sheet emailed or posted to them.
- For online competitions, entrants should submit a video in line with the requirements of the section entered.
- A clean copy of the music/text must be provided for the Adjudicator. In keeping with the laws of copyright, performers of music may photocopy their part for this purpose as long as they play from an original. All photocopies, if not collected by the end of the competition, will be destroyed. All copies of music submitted online will also be destroyed at the end of the competition.
- Time limits for a performance set out in the syllabus should be observed.
- A performer must not perform the same piece in more than one class.
- For live competitions, performers will be judged on all areas of their stagecraft. It is suggested that entrants dress suitably and, for all competitions apart from senior ones, make contact with their audience by giving a simple introduction, such as “Hello, my name is Pietro Dupont, I am going to play Saint-Saens: Havanaise, Op 23″. They should bow at the close of their performance.
- Entrants for the senior music competitions should include a longer introduction, which will not be included in the performance time. Prizes will be awarded not only for the performance of a balanced and well-designed programme. Entrants will find themselves adjudicated not only on the depth of their musicianship but also on how they present themselves. A verbal introduction to the musical programme is an integral part of the performance.
Adjudication
- Every performer/group of performers will receive an adjudication sheet and certificate of attendance after each competition.
- All Certificates, Medals, Cups and Special Awards are given at the Adjudicators’ discretion.
- The Festival reserves the right to replace or engage additional Adjudicators if need be.
- The Adjudicators’ decisions, without exception or question, are final.
Marking System
- Festival competitions are not examinations and participants come for enjoyment and to learn from their peers and the Adjudicators. However, trophies, prizes and medals are awarded and the following categories may be awarded:
| Category | Description |
| Commended | A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or technical ability. |
| Merit | An excellent performance technically and artistically. |
| Distinction | An exceptional performance both technically and artistically. |
Suggestions and Complaints
Any suggestions, comments or complaints about the Festival should be submitted in writing to the Festival Administrator:
Janice Twiselton
64 Powys Lane
London
N13 4HS
Email admin@northlondonfestival.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 278363
Regulations last updated February 2023