Two pieces are required. (Advanced students may perform one piece with contrasting sections, I.e., Theme and Variations.)
Each piece must be in original form.
Pieces must be in contrasting styles. (For beginners this can mean contrasting tempo, meter, mood, composer, etc.
No arrangements or transcriptions of standard classical pieces are allowed unless included in student method books.
Memorization is not required. The rating will not be influenced by non-memorization, but students will only receive a seal on their certificate without ribbons.
Vocal Solo
Two songs are required.
Songs must be contrasting in style and may be chosen from standard art song repertoire, standard Classics, folk or Broadway music.
Memorization is not required. The rating will not be influenced by non-memorization, but students will only receive a seal on their certificate without ribbons.
Teachers of vocal students may accompany their own students. Accompanists must have original music. Vocal soloists may use digital accompaniment, but must bring their own speakers.
Vocal Solo Hymn/Praise
Two original copies of each selection of music are required – one for judge and one for performer.
Two contrasting songs are required.
Memorization is not required.
Arrangements are acceptable.
Original improvisations are acceptable only after performance of original hymn or published lead line.
Digital accompaniment is allowed for vocal solos.
Piano Solo/Hymn Combination
Two pieces are required. (Advanced students may perform one piece with contrasting sections, I.e., Theme and variations.)
Rules for Piano Solo and Hymn/Praise categories apply.
Piano Duet/Ensemble
One piece is required. Two pieces are permissible (not to exceed 10 minutes). Repertoire may be chosen from standard literature, folk or hymn/praise music.
All parts of duets/ensembles must be played by students.
If the student’s duet partner is sick, the teacher is allowed to play.
Vocal Duet/Ensemble
One piece is required.
Repertoire may be chosen from standard vocal art song repertoire, standard classics, folk, Broadway or hymn/praise music.
Vocal duets/ensembles need not be memorized.
Digital accompaniment is allowed, but students must bring their own speakers.
Music Composition
Each entry must be an original composition by the student.
Entries may be composed in any style, for any instrument including voice.
Compositions may be more than one movement, but the performance may not exceed eight minutes total time.
The manuscript must be produced by the student composer. Computer-generated manuscripts are allowed. Analytical notes may be submitted with compositions for comments only. No rating Will be given in these cases.
Measures must be numbered.
If a composition includes a copyrighted text, a written statement from the copyright owner must be submitted with the manuscript indicating permission to use the text. If the text is in the public domain, a signed statement stating this fact must be submitted with the manuscript.
The manuscript must be labeled with the name of the composition and the name and age of the student.
Betty White Piano Scholarship ($100 Cash Prize)
Piano students in grades 3-5 who are participating in Music Day and have not been previous winners are eligible to compete. Requirements are as follows:
Two contrasting memorized pieces in the original form, not to exceed 10 minutes for both pieces to be performed.
Scales (one octave, hands together) in the keys of the pieces to be performed.
Cadences in the keys of the pieces to be performed. Any form or inversion of the I-IV-V-I or comparable progression will be allowed.
Theory test adapted from GMTA Theory Achievement Test Level A. Student must pass with a minimum score of 70 percent.
GMTA Theory Achievement Tests
Please refer to the Resources Page for sample tests.