FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t have my lesson with a CMA Teacher, can I enter the competition?
Only students who receive instrumental lessons from a CMA teacher either at CMA or in a partner school are eligible to enter.
I have a lesson with a CMA teacher in one of CMA's partner schools, can I enter the competition?
YES! Students who have lessons in our partner schools can enter the competition, as long as they have their instrumental lesson with a CMA teacher.
I take lessons on multiple instruments at CMA, can I enter on more than one instrument?
Of course! As long as you have a lesson on that instrument with a CMA specialist.
What are the entry requirements for the Class Heats?
Our Class Heats are open to students from Exam Board Initial, Prep Test, Debut level - all the way through to Diploma Level, on all instruments.
Can I arrange an accompaniment for my piece?
All competitors who require an accompaniment for their Class Heat can ask for this as part of the entry process, tempo markings, tempo changes and repeats must be clearly marked on the submitted score. For the classical competition any accompaniment must be live, no backing tracks should be used in the classical competition. If students choose to play an unaccompanied piece, it should be a piece that is designed to be played without accompaniment.
I am between grades, which heat/level should I enter?
The answer is different for every competitor, and depends on the cycle of learning and forward planning. Entrants are encouraged to consult their teachers for guidance as teaching staff must sign all entry forms for validation. Ultimately, this competition aims to challenge each entrant and inspire performance with musical integrity. We encourage fair play and the choice of piece should reflect this. Select repertoire which improves musical development rather than aiming for an easy win.
Which levels compete in the Level Awards?
The Classical competition has six entry levels: Initial, Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced and Diploma. There are five Level Awards, for Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced and Diploma. Initial entrants take part in the Class Heats but do not compete in the Level Awards.
