Rules and Regulations

PIYMS GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Society is governed by a Board of Directors. Inquiries not addressed in these rules should be directed to the Board.
All categories, unless specified, are open to amateur musicians only. An amateur is defined as one whose primary income is not derived from musical services. This does not apply to bona fide music students who teach to fund their education.
The Society reserves the right to refuse entries, cancel classes, or substitute adjudicators.
Festival dates published at the time of registration may be subject to change.
Participants must adhere to specific rules applicable to each instrument and category.
Adjudicator decisions in both the Preliminary Round and Gala Competition are final.
By applying, participants and their guardians agree to abide by the Society's Rules and Regulations (available at http://www.piyms.org). Non-compliance will result in disqualification.
The Society reserves the right to cancel the festival, in which case refunds will be issued.

ELIGIBILITY

The Festival is open to all eligible participants worldwide, up to age 30 as of December 31, 2025.

LIABILITY WAIVER

The Society is not liable for any claims, demands, or damages related to participant injuries occurring during the Pacific Youth Music Festival.
The Society is not responsible for any losses or damages to musical instruments, equipment, props, or other personal property.
By submitting an application, participants release the Society, its volunteers, and staff from any claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action arising from losses, injuries, or damages to participants or their personal property during festival attendance or participation.
By applying, participants and their guardians grant the Society the right to use their photographs and video recordings without compensation for publications, social media, online streaming, and marketing.

REGISTRATION & SCHEDULE

Participants may enter both Piano and Violin categories
Participants may enter a maximum of SIX Competitive Solo Classes, ONE Gala Challenge Solo Class, and ONE Concerto Class and/or Chamber Class, in both Piano and Violin categories.
Applications are final upon submission. Modifications are not permitted.
Incomplete applications or those with "TBA" (To Be Announced) or equivalent repertoire selections will not be accepted. Repertoire choices are final upon registration.
Teachers and participants are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all entry information.
Teachers must provide their full address for mail-in correspondence, including certificates and awards.
Providing false or inaccurate information will result in disqualification.
Duplicate payments will not be refunded.
Registration fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and valid only for the current festival year.
Participants must notify the Society of any address and email address changes for both participants and teachers.
Participants must be aware that our Festival will take place every day from November 1 - 19, including weekends. Classes can take place at any point during the day from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including during school hours. Once the schedule is finalized, no alternate performance times will be granted.
Participants may not perform in the same class more than once during the current festival.
Participants may not perform the same repertoire in more than one class during the current festival.
The Festival may, in its sole discretion, combine classes if it considers the number of entries in such classes to be insufficient.
Participants withdrawing from a class must notify the festival in writing. Registration fees will not be refunded, nor will credits be issued for future festivals.

GALA CHALLENGE CLASSES

Format:

In-person
Video Submission (Available to participants residing outside of British Columbia, Canada.)

For comprehensive details, please refer to the Gala Challenge Classes Syllabi.

COMPETITIVE SOLO CLASSES

Format:

In-person only

For comprehensive details, please refer to the Competitive Solo Classes Syllabi.

FESTIVAL PROTOCOL

Participants and audience members are prohibited from contacting or approaching adjudicators at any time during the Festival. Non-compliance will result in the participant's disqualification from the Gala Competition. Any concerns should be directed to the adjudicator's assistant.
Audience members must remain seated during performances.
Participants are expected to remain and listen until all verbal adjudications are completed.
The Society reserves the right to disqualify participants for disruptive behavior.
Participants, teachers, or parents who violate rules and regulations or display inappropriate behavior toward judges, volunteers, or board members will be disqualified. Application fees will not be refunded.
Photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the Festival.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Repeats are optional. However, repeat signs should be observed if indicated in the current RCM Syllabi.
Da Capo and Dal Segno passages must be observed.
Participants must perform the repertoire listed on their registration forms.
Performing repertoire outside the designated category will result in disqualification.
The adjudicator may stop a performance at any time.
Time limits will be strictly enforced. Pauses between pieces do not count towards the time limit. All in-person performances will be timed by the adjudicator's assistant.
Exceeding the time limit will result in comments only (verbal and written adjudication). No marks will be awarded.
Participants should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled session and remain until the session's end.
Participants must be ready to perform when called. Requests to change the performance order will not be accommodated.

MUSIC REQUIREMENTS

In-Person Performance (Gala Challenge & Competitive Solo Classes)

One (1) set of original or authorized music scores must be provided for the adjudicator in all categories.
Scores must be original or authorized copies from the publisher. Proof of authorization is required Photocopies are strictly prohibited due to copyright laws (Bill 60, 1989).
Bar numbers must be indicated at the beginning of each line of music if not already printed in the score.
Collaborators may use any format of a music score during the Festival.
For out-of-print music, written permission from the publisher is required for copying.
Downloaded sheet music from credible web-based stores is acceptable with proof of payment.
Music downloaded from IMSLP.org is permitted. Please include the full URL of the work being performed on the first page of all parts and copies being used.
Participants without original or authorized scores will receive comments only (verbal and written adjudication). No marks will be awarded.

Video Submission – Gala Challenge Preliminary Round

Participants must upload the scores in pdf format of the music to be performed for the adjudicator.
Bar numbers must be indicated at the beginning of each line of music if not already printed in the score.

COMPLAINTS

Complaints must be submitted via email to info@piyms.org by December 31, 2025.
A non-refundable fee of $100.00 must accompany each complaint. If the complaint is upheld, the fee will be refunded. Complaints will not be processed without the accompanying fee.
Questions or irregularities regarding the Rules and Regulations will be referred to the Society’s Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors’ decisions are final.