The British Columbia (BC) Chapter of the Canadian Music Competition (CMC) is proud to host the National Audition for participants from the BC region.

All BC residents must register through the BC Chapter registration link provided on this website.

Finalists chosen from the National Audition in BC will be invited to compete in the National Final, and will need to complete their registration through the national CMC website.

The BC Auditions will take place from April 20 to May 1, 2026 at Tom Lee Music Downtown MEC, while the National Final Round will be held at the Montreal Conservatory of Music (Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, 4750 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, QC H2T 3E5) from July 2 to 10, 2026.

We warmly encourage all eligible BC musicians to take part in this exciting opportunity to showcase their artistry on a national stage! A total of 40 finalists from BC will be selected through the National Audition to advance to the National Final.

1. REGISTRATION:

  • The Competition is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only. 
  • Exceptionally, one of the members of a Chamber music and/or piano duet/piano ensemble may be an international student. Foreign students must provide valid proof at the time of registration. 
  • Applicants must participate in the area where they reside, i.e., the primary residence or where they reside for the duration of their studies.
  • A candidate may not compete in two categories with the same instrument. However, a candidate may enter solo, chamber music and piano four hands / piano duet simultaneously. A candidate may also enter in several ensembles if the instrumental configurations are different.
  • Proof of age is required at the time of registration. The following documents are acceptable proof: passport, citizenship certificate or permanent resident card. Foreign students registered as part of a Chamber Music ensemble and/or for Piano 4 Hands/Duo-Piano must provide valid proof upon registration (scan or clear picture of the study permit)
  • At the time of registration, the candidate must be aware of and comply with the Code of Ethics of the Competition. Consult the Code of Ethics by following this link: Code of Ethics.
  • Candidates who participate in CMC activities do so with knowledge of the risks and accept that the CMC is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by viruses, bacteria or micro-organisms. Applicants must comply with the CMC Health and Safety Protocol
    regarding public health standards.

2. REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

The registration form must be completed via Registration link before February 15th, (extended to Feb.28) 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). 

It is the candidate’s responsibility to submit all required documents with the registration by the deadline.

Audition Dates & Venue: 

April 20 – May 1, 2026

Tom Lee Music, MEC, 728 Granville St. Vancouver

BC Provincial Gala Concert:
Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Venue: Annex, 823 Seymour St Floor 2. Vancouver BC

3. REGISTRATION FEES

Registration fees: $250 

Suggested donation: The CMC-BC welcomes individual contributions for which an official donation receipt for income tax purposes will be issued. Your donation will not only have a direct impact on the organization of the events and the support of Canada’s next generation of musicians, but also on the activities of the chapter you are applying to.

Registered charitable organization number: 138828785 RR 0001

Repertoire Modification fee: $50 (by March 31), Please email your repertoire modification to cmcbcsociety@gmail.com with the clearly stated repertoire details, including:

  • Full title of each work
  • Composer’s full name
  • Duration of each piece

Once we receive the updated information, the payment link will be sent to you.

Registration fee is non-refundable. 

4. INSTRUMENT/VOICE CATEGORIES

Chamber Music (Ensemble 2-5 members)/Harp/Piano/Piano 4 hands/Duo-piano/Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Guitar)/Voice/Winds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Saxophone, Euphonium, Tuba)/Percussions

5. AGE CATEGORIES

Age 7-10 (not for Chamber Music, Voice and Winds)

Age 11-14 (not for Voice)

Age 15-18

Age 19-25 (Voice up to 29)

  • Candidates must not be older than the age of the category in which they apply on January 1st, 2026. This rule applies to all instruments except for the categories “chamber music” and “piano four hands / piano duet”, where one of the participants may be one year older than the age category.
  • First place winners may not re-enter in the same age category (Example: a 15-year-old pianist in the 16 years old category who won a first place may not re-enter in the 16 years old category). This rule does not apply to:
    • the 25 years old category (29 years old for Voice).
    • The 7 years old category (or the youngest age category for each instrument).
    • Participants registered in a higher age category when there is no category corresponding to their current age (the 22 years old string category does not exist, so a violinist can register twice in the 23 years old string category).
  • The minimum age for the Vocal category is 16 as of January 1st, 2026.

6. REPERTOIRE GUIDELINES

  • Applicants must comply with the repertoire requirements for their age category and instrument.
  • Three pieces (two pieces for Chamber & Piano Duet/Duo) from contrast periods (at least one baroque or classical piece) is required for BC audition. One movement of a multi-movement work (e.g. sonata) is considered one piece.
  • The National final’s rules will be officially published by the national office on the website: cmcnational.com 
Audition Time Limit (mins)Final Time Limit (mins) (refer to the national website)
Age 7-10 (NOT for Chamber, Winds & Voice)20(refer to the national website)
Age 11-14 (NOT for Voice)25(refer to the national website)
Age 15-1830national final for Voice category is only open to Age 16 and older (refer to the national website)
Age 19-25 (Voice up to 29)35(refer to the national website)
  • Candidates may not enter works performed in previous CMC. However, candidates in the 19 years and older categories may enter works performed three or more years ago.
  • Works must be different for each round. Multi-movement works such as concerto, sonata, suite, opera, cycle, etc. may not be divided within a round or between rounds.
  • In the final round, the works with orchestra must be accompanied by piano. Requests for the use of a harpsichord for accompaniment must be submitted to the national office in advance. Access to a harpsichord cannot be guaranteed.
  • Time Limit: Candidates agree to perform repertoire that does not exceed the time limit allowed. Should a candidate exceed the time limit, he/she may be interrupted by the jury.
  • Repeats are accepted if the maximum time limit is respected.
  • No cuts are permitted in any piece or movement, except for tutti in concertos. Cadenzas are mandatory. 
  • Memorization:
    • Piano — Strings — Voice: At the National Audition in BC, all pieces entered must be played from memory, with the exception of sonatas with accompaniment, for which the use of the score is permitted. If a candidate wishes to play a sonata with the score that does not explicitly contain the word “sonata” in the title, he/she must contact the BC Chapter to ensure that the use of the score is permitted. At the National Finals, memorization is mandatory.
    • Winds: At the National Audition in BC, memorization is mandatory for at least one of the pieces, other than the étude. However, the use of the score is permitted for sonatas with accompaniment. If a candidate wishes to play a sonata with the score that does not explicitly contain the word “sonata” in the title, he/she must contact the CMC-BC Office (cmcbcsociety@gmail.com) to ensure that the use of the score is permitted. At the National Finals, memorization is mandatory.
    • Chamber Music —Piano 4 hands/Piano-duo: use of sheet music is always permitted.
  • All pieces and movements entered must be played. No substitutions are permitted.

7. COMPETITION PROCEDURE

  • The Competition is divided into two rounds: the National Audition in BC and the National Final. In the event of a change in public health regulations, the health protocol scenarios may apply to a region, province or the entire country.
  • The candidate agrees to be free of all other activities for the duration of the National Audition in BC and the National Finals on the specific dates for the audition in his/her age/instrument category. 
  • A candidate who is absent at the scheduled audition time is disqualified. Any request for a schedule change received after the official schedule has been released will be denied. 
  • At the National Audition in BC, jury comments are given to candidates at the end of a session. Results will be announced and notified after all the audition finishes, Marks is not disclosed. At the National Finals, results and jury comments are given at the results announcement ceremony for each of the four major age categories or mailed if not present.
  • Candidates are given the opportunity to meet with the jury after the National Audition and National Final. The format of the meetings is at the discretion of the CMC-BC and CMC.

8. PUNCTUALITY

  • Candidates must signify their presence at least fifteen minutes prior to the time of their appointment for each round.
  • No change in the order of appearance of candidates will be allowed and no delay will be tolerated.
  • Access to a warm-up/practice room is not guaranteed.

9. COMPETITION PROCEDURE

  • An original hard copy of each score is required for the audition. For accompanied works, the submitted score must include the accompaniment. Extra copies will also be required if there is more than one judge.
  • Candidates must write the bar numbers at the beginning of each line. The name of each selected work, the movement number, and the name of the composer must all be clearly identified on the score.

10. EVALUATION AND RESULTS

  • The results of the two rounds are not cumulative.
  • Judge Impartiality: A judge is strictly prohibited from evaluating any candidate who is currently their student, or has been their student within the six (6) months preceding the audition. This includes private instruction and participation in a masterclass or workshop led by the judge. In such cases, the judge will recuse themselves, and the candidate’s mark will be determined by the remaining jury members.
  • The judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed. No review of scores may be requested.
  • In the event of a tie, the Competition reserves the right to call upon the jury to determine a single 1st place winner in each age category.

11. AWARDS

  • Awards and Gala Performance Invitation – 2026 CMC-BC Audition
    Provincial prizes and certificates will be awarded based on the results of the National Audition in BC in each individual age category.
    In addition, top winners will be invited to perform at the BC Provincial Gala Concert on June 14, 2026, Sunday. Invitations will be extended depending on placement, jury marks, and available performance space.
    • Placement Guidelines for 2026 CMC-BC Audition:
    • 1st Place: Minimum mark of 90; maximum 1 recipient per category (no ties allowed)
    • 2nd Place: Minimum mark of 85; maximum 2 recipients per category (ties allowed)
    • 3rd Place: Minimum mark of 80; maximum 3 recipients per category (ties allowed)
    • Please note: Meeting the minimum mark does not guarantee placement if the maximum number of awardees has already been reached (except in the case of allowed ties for 2nd and 3rd place).
  • Financial aid, including reimbursement of the registration fee, is available for low-income families upon application. Eligibility for low-income status will follow the government guidelines.
  • National Final：The distribution of awards and scholarships will be determined at the sole discretion of the Competition. Top places will be given in individual age group. Regarding the grand prize, candidates are grouped into four age groups, all instruments combined, and based on the highest score in each group: 7-10 years, 11-14 years, 15-18 years and 19-25 years (29 years for voice). See the FAQ on the national website (www.cmcnational.com) for more information. Application for National Final will be sent.
  • At the National CMC’s discretion, Grand Prize winners in the 11-14, 15-18, and 19-25 age categories in the Final may be invited to perform at the Final Gala Concert or national tour with orchestras. All travel and accommodation expenses are at their own expense. The repertoire is selected by the Competition organizers, in collaboration with the winners.

12. EXPENSES

  • Candidates are responsible for all travel, lodging and attendant expenses.

13. CANCELLATION

  • In the event of cancellation, candidates must promptly notify the BC Society. The registration fee is non-refundable. 

14. PHOTOGRAPHY / AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING

  • During the national auditions, it is forbidden from the participants (refer to the definition at Code of Ethics) to take pictures or to film. 
  • The photographer(s) and videographer(s) commissioned by the Competition are authorized to photograph and/or film the performances.
  • Applicants are required to release all filming, broadcasting and recording rights of any kind, as well as the rights to follow, to the CMC for an indefinite period. They agree to sign and abide by the conditions included in the consent form provided at the time of registration. The Contest reserves the right to use these images for promotional purposes and for its archives.
  • Candidates agree to be available to meet with the sponsors, partners or administrators of the Competition. They may be asked to give interviews to media selected by the Committee for promotional purposes. The code of conduct defined in the CMC Code of Ethics applies. All promotional material may be used by the Contest through its various promotional tools (newsletter, website, social networks, etc.)

15. PIANO

  • The use of a pedal extension system is permitted.

16. DISQUALIFICATION

  • Any candidate who fails to comply with the rules is disqualified.
  • Any misrepresentation by a candidate will automatically result in disqualification.
  • Unauthorized use of the audition room and/or piano is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

17. OTHER

  • Any matter not provided for in the rules shall be referred to the Board of Directors whose decisions shall be final and conclusive.
Register for 2026 CMC National Audition in BC