The CMC National Final will take place from July 2 to 7, 2025, at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC.

1. 1. The National Final is open to applicants who participated in the CMC National Auditions and were recommended by their chapters to advance to the National Final.
   2. At the time of registration, the applicant must be aware of and comply with the Competition’s Code of Ethics. View the Code of Ethics via this link: Code of Ethics.
   3. The Zeffy registration form will be sent to participants by their chapter coordinator. The completed registration form, along with all required documents such as scores and proof of age (acceptable documents: birth certificate, passport, health insurance card, driver’s license, citizenship certificate, and permanent resident card), must be received by the CMC National Office no later than one week after the National Final invitation is sent by the chapter coordinator.

1. The registration fee is $200.
2. All fees must be paid in full at the time of registration and are non-refundable.
3. In exceptional cases where an participant is unable to attend the National Final due to a serious injury, the CMC may refund the registration fee (minus administrative charges) upon receipt of a medical certificate. Justifying documents must be submitted within a reasonable timeframe. The national office has full discretion over whether to accept or reject the cancellation reason. No refunds will be issued for injuries occurring after the National Final.
4. Donations made at any time are non-refundable.

1. Participants must not exceed the age limit of their category as of January 1, 2025. This applies to all instruments except chamber music and piano four-hands/piano duo categories, where one participant may be up to one year older.

1. Participants playing a “solo instrument” will prepare a work with orchestra or one movement of a work with orchestra or a group of movements of a work with orchestra. Maximum duration by instrument and age is listed in the appendix and must be strictly respected. Participants in “Chamber Music, Piano 4 Hands/Piano Duo” will present one or more works or at least two contrasting movements from one or more works.The duration requirements for each age category are provided in the appendix below and must be strictly adhered to.

   Participants in “Voice” will present a maximum of four works comprising:

   1. A Baroque or Classical opera aria or an oratorio
   2. An opera aria
   3. A Lied or a song
   4. One or more works of the composer’s choice.

   The duration requirements for each age category are provided in the appendix below and must be strictly adhered to.

2. Repertoire performed in previous CMC competitions is not allowed, except for those aged 19 and over who may reuse repertoire from three or more years ago.
3. Works performed in the National Final must differ from those played at the national auditions. However, a different movement of the same concerto is acceptable.
4. Piano accompaniment is required. Requests for harpsichord use must be made in advance, but availability is not guaranteed.
5. Time limit: Participants agree not to exceed the allowed time. If exceeded, the jury may interrupt the performance.
6. Repeats are permitted if within the time limit.
7. No cuts are allowed within a work or movement, except tutti sections in concertos. Cadenzas are mandatory. Unpublished cadenzas must be submitted at registration for approval.
8. Memorization:
   a. Mandatory for all instruments and ages, except chamber music and piano four-hands/duo piano.
   b. Chamber music and piano four-hands/duo piano participants may use scores.
9. Substituting repertoire is not permitted.

1. Participants must be available for the full duration of the National Final (July 2–7) for their age/instrument category performance date. See Rule 14 for absences.
2. Absentees at their scheduled audition time are disqualified. If a conflict is known before the official schedule is published, the national office may adjust the schedule at its discretion. No schedule changes will be accepted once the official schedule is published. Participants performing outside their category are ineligible for prizes and will be judged under the alternate category criteria.
3. Results and jury feedback of the National Final will be announced at the awards ceremonies for each age group. Participants can meet the jury at these events. Results will be sent to those unable to attend.

1. Participants must check in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time.
2. No changes to performance order will be allowed. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.

1. A digital copy of each score (including accompaniment) must be sent to us within 24 hours of submitting your registration form to the following email address: info@cmcnational.com. Any delay in this regard will automatically cancel your participation in the National Final.
2. Scores must include measure numbers at the beginning of each line. Title, movement number, and composer must be clearly marked.

1. Participants will be judged by a panel of five adjudicators. Ranks of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be awarded based on the following minimum scores:
   • 1st place: 90%
   • 2nd place: 87%
   • 3rd place: 85%
2. Jury decisions are final and cannot be appealed. No score reviews will be granted.
3. In the event of a tie, the jury may be consulted to determine one Grand Prize winner per major age group.

1. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the CMC national office. Grand Prize winners are selected based on the highest scores in each of the four age groups (all instruments combined):
   • 7–10 years old
   • 11–14 years old
   • 15–18 years old
   • 19–25 years old (29 years old for voice)
2. Grand Prize winners will be invited to perform as soloists with a Canadian orchestra. Orchestras, repertoire, and scheduling are coordinated by the national office.
3. Participants aged 13+ who receive scholarships of $500 or more must report this income for tax purposes and provide a Social Insurance Number for issuing T4A and Relevé 1 (for Quebec residents) slips.

1. Participants are responsible for all travel, accommodation, and accompaniment fees.

1. Participants must notify the national office as soon as possible in the event of a cancellation.

1. CMC records all auditions. Personal photography or filming of any participant other than your own child is prohibited.
2. Official CMC photographers and videographers are authorized to capture performances.
3. Participants grant CMC indefinite rights to all recordings, broadcasts, and images. Consent forms will be provided at registration. CMC may use materials for promotional and archival purposes.
4. Participants agree to be available for media, sponsor, or organizer engagements, including interviews. The Code of Ethics applies. Promotional content may be used across newsletters, websites, and social media.

1. Pedal extenders are allowed but must be pre-approved by the national office.

1. Violation of any rule results in disqualification.
2. False declarations lead to immediate disqualification.
3. Unauthorized use of the audition hall or piano will result in disqualification.

1. Any unspecified matters will be directed to the Board of Directors, whose decisions are final.

ANNEX

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TIME BY CATEGORY AND INSTRUMENT