Q: What is “Yip's Music Festival”?

A: The Yip's Music Festival (YMF) is a music competition. It is not an exam, or a concert. There are multiple participants competing in each Class, and their performances will be adjudicated, scored and ranked by professional adjudicators, many of whom are Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) examiners, and esteemed teachers and performers.

Q: Can the Festival Schedule be changed to accommodate my other
activities?

A:  The YMF Schedule is set, and cannot be changed. In order to be fair to all competitors, special requests for schedule or class changes cannot be accommodated. 

Q: If the Class Schedule I'm assigned to conflicts with another festival or other activities, can I get a refund?

A: No, under the rules of YMF, all fees are non-refundable. (Special consideration may be given to exceptional cases, such as sudden or severe illness, or an injury, that would prohibit a participant from attending their YMF class(es).) Doctor's note is required for refund request.

Q: What does it mean when I see a "(A)" or "(B)" next to my Class Code in the Entry Card (Schedule)? 

A: This means you are in a "split class" - usually this happens when there are many participants in the class that you entered, we would split the class. Each of the split classes will be adjudicated separately, i.e. each one will be awarded a winner, 2nd and 3rd place recipients.

Q: I have memorized my music, do I need to bring my music book to YMF?

A: Yes. In order for the Adjudicator to refer to specific sections of your performance in their comments and adjudication, they will need your music for reference. All participants MUST bring their ORIGINAL MUSIC to the competition. (Please see above definition of “Original Music”)

Q:   What is “Original Music”?

A: “Original Music” can be ONE of the following:

• Music books published by the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM),

• Commercial music books you purchased from a music store,

• An original composition or arrangement by the participant, or by someone who has granted permission to the participant to use it.

Q:   Is downloaded music allowed?

A: Downloaded music is permitted only in certain cases:

• If it was downloaded from IMSLP.org; music from this website is considered Public Domain and it is free,

• If it was purchased and downloaded from a commercial website, e.g. sheetmusicplus.com, 8notes.com,

• Music from MUSECORE.com is NOT allowed, as the contributors on this website do not have approval from the original copyright owner of the music.

Q:   Is photocopied music allowed?

A: Photocopies of an original music book such as RCM Repertoire Book is NOT allowed, EXCEPT the following: 

• Violin List B Classes from Level 5 –ARCT (Sonatas), where the participant is permitted to read music when performing, so a photocopy can be submitted to the adjudicator,

• String Duets and Trios, a photocopy can be submitted to the adjudicator,

• Piano Four Hands, a photocopy can be submitted to the adjudicator.

Q:  What happens if I did not bring any acceptable form of printed music to my YMF Class?

A: Participants who do not provide any acceptable form of printed music at their YMF Class will receive COMMENTS ONLY.

Q:  Are “Bar Numbers” required on the music book or sheet music?

A: Yes. Bar numbers are VERY important for Adjudicators to refer to a specific section of the music that you are performing. If they are not printed on the music, you have to count the bars and write at the beginning of each staff the bar number. Alternatively, you can mark every 5 or 10 bars. This is for your benefit, the more specific the Adjudicators' comments are, the more helpful their advice is for your future development.

Q:   What is the dress code for the Festival?

A:  Dress nicely and presentably – like you would at a concert; a dress or blouse and skirt for girls, a collared shirt and dress pants for boys, with dress shoes. (Refer to Rule #30 of YMF Syllabus.) Make sure the outfit you are wearing does not interfere with your performance, and that it is not making any unwanted noise! In Musical Theatre Classes, age-appropriate costumes can be worn to enhance the role. 

Q:   When should I arrive for my event at YMF?

A: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your first Class; this will allow for registration time and yourself to settle down; this is particularly important for participants in Violin Classes and String Duets and Trios Classes where tuning is necessary.

Q: Can I read music from an iPad or other tablets?

A: In classes where reading music is allowed, participants can read from an iPad or other tablets, as long as the original music (e.g. RCM Repertoire book, or legitimately downloaded music) is presented at the Festival; piano accompanists are allowed to read from their tablets.

Q:   What kind of accompaniment is allowed at YMF?

A: In Violin, Musical Theatre and Piano-NOC Classes where accompaniment is required, a live piano accompanist is required; no recorded tracks are allowed.

Q:   What are “Combined Classes”?

A: When there are multiple Classes in the YMF Schedule with the same start time, it means that those Classes are “Combined Classes” - all the participants in those Classes are required to arrive at the same time; the Classes will be run consecutively and each Class will be adjudicated separately (i.e. each Class will be awarded its own First, Second, Third place, etc.) but the adjudication and comments will only be given at the end of the LAST Class. Any participants who are in more than one of those Combined Classes must stay in the hall throughout the entire session.

Q:   What are the rules at Steinway Piano Gallery?

A: No food or drink, or even water bottles are allowed inside the Steinway Piano Gallery Auditorium - that is the policy of the venue. If you would like to drink water before your Class, please do so in the Lobby or Reception area, then please put away the water bottle. Also, please do NOT try out pianos while waiting at the showroom of Steinway Piano Gallery when YMF events are taking place. You are welcome to book an appointment with the Staff of Steinway Piano Gallery to try their new pianos.

Q:  Can a participant or audience member talk to the adjudicator(s) before or after a Class?

A: To ensure all the Classes are run efficiently and fairly, all communication should be directed to the Adjudicator Assistant or to a member of the YMF Committee. Any discussion about results or disputes should be sent via e-mail to YMF Committee after.

Q:   What happens if I am late for my Class?

A: If the other performances in your Class are not finished, the Adjudicator Assistant will put you in the last performance spot; however, if all the performances are completed and the Adjudicator is already marking/adjudicating the Class, then it is too late to enter and you will not be allowed to compete. Please follow the instructions of the Receptionist and Adjudicator Assistant; in any case, do NOT go into the Auditorium while a performance is in progress.

Q:   Are Programme Books available?

A: Yes. However, to reduce the amount of paper used, only a small amount will be printed and available for purchase; there will be a Programme available for viewing at the Reception Desk; participants and audience members can take a picture of the Classes they are in.

Q:   Is photography or videography allowed during the competition?

A: Photography and videography is strictly prohibited during the competition in order to prevent any disruption of the Class, or distraction for other members of the audience. There will be a photo opportunity with all the participants and the Adjudicator(s) at the end of the Class. In certain classes – CCO Featured Soloist Classes – both Piano and Violin; there will be an official video recording, as the performances have to be documented for CCO. 

Q:   Is there practising or warming up allowed at the YMF venue?

A:  No practising or warming up is allowed anywhere in the YMF venue (both Steinway Piano Gallery and Yip's Markham Hall.) The violin tuning room is for violin tuning only; no rehearsal with the accompanist is permitted.
(Refer to Rule #45 of YMF Syllabus.)

Q:   I have memorized my music, do I need to bring my music book to YMF?

A: Yes. In order for the Adjudicator to refer to specific sections of your performance in their comments and adjudication, they will need your music for reference. All participants MUST bring their ORIGINAL MUSIC to the competition. (Please see above definition of “Original Music”)

Q:   What is our COVID policy with regards to masking?

A:  For everyone's health and safety, we highly recommend that you wear a mask while inside the YMF venue; Musical Theatre participants do not have to wear a mask while performing.

Q:   Is YMF venue a “scent-free” zone?

A: Yes, please refrain from wearing any perfume or fragrances to YMF venues, as others may be sensitive or allergic to those scents.

Q:  What is the Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony?

A: All First Place winners will be invited via e-mail to attend this event, where they will receive their trophies. Special performances from outstanding participants will also be presented at this Gala Concert. The date and venue for this event will be announced at a later date.