FAQs
Competitions
How do I enter?
You can enter the competitions using our online form on the 'enter competitions' page.
Which competition class should I enter?
For each instrument, our competition classes are graded from beginner to advanced. You should enter the class(es) that align with your current performing level.
How do I know what grade I am?
For musicians taking regular graded exams, simply use your most recent graded exam result to decide which class to enter.
What piece shall I perform?
It's best to choose music that you enjoy and feel comfortable with, which also fits the syllabus requirements for your class.
Can I enter multiple competition classes?
You can enter as many classes as you like, including for different instruments. Just make sure you are eligible for each class you enter. The entry form will guide you through this.
Can I enter multiple people at once?
Our entry form can only accept one competitor at a time. However, if you want to make a bulk entry for multiple competitors, email leicestermusicfest@gmail.com and we can process this for you.
Do I need an accompanist
Unless you are singing an unaccompanied song, you will need a live piano accompanist. Live music is at the heart of everything we do, and our competitions provide a great opportunity to perform with another musician.
Do I need a rehearsal?
There’s no requirement to have a rehearsal - our festival accompanists are all experienced professionals who will help you feel at ease and give your very best performance.
What should I wear?
There is no formal dress code, so wear something comfortable that you are happy performing in. Singers are always welcome to incorporate costume items or small props if desired, but there is no requirement to do so.
When is the entry deadline?
The entry deadline for all competitions (except G5) is midnight on the 18th of December 2020. The video submission deadline for all competitions (excluding G5) is 18th of January 2021.
G5 Deadlines
1st of December: Entry deadline and elimination video submission deadline
15th of December: Semi-finalists announced
4th of January: Semi-final video submission deadline
19th of January: Finalists announced
26th of January: Final video submission deadline
February (date TBC): Winners announced and feedback sent out
Can I just watch?
*Covid Update
All 2021 events will now be available to watch online FREE of charge. More information on how to tune in will be released shortly.
Yes, you can purchase an ‘Audience’ ticket at the door on the day, or online in advance to watch the competitions.
I can no longer attend - what should I do?
Please email leicestermusicfest@gmail.com to let us know if you are no longer able to attend the festival. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a refund for competition entries.
What kind of feedback will I get?
You will always recieve written feedback from our expert adjudicators. You will usually also recieve verbal feedback at the end of the class, time permitting.
I've never done a competition before - can I still enter?
Our competitions provide a range of classes for anyone from a complete beginner to advanced performers, so whatever stage of your musical journey, there is a class for you. It can be daunting performing in front of people for the first time, but the audience and the adjudicators will be cheering you on to do well, so take the leap, relax, and make music!
Do I need to perform from memory?
Instrumentalists are not required to perform from memory, but you may do so if you prefer.
Can I use a photocopy?
You may perform using a photocopy, but a published/authorised edition of the music must be in the room during your performance.
Am I too old to compete?
No!
I see your competitions are for 'amateurs' only - what does this mean?
Our compeitions are for anyone who is not a professional musician.
What is 'Art Song'?
For our singing competitions, 'Art Song' is defined as any classical song type, including:
What is 'Stage & Screen'?
For our competitions we define 'Stage & Screen' as any song from any staged show/musical, or any song from film.
Workshops & Masterclasses
How do I apply to take part?
Find out which workshop or masterclass you are interested in, then follow the links to sign up or register your interest.
Can I just watch?
Yes! It is helpful for our organisers to get an idea of audience numbers ahead of time, so if you are interested in a particular workshop or masterclass, please do sign up or register your interest in advance. However, there is often space for you to turn up and watch on the day.
How much will it cost?
If you are under the age of 19, all workshops, masterclasses and concerts are free of charge.
Concerts
How do I buy tickets?
Covid Update*
All our 2021 events will be available to watch online FREE of charge. Further details on how to access the livestream will be released shortly.
You can buy tickets online in advance via our 'Tickets' page.
Can I buy tickets on the door?
You can buy tickets on the door, but as space may be limited for some events, we recommend buying tickets in advance online.
Are there spaces for wheelchair users?
Yes, there are spaces available for wheelchair users.
Will there be an interval?
Our longer concerts, such as the Gala Concert, have an interval where refreshments are available. Some of our shorter events will run straight through without a break.
Can I reserve a seat?
We usually have unreserved seating, so we advise you turn up in good time to get the seats you want.
Are there concessions?
Our concerts are free to all aged under 19.
Facilities & Accessibility
Is there parking?
Yes, there is ample free parking at English Martyrs' Catholic School (our main venue).
Are there toilets?
Yes there are, including accessible toilets.
Is there a cafe?
Yes! Coming a close second to the music is our friendly festival cafe! We offer a range of hot and cold drinks, cold lunches and snacks (including our famous samosas) and a wide range of homemade cakes and biscuits.
Is the venue wheelchair friendly?
Yes, our venue has wheelchair access throughout, including wheelchair spaces in the main auditorium (contact us at leicestermusicfest@gmail.com if you would like to reserve a wheelchair space).
How will I know where to go?
Follow the signs to the main reception, where a steward (in a green t-shirt) will be able to show you to where you need to be.
Outreach
Can my school get involved?
Yes! We have already created a number of outreach and community events, and we want to keep expanding our reach to more schools.
Can I book a music education event for my school/youth organisation?
Yes! As a music charity in a very difficult time for the arts, bringing music to the wider community is at the heart of what we strive to do.
Support Us
How can I become a volunteer?
Our festival simply wouldn't be possible without our wonderful team of volunteers. There are a wide range of roles available. If you would like to help out, we would love to hear from you.
How can I donate?
You can donate via the 'Support Us' page, or by cheque to:
Can I sponsor an event or trophy?
Yes! Leicester MusicFest couldn't happen without the generosity of its sponsors.
Online
How do I watch?
All the festival competitions and concerts will be streamed online during the festival weekend (13th & 14th of February 2021). Details of how to tune in will be released shortly.
Workshops and Masterclasses will be available to participate in or watch on Zoom via usual signup. Further details will be released shortly.
All events are FREE to watch.
What does it cost?
You can watch any event for FREE online.
You can also take part in Workshops and Masterclasses for FREE online.
Competition entry prices remain the same. Please consult the syllabus or the entry form for pricing.
How do I record my competition video? (Piano, Organ, Guitar)
The deadline for submitting your competition video is 18th of January 2021.
Your video should be in one unedited, continuous take (including recital classes) and you should aim to get as much of yourself in the shot as possible.
You may introduce your piece if you like, but this is not a requirement.
How do I record my competition video? (Singers)
The deadline for submitting your competition video is 18th of January 2021.
Your video should be in one unedited, continuous take (including recital classes) and you should aim to get as much of yourself in the shot as possible.
You may introduce your piece if you like, but this is not a requirement.
We strongly recommend using a separate speaker or device (to the one you are using to record yourslef) to play the backing track. Using the same device can lead to feedback or distortion.
Make sure your backing track is loud enough to support you. You might like to do a practice record to check the balance between your voice and piano backing track.
I'm a singer - can I use my own backing track?
Our festival accompanists are available to record a piano accompaniment for you to perform with in your video. You must either use a backing track recorded by one of our festival accompanists, or engage your own pianist to record a backing track (or play with you live if feasible). For legal reasons, commercial/YouTube backing tracks are not permitted. (Orchestral/Midi backing tracks are not permitted)
We strongly recommend using a separate speaker or device (to the one you are using to record yourslef) to play the backing track. Using the same device can lead to feedback or distortion.
Make sure your backing track is loud enough to support you. You might like to do a practice record to check the balance between your voice and piano backing track.
How do I submit my video
The deadline to submit your competition class video is 18th of January 2021.
Once you have recorded your video, please send it to us at leicestermusicfest@gmail.com along with your name and class number. You will also need to submit a clear copy of your music via PDF for the adjudicator.
We recommend your save your video in an MP4 format.
If your video is too large to attach to a standard email, you can use Google Drive/WeTransfer or upload your video as 'Unlisted' on Youtube* and send us a link.
*Unlisted videos cannot be found by members of the public, and are only viewable by a link shared by the owner of the video.
How do I send my music to the adjudicator/accompanist?
This year, we will not be accepting physical copies of the music.
Instead, please send a PDF scanned document of your score to leicestermusicfest@gmail.com
We recommend sending your score together with your competition video and name and class.
If you don't have access to a printer/scanner, we recommend using the free app 'Genius Scan', which you can use on your phone or tablet.
If you're having issues scanning your music, please get in touch for assistance.