Competitions

RCMJD holds nine internal competitions, details of which can be found below. These competitions are open only to current students of the Department.

RCMJD competition entry conditions & regulations

Peter Morrison Concerto Competition

Open to all first study students in school years 12, 13 or Extension Year.

• Student entry form deadline: End of Wednesday 30 September 2026
• Teacher approval/accompaniment submission deadline: 5pm, Saturday 3 October 2026
• Preliminary round rehearsals: Saturdays 17 and 31 October 2026
• Preliminary round: 9am, Saturday 7 November 2026
• Final round rehearsals: Saturday 14 November 2028 
• Final round: 3pm, Saturday 21 November 2026

Entry requirements:

For the preliminary round, each performance slot is 10 minutes (to include walking on/off stage, tuning etc, i.e. not more than 9 minutes performing time). Competitors should perform the first movement (or as much as will fit within 10 minutes) of a concerto or substantial work for soloist with orchestra (including cadenza where appropriate). If the first movement is significantly less than 10 minutes, a competitor may play the whole work or as much as 10 minutes will allow. Students who reach the final round must play the whole concerto.

Barbara Boissard Junior Concerto Competition

Open to all first study students in school years 9-10

• Student entry form deadline: end of Wednesday 18 November 2026
• Teacher approval/accompaniment submission deadline: 5pm, Saturday 21 November 2026
• Rehearsals: Saturday 16 and Saturday 23 January 2027
• Competition date: 9am, Saturday 30 January 2027

Entry requirements:

Each performance slot is 10 minutes (to include walking on/off stage, tuning etc, ie not more than 9 minutes performing time). Competitors are required to play a single movement (or as much as 10 minutes will allow) of a concerto or substantial work for soloist with orchestra (including cadenza where appropriate). A slow movement is acceptable if preferred.

Edmond Fivet (formerly Gordon Turner) Competition

Open to all first study students in school years 11-13, or Extension Year.

• Student entry form deadline: end of Wednesday 25 November 2026
• Teacher approval/accompaniment submission deadline: 5pm, Saturday 28 November 2026
• Rehearsals: Saturday 30 January and Saturday 6 February 2027
• Preliminary rounds: 9am, Saturdays 20 and 27 February 2027
• Final round: 9am, Saturday 6 March 2026

Entry requirements:

Each performance slot is 10 minutes (to include walking on/off stage, tuning etc, ie not more than 9 minutes performing time). As a guide, most students perform one or two contrasting pieces, though up to four pieces can be included as long as the competition’s platform time limit is not exceeded. Students who reach the final round must play the same repertoire as for the preliminary round.

Daphne Boden Harp Competition

For all first-study harpists.

Competition curated by Cecilia de Maria; all harpists are expected to take part. 

• Closing date: not applicable

• Competition date: 2pm, Saturday 6 March 2027

Angela Bull Piano Competition

Open to all first-study piano students; repertoire must include one piece by an under-represented composer.

• Student entry form deadline: end of Wednesday 17 February 2027

• Teacher approval deadline: 5pm, Saturday 20 February 2027
• Competition date: 9am, Saturday 13 March 2027

Entry requirements:

Each performance slot is 10 minutes (to include walking on/off stage, tuning etc, ie not more than 9 minutes performing time). Competitors are required to include one piece by an under-represented composer; judicious choice of overall programme will be taken into consideration.

Marjorie Humby Competition

Open to all first-study students in years 7-10.

• Student entry form deadline: end of Wednesday 10 March 2027
• Teacher approval/accompaniment submission deadline: 5pm, Saturday 13 March 2027
• Rehearsals: Saturday 24 April and Saturday 1 May 2027
• Preliminary rounds: 9am, Saturday 8 and/or Saturday 15 May 2027 (as required)
• Final round: 9am, Saturday 22 May 2027

Entry requirements:

Each performance slot is 10 minutes (to include walking on/off stage, tuning etc, ie not more than 9 minutes performing time). As a guide, most students perform one or two contrasting pieces, though up to four pieces can be included as long as the competition’s platform time limit is not exceeded. Students who reach the final round must play the same repertoire as for the preliminary round.

Michal Kaznowski Chamber Music Competition

Open to all Year 11-13/Extension year JD chamber groups (one member of a group may be Year 10).

• Closing date: 5pm, Saturday 13 March 2027

• Preliminary round: Saturdays 1 and/or 8 May 2027 (as required)
• Final round: 5.30pm, Saturday 5 June 2027

Entry requirements:

Groups must be nominated by their chamber music coach, performing one work or two contrasting works/movements. Groups will need to play for no less than 6 minutes and no more than 10 minutes, including walking on/off the stage and tuning.

Joan Weller Composition Competition

Open to all students of the Junior Department, whether or not composition is studied at the RCMJD.

• Closing date: 5pm, Saturday 1 May 2027

Entry requirements:

A portfolio of up to three complete works of no more than 15 minutes total duration for solo or ensemble, submitted as PDFs. It is encouraged (though not mandatory) that the folder also contains MP3 files of recordings of any of the works submitted; especially if electronic or improvisatory elements are present in the work.

Hugh Bean String Competition

Open to all string players in years 8 and below.

• Student entry form deadline: end of Wednesday 28 April 2027

• Teacher approval/accompaniment submission deadline: 5pm, Saturday 1 May 2027
• Rehearsals: Saturdays 5 and 12 June 2027
• Competition date: 9am, Saturday 19 June 2027

Entry requirements:

Each performance slot is 10 minutes (to include walking on/off stage, tuning etc, i.e. not more than 9 minutes performing time). As a guide, most students perform one or two contrasting pieces, though up to four pieces can be included as long as the competition’s platform time limit is not exceeded.