Frequently Asked Questions

The Association has decided to put the following arrangements in place for this year’s Music Festival (2025):

• All Solo / Duo / Group Classes would be held.
• Competitions would be held in “Mixed Mode”. Majority of the classes would be held in “Live Competition Mode (LCM)”, with only some elementary solo classes remain to be held in “Video Submission Mode (VSM)”.
• Members can enrol their students in the competition from 26 September (10:00 a.m.) to 25 October 2024 (5:00 p.m.).
• The “Competition Notification (CN)” will be released on the Member’s Area of the Association website from 6 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.).
• Depending on the number of entries in each class and the length of time required for the piece, the Association will allocate competitors of the same class into a number of groups. Each group, being judged by one adjudicator, is independent of the others and so are the adjudication and results.

(Reference: Annex 2 “Important Dates to be Noted” of Rules and Regulations)

No. The competition period of “Live Competition Mode” is from 24 February to 26 March 2025. The video submission period of “Video Submission Mode” competition is from 6 February (10:00 a.m.) to 14 February 2024 (5:00 p.m.).

(Reference: Annex 2 “Important Dates to be Noted” of Rules and Regulations)

Competitors can check the competition mode of each class from:

• Point 1 “Entry Requirements” of the “ Rules and Regulations Live Competition Mode” and Rules and Regulations Video Submission Mode”
• Class description of the printed Syllabus and the online Syllabus

The following classes will be held in “Video Submission Mode”:

• 10, 11 – Vocal Solo – Foreign Language – Boys or Girls Treble Voice – Primary School (Age 10 or under / Age 7 to 8)
• 16, 21 – Vocal Solo – Chinese Language – Boys or Girls Treble Voice – Primary School (Age 13 or under / Age 10 or under)
• 22, 23 – Children Vocal Solo – Singing in English / Chinese – Boys or Girls Treble Voice
• 100 – 110 – Graded Piano Solo – Grade One to Three
• 210 – 212 – Graded Violin Solo – Grade One to Three
• 224, 229, 232, 254 – Viola / Cello / Double Bass / Guitar Solo – Junior
• 308 – Harmonica Solo – Junior
• 333, 334 – Descant Recorder Solo – Primary School (Age 10 or under / Age 8 or under)
• 415, 421, 427, 433, 439, 445, 451, 457 – Flute / Oboe / Clarinet / Bassoon / Alto Saxophone / Trumpet / French Horn / Trombone Solo – Primary School – Junior
• 503, 507, 511, 515, 520, 533, 552, 555, 558 – Zheng / Pipa / Liuqin / Zhongruan / Yangqin / Erhu / Xiao / Sheng / Suona Solo – Junior
• 547 – Di Solo – Primary School – Junior
• 708 – Cantonese Operatic Songs Solo – Kindergarten

Competition Result Release
Members can download their students’ results from the Member’s Area of the Association website from 10:00 a.m. on 28 April 2025 onwards.

Mark Sheet Collection
Live Competition Mode: Competitors will receive mark sheets at the end of the competition in which they have performed. Competitors will bear the risk of losing the mark sheets if they fail to collect them on the spot. Otherwise, members should bring along their valid original membership cards to the Association to collect the mark sheets for their students from 22 April 2025 onwards. All unclaimed mark sheets will be destroyed before the commencement of the next Music Festival.

Members must bring along their valid original membership cards to the Association to collect the certificates and pennants (if any) for their students from 2 June 2025 onwards; prior booking has to be made on the Association website. University and Post-secondary students entering the Festival on their own shall bring their student ID cards to the Association to collect the certificates from the aforesaid date onwards.

Video Submission Mode: Members must bring along their valid original membership cards to the Association to collect the mark sheets, certificates and pennants (if any) from 2 June 2025 onwards; prior booking has to be made on the Association website. All unclaimed mark sheets will be destroyed before the commencement of the next Music Festival.

(Reference: Part 6 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Part 8 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”

This year’s Music Festival follows the usual judging criteria. Adjudication will be based on the overall performance of the competitors, including:

• Technical Proficiency
• Fidelity to Score
• Understanding of Style
• Musical Communication

The decision of the adjudicators on all artistic matters shall be final.

(Reference: Part 5 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Part 7 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Placing will be awarded to the winners of each competing class / group (except for Classes 22, 23, 98, 99 , 708 and all special school classes). However, competitors with less than 80 marks will not be awarded any placing nor prize. A pennant will be presented to the first place winner of each class / group. Each d uo will be awarded two pennants.

Certificates of three levels will be awarded to competitors for their achievement: Gold Award (90 marks or above), Silver Award (80 – 89 marks), Bronze Award (70 – 79 marks).

For Classes 22, 23, 98, 99 708 and all special school classes, marks and placing will not be awarded. The competitors will be awarded a Gold, Silver, Bronze Award certificate, or without any certificate.

(Reference: Part 6 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Part 8 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Yes. Please refer to the “New Arrangements of Specific Classes” under “Enrolment Information” on the Music Festival page of Association website.

The enrolment period for this year’s Music Festival will start from 26 September (10:00 a.m.) and end on 25 October 2024 (5:00 p. m.). All competitors must enrol in the Festival through the “On line Enrolment System (OES)” by their members. Under no circumstances will late entries be accepted. Please contact member s for the enrolment details.

(Reference: Part 2 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Live Competition Mode: For solo and duo entries, competitors are allowed to enter in the Region of their choice. However, School Members should enter all their Group Classes according to the Region of their school. Competitors failing to do so will be disqualified at any time without prior notice. If School Members are not sure which Region their school is located, please refer to “School Lists by District” on the Education Bureau website.
U denotes Hong Kong Region including outlying Islands) and Kowloon Region (including Sai Kung)
E denotes New Territories East Region (including North District Sha Tin and Tai Po)
W denotes New Territories West Region (including Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long
N denotes classes which will not be divided into Regions. These competitions may be held at any venues in U/E/W Regions.

• The Association reserves the right to allocate any competitions to be held in any venues.
• In any district where a class has only one entry, the Association reserves the right to group them up with the same class in other districts.

(Reference: Point 2.6, Point 2.7 and Point 2.8 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Point 2.5 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors should use names identical to that of their Hong Kong ID cards / travel documents / birth certificates. Furthermore, the Chinese name is a mandatory field. If competitors do not have any Chinese name, please fill the English name in that field. For group classes, competitors should use their names identical to that of membership record of the Association.

(Reference: Point 2.1.3 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Point 2.1.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

• Competitors can enrol in classes of different categories e.g. Piano Solo and Piano Duet. Nonetheless, please be reminded that some of the classes require competitors to choose to enter only ONE class among two or more other classes. Besides, some classes also require competitors to perform only once in the same class. For all requirements about “Number of Entries”, please refer to Point 3.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode“.
• Competitors failing to follow the rules on the number of entries will only be permitted to compete in ONE of the competitions concerned. The competition to be retained is randomly drawn electronically. Competitors will be disqualified in the non-retained competitions at any time without prior notice.
• Competitors are allowed to perform only once in the same class. Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”, and requirement of specific classes)

After submitting the entries on the “On line Enrolment System (OES)” before the submission deadline, members will receive an automatic email and they can download the Payment Advice from the OES. Members have to settle the payment by post or in person by 29 October 2024. Payment Receipts will be available for members to download on the Member’s Area of the Association website from 20 November 2024 (10:00 a.m.). Members can download the Entry Form Receipts (EFR) and Competition Notifications (CN) on the Members’ Area of the Association website from 6 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.). Members should distribute both documents to the competitors.

Competition information is given on the Competition Notifications. Members / Competitors can also access the details from the “Festival Timetable” posted on the Association website from 6 January (10:00 a.m) to 15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.) with:

• the membership number and password; or
• the reference number as shown on the Entry Form Receipt.

The altered items will be updated to the “Festival Timetable – Revised Version” from 10:00 a.m. on 21 January 2025.

(Reference: Point 3.1.5 of “Rules and Regulations Live – Competition Mode” and Point 3.1.4 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

• Competitors should report to the Festival assistants at the Reporting Time specified on the Competition Notification. Once the competition starts, the adjudicator / Festival assistants have the right to refuse anyone (including competitors) from entering the venue. As a result, a competitor may miss important announcements or his / her assigned order.
• Competitors who fail to perform according to the published order will be considered performing “not in assigned order”. They will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.1.6 and Point 3.1.7 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Competitors must bring with them the required valid documents to report to the Festival assistants. For verification of their identity, spot checking will be made. Competitors failing to present such documents to the Festival assistants before they perform will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
The required documents are as follows:

Solo or duo class competitors must bring:

1. the Competition Notification (electronic or printed copy); and
2. the student ID card / student handbook / Hong Kong ID card* / travel document, all of which must be original and bear a recent photo.

Group class competitors must bring:

1. the Competition Notification (electronic or printed copy);
2. the student ID card / student handbook / Hong Kong ID card* / travel document of each member, all of which must be original and bear a recent photo; and
3. the completed Competitors’ List. Competing teams should download the “Competitors’ List (Group Classes)” from the Association website. They must complete the form with names, dates of birth and education level of each member, the signature of principal / responsible teacher and school chop.

* The Hong Kong Juvenile ID card does not bear a photo of the holder and therefore is not an acceptable identification document at the Music Festival.

(Reference: Point 3.1.9 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

No. For live competitions, competitors’ information will be announced by the Festival assistant. When the Festival assistant calls upon a competitor to perform, he / she will read out the competitor’s assigned order as well as the competitor’s name, in Piano Solo – Chinese Composers classes, Cantonese for Chinese instrumental music classes, Cantonese operatic song classes and vocal / choral classes sung in Chinese; while in English for the rest of the classes.

(Reference: Point 3.1.10 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Neat, tidy and appropriate attire is required during competitions.
(Reference: Point 3.1.19 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

For Cantonese operatic song classes, competitors must wear school uniform (except for University / Post-secondary students).
(Reference: Point 3.4.5.3 of the Chinese version of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

No. Practice is strictly prohibited at the competition venues and the surrounding areas.

(Reference: Point 3.6.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Competitors of solo classes and duo classes may each be accompanied by a maximum of one adult (either a teacher or a parent). In a group class competition, each team may be accompanied by a maximum of six teachers / staff members.

In accordance with the limitations / requirements of the venue or request of adjudicators, the Festival assistants are authorised to take charge of the seating and admission arrangements in the competition venues. For example, seating priority will always be given to competitors of that competition. When there are no sufficient seats at a particular competition venue, teachers or parents accompanying the competitors may not be admitted.

In a solo / duo competition in which the competitors are divided into batches, the competitors and their accompanying teachers or parents are admitted to the competition venue only during the assigned time slot. They must leave at the end of their time slot. In a group class competition in which the competing teams are divided into batches, a maximum of three representatives of each competing team could stay to watch the competition other than their own batch.

Even if there are extra seats for the audience, non-competitors under the age of six will not be admitted to any competition venues.

Besides, please pay attention that any form of prompting, such as cueing, is not allowed for all classes during performance. Otherwise competitors’ marks will be affected. Anyone including competitors who causes undue disturbance in competition venues may be asked to leave the venue. If the person is a competitor, he / she will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to him / her.

(Reference: Point 3.1.15, Point 3.6.1 and Point 3.6.6 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Before the announcement of results, no one (including competitors, teachers and parents) is permitted to approach the adjudicators. Anyone who violates this rule may be asked to leave the venue. If the person is a competitor, he / she will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to him / her. When enquiries are to be made, the Festival assistants should be the persons to be approached.

(Reference: Point 3.1.12 of Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode)

The use of communication or electronic devices is prohibited (except electronic tuners, score-reading or page turning) at the competition venue. Photo-taking and audio or video recording of any part of a competition (including the time for verbal comments from adjudicators and the announcement of results) are also prohibited. Photo-taking is only allowed during collection of mark sheet(s). Anyone who violates this rule may be asked to leave the venue. If the person is a competitor, he / she will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to him / her. Competitors / accompanists may not use any communication or electronic devices during performing / accompanying. In case of violation, the competitors will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.6.7 of Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode)

Other than piano classes, competitors must bring along their own musical instruments for the competitions.

(Reference: Point 3.1.16 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Annex 7 (Live Competition Mode) “Facilities Available for Use at Competition Venues”)

No (except for harmonica band Class 301, Class 302 and Cantonese operatic song classes). Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.1.14 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Competitors / accompanists may use electronic devices during performance, but only limited to the following uses –

1. For score-reading
2. For page turning
3. For tuning

Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.3(vii) of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

It is the responsibility of the members to ensure that if competitors / accompanists / conductors use music scores during the performance, the scores must be original / authorised for use.

For Set Piece classes, if a competitor / accompanist / conductor needs to use music score(s) during the performance, he / she has to display the original / a copy of the music score of which authorisation for use has been obtained on stage during the performance.

For Set Pieces of Choral Classes 53, 56, 58, 73, 76, 78 and 97 sold by the Association, the competing teams have to submit the original score in colour paper which bears the original Association chop to the Festival assistant before the competing teams perform. Otherwise, competing teams will only be given comment. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

Competitors / accompanists / conductors may use electronic devices for score-showing and score-reading during the competition, but they must submit a duly signed “Copyright Declaration Form” to the Festival assistant before performance. Competitors who violate the rules above will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Competitors must check the class description and competition requirements to see if scores can be used during the performance.)

(Reference: Point 3.3(i) and Point 3.3.1 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

It is the responsibility of the members to ensure that if the competitors / accompanists / conductors use music scores during the performance, the scores must be original / authorised for use.

For Own Choice Piece classes, the competitors have to submit the original full score / a full score copy of all Own Choice piece of which authorisation for use has been obtained to the Festival assistant before the performance. Competitors of choir, band, orchestra, Chinese orchestra, scholarship classes, Classes 820, 828 and 848 have to submit two extra photocopies of the full score for each piece.

Competitors / accompanists / conductors may use electronic devices for score-showing and score-reading during the competition, but they must submit printouts of scores and a duly signed “Copyright Declaration Form” to the Festival assistant before performance.

Competitors who violate the rules above will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Competitors must check the class description and competition requirements to see if scores can be used during the performance.)

(Reference: Point 3.3(i) and Point 3.3.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Competitors may tune before they perform, but the tuning time should not exceed 30 seconds, otherwise their marks will be affected. All western instrumental classes should adopt A=440. Cantonese operatic song classes should adopt C# as 1.

(Reference: Point 3.1.13 and Point 3.1.17 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

The publication names and the publishers of the set pieces are provided in the Syllabus. Members / competitors should acquire the music scores by themselves as soon as possible. Starting from 25 September 2024, members can collect music scores of the set pieces with special remarks in the class description in the Syllabus by presenting the valid original membership card and paying a handling fee at the Association.

Choral Classes 53, 56, 58, 73, 76, 78 and 97. Music scores can be collected from the Association office starting from 25 September 2024 upon presentation of the original HKSMSA membership card, submission of the completed “Order Form” and payment of a handling fee. The “Order Form (Music Scores for Choral Classes Set Pieces)” can be downloaded from the Member’s Area of the Association website starting from 17 September 2024.

(Reference: Point 3.4.7.5 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

The minimum number of copies for the first purchase of each class is 26. With the aim to protect the intellectual property rights of musical works and to raise the awareness of using authorised original scores among participants, members must purchase enough copies of scores for each performer (including singers, conductor and piano accompanist). If the number of performers at the competition is more than the number of copies purchased, competing team’s marks will be affected.

(Reference: Point 3.4.7.5 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Yes, for non-first time order only. Additional music scores can be collected at the Association office upon presentation of the original HKSMSA membership card, submission of another completed “Order Form” and payment of a handling fee.

Upon successful placement of the order, the Association will prepare one copy of music score which will be printed on colour paper which bears the original Association chop. Member’s name, date of purchase and purchase quantity will be included at the bottom of the printed score. Members are responsible for making copies of the remaining quantities in accordance with the purchase amount. Before the competing teams perform, they have to submit the score printed by the Association to the Festival assistant. Otherwise, competing teams will only be given comment. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.4.7.5 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

Competition information is given on the Competition Notifications. Members / Competitors can also access the details from the “Festival Timetable” posted on the Association website from 6 January (10:00 a.m.) to 15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.) with:

1. the membership number and password; or
2. the reference number as shown on the Entry Form Receipt.

(Reference: Point 3.1.4 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

It is the responsibility of the members to ensure that if competitors / accompanists use music scores during the performance, the scores must be original / authorised for use.

For Set Piece classes, if a competitor / accompanist uses photocopy of the music score at the competition, he / she must show the cover of the original score / a copy of the music score(s) of which authorisation for use has been obtained to the camera for at least 2 seconds. If there is no cover, please show the first page of the competition piece.

Competitors / accompanists may use electronic devices for score-showing and score-reading during the competition, but they must submit a duly signed “Copyright Declaration Form” to the Association through Association website from 8 November (10:00 a.m.) to 18 November 2024 (5:00 p.m.). Competitors who violate the rules above will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Competitors must check the class description and competition requirements to see if scores can be used during the performance.)

(Reference: Point 3.3(i) and Point 3.3.1 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors can decide when to record the competition videos after members have completed the enrolment procedures.

Competitors shall follow the below order in recording the video:

1. Announce their name and class code as submitted on the OES, for example, Chan Tai Man, Class U100.
2. If music scores are used, show the cover of the original score / a copy of the music score(s) (of which authorisation for use has been obtained) to the camera for at least 2 seconds. If there is no cover, please show the first page of the competition piece.
3. Perform the competition pieces.

(Reference: Point 4.1 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

The announcement has to be made in English except for singing in Chinese classes, Chinese instrumental music classes and Cantonese operatic song classes.

(Reference: Point 4.1(i) of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Yes. The competition video should follow the requirements listed below:

• The video has to be a single, continuous shot video footage. Competitors shall not stop or pause the camera during shooting. If there is more than one piece / song for the same class, they have to be recorded in the same video.
• Re-tuning of instruments or break during the performance shall be included as part of the continuous recording.
• No mixing, editing or post-production are permitted.
• Special visual effects shall not be added in the video clips, such as filters, transitions, colour adjustments, light adjustments or subtitles etc.
• The video has to be recorded live and no dubbing is permitted.
• Earbuds / in-ear headphones as sound receivers are not allowed.
• Apart from Cantonese operatic song classes, no amplification devices, electronic musical instruments or synthesizers will be allowed.
• The audio and video have to synchronise and the sound quality is clear and smooth.
• The resolution of the video has to be 720p (1280 x 720) or above and shall not exceed 1080p (1920 x 1080).
• The shooting has to be done indoors with a simple background and sufficient lighting. Avoid having any bright lights from behind, and virtual or projected background. The recording environment has to be quiet.
• The entire video has to clearly show the competitor’s face, entire musical instrument (except piano) and posture. For piano classes, the camera must have a clear view of the competitor’s face (side view is also acceptable), both hands, whole keyboard and pedals. For vocal and Cantonese operatic song classes, full body shot in frontal angle is required.
• When shooting, the camera has to be stable without any camera movement (including zoom in / out).
• Where accompanist(s) is part of the performance, they have to be in view (except for Cantonese operatic song classes).
• Only competitor, accompanist and page-turner shall be visible on screen.
• The video has to be in one of the following formats: MP4 or MOV.
• The file size shall not exceed 2GB.

(Reference: Point 3.1.7, Point 4.3 to 4.5 and Point 5.1.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors may tune before they perform, but the tuning time should not exceed 30 seconds, otherwise their marks will be affected. All western instrumental classes should adopt A=440. Cantonese operatic song classes should adopt C# as 1.

(Reference: Point 3.1.6 and Point 3.1.9 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Yes. Competitors may decide on their own, provided that the sound quality of the video is clear and smooth. However, competitors must not wear any earbuds / in-ear headphones. Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates
will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 4.4 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Apart from Cantonese operatic song classes, no amplification devices, electronic musical instruments or synthesizers will be allowed. Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.1.7 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors / accompanists may use electronic devices during performance, but only limited to the following uses -

1. For score-reading
2. For page turning
3. For tuning
4. Cantonese Operatic Song classes

Otherwise, competitors will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.

(Reference: Point 3.3(vii) of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

The length of the competition video should depend on the content of the competition piece. Competitors must also observe the requirements of specific classes.

Neat, tidy and appropriate attire is required during competitions.
(Reference: Point 3.1.11 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

For Cantonese operatic song classes, competitors must wear school uniform.
(Reference: Point 3.4.4.3 of the Chinese version of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Yes. However, competitors must make sure the competition video follow the required specifications. Please also refer to Question 38.

(Reference: Point 3.1.7, Point 4.3 to 4.5 and Point 5.1.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors may decide on their own, provided that the entire video must clearly show the competitor’s face, entire musical instrument (except piano) and posture. For piano classes, the camera must have a clear view of the competitor’s face (side view is also acceptable), both hands, whole keyboard and pedals. For vocal and Cantonese operatic song classes, full body shot in
frontal angle is required.

(Reference: Point 4.5.4 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors must make sure the competition video follow the required specifications. Please refer to Question 38 and Point 3.1.7, Point 4.3 to 4.5 and Point 5.1.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode” for details.

Competitors should follow the requirements when shooting and recording the video, and the audio and video should synchronise and the sound quality is clear and smooth. If the adjudicator cannot view the competition video smoothly, marks (awards) may be affected. The adjudication will be based on the overall performance.

(Reference: Point 4.5.1 and Part 7 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Please refer to the “Shooting Guidelines” (to be uploaded on 26 September 2024) under “Preparation for Festival” on the Music Festival page of Association website.

If competitor(s) perform the same piece repeatedly in a video, only the first performance will be adjudicated.

(Reference: Point 4.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Members / Competitors have to fill out the related information, upload the video and submit through the designated on-line “Video Submission Form” (Form). It is not acceptable if the submission is via other video platforms or means of submission.

For the reference of members / competitors, the Association will release the “Procedures of Uploading Video” on 27 January 2025.

The video submission period of the Form is from 6 February (10:00 a.m.) to 14 February 2025 (5:00 p.m.). The on-line “Video Submission Form” will be available on the Association website from 6 February 2025 (10:00 a.m.).

Please be reminded that an extremely high volume of upload traffic is expected towards the deadline which may limit access, delay or impede any video uploading. Members / Competitors please start submitting the Form early to avoid the peak traffic. Any late submission, regardless of reasons, will not be accepted.

(Reference: Part 5 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors should have a valid email address, the Competition Notification (with Reference Number and Validation Code) and the video.

The Reference Number and Validation Code can be found on the Competition Notification (CN) that will be available for members to download from the Association website from 6 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.). Please ask the responsible member for details. University / Post-secondary students entering the Festival on their own will receive the CN by email.

Yes. Please make sure all the information entered in the on-line “Video Submission Form” is correct, and the video submitted must match with the competitor and class entered (for example, one competitor is submitting videos for more than one entry, or one member is submitting videos for different competitors etc.).

No. The limit of file size accepted by the system is 2GB. If the file size exceeds 2GB, please compress the file before uploading (note that after compression the file format is MP4 or MOV), or re-shoot after updating the setting of their recording device.

(Reference: Point 5.1.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

No. The minimum resolution of the video should be 720p (1280 × 720) and the maximum resolution of the video should be 1080p (1920 × 1080). Video resolution exceeding 1080p cannot be uploaded.

(Reference: Point 4.5.2 and Point 5.1.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

After the submission of the Form, one will receive an email acknowledging the submission, which will include a copy of the submitted information. Receiving the acknowledging email does not mean the Association confirms that the submission meets all the entry requirements and competition rules. Members / competitors / submitters have to make sure all the information in the acknowledging email are correct, and the video submitted must match with the competitor and class entered.

If any discrepancy is found, please re-submit the Form within the submission period. The Association reserves the right of not adjudicating the concerned videos if the records do not match. If the Form is re-submitted, the Association will take the information from the last submission as final.

The submitted file would be transcoded and processed on cloud server. In general, submitters would receive the acknowledging email within 30 minutes (or longer waiting time if upload traffic is heavy). A longer waiting time might be required for some email addresses to receive the acknowledging email, and the email might be filtered to the spam or promotion mailbox automatically. Please be patient and check different mailboxes while waiting.

(Reference: Part 5 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Submitters please also check the spam mailbox or promotion mailbox for the acknowledging email. If submitters have not received the email after a certain period of time, they can first check the submission status through the “Video Submission Form Record Enquiry for Competitors” page by entering Reference Number and Validation Code. This page will be made available on the Association’s website during the submission period. Competitor’s information, including Reference Number, Validation Code, Name of Competitor(s), Class Number and Group Number, Video Link and Original File Size will be displayed on the website. Submitters can take a screenshot for record.

If there is no submission record on the “Video Submission Form Record Enquiry for Competitors”, please submit the Form again before the deadline (i.e. 14 February 2025 5:00 p.m.). If the Form is re-submitted, the Association will take the information from the last submission as final.

(Reference: Point 5.1.6 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

If any discrepancy is found, please re-submit the Form again before the deadline (i.e. 14 February 2025 5:00 p.m.). The Association reserves the right not to adjudicate the concerned videos if the records do not match. If the Form is re-submitted, the Association will take the information from the last submission as final.

(Reference: Point 5.1.5 and Point 5.1.6 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Information cannot be amended once submitted. However, submitters can re-submit the whole Form before the deadline (i.e. 14 February 2025 5:00 p.m.). If the Form is re-submitted, the Association will take the information from the last submission as final.

(Reference: Point 5.1.5 and Point 5.1.6 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors / submitters may check and preview the hyperlink of the competition video uploaded to the Cloud platform, which is available in the acknowledging email, or on the “Video Submission Form Record Enquiry for Competitors” page on the Association website. If there is any problem with the hyperlink, please re-submit the Form again before the deadline (i.e. 14 February 2025 5:00 p.m.).

If the Form is re-submitted, the Association will take the information from the last submission as final. If the video cannot be played during the adjudication period, regardless of reasons, the competitors will not receive any comments, marks or certificates. The Association will not inform the individuals if such cases arise.

(Reference: Point 5.1.6 and Point 5.1.7 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

The Association is releasing the “Procedures of Uploading Video” on 27 January 2025 for competitors’ reference. For further enquiries, please contact us during office hours.

No. Any late submission of the “Video Submission Form” after 14 February 2025 (5:00 p.m.), regardless of reasons, will not be accepted.

(Reference: Point 5.2 of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

For both Set Piece and Own Choice Piece classes, if competitors / accompanists / conductors uses (i) published electronic scores, (ii) unpublished scores, (iii) scores under public domain, or (iv) reading (i) – (iii) scores with electronic devices during the performance, competitors have to submit a duly signed “Copyright Declaration Form”.

For Own Choice Piece classes, if competitors / teachers have made any musical alterations to a piece, competitors have to submit a duly signed “Copyright Declaration Form”.

For classes under “Live Competition Mode”, please submit the “Copyright Declaration Form” to the Festival assistants before the performance.
For classes under “Video Submission Mode”, please submit to the Association through the Association website from 8 November (10:00 a.m.) to 18 November 2024 (5:00 p.m.).

For more details, please refer to “Points to Note on Set Piece and Own Choice Piece Documents Submission” (to be uploaded on 26 September 2024) under “Preparation for Festival” on the Music Festival page of Association website.

(Reference: Point 3.3.1(ii), Point 3.3.2(ii) and Point 3.3.2(v) of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Point 3.3.1(ii) of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors / Members should download the designated “Copyright Declaration Form” under “Others / Forms” on the Music Festival page of Association website from 8 October 2024.

For group classes, competing teams have to submit a “Competitors’ List” to the Festival assistants before the performance. Competing teams who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be given to them.

(Reference: Point 3.1.9 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”)

If a request for change is to be made, please refer to Annex 3 (Live Competition Mode & Video Submission Mode) “Procedure for Alteration Application”. The altered items will be uploaded to the “Festival Timetable – Revised Version” from 21 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.).

(Reference: Point 3.1.5 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Point 3.1.4 of “Rules and Regulation – Video Submission Mode”)

Competitors entering more than one class may bear a risk of time clash. This may result in their own decision whether to attend the competition(s) or not. Competitors may submit Alteration Application for a change of group. An alteration quota is set in each group. However, the quota may vary due to the number of entries in a class and the conditions of the venues. Therefore, applications are not guaranteed to be successful.

Once the entry form is submitted, no refund will be made even if competitors fail to take part in the competition for any reason or apply for withdrawal. Substitution or swapping of competitors, and change of area codes or class numbers will not be permitted after the submission of entry forms.

(Reference: Point 2.2, Point 2.3 and Point 2.10 of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode” and Annex 3 (Live Competition Mode & Video Submission Mode) “Procedure for Alteration Application”)

Members / Competitors can submit alteration applications to the Association in-person or by a delegated person within the Alteration Application Period. A handling fee may be charged for the application. The period is from 8 January (10:00 a.m.) to 15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.)

Please pay attention that change of the group in the same class can be accepted only in the case where:

1. Competition clashes with school examination, test and assessment ($100 handling fee);
2. Competition clashes with dictation or other school events which affects the competitor’s academic results ($100 handling fee); or
3. Competition clashes with another competition of the Festival. (waived handling fee)

An alteration quota is set in each group. However, the quota may vary due to the number of entries in a class and the conditions of the venues. Therefore, applications are not guaranteed to be successful. Members / Competitors should check on the Association website the number of groups scheduled in the same class, when and where the competitions are held, etc., and then list on the form their order of preference to show which group they wish to be reallocated to.

Note: For the change of competition time of Group Classes / Scholarship Classes, competitors may only be permitted to apply for a swap of competition order or competition group with another competitor in the same class with reasons (a), (b) and (c) stated above. The competitors have to take their own step to liaise with another competitor so as to reach a mutual agreement between them on the swap before starting the application procedures.

(Reference: Annex 3 (Live Competition Mode & Video Submission Mode) “Procedure for Alteration Application”)

A finalist with the final clashing with another Festival competition should contact the Association for a change of competition group as soon as possible. However, application for the change may not be successful.

(Reference: Annex 3 (Live Competition Mode & Video Submission Mode) “Procedure for Alteration Application”)

No. The backing track arrangement is applicable to Cantonese operatic song Class N708 only.
(Reference: Point 3.4.4.4 of the Chinese Version of “Rules and Regulations – Video Submission Mode”)

For the arrangement of Classes N700 – N706, N890 – N891 and N898, please refer to Point 3.4.5.4 of the Chinese Version of “Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode”.

The backing tracks of Class N708 for practice and video-record of performance will be available on the Member’s Area of the Association website from 26 September 2024. Please contact your responsible member for retrieving the backing tracks.