2026 Syllabus - Popular Voice
- A piece of music, whether prescribed or own choice, cannot be used by a competitor in more than one class.
- Maximum performance time - 6 Minutes.
- All selections in this category must be covers from commercial artists and/or an original composition.
- Musical Theatre, Songs from the Screen and more and Classical Vocal songs are not permitted.
- To be eligible for a scholarship, competitors must enter a minimum of TWO classes and receive a minimum mark of 85.
- Sheet music must be provided to the adjudicators (No charts or tabs permitted).
- Performance times MUST be included on the entry form.
- Accompaniment a) Accepted accompaniment must only be backtracks without background vocals. *NEW* No acoustic instrumental accompaniment will be allowed. No self-accompaniment is allowed – please see Popular Voice Self-Accompanied category. Suggested resource - tracks can be purchased from www.karaoke-version.com where customization of tracks is possible (key change, removal of background vocals etc.). b) YouTube links for backtracks are NOT ACCEPTABLE – only mp3 links will be allowed. c) A sound system will be provided with a microphone at the venue. Competitors have the option to bring their own microphone which should use a standard XLR cable. d) Backtracks, formatted as an mp3 only, must be submitted no later than February 3, 2025.
- All classes in this section are eligible to proceed to the Provincial level of competition which will be held in Kitchener-Waterloo, June 8-13, 2026, upon adjudicator recommendation. Participants should be aware that two (2) pieces are required for the Provincial Finals and that the Provincial's registration deadline will be April , 2026.
Pop Voice Solo, Self-accompanied
Entry deadline is January 31st, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Refer to Rules, read all Syllabus rules with care.
One original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the adjudicator. If sheet music is unavailable, please provide proof of purchase from eg. Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, etc.
Competitor's own choice with a total performance time limit of 5 minutes.
Hard published copies must be on hand for performance. Entry forms will not be accepted unless song title is submitted with entry form.
Performance Requirements for Popular Voice Self-Accompanied Levels:
a) Competitors must perform ONE (1) selection in any of the following genres: pop, pop/ folk, R & B, soul, rock, alternative, indie, jazz or country or own composition. Selections should be covers from commercial artists in these genres.
b) Competitors must accompany themselves in this class. No accompanists permitted. Accepted accompaniment can include piano, guitar (acoustic or electric), or ukulele.
c) A sound system will NOT be provided with a microphone at the venue. Competitors have the option to bring their own microphone which should use a standard XLR cable. If using an electric guitar, the competitor is responsible for bringing an amplifier.
d) Selections from Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms Voice and Piano lists are eligible excluding musical theatre and operetta.
e) NOT permitted:
• Selections from Musical Theatre (both staged and non-staged), cabaret, revues, operetta and stand-alone songs in musical theatre style.
• Rap and Hip Hop
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (Lists A and B from Levels 1-6; Lists A, B, C from Levels 7-10)
• Songs from movie musicals and animated films
f) Competitors must choose selections that are age-appropriate with lyrics that are suitable for all audiences.
g) Memorization is required.
h) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
To be eligible for a scholarship, and recommendation by Adjudicator to OMFA competition, competitors must enter a minimum of TWO POP Voice classes (at same level) and receive a minimum mark of 85.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:0900 - Beginner Ages 6-8 Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0901 - Primary Ages 9-10 Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0902 - Junior 13-14 years Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0903 - Elementary 11-12 years Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0904 - Intermediate 15-16 years Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0905 - Senior 17-18 years Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:0906 - Advanced 19-28 Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
| Class:0907 - Adult 29+ Competitor's own choice. | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
Pop Voice, Competitive
Entry deadline is January 31st, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Refer to Rules, read all Syllabus rules with care.
One original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the adjudicator. If sheet music is unavailable, please provide proof of purchase from eg. Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, etc.
Competitor's own choice with a total performance time limit of 5 minutes. Accepted accompaniment can include Live accompaniment by Piano, guitar, ukelele, or backtracks without background vocals. Hard published copies must be on hand for performance. Entry forms will not be accepted unless song title is submitted with entry form.
Performance Requirements for Popular Voice Levels:
a) Competitors must perform ONE (1) selection in any of the following genres: pop, pop/ folk, R & B, soul, rock, alternative, indie, jazz or country or own composition.
Selections should be covers from commercial artists in these genres.
b) Competitors do not accompany themselves
c) A sound system will be provided with a microphone at the venue.
Competitors have the option to bring their own microphone which should use a standard XLR cable. If using an electric guitar, the competitor is responsible for bringing an amplifier.
d) Selections from Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms Voice and Piano lists are eligible excluding musical theatre and operetta.
e) NOT permitted:
• Selections from Musical Theatre (both staged and non-staged), cabaret, revues, operetta and stand-alone songs in musical theatre style.
• Rap and Hip Hop
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (Lists A and B from Levels 1-6; Lists A, B, C from Levels 7-10)
• Songs from movie musicals and animated films
f) Competitors must choose selections that are age-appropriate with lyrics that are suitable for all audiences.
g) Memorization is required.
To be eligible for a scholarship, and recommendation by Adjudicator to OMFA competition, competitors must enter a minimum of TWO POP Voice classes (at same level) and receive a minimum mark of 85.Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:0910POP - Beginner 6-8 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument ( piano, guitar), or electronic accompaniment. The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0911POP - Primary 9-10 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar), or electronic accompaniment. The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0912POP - Elementary 11-12 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0913POP - Junior 13-14 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0914POP - Intermediate 15-16 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) or electronic accompaniment. The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0915POP - Senior 17-18 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar), or electronic accompaniment. The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:0916POP - Advanced 19-28 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar), or electronic accompaniment. The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
| Class:0917POP - Adult 29+ Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar), or electronic accompaniment. The material must be chosen from current or past popular repertoire. Broadway, Light classical or opera will NOT be permitted in this class. | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
Pop Music Solo, Non-competitive
Entry deadline is January 31st, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Refer to Rules, read all Syllabus rules with care.
Competitor's own choice with a total performance time limit of 5 minutes. Accepted accompaniment can include Live accompaniment by Piano, guitar, ukelele, or backtracks without background vocals. Hard published copies must be on hand for performance. Entry forms will not be accepted unless song title is submitted with entry form.
One original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the adjudicator. If sheet music is unavailable, please provide proof of purchase from eg. Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, etc.
Performance Requirements for Popular Voice Levels:
a) Competitors must perform ONE (1) selection in any of the following genres: pop, pop/ folk, R & B, soul, rock, alternative, indie, jazz or country or own composition.
Selections should be covers from commercial artists in these genres.
b) Competitors do not accompany themselves
c) A sound system will be provided with a microphone at the venue.
Competitors have the option to bring their own microphone which should use a standard XLR cable. If using an electric guitar, the competitor is responsible for bringing an amplifier.
d) Selections from Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms Voice and Piano lists are eligible excluding musical theatre and operetta.
e) NOT permitted:
• Selections from Musical Theatre (both staged and non-staged), cabaret, revues, operetta and stand-alone songs in musical theatre style.
• Rap and Hip Hop
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (Lists A and B from Levels 1-6; Lists A, B, C from Levels 7-10)
• Songs from movie musicals and animated films
f) Competitors must choose selections that are age-appropriate with lyrics that are suitable for all audiences.
g) Memorization is required.
h) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
To be eligible for a scholarship, competitors must enter a minimum of two classes and receive a mark of over 85.
To be eligible for Provincial Finals, 2 classes of Pop Voice must be performed, along with marks over 85 and the recommended by the adjudicator.
g) Memorization is required.
h) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
To be eligible for a scholarship, and recommendation by Adjudicator to OMFA competition, competitors must enter a minimum of TWO POP Voice classes (at same level) and receive a minimum mark of 85.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:0920NC - Beginner 6-8 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0921NC - Primary 9-10 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0922NC - Elementary 11-12 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0923NC - Junior 13-14 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0924NC - Intermediate 15-16 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$28.00 | Register |
| Class:0925NC - Senior 17-18 years Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$32.00 | Register |
| Class:0926NC - Advanced 18-29 Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
| Class:0927NC - Adult 29+ Accompaniment must be either a solo instrument (piano, guitar) . | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
Pop Voice, Concert Class - Competitive
Entry deadline is January 31st, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Refer to Rules, read all Syllabus rules with care.
Competitor's own choice with a total performance time limit of 5 minutes. Accepted accompaniment can include Live accompaniment by Piano, guitar, ukelele, or backtracks without background vocals. Hard published copies must be on hand for performance. Entry forms will not be accepted unless song title is submitted with entry form.
TWO original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the adjudicator. If sheet music is unavailable, please provide proof of purchase from eg. Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, etc.
Performance Requirements for Popular Voice Levels:
a) Competitors must perform ONE (1) selection in any of the following genres: pop, pop/ folk, R & B, soul, rock, alternative, indie, jazz or country or own composition.
Selections should be covers from commercial artists in these genres.
b) Competitors do not accompany themselves
c) A sound system will be provided with a microphone at the venue.
Competitors have the option to bring their own microphone which should use a standard XLR cable. If using an electric guitar, the competitor is responsible for bringing an amplifier.
d) Selections from Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms Voice and Piano lists are eligible excluding musical theatre and operetta.
e) NOT permitted:
• Selections from Musical Theatre (both staged and non-staged), cabaret, revues, operetta and stand-alone songs in musical theatre style.
• Rap and Hip Hop
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (Lists A and B from Levels 1-6; Lists A, B, C from Levels 7-10)
• Songs from movie musicals and animated films
f) Competitors must choose selections that are age-appropriate with lyrics that are suitable for all audiences.
g) Memorization is required.
h) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
To be eligible for a scholarship, competitors must enter a minimum of two classes and receive a mark of over 85.
To be eligible for Provincial Finals, 2 classes of Pop Voice must be performed, along with marks over 85 and the recommended by the adjudicator.
g) Memorization is required.
h) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
To be eligible for a scholarship, and recommendation by Adjudicator to OMFA competition, competitors must enter a minimum of TWO POP Voice classes (at same level) and receive a minimum mark of 85.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:0930 - Beginner 6-8 years 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:0931 - Primary 9-10 years 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:0932 - Elementary 11-12 years | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:0933 - Junior 13-14 years 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:0934 - Intermediate 15-16 years 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:0935 - Senior 17-18 years 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$35.00 | Register |
| Class:0936 - Advanced 19-28 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$40.00 | Register |
| Class:0937 - Adult 29+ 2 contrasting pop voice selections | Fee:$40.00 | Register |
Popular Voice Duets
Entry deadline is January 31st, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Refer to Rules, read all Syllabus rules with care.
Pop Vocal Duet Classes
Maximum performance time - 6 Minutes.
Music choices DO NOT have to be from RCM or Conservatory Canada Lists
Sheet music must be provided to the adjudicators (No charts or tabs permitted).
Performance times MUST be included on the entry form.
To be eligible for a scholarship, and recommendation by Adjudicator to OMFA competition, competitors must enter a minimum of TWO same disciplined classes (at same level) and receive a minimum mark of 85.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:0951 - Beginner 6-8 years One selection required | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:0952 - Primary 9-10 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:0953 - Elementary 11-12 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:0954 - Junior 13-14 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:0955 - Intermediate 15-16 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:0956 - Senior 17-18 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:0957 - Advanced 19-28 years | Fee:$34.00 | Register |
| Class:0958 - Adults 29 + | Fee:$34.00 | Register |