FAQ

Pathways is open to participants who either permanently reside in Alberta or have studied with an Alberta-based teacher for at least six months immediately preceding Pathways, whether lessons are in person or online. Participants who do not meet either standard eligibility route may contact Pathways before registering to request an exception. Exceptions are considered case by case and must be approved before registration. Review the Rules & Regulations for complete requirements.

Participants older than 28 may submit a registration, but participation is subject to a teacher’s recommendation and Pathways approval. The teacher should send the recommendation to info@pathwaysprogram.ca. Approved participants use the time limit, fee and requirements of the 19–28 category for Piano, Piano Duet, Strings, Guitar or Chamber Music, or the Advanced category (Level 10, ARCT or higher) for Woodwinds & Brass. Approved participants are not eligible for CMC National Finals or AMFA Provincials consideration.

Participants must register in the age or level category that applies to them. For Piano Duet and Chamber Music, the age category is determined by the oldest ensemble member.

Registration opens Dec. 1, 2026 and closes Jan. 22, 2027. Create or sign in to your Pathways account, then use My Pathways to add participants and create, save, resume, or review a registration.

One Pathways account may manage multiple participants and registrations. If a category reaches capacity, later registrations will be added to a wait list in submission order.

After payment, your registration will be confirmed if all applicable requirements are met and a place is available. If staff approval or additional information is required, this will be shown in My Pathways, or Pathways staff will contact the account holder directly. See Fees for payment methods, e-transfer arrangements, financial assistance, refunds, and late fees.

One performer—or that performer’s parent or guardian—should start and manage one registration for the entire duet or group. They will add the other performers during registration, enter the required contact and repertoire information, and pay the full registration fee. The other performers should not create separate registrations.

Registration fees vary by age category or level. Review the Fees page for the complete 2027 fee schedule and related information.

Late registrations may be accepted only in exceptional circumstances if space remains. Contact info@pathwaysprogram.ca before registering. If approved, a $50 late fee will be added to the registration. See Fees for details.

Wait-listed applicants will be contacted when a place becomes available. You will have 48 hours from the offer to accept and pay. If the offer is not accepted and paid within 48 hours, it will expire and the place may be offered to another applicant.

You can edit a saved registration before submission. After submission, request a correction through ‘Request a change’ in My Pathways or by email to info@pathwaysprogram.ca. Repertoire changes must be requested by February 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. MT. The revised programme must meet the applicable Pathways requirements and, where requested, the CMC National Finals and AMFA Provincials requirements. No repertoire changes will be accepted after this deadline.

Participants may withdraw and receive a refund until Feb. 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. MT. Refunds will be reduced by applicable non-refundable payment-processing fees. After this deadline, no refunds will be issued. See Fees for details.

Withdrawal requests must be sent to info@pathwaysprogram.ca.

Participants may perform as many works or selections as the category time limit allows. Each discipline has its own minimum repertoire, memorization, and advancement requirements.

Review the relevant syllabus before choosing repertoire.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own collaborative pianist when required.

Pathways contributes toward collaborative pianist fees, up to $150 for participants aged 7–10 and Woodwinds & Brass Levels 4–5 and 6–7, and up to $200 for all other categories. Collaborative pianists invoice Pathways directly. Payment covers the invoiced amount up to the applicable maximum; participants are responsible for any additional cost.

If you need help locating a collaborative pianist, contact info@pathwaysprogram.ca.

Yes. Bring a physical score for each work in performance order, including both solo and accompaniment material, where applicable. Mark measure numbers at the beginning of each line, mark the first page of each selection, and secure any loose pages. Licensed editions, authorized copies, and public-domain scores are accepted when accompanied by any documentation required under the Rules & Regulations. The original published score must be on site when required. Scores on digital devices are not accepted for the clinician.

For works composed in 1956 or later, a PDF score must also be uploaded during registration.

Provide the practical details during registration so arrangements can be made in advance. This may include chairs, music stands, a pedal extension, piano setup, or another accommodation. Do not include diagnoses, medications, or medical history.

General scheduling information will be posted on the Schedule page when available. The detailed schedule, including each participant’s performance time, is expected to be posted approximately two to four weeks before Pathways begins.

Scheduling requests and performance-time changes cannot be accommodated. Please register only if you can be available throughout the festival dates.

Pathways takes place at Scarboro United Church:
134 Scarboro Ave. SW
Calgary, Alberta

Enter through the main south-facing entrance and check in at the front desk. Pathways staff or volunteers will direct participants from there. Parking is available behind the church, at the bottom of the hill.

Limited warm-up space may be available. Details will be shared closer to the festival.

Participants are typically scheduled in classes of three, although class sizes may vary depending on age category, time limits and enrolment. Afterward, each receives individual, masterclass-style feedback. Participants should remain for the full class to learn from the feedback given to others.

No. Participants, parents, and teachers must not initiate conversation with a clinician before or during a performance the clinician is adjudicating. This protects fairness and neutrality.

Questions should be directed to the on-site coordinator or a Pathways volunteer. Participants may speak with the clinician during the scheduled feedback portion of their session.

Yes. Pathways performances are open to the public. Family, friends, and teachers are welcome to attend and support participants.

Participants should remain for their group’s scheduled feedback session after performing.

Flash photography is not permitted. Audio or video recording is permitted only by a participant’s parent or guardian, or someone authorized by the participant, and may capture only that participant. Audio or video recording of clinicians is not permitted. Recording devices must be silent and must not obstruct the clinician’s view or disturb the session.

Yes. Permission for promotional photography and recording is optional and does not affect participation. To let us know your preference before the festival, email info@pathwaysprogram.ca.

Participants must meet the current CMC age, repertoire, and eligibility requirements described in the relevant Pathways syllabus and on Pathways to the CMC National Finals.

Pathways serves as the CMC National Audition route for Alberta. Eligible participants who live in a province or territory without a CMC chapter may request approval to use the Alberta route; contact Pathways before registering. Clinicians recommend eligible participants for advancement, subject to the number of CMC finalists allotted to Pathways. Receiving a Superior rating does not guarantee selection for the CMC National Finals.

Participants must follow the relevant Pathways syllabus and meet all current AMFA Provincial eligibility, repertoire, memorization, and category requirements. Recommendations are made by a clinician through Pathways. Receiving a Superior rating does not guarantee a recommendation to AMFA Provincials.

All repertoire performed at AMFA Provincials must first have been performed and adjudicated at Pathways. Review the relevant Pathways syllabus and Pathways to AMFA Provincials before registering.

Participants selected for the CMC National Finals or recommended to AMFA Provincials will be contacted by email after the Pathways festival concludes.

The 2027 Gala Concert will take place on April 18, 2027, at Scarboro United Church. The time will be announced.

Please review:

• Rules & Regulations
• Syllabi / Repertoire Requirements
• Fees
• Schedule
• Pathways to the CMC National Finals
• Pathways to AMFA Provincials

For other questions, email info@pathwaysprogram.ca.