General
1. The Pathways Program is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a Program Coordinator. Questions arising from these rules must be submitted in writing to info@pathwaysprogram.ca and will be referred to the Board through the Program Coordinator.
2. 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.
3. Age categories are based on the participant’s age on Dec. 31, 2026. Before registering, review the relevant discipline syllabus to see the available categories and requirements. During registration, enter the participant’s date of birth and the system will assign the appropriate age category automatically.
4. The Pathways Program reserves the right to substitute clinicians.
5. Participants must follow the requirements for their discipline. Review the relevant syllabus carefully.
6. A participant may register only once for Pathways unless participating in a different discipline or ensemble, such as Woodwinds & Brass and Piano, or Piano and Piano Duet.
7. Participants may withdraw and receive a refund until Feb. 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. MT. E-transfer payments will be refunded in full; Stripe refunds will be reduced by the non-refundable processing fees. After this deadline, no refunds will be issued. See Fees for complete details.
Repertoire
8. The account holder is responsible for ensuring that each registration is complete and accurate by Jan. 22, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. MT. Registrations with missing or incorrect information cannot be approved or scheduled until corrected.
9. Participants may change repertoire until Feb. 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. MT. After this deadline, no repertoire changes will be accepted.
10. Participants must follow the Pathways Recital Requirements in the relevant discipline syllabus. Review them carefully, as requirements may change each year.
11. Participants seeking consideration for the CMC National Finals or AMFA Provincials must follow all applicable eligibility and repertoire requirements.
12. Approximate date ranges for musical periods are: Baroque 1600–1750; Classical 1750–1820; Romantic 1820–1900; Impressionist / Post-Romantic 1890–1930; Modern 1900–1970; Contemporary 1970–present.
13. Excerpts, portions and cuts are not permitted, except for standard orchestral-tutti cuts in concerto or other concerted works where applicable.
Memorization
14. Memorization requirements vary by discipline. Review the relevant syllabus for the participant’s requirements.
15. The CMC National Finals and AMFA Provincials may have different memorization requirements. Review the CMC National Finals information and AMFA Provincials information.
Schedule
16. Once the final schedule is released, it will be posted on the website and participants will be notified by email. Participants remain responsible for checking the final schedule and knowing their performance times.
17. Scheduling requests and performance-time changes cannot be accommodated. Please register only if you can be available throughout the festival dates.
What to expect: Participants are typically scheduled in classes of three and perform in turn. Afterward, each receives individual, masterclass-style feedback. Participants should remain for the full class to learn from the feedback given to others.
Performance protocol
18. Participants must arrive at least 15 minutes before the beginning of their category to allow time to check in and provide the required printed scores for the clinician, including printed scores for works composed in 1956 or later that were uploaded during registration.
19. The Pathways Program reserves the right to disqualify a participant who is not ready to perform when called.
20. Time limits will be strictly enforced. A clinician may stop a performance that exceeds the applicable time limit.
21. Participants must remain in the performance space until their group feedback session is complete.
22. Teachers, parents, and participants must not initiate conversation with a clinician before or during a performance the clinician is adjudicating. Such contact may result in disqualification.
Collaborative musicians
23. Participants must supply their own collaborative pianist.
24. For solo disciplines, this means performing with a collaborative pianist where accompaniment is required.
Photocopies and scores
25. Participants are responsible for providing proper musical scores for every selection. Before arriving, number the first measure of every line and mark the first page of each selection. Acceptable and unacceptable formats are listed below.
26. Public-domain scores may be used. Include the full source URL or a screenshot/printout of the source page showing that the score is identified as public domain in Canada. A composition may be in the public domain while a modern edition or arrangement is still protected by copyright; use an authorized copy of that edition or arrangement.
27. Licensed editions, authorized copies, and public-domain scores are accepted when accompanied by any documentation required under the Rules & Regulations.
28. Unacceptable music formats:
- Photocopied music unless the original score is on site for a limited page-turn/performance copy, or the copy is accompanied by permission from the copyright holder.
- Scores on a digital device, including a computer or tablet.
- Scores without measure numbers.
29. Pathways may refuse a score or disqualify an entry if acceptable proof of lawful use cannot be provided.
30. For works composed in 1956 or later, a PDF score must be uploaded during registration. This upload does not replace the required authorized printed score, which must also be brought to the performance.
31. When a participant performs from a score—including in string, woodwind, or brass sonatas, Piano Duet, or Chamber Music—a second score must be provided for the clinician and must meet the above score requirements.
Awards and recommendations
32. Clinicians’ decisions and recommendations regarding performances, marks, and scholarships are final.
33. Clinicians use confidential marks and notes to determine which eligible participants are recommended for the CMC National Finals or AMFA Provincials. Pathways receives a limited number of recommendation places each year, so not every eligible participant can advance.
Photography, audio, and video recording
34. (a) A parent, guardian or authorized person may record only their participant.
(b) Flash photography is prohibited.
(c) Recording or videoing clinicians is prohibited.
(d) Official Pathways photographers and videographers may capture performances. Participants may opt out by emailing Pathways before the festival. Interviews and other media participation are optional and arranged in advance.