| Age Category | Performance Time Limit | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 7–10 years old | 15 minutes | $75 |
| 11–14 years old | 20 minutes | $95 |
| 15–18 years old | 30 minutes | $110 |
| 19–28 years old | 40 minutes | $125 |
Participants older than 28 may participate in Pathways with a teacher’s recommendation but are not eligible for CMC or AMFA advancement.
2027 Registration Window
Registration opens Dec. 1, 2026 and closes Jan. 22, 2027.
For payment methods, financial assistance, and late-registration information, see Fees.
Guitar registration is not yet available. This syllabus is published for planning; see Registration information for current status.
Pathways Recital Requirements
The Pathways recital program must include:
- One Renaissance, Baroque or Classical work;
- One étude or study; and
- One work by a 20th- or 21st-century composer.
An étude or study may also satisfy either period requirement. At least two contrasting works from the classical guitar repertoire must be performed, showing variety in tempo and style.
All repertoire must be performed from memory. Concerto movements are permitted.
Although concerto movements may be performed at Pathways, CMC National Finals repertoire must be different. A different movement or different movements from the same concerto are permitted.
Works written with accompaniment must be performed with a collaborative pianist.
Rules
Participants are responsible for reviewing the General Rules & Regulations before registering. Those rules apply in addition to the discipline-specific requirements below.
- Time limits will be strictly enforced. Performances exceeding the time limit may be stopped.
- Scores for works composed in 1956 or later must be submitted at the time of registration.
- Participants requiring special setup or accessibility accommodations must provide the details during registration so arrangements can be made in advance. Examples include a chair, music stand, or footstool.
- Changes to the proposed program will be accepted until Feb. 7, 2027. No repertoire changes will be accepted after this date.
Please review the FAQ for answers to other common questions.
Pathways to CMC National Finals and AMFA Provincials
One Pathways performance may be considered for advancement to the CMC National Finals, recommendation to AMFA Provincials, or both, provided the participant meets each organization’s separate requirements.
Canadian Music Competition (CMC) National Finals
- CMC age categories are 7–10, 11–14, 15–18, and 19–25.
- Although concerto movements may be performed at Pathways, CMC National Finals repertoire must be different. A different movement or different movements from the same concerto are permitted.
- Participants seeking CMC National Finals consideration must identify during Pathways registration the repertoire they intend to perform at the CMC National Finals.
- CMC requires National Final solo repertoire to be a work with orchestra, one movement, or a group of movements from a work with orchestra.
- CMC performance time limits are strictly enforced.
- Repertoire must be memorized and performed with piano accompaniment.
- CMC National Finals repertoire cannot be changed after the CMC National Finals registration is submitted.
CMC National Finals Maximum Performance Times
| Age category | Maximum time |
|---|---|
| 7–10 years old | 10 minutes |
| 11–14 years old | 15 minutes |
| 15–18 years old | 20 minutes |
| 19–25 years old | 30 minutes |
Please review the dedicated CMC National Finals page for complete current eligibility and repertoire requirements. See the official CMC National Final Rules (opens in a new tab).
AMFA Provincials
- AMFA Provincials Classical Guitar classes are available to participants 28 years of age or younger. Review the dedicated AMFA Provincials page for current eligibility requirements.
- Two contrasting Classical (serious) selections are required; folk/pop are not permitted.
- Two movements from one multi-movement work count as one selection, so a second contrasting stand-alone work is required.
- Both works must be performed and adjudicated at Pathways.
- Here, Classical refers to art-music repertoire suitable for classical guitar; it does not mean music specifically from the Classical period.
- All repertoire at AMFA Provincials must be performed from memory.
AMFA Provincials Classical Guitar Requirements
- View Appendix B: Provincial Festival Rules & Classes (opens in a new tab)
- Open AMFA Provincial Classical Guitar classes (opens in a new tab)
- Open AMFA Provincial Festival Rules (opens in a new tab)
| AMFA Provincials Age Category | Selections | Time Limit | Memorization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and under | Two contrasting selections | 15 minutes | Required |
| 17 years and under | Two contrasting selections | 20 minutes | Required |
| 28 years and under | Two contrasting selections | 30 minutes | Required |
The first tuning before the performance is not included in the time limit; subsequent tuning is included.
Participants older than 28 may participate in Pathways with a teacher’s recommendation but are not eligible for CMC or AMFA advancement.
Questions or special requests?
Contact Pathways at info@pathwaysprogram.ca.
Source Note: CMC and AMFA information on this page is based on the official 2026 sources and must be revalidated against the 2027 rules before launch. Current official rules govern if they differ.