| Age Category | Recommended minimum RCM level or equivalent | Performance Time Limit | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–10 years old | Level 7 | 15 minutes | $75 |
| 11–14 years old | Level 8 | 20 minutes | $95 |
| 15–18 years old | Level 9 | 30 minutes | $110 |
| 19–28 years old | Level 10 | 40 minutes | $125 |
2027 Registration Window
Registration opens Dec. 1, 2026 and closes Jan. 22, 2027.
For payment methods, financial assistance, and late-registration information, see Fees.
Pathways Recital Requirements
- The Pathways recital program must include two or more contrasting works showcasing various tempi and stylistic periods.
- At least one work must be from the Baroque or Classical period.
- Concerto movements are not permitted in the Pathways piano recital program.
- Memorization is required for all selections, with no exceptions.
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 pedal extension or piano setup.
- 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.
- This restriction is not applicable to solo piano, as concertos and concerto movements are not permitted in the Pathways piano program.
- 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 | 15 minutes |
| 11–14 years old | 20 minutes |
| 15–18 years old | 25 minutes |
| 19–25 years old | 30 minutes |
Please review the dedicated CMC National Finals page for complete current eligibility and repertoire requirements.
AMFA Provincials
- AMFA Provincials Piano by Age classes are available to participants 28 years of age or younger. Review the dedicated AMFA Provincials page for current eligibility requirements.
- Pathways considers Piano participants only for the applicable Piano by Age class.
- 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.
- All repertoire at AMFA Provincials must be performed from memory.
AMFA Provincials Piano by Age Requirements
- View Appendix B: Provincial Festival Rules & Classes (opens in a new tab)
- Open AMFA Piano by Age classes (opens in a new tab)
- Open AMFA Provincial Festival Rules (opens in a new tab)
| AMFA Provincials Age Category | Selections | Time Limit | Memorization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and under — Grade 3 minimum | Two contrasting selections | 12 minutes | Required |
| 13 and under — Grade 5 minimum | Two contrasting selections | 18 minutes | Required |
| 15 and under | Two contrasting selections | 20 minutes | Required |
| 17 and under | Two contrasting selections | 28 minutes | Required |
| 28 and under | Two contrasting selections | 40 minutes | Required |
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.