NSRMTA 2026 Scholarship Competition Announcement 

* Stay Tuned for more information about the 2027 CFMTA Multidiscipline Competition Selection Process*​

 

The competition is open to students or children of NSRMTA members who are residents of

Nova Scotia in any instrument or voice. 

 
 
Date: May 23rd, 2026
 
Location: Dalhousie Arts Centre, 6101 University Ave, Halifax; Performance Room 406

 

Competition Schedule:  TBA
 
Application Deadline (Application form & fees): April 30th, 2026 

 

Please note: There will be no extension of the deadline. 
 
Registration forms can be found on our forms page - Click Here
 
 
Categories, Time Limits and Fees: 
​
Competitors are divided into categories based on the RCM grading system. ALL fees go
towards the prize money and running of the competition. Separate divisions, based on
instrument, may be offered if there are a large number of competitors in a particular
category. 
​
There is a limit of 2-3 pieces only. Time limits and entry fees for each category are listed
below. 

Note: There are different requirements and a separate application form for Advanced
Vocal Competitors. 
 

• Preliminary - up to and at Grade 4 : 5 minutes, entry fee $35 ​

• Junior - up to and at Grade 6 : 5 - 10 minutes, entry fee $40 ​

• Intermediate - up to and at Grade 8: 10 - 15 minutes, entry fee $45 ​

• Senior - up to and at Grade 10: 15 - 20 minutes, entry fee $50 ​

• Advanced - at ARCT level or Undergraduate level: 20 - 30 minutes, entry fee $65  

 
Prize Money: Advanced $750, Senior $325, Intermediate $175, Junior $100, Preliminary
$75 

 
All students can perform up to the allotted time limit. Students who perform over the time
limit will be asked to stop. Students are to perform a varied and stylistically contrasting
mini recital (set of 2-3 pieces) within the time limit. Students may perform one piece at a

level one grade higher. It is the teacher's responsibility to ensure that their student is
entered in the correct category for their level. It is then the responsibility of the Scholarship
Competition Committee to ensure that the guidelines are met for each category. In the case
that a student is entered in the incorrect category for their repertoire grade level, the
Scholarship Competition Committee will contact the teacher to inform them of this error.
Pieces may be from a currently recognized syllabus, but this is not a requirement. Please,
no concerti for piano and no unnecessary repeats. The choice of appropriate repertoire will
be taken into consideration in choosing the winner for each category. 
​
 
Please ensure that if you require piano accompaniment that you arrange this yourself and
provide the name and details on your registration form. 
​
Coaching during the performance is not permitted and will lead to disqualification. 

 

Absolutely no photocopies will be permitted for any reason.

 

Teachers entering students are expected to assist on the day of competitions, as an adjudicator, page, photographer, or at the sign in desk.
 

New for 2026

The Valley Chapter of the NSRMTA have decided to sponsor a $200,00 prize for a competitor who studies with a Valley Chapter Member. Students who fit into this category are asked to submit with their application a document that describes:

- Their musical studies (instruments, level, other musical ensembles or shows)

- Their involvement in the community (clubs, teams, cadets, hobbies)

- Any volunteering that they take part in 

Performance opportunities for the winners of each category will be offered at the
NSRMTA Annual General Meeting. 
 
Adjudicators will be announced at a later date. 
​
 
Please advise parents and students that there is a $5 admission fee (for adults only) at the door, to hear all performances for the day.