Championship Section Rules and Regulations

GENERAL

1. The Championship Section is open to groups in which all performers are of a playing standard approximately AMEB Grade 5 and above (or equivalent). Eligibility is based on the playing standard of the performers, not the repertoire.  
   
   
2. Chamber music for the purpose of Strike A Chord is defined as a group consisting of 3-8 performers, one per part. All groups entering must comply with this definition. 
   
   
3. All performers must be enrolled in an Australian primary or secondary school program (or home-school equivalent) as at 30 August 2025.
   
   
4. Adults are not permitted to conduct or accompany the group on piano or any other instrument.  
   
   
5. A group that has won First Prize in any previous Strike A Chord Championship Section is not eligible to compete in subsequent years; however, individual performers from a first prize winning group may enter in different group combinations in subsequent years. 
   
   
6. One online entry form per group must be submitted by someone over the age of 18 on behalf of the group. The entry form must be fully completed by 11.59pm AEST Thursday 29 May 2025.  
   
   
7. By entering Strike A Chord, you agree that Musica Viva Australia may use your name, photographs and any video footage including First Round video entries for any purpose. All rights, including copyright in such media shall vest in and be owned by Musica Viva Australia in perpetuity.  
   
   Musica Viva Australia has the right to produce and distribute without limit or payment of any fee, audio and/or video recordings of all competition concerts or events in whole or in part. 

GROUP PERSONNEL AND MAKE-UP

1. Groups with a minimum of three and maximum of eight performers can enter. 
   
   
2. All performers must be enrolled in an Australian primary or secondary school program (or home-school equivalent) as at 31 August 2024.
   
   
3. Adults are not permitted to accompany the group on piano or any other instrument.
   
   
4. An ensemble that has won First Prize in any previous Strike A Chord is not eligible to compete in subsequent years; however, individual players from a first prize winning ensemble may enter in different ensemble combinations in subsequent years.
   
   
5. Groups selected for the Grand Final must perform the same work, with the same personnel as in their First Round performance video. Any changes to personnel must be approved by the Strike A Chord Artistic Director.

INSTRUMENTS AND REPERTOIRE

1. Any combination of instruments and/or voice may be used, with one performer on each part. Amplification is not permitted except in the case of instruments which by their nature require it or where required by the score. Vocalists are not permitted to use a microphone.  
   
   
2. Repertoire should be broadly classical in style, including classical non-western music. No jazz, musical theatre, pop or rock music. Classical works with jazz or folk influence may be permissible at the discretion of the Artistic Director. If you are in any doubt as to the eligibility of a work, please contact Strike A Chord management for confirmation.  
   
   
3. The minimum performance time for each group is 4 minutes, with a maximum of 12 minutes. Performance time is from the start of the first note until the end of the last note of the complete performance, and includes time between movements (or works, for vocal groups).  
   
   

4. Each group must perform either one entire piece of music, or one or more movements from a larger single work. Two or more works by different composers, or movements from different works, are not permitted*. Repeats are optional. No cuts to music will be allowed, except in exceptional circumstances, and written approval must be obtained from Strike A Chord management.  

   1. *Repertoire Exception for Vocal Groups: Vocal Groups are permitted to submit two or more different works to make up the minimum time limit.   
   
   

5. If the group’s chosen music is in copyright, the original full score and performance parts must be used for the performance. Groups must have purchased original sheet music and must submit an electronic copy of the full score with their entry, for use by adjudicators. This may be a scanned hard-copy, or a score that has been purchased for download. 
    
   If the group’s chosen music is out of copyright it is permissible to perform from, and to scan and electronically submit, a photocopied score or a pre-scanned score downloaded from a free-use website. In this instance the group may be asked to provide written verification that the work is in the public domain.  

   While Musica Viva Australia has permission to handle the performer’s photocopies during the championship for adjudication purposes only, the organisation does not condone the unlawful copying of Copyright material. 

   Please contact APRA AMCOS if you’re not sure (http://apraamcos.com.au/). We respect copyright and breach of copyright may lead to disqualification. Musica Viva Australia covers any performance licensing for the National Final.  

6. If the group wishes to play the piano in any unconventional manner (including touching the strings), they may do so on their own instruments in their First Round entry video. Strike A Chord management will confirm whether this option will be possible for the National Final. Any additional hireage fee, tuning or repair of any damage incurred to the piano is at the cost of the group at all levels of the competition. 
   

STRIKE A CHORD CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION ROUNDS

Strike A Chord Championship Section — First Round

1. The video must be recorded in a single take.  
   
   
2. Videos may be recorded with any device, including smartphones, video or digital cameras, etc.  
   
   
3. Groups are encouraged to test recorded sound quality in advance of the performance and make reasonable adjustments where necessary (eg. microphone placement, camera placement) so that the judging panel can hear the group at its best.  
   
   
4. Please ensure performers are dressed appropriately (e.g. school uniform, performance attire, etc), and that all players are clearly visible.    
   
   
5. Video recordings must not be edited or processed to improve sound quality. 
   
   
6. The recording device must be set in a static position throughout the performance, with no zooming in/out or moving around during the performance. All performers must be visible throughout the video. 
   
   
7. Performance videos must be uploaded to a secure file-sharing website (preferably Dropbox or Google Drive). It is the group’s responsibility to ensure Musica Viva Australia has permission to view all files. The link for the videos must be included on the online entry form, and remember to link to the entire folder, not just the individual video.  
   
   
8. Please save your video using the file name [groupname PERFORMANCE] 

Video 2 – Group Introduction.

1. First name and instrument of each player in the group. 
   
   
2. Name of the group, and where the group is from (town/suburb/city and state, eg. “Bowen, Queensland” or “Albany, Western Australia”). 
   
   

3. Brief responses to the following questions:  

   1. Why did you choose this piece?  
   2. What did you learn from playing it? 

FIRST ROUND JUDGING

1. At the completion of the First Round, a total of 12 groups, from at least 6 states/territories, will be selected to play at the National Final in Melbourne on Saturday 30 August 2025.  
   
   
2. National Finalists and recipients of First Round prizes will be announced on Friday 20 June 2025. 
   
   
3. If selected to play at the National Final, groups must be available to travel and perform in Melbourne from 29-31 August 2025. 

THE DECISIONS OF THE JUDGING PANEL WILL BE FINAL. NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.  

ADDTIONAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL FINALISTS

1. Groups selected for the National Final must perform the same work, with the same performers as in their First Round entry video. Any changes to performers must be approved by the Strike A Chord Artistic Director. 
   
   
2. Groups will be responsible for organising and funding their travel and accommodation; travel subsidies will be available to selected groups requiring extra assistance in attending the National Final to perform. 
   
   
3. All National Finalists will be required to submit a signed Authority to Photograph, Film and Record form prior to the National Final. 
   
   
4. Page Turners will be provided by Musica Viva Australia at the National Final if required.
   
   

5. One tuned piano (tuned to A441hz) will be provided for the National Final. 

   1. For any performance requiring an additional/different keyboard or piano, or variant tuning, it will be the responsibility of the group to source the instrument and pay any hireage/tuning/moving costs.  
   2. If the group wishes to play the piano in any unconventional manner (including touching the strings), Strike A Chord management will confirm whether this will be possible. Any additional hireage fee, tuning or repair of any damage incurred to the piano is at the cost of the group.  
      
      
6. Groups may perform using a digital score. If the score requires audio-visual, digital or computer equipment as part of the performance, this must be provided and operated by the group. Any additional venue or technical costs will be paid for by the group.
   
   
7. UNAUTHORISED RECORDING OF NATIONAL FINAL PERFORMANCES BY PHONE, CAMERA, VIDEO CAMERA OR OTHER EQUIPMENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Photos in common/public areas such as foyers and outdoor areas are permitted and welcome. Musica Viva Australia intends to live-stream the National Final, subject to confirmation. Each group in the National Final will receive a digital photograph of their performance from our professional photographer. 
   
   
8. All performers must behave with kindness, courtesy and respect for all staff, teachers, volunteers, jury members and other performers at all times.