Canadian Music Competition - Guitar

Canadian Music Competition - Guitar takes place in Canada (National), Canada. It is held every year, usually in July.

Repertoire requirements

There is no specific repertoire requirement for any age category. Candidates are encouraged to select contrasting pieces for their performance. Each age category has the following maximum performance time limits: Ages 7-10: 15 minutes; Ages 11-14: 20 minutes; Ages 15-18: 25 minutes; Ages 19 and above: 30 minutes. Please read the national CMC guideline for required repertoire and specified time limits for the final national round.

• Regional Round
  • Program per division rules
• National Finals
  • Program per division rules

Official website

https://cmcnational.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Canada (National)

The Canadian Music Competition - Guitar stands as a significant national platform for young classical guitarists across Canada, an annual event fostering emerging talent. While the competition's location can vary, its focus remains constant: to showcase the country's brightest musical future, providing national recognition and valuable prizes. For an enthusiast, attending this competition offers a unique window into the vibrant classical guitar scene within Canada, presenting an opportunity to hear the next generation of performers in a country renowned for its vast landscapes and cultural diversity.

Getting there

As a national competition, the specific host city for the Canadian Music Competition - Guitar can vary from year to year, or even between different phases of the event. It is essential to consult the official competition website for exact dates and locations. Generally, Canada is well-served by major international airports in cities such as Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR), which offer connections to regional airports. Domestic travel often involves flights between larger cities, or a network of intercity buses, depending on the distances involved. Once the host city is confirmed, planning your arrival will be similar to any major Canadian destination, with public transport and ride-sharing options available in most urban centres.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Canada (National) on Omio →

Canada uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Accommodation options across Canada are diverse, ranging from international hotel chains in major cities to charming boutique hotels and guesthouses. Since the competition's location can shift, it is advisable to book your lodging once the specific host city and venues are announced on the official website. In any Canadian urban centre, you will find areas with good public transport links to concert venues, and many cities offer walkable downtown cores. Consider staying near the competition's main venues for convenience, allowing you to easily attend multiple rounds or events.

What you'll hear

The Canadian Music Competition - Guitar showcases Canada's most promising young guitarists, providing a crucial stepping stone in their musical careers. The competition features a wide range of repertoire, with specific requirements detailed on the official website. Participants are judged on their technical prowess, musicality, and interpretation, culminating in national recognition and various prizes for the top performers. While the competition does not include a concerto with orchestra, the solo rounds offer an intimate and intense listening experience, revealing the depth of talent emerging from across the country.

Canada possesses a rich and diverse classical music landscape, with numerous conservatories, universities, and professional ensembles fostering a strong tradition of classical guitar. Many Canadian cities host their own classical guitar societies, festivals, and concert series, providing year-round opportunities to experience the instrument. This competition, therefore, is not just an isolated event, but a highlight within a broader national context that values musical education and performance. Attending offers a chance to engage with a supportive and active classical guitar community.

The local table

Canada's culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering a wide array of international cuisines alongside local specialties. A quintessential Canadian dish to seek out is poutine, a comforting combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, originating from Quebec but popular nationwide. Beyond this, Canadian cities boast vibrant food scenes with options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. Depending on the region, you might encounter fresh seafood on the coasts, prairie-grown produce, or Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Maple syrup products, from candies to desserts, are also a national treat to try.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Canada (National) →

While you're there

Given Canada's vastness, your activities while attending the competition will largely depend on its host city. However, across the country, opportunities abound to explore stunning natural landscapes and vibrant urban centres. You could discover the rugged beauty of national parks like Banff or Jasper if the competition is in the west, or the Atlantic coastlines if it's held in the east. Major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Quebec City offer rich cultural experiences, including world-class museums, art galleries, historic districts, and lively entertainment scenes. Consider extending your trip to explore a different region, taking advantage of Canada's immense scale and diverse offerings, from majestic mountains and pristine lakes to bustling metropolitan areas.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Canada (National) →

More guitar events in Canada: Classical GuitarFest West · Edmonton Guitar Seminar · Guitar Alla Grande Festival · Quebec Music Competition - Guitar · SGM Next Generation Competition · Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival

Also in July: Certamen Miquel Llobet · Classical Guitar Retreat Scotland · Concorso Città di Fiuggi · Granada Guitar Festival · International Guitar Festival José Tomás Villa de Petrer · International Guitar Festival Postojna

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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