Since Bulletin selections change every four years, the repertoire difficulty in each class has some fluctuation. There are 19 different classes in the Piano Solo Event! Students may skip levels, but remember, they can not regress. 

CM Levels vs NFMC Classes

Federation classes do not correlate with the Certificate of Merit levels. The following level comparisons are just a guideline to help assist you in picking repertoire that will coordinate with both programs. With almost twice as many levels and fluctuation between Federation classes, it is imperative to cross-reference your repertoire using the Single Composer Index in the CM Syllabus, on pages 178 - 196. 

• Students under the age of 9 - Pre-Primary

• CM Prep Level -Level 2, Primary I-Primary IV

• CM Level 3-5, Elementary I- Medium

• CM Level 6-7, Medium-Very Difficult I

• CM Level 8- 10, Difficult I –Musically Advanced II

Rules of Progression

• Pre-Primary Class entrants must NOT reach the age of 9 on the day of the festival. They may stay in the Pre-Primary Class for two years regardless of ratings playing different selections each year.

• Progression rules vary for each event and are stated on the introduction page of each Event in the Bulletin. Please read carefully, since entrants in the Primary I Classes and above will most likely need to advance if they receive a Superior Rating.

• Students can alwasy skip a level, but they are not allowed to regress.

Ensemble Participants 

If your student is considering participating in Ensemble events, be aware that the solo class of ensemble entrants must be within two classes of each other. Students may enter the piano ensemble event that is one class below the lower partner’s solo class.

Adult Participants 

Adult students are encouraged to participate in festival and earn points toward Silver Cups. They may choose to stay in a class regardless of their rating for a maximum of three years playing different selections each year. Memory is encouraged but not required

Specially Capable Junior Musicians (SCJM) 

SCJM is not an event or class. It identifies a student who needs special exceptions to the rules for physical or mental challenges. SCJM musicians may enter any festival event. One Hand Piano Music for SCJM Event is not a separate event, but provides alternative selections for students who are only able to use one hand in their performance.  Regular rules of progression, memorization and choice repertoire may be altered for these students. The identity of SCJM musicians will be held in strict confidence with the SCV-FMC organizers and the judge. There is one hand piano repertoire for students who are only able to use one hand in their performance. Participants may have temporary problems, which would identify them as SCJM, they would return to the standard rules when the problems cease. Teachers seeking SCJM status for a student must submit for JR 3-13 from the national website to their local festival coordinator with their application.