Rules and Information
Introduction
The Victoria K Bennett Music Competition comprises two preliminary rounds (Categories A – E) and a final round in the form of a Gala event. Category F contestants will perform for ONE round only, after which finalists for the Final round will be announced. The purpose of this booklet is to inform contestants and teachers of the Rules applicable to this prestigious event. This booklet should provide all the information necessary to enable any potential contestant to enter this competition with ease. The onus rests on the teachers that the rules have been read and understood thoroughly. All queries can be directed to either of the persons listed below.
Corné van der Westhuizen
084 457 0013 (send a Whatsapp or SMS where possible) General and specifically all timetable allocation queries e-mail: entries.vkb@gmail.com
Elize Kruger
082 789 7839 (send a Whatsapp or SMS where possible)
General Queries
e-mail: elizevkb@gmail.com
We thank you for the interest shown in this Competition, look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck in participating in this highly successful event which has been running since 2006.
NEW RULES FOR CATEGORY F ONLY
Category F consists of two rounds.
ROUND 1: VIDEO-RECORDED PERFORMANCE ONLY, NO LIVE PERFORMANCES
A)
Closing date FOR ELECTRONIC ENTRY FORM and PAYMENT:
31 May 2026
Entry form: The electronic entry form must be completed and submitted on our website.
www.victoriakbennett.co.za
Proof of payment as well as birth certificate/ID must be sent to Corné van der Westhuizen
entries.vkb@gmail.com
Entry form: The electronic entry form must be completed and submitted on our website.
www.victoriakbennett.co.za
Proof of payment as well as birth certificate/ID must be sent to Corné van der Westhuizen
entries.vkb@gmail.com
B)
Closing date FOR SUBMISSION OF VIDEO-RECORDED PERFORMANCE:
22 July 2026 at midnight
Format: The performance must be submitted in the form of a YouTube or WeTransfer link.
Format: The performance must be submitted in the form of a YouTube or WeTransfer link.
C)
The recording must be a continuous performance, recorded
no more than 3 months before submission.
Various recordings from different performances may not be used.
See rule 5.3.
The following information (templates available on the website) must be sent to Elize Kruger:
elizevkb@gmail.com
YouTube or WeTransfer link of the performance. The performance must be recorded as one continuous video of the entire programme – no editing is allowed.
TEMPLATE A: Personal information, teacher information, programme information
TEMPLATE B: Signed statement of authenticity regarding video recording
The following information (templates available on the website) must be sent to Elize Kruger:
elizevkb@gmail.com
YouTube or WeTransfer link of the performance. The performance must be recorded as one continuous video of the entire programme – no editing is allowed.
TEMPLATE A: Personal information, teacher information, programme information
TEMPLATE B: Signed statement of authenticity regarding video recording
Adjudication reports will be emailed to all contestants. No certificates will be issued. The finalists who will be competing at the live Gala event, will be notified via email.
FINAL ROUND at the GALA EVENT
This event will take place on the 29th of August 2026 (please refer to the information in this document).
ONLY live performances will be expected for the Gala event.
IMPORTANT
No entries for voice from Categories A–E.
Should a candidate enter for voice in one of the above-mentioned categories, entry fees will NOT be refunded.
RULES APPLICABLE TO ROUND ONE
IMPORTANT
No entries for voice from Categories A-E.
Voice can only be entered for Category F.
1.1
Contestants must perform according to the information given in table below.
| CATEGORY | AGE | MUSIC REQUIREMENTS ROUND ONE |
| A | 8–10 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 6 minutes in total |
| B | 11–12 years | THREE contrasting pieces – not to exceed 9 minutes in total |
| C | 13–14 years | THREE contrasting pieces – not to exceed 12 minutes in total |
| D | 15–16 years | THREE contrasting pieces – not to exceed 13 minutes in total |
| E | 17–18 years | THREE contrasting pieces – not to exceed 15 minutes in total |
| F | 19–25 years |
Instrumentalists: Balanced program, no less than 25 minutes, no longer than 35 minutes in total Voice Only: Balanced program, no less than 20 minutes performance time, no longer than 30 minutes in total Video link to be submitted by 22 July 2026 before midnight. |
1.2
Round One (Category A – E) will commence on 22 July 2026 and will take place on specified mornings,
afternoons, evenings and/or Saturdays.
1.3
Contestants will receive an appointment slip (via email) stating the exact date and time of their
performance. Contestants will only be allowed to perform during their allocated times.
No changes will be done before or on the day. Please ensure that accompanists are available
for the stipulated time.
1.4
All contestants must arrive at the Jeppe High School for Girls
at least 15 minutes before their allocated time.
1.5
The performance of each contestant WILL BE TIMED.
Contestants will be disqualified if they exceed their time allocation as given in the table above.
1.6
The following instruments are permitted:
Piano
Strings (specify instrument on entry form)
Woodwind (specify instrument on entry form)
Brass (specify instrument on entry form)
Guitar
Harp
Recorder
Saxophone
Percussion – orchestral
Voice (Category F only)
1.7
PLEASE NOTE: Works from the SAME Opus number (or any other numbering system)
will be regarded as SEPARATE PIECES. For example: two movements from a cycle or suite or sonata
will be viewed as two separate pieces. The ONLY exception is in the case of a
PRELUDE AND FUGUE by one composer, presented as ONE piece.
If you are not sure, please contact the Executive Committee of this competition.
1.8
On the day of their performance, contestants must hand in their appointment slip as well as
one set of photocopies of the music they will be performing. Copies will be returned to the
contestant at the end of the session. Original scores must be available at the venue as per copyright law.
1.9
Certificates and adjudication reports will be presented at the end of each session.
1.10
The number of finalists chosen from Categories A – E to participate in Round Two
will be determined by the adjudicators.
1.11
For Category F: Only up to four finalists will be chosen from Round One to participate
at the Gala event. Finalists will be notified via email once all contestants have been adjudicated.
1.12
Finalists (Category A – E for Gala event) will be notified via email once all contestants
in the category have been adjudicated.
1.13
FOR ALL CATEGORIES AND ALL ROUNDS: If you play an instrument or if you enter
for the VOICE CATEGORY (in Category F only), please ensure that you have your
own accompanist. No accompanist will be provided on the day. If you play/sing music which has
been written originally WITH piano accompaniment, it should be performed WITH accompaniment.
Should you fail to comply, you will be disqualified. The adjudicators will not assess any
performance without accompaniment, unless the music was written without accompaniment.
RULES APPLICABLE TO ROUND TWO
2.1
Contestants must perform according to the information given in table below.
| CATEGORY | AGE | MUSIC REQUIREMENTS ROUND TWO |
| A | 8–10 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 5 minutes in total |
| B | 11–12 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 8 minutes in total |
| C | 13–14 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 9 minutes in total |
| D | 15–16 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 10 minutes in total |
| E | 17–18 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 12 minutes in total |
2.2
Round Two will be held on 15 Aug 2026. An appointment slip will be e-mailed to all successful
contestants, stating the date and time of their performance. Contestants MUST be available to
compete on this date to qualify for the Gala event (the final round).
2.3
Please re-read sections 1.3 – 1.10, as well as 1.12 and 1.13 above, as these apply for Round Two as well.
2.4
Contestants must perform AT LEAST ONE NEW WORK (not presented in previous rounds).
The second work may be a repeat of a work from previous rounds, or another new work.
2.5
On the day of their performance, contestants must hand in their appointment slip as well as
TWO sets of photocopies of the music they will be performing. The new work must be
indicated on the appointment slip. Copies will be returned to the contestant at the end of the session.
Original scores must be available at the venue as per copyright law.
2.6
On the day of their performance, contestants must supply a typed copy of their intended program
for the Final round, as well as their own banking details for the prize money — irrespective of
whether they qualify for the Final Round (Gala event). Documentation will be appropriately
discarded of after the event.
2.7
Two finalists from each age category will be selected to compete at the final round at the Gala event.
The names of these two participants will be announced at the end of the session, on the day of the performance.
Information regarding the Gala event will also be given to the two finalists when certificates are handed out.
2.8
Certificates, but no adjudication reports, will be presented at the end of each session in Round Two.
RULES FOR FINAL ROUND GALA EVENT
3.1
Contestants must perform according to the information given in the table below.
| CATEGORY | AGE | MUSIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL ROUND (GALA EVENT) |
| A | 8–10 years | Performance not to exceed 5 minutes in total |
| B | 11–12 years | Performance not to exceed 7 minutes in total |
| C | 13–14 years | Performance not to exceed 8 minutes in total |
| D | 15–16 years | Performance not to exceed 9 minutes in total |
| E | 17–18 years | Performance not to exceed 10 minutes in total |
| F | 19–25 years | Performance not to exceed 12 minutes in total |
3.2
Should any finalist be unable to compete at the Gala event, he/she will be disqualified,
and no prize money will be awarded to the non-participating contestant.
This rule is not negotiable. If possible, the Executive Committee will choose
a substitute in his/her place. Contestants must inform the Executive Committee
timeously if they are unable to attend.
3.3
Contestants may choose to play work/s that were performed in the preliminary rounds
or may choose to perform a new work/s. Please adhere to time limits.
3.4
No photocopies of the music will be required at the Gala event.
However, original scores must be available should SAMRO arrive and request same.
3.5
PRIZE STRUCTURE
| CATEGORY | AGE | FIRST PRIZE | SECOND PRIZE | THIRD PRIZE | FOURTH PRIZE |
| A | 8–10 years | R1800 | R1000 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| B | 11–12 years | R2000 | R1350 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| C | 13–14 years | R2700 | R1700 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| D | 15–16 years | R4000 | R2500 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| E | 17–18 years | R6250 | R3500 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| F | 19–25 years | R22 000 | R12 500 | R6000 | R4500 |
3.6
There are limited warm-up facilities at Jeppe High School for Girls. During school hours, there are NO
warm-up facilities available.
RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL ROUNDS
4.1
This competition is open to anyone who currently resides in the Republic of South Africa.
The age of a contestant will be deemed as at 22 July 2026 (the starting date of the first round).
4.2
A copy of the birth certificate or ID of the contestant must be submitted with the entry form.
The Executive Committee has the right to amend the age category of the contestant if it is
established that the contestant has entered the incorrect category.
4.3
Contestants may only perform works of a serious nature (Western Art Music).
No contemporary light music will be allowed. Contestants should either select works from
the different stylistic periods or from tutors (in the lower categories).
Only published works will be acceptable – no handwritten scores or chord symbols (syncopation).
Use the UNISA, ABRSM or Trinity syllabi as a guide.
4.4
Contestants must avoid repeats, but Da Capo indications should be observed.
No ‘cuts’ are allowed in order to meet time stipulations – this will lead to disqualification.
4.5
Where applicable, all contestants must provide their own accompanists and/or page turners.
All travel and accompanist’s fees are the contestant’s responsibility.
4.6
Once the adjudication is in progress, contestants and audience will not be permitted to leave
the performance venue until the next formal break in proceedings.
Contestants are expected to be present at the end of each session for presentation of certificates.
4.7
If a contestant competes in a round where the adjudicator is also the contestant’s teacher,
a second adjudicator will be present for those contestants to ensure that there are no irregularities.
4.8
Should SAMRO have a spot check on the premises and find any contestant not in possession
of the original score, the contestant will be held liable for any resulting fines.
4.9
There is no category for duets, trios, quartets or ensembles.
4.10
FOR THE FINAL/GALA EVENT:
The adjudicators will choose two finalists in categories A to E.
The adjudicators may choose up to a maximum of four finalists in category F.
RULES APPLICABLE TO DISQUALIFICATIONS
5.1
A contestant will be disqualified if he/she:
5.1.1
Fails to arrive at Jeppe High School for Girls on the correct date and time for any performance.
5.1.2
Plays the incorrect number of pieces for the appropriate round.
5.1.3
Plays over the time limit for the stipulated category.
The adjudicator reserves the right to terminate a performance that exceeds the time allocation.
5.1.4
Does not have the original scores of music available on site on day of performance.
5.2
If contestants are disqualified for any reason whatsoever a certificate of participation together
with the adjudication report will be given. No symbol will be awarded.
No entry refund will be considered.
5.3
Category F contestant will be disqualified if video recordings are older than 3 months;
if the recording is interrupted or a set of various performances – it must be one continuous recording.
GENERAL INFORMATION
6.1
The onus rests on the contestant to ensure that the Executive Committee is advised of any
change of addresses whether postal, e-mail or otherwise as well as all contact numbers,
be they home or mobile. Please ensure we have all the current and correct details of the
teacher and the student. The Executive Committee takes no responsibility for incorrect
or altered information which has not been disclosed.
6.2
A contestant may – on a separate entry form and together with a separate entry fee –
enter for a different instrument. However, a contestant may not enter for the same
instrument more than once.
6.3
All entries must be completed electronically. Entries can be submitted through a direct link
on our website. Alternatively, entry forms can be completed electronically and emailed
with accompanying documentation to entries.vkb@gmail.com.
Please visit our website: www.victoriakbennett.co.za
6.4
An entry is only deemed valid once an electronically completed entry form,
proof of payment of entry fee and copy of ID has been acknowledged by
Corné van der Westhuizen.
6.5
The Victoria K Bennett Music Competition Executive Committee will use personal
details for the purposes of administering this Competition but will not publish them
or provide such details to anyone else without the consent of the contestant.
6.6
The Executive Committee does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries
due to incorrect or unattended email addresses.
6.7
The Executive Committee reserves the right to cancel this Competition at any stage
if deemed necessary in its opinion or if circumstances are outside of its control –
only then the entry fees will be refunded. Entry fees will not be refunded should
a contestant choose to withdraw from the Competition.
6.8
There are limited on-site warm-up facilities at Jeppe High School for Girls if outside
school hours. Rooms are available on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
No contestant will be allowed to play on the piano in the venue prior to their performance.
6.9
A music stand will be provided.
6.10
The winner of Category F may not re-enter any future Victoria K Bennett Music Competitions.
6.11
All other category (A – E) winners are NOT allowed to participate in the
SAME category the following year, although they may participate in a higher
category if they qualify in terms of their age.
6.12
ALL PRIZES will be paid via electronic transfer to the participant’s bank account.
All contestants must have their own bank account – NO PAYMENT TO THIRD PARTIES.
6.13
Should it be necessary for whatsoever reason, the Executive Committee has the authority
to cancel Round Two for a particular category and the Gala event finalists will be chosen
directly from Round One – applicable to Categories A – E.
6.14
Any questions not covered by these rules shall be referred to the Executive Committee,
whose decision on such matters shall be final.
6.15
The decision of the adjudicator/s will be final, and NO correspondence
or verbal negotiations will be entered into.
6.16
Contestants, parents/guardians of contestants and teachers will be deemed to have accepted
these rules and agree to be bound by them when entering this competition. In addition,
they confirm that they have hereby been advised that all or portions of the Competition
may be recorded, whether on video, audio or other media for promotional purposes and have
consented, free of any consideration, to such recordings. DVD’s may be available for sale.
6.17
The Executive Committee has the right, at its sole discretion, to choose who and how many
adjudicators may be appointed for the various rounds.
6.18
Right of admission is reserved.
THE GALA EVENT
IMPORTANT
Bookings for the Gala event will open on Monday, 17 August 2026.
The Gala event (which is a semi-formal event) will be held on Saturday, 29 August 2026 (15:00 for 15:30) at Jeppe High School for Girls, Kensington, Johannesburg.
Price: R150 pp (ONLY excluding contestants and/or accompanists. Please note that NO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS will be issued from 2026).
Tickets: Visit our website and click on the BOOK YOUR GALA TICKET to purchase your tickets. Bookings will open on Quicket from 22 July 2026. Tickets will be checked at the door on the day of the event.
During interval, a catered reception will be held for audience and participants. This will allow time for final mark-calculations and give contestants the opportunity to meet fellow-performers. At the end of the interval, prizes will be awarded to the contestants.
BREAKDOWN OF ENTRY FEES
| CATEGORY | AGE | ENTRY FEE PER INSTRUMENT |
| A | 8–10 years | R550 |
| B | 11–12 years | R550 |
| C | 13–14 years | R550 |
| D | 15–16 years | R550 |
| E | 17–18 years | R550 |
| F | 19–25 years | R1100 |
VICTORIA K. BENNETT MUSIC COMPETITION BANKING DETAILS
JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
FIRST NATIONAL BANK (BOB 2000 ACCOUNT)
6200 680 7252
Bedford Gardens
252155
REFERENCE
VKB + SURNAME OF CONTESTANT
The following documents must be submitted (via our website or via email: entries.vkb@gmail.com):
Entry form
Birth certificate or ID
Proof of payment
An acknowledgement of receipt of your Entry Form will be emailed to both the e-mail addresses on the Entry Form. Should you not have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt within 7 days of e-mailing us your Entry Form, please contact Corné van der Westhuizen via email (entries.vkb@gmail.com).