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 page 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.
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.
RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL ROUNDS
1.1
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 2025 (the starting date of the first round).
1.2
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.
1.3
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.
1.4
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.
1.5
Where applicable, all contestants must provide their own accompanists and/or page turners.
All travel and accompanist’s fees are the contestant’s responsibility.
1.6
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.
1.7
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.
1.8
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.
1.9
There is no category for duets, trios, quartets or ensembles.
1.10
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 ROUND ONE
IMPORTANT
No entries for voice from Categories A-E.
Voice can only be entered for Category F.
2.1
Contestants must perform according to the information given in the table below:
| CATEGORY | AGE | MUSIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ROUND ONE |
| A | 8–10 years | TWO contrasting pieces – not to exceed 5 minutes in total |
| B | 11–12 years | THREE contrasting pieces – not to exceed 8 minutes in total |
| C | 13–14 years | THREE contrasting pieces – not to exceed 11 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, no longer than 30 minutes in total Video link to be submitted by (date here) before midnight. |
2.2
Round One (Category A – E) will commence on (date here) and will take place on specified mornings,
afternoons, evenings and/or Saturdays.
2.3
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.
2.4
All contestants must arrive at the Jeppe High School for Girls at least 15 minutes before their
allocated time.
2.5
The performance of each contestant WILL BE TIMED. Contestants will be disqualified if they exceed
their time allocation as given in the table above.
2.6
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)
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.
RULES APPLICABLE TO ROUND TWO
3.1
Contestants must perform according to the information given in the table below:
| CATEGORY | AGE | MUSIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ROUND ONE |
| 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.
IMPORTANT
Please check the allowed time stipulation for each category as it may differ from the previous rounds.
| CATEGORY | AGE | FIRST PRIZE | SECOND PRIZE | THIRD PRIZE | FOURTH PRIZE |
| A | 8–10 years | R1 800 | R1 000 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| B | 11–12 years | R2 000 | R1 350 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| C | 13–14 years | R2 700 | R1 700 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| D | 15–16 years | R4 000 | R2 500 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| E | 17–18 years | R6 250 | R3 500 | No third prize | No fourth prize |
| F | 19–25 years | R22 000 | R12 500 | R6 000 | R4 500 |
Please note: There are limited warm-up facilities at Jeppe High School for Girls. During school hours, there are NO
warm-up facilities available.
RULES FOR FINAL ROUND GALA EVENT
4.1
Contestants must perform according to the information given in the table below:
| CATEGORY | AGE | MUSIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ROUND ONE |
| 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 | 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 |
4.2
Round Two will be held on 9 Aug 2025. 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).
4.3
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.
4.4
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.
4.5
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.
4.6
On the day of their performance, contestants must supply a typed copy of their intended program for the
Final round, as well as their 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.
4.7
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.
4.8
Certificates, but no adjudication reports, will be presented at the end of each session in Round Two.
4.9
The Gala event (which is a semi-formal event) will be held on Saturday, 30 August 2025
(15:00 for 15:30) at Jeppe High School for Girls, Kensington, Johannesburg.
4.10
Tickets: R220 p.p (excluding contestants and/or accompanists).
4.11
Tickets will be available from 9 August 2025 by sending an email to
entries.vkb@gmail.com.
Once payment has been received, electronic tickets will be emailed.
4.12
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.
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.
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 | R1 100 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
6.1
The Executive Committee does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries due to incorrect
or unattended email addresses.
6.2
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.
6.3
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.
6.4
A music stand will be provided.
6.5
The winner of category F may not re-enter any future Victoria K Bennett Music Competitions.
6.6
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.
6.7
ALL PRIZES will be paid via electronic transfer, to participant’s bank account.
All contestants must have their own bank account –
NO PAYMENT TO THIRD PARTIES.
6.8
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.
6.9
Any questions not covered by these rules shall be referred to the Executive Committee, whose
decision on such matters shall be final.
6.10
The decision of the adjudicator/s will be final, and
NO correspondence or verbal negotiations will be entered into.
6.11
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.
6.12
DVD’s may be available for sale.
6.13
The Executive Committee has the right, at its sole discretion, to choose who and how many
adjudicators may be appointed for the various rounds.
6.14
Right of admission is reserved.
VICTORIA K. BENNETT MUSIC COMPETITION BANKING DETAILS
JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
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).