School-aged pupils may enter as Soloists or as members of a Team. The entry must be submitted by a responsible adult.

Yes. A parent or guardian may submit a Solo entry directly; it does not need to go through a school. A Team entry must be submitted by an authorised teacher or staff member representing the entering school or approved educational organisation.

The Live Competition is an in-person Solo performance for Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. The Video Competition accepts Solo performances on all listed instruments and Team recordings; Team entries are Video-only.

Yes. Select the closest equivalent performance level based on the difficulty of the repertoire and the pupil’s current standard.

No. A Soloist may perform one work only. The chosen work must match the selected level and stay within that level’s time limit.

Yes. A pupil may submit separate Solo entries at the levels appropriate to the specific works chosen, and may also take part in Team entries. A separate application and fee are required for each entry, and Live entries remain subject to timetable availability.

No. It depends on the repertoire.

No. School uniform is permitted but is not judged.

A spoken intro is optional because all required details appear on the adjudicator sheet, though candidates may include one following standard recital etiquette.

The link must remain accessible to designated UKSMF personnel and adjudicators until 30 April. Please verify that the link plays directly without requesting login credentials, access permissions, or file downloads, until results are release.

Every accepted performance will receive constructive adjudicator feedback and the applicable achievement recognition.

Artistic judgement cannot be appealed. A registered adult may ask for a review of an apparent administrative or calculation error, eligibility decision or failure to follow the published process.

No photography, video recording or livestreaming is permitted at the Live Competition. Separate publicity use of a submitted Video performance requires the appropriate consent; consent to compete is not publicity consent.

The registered adult should contact UKSMF as early as possible and explain the practical support required.

Entry fees are not refunded if an entrant voluntarily withdraws, does not attend or does not submit a video, except where required by law.

Video Solo and Team results and feedback will be sent to the registered adult contact email on the date stated in Section 8.1. Trophies, medals and certificates will be delivered no later than the second week of June 2027. For live entrants, results will be given on the same day and session, and medals and certificates will be presented at the same time.

A parent, guardian, teacher or other registered adult should contact UKSMF. Children should not be asked to manage entry, payment or complaint correspondence.

No. Each performance is assessed against the published standard for its category and level. Entrants receive the award corresponding to the standard reached and are not compared with other entrants.

If UKSMF agrees to accept a Solo / Team entry after the published closing date, a £10 late-entry charge applies.

Yes. A £10 amendment charge applies to each request received after the results are announced on Apr 30 to change a student’s name, date information, the group member name list, delivery address, contact person or contact details.

For live entrants, results will be given on the same day and session, and medals and certificates will be presented at the same time. Video Solo and Team results will be sent to the registered adult contact email on the date stated in Section 8.1, and trophies, medals and certificates will be delivered no later than the second week of June 2027. Please ensure the delivery details are accurate.