Rules & Regulations

5.1 Repertoire and Performance Time

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• A Solo entrant must perform one work only. The chosen work must match the grade or equivalent standard of the selected performance level and must remain within that level’s time limit.

• Advanced Level entrants may perform one or more movements from the same work, within the maximum performance time of 15 minutes. Movements from different works may not be combined in one entry.

• Every Team must perform two contrasting works within a total maximum of 10 minutes.

• Choir / Vocal Group entries may choose their own two contrasting works. There is no prescribed voicing requirement.

• The Team time limit includes the pause between the two works.

• Timing begins with the first performed sound and ends with the final performed sound.

• UKSMF may stop a Live performance or cease reviewing a Video performance that substantially exceeds the applicable time limit.

• Repertoire must be suitable for the performers, educational setting and audience.

• Entrants are responsible for the lawful use of music, arrangements, backing tracks, scores and recordings.

5.2 Accompaniment

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• For Video Solo, a lawful recorded accompaniment may be used if declared and if it does not contain or replace the entrant’s Solo part.

• Recorded accompaniment is not permitted for a Live Solo entry.

• Where accompaniment is required for a Live Solo entry, the applicant must arrange and bring their own accompanist at their own cost.

5.3 Video Submission Requirements

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• Each submitted recording must show one continuous, unedited take of the complete performance.

• Do not trim, splice, combine, overdub, replace or alter any part of the submitted video or audio. Edited compilations are not accepted.

• The recording must be made for this UKSMF entry and must not be reused from another performance, concert or competition.

• The camera must show the performer from the front, with the face, hands and instrument clearly visible throughout. For Teams, all registered performers must be identifiable.

• The audio must be clear enough for fair adjudication. An external microphone is permitted if the sound comes from the same recorded take.

• The recording must be made in a safe and suitable location.

• The video title or opening slate should show the entry number, category and repertoire without unnecessary personal information.

• School uniform is permitted but not required.

• The responsible adult must submit a view-only video link through the official form. Accepted platforms include YouTube, Google Drive, Vimeo and other online video platforms.

• Set the link to Unlisted, or the equivalent view-only setting. It must not be Private.

• The link must open and play directly without sign-in, an access request or downloading the file.​

• Ensure the video is sized or compressed so that it streams reliably, and test the link while signed out or in a private browser before submission.​

• 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 released on the date stated in Section 8.1.​

• A legible score must be provided for every Video Solo and Team entry. If a score is missing, the adjudicator will still assess the performance on what can be heard, without being able to check the performance against a written score.

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5.4 Live Competition Requirements

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• The registered adult must check the final date, venue, arrival time, access instructions and category session.

• Entrants must arrive by the stated check-in time.

• Late arrival may result in a shortened warm-up, rescheduling where possible or loss of the performance opportunity.

• Access, medical, safeguarding and reasonable-adjustment requirements should be notified as early as possible.

• Children remain under the care of their parent, guardian, school or authorised organisation unless a supervised activity has been expressly agreed.

• Only authorised people may enter performer, backstage or restricted areas.

• Venue and staff instructions must be followed.

• Photography, video recording and livestreaming are not permitted at the Live Competition.

• UKSMF provides an acoustic piano and music stands at the venue.​

• Entrants must bring their instrument (unless performing on piano), their performance score and one additional copy for adjudication, plus a valid form of identification for verification. A score is required, but if it is missing the adjudicator will assess the performance on what is heard, without score-based checking.​

• Large, specialist or venue-dependent equipment must be agreed in advance.

• A warm-up or acoustic check is not guaranteed unless it appears in the final timetable.

• UKSMF may change the running order for operational, access or safeguarding reasons.

• A restart is allowed only at the adjudicator’s or event manager’s discretion, normally following an interruption outside the performer’s control.