The Suffolk Festival of Music, Dance and Speech.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I book the official accompanist? 1. Mark the Accompanists box on the entry form
2. Pay the fee stated beside the class as shown in the syllabus.

3. Send a copy of each of your own-choice pieces directly to the accompanist as soon as your notification arrives (your notification slip will tell you who is playing for you).

4. Contact the accompanist at least 4 weeks beforehand to book a rehearsal slot (Ł12 per 30min). Rehearsing on the day is not possible.

May I bring my own accompanist? Of course. If you choose an instrument other than piano, let the entries secretary know. You must not use a recording.

May I use an amplifier? Please check with the entries secretary. We do not provide amplifiers.

How can I find a set piece? All music set pieces are in print and available from local music shops. If you draw a blank, contact Gill Peck. For problems with Speech set pieces, contact Jane de Beer.

Can I use a photocopy? Only for the adjudicator during your assessed performance.

Can I use the same piece in two different classes? No!

Are two movements of the same work one piece or two? One.

How do I decide what grade I am? If you take graded exams, please don't enter a class graded lower than the grade you have already achieved. Check with your teacher as to what standard you are (in June, when you enter) before selecting pieces.
If you don't take graded exams, you can obtain guidance to the standard required, and the repertoire, from the ABRSM and Guildhall Trinity Examination Syllabuses. These are available free from music shops, or on the Exam Boards' websites. Again, please don't enter a class that is below your current capabilities.

Where can I find another syllabus? Suffolk Festival Syllabuses are free and can be found in Libraries, Arts Centres and Music Shops around the county, as well as from the Festival's Chair, Gill Peck

How do I book the official accompanist?	1. Mark the Accompanists box on the entry form 2. Pay the fee stated beside the class as shown in the syllabus. 3. Send a copy of each of your own-choice pieces directly to the accompanist as soon as your notification arrives (your notification slip will tell you who is playing for you). 4. Contact the accompanist at least 4 weeks beforehand to book a rehearsal slot (Ł12 per 30min). Rehearsing on the day is not possible.
May I bring my own accompanist?	Of course. If you choose an instrument other than piano, let the entries secretary know. You must not use a recording.
May I use an amplifier?	Please check with the entries secretary. We do not provide amplifiers.
How can I find a set piece?	All music set pieces are in print and available from local music shops. If you draw a blank, contact Gill Peck. For problems with Speech set pieces, contact Jane de Beer.
Can I use a photocopy?	Only for the adjudicator during your assessed performance.
Can I use the same piece in two different classes?	No!
Are two movements of the same work one piece or two?	One.
How do I decide what grade I am?	If you take graded exams, please don't enter a class graded lower than the grade you have already achieved. Check with your teacher as to what standard you are (in June, when you enter) before selecting pieces. If you don't take graded exams, you can obtain guidance to the standard required, and the repertoire, from the ABRSM and Guildhall Trinity Examination Syllabuses. These are available free from music shops, or on the Exam Boards' websites. Again, please don't enter a class that is below your current capabilities.
Where can I find another syllabus?	Suffolk Festival Syllabuses are free and can be found in Libraries, Arts Centres and Music Shops around the county, as well as from the Festival's Chair, Gill Peck