Junior Music Festivals offer young music students the opportunity to perform in a friendly, relaxed and encouraging environment. They are held in various locations throughout Sydney and also Newcastle and Wollongong. They are open to students of both members and non-members of the MTA.
Instead of being divided into age groups, Junior Music Festivals are divided into sections by the grade/ability of the performer. This means that all participants have a chance to shine and even win prizes, even late beginners. Any recognised Exam board grading system is acceptable.
Trophy prizes are awarded in all sections, with all participants receiving a Certificate of Participation and a report from the adjudicator. Entrants must be aged 18 years and under as at 31 July. They may enter for more than one venue. (See Junior Music Festival Terms & Conditions for further details.)
Sections
| Novice | Beginners to Preliminary Time limit minimum 1 minute - maximum 3 minutes. One or two pieces to be played. Duets not permitted. |
| Elementary | 1st and 2nd Grade Time limit minimum 1 minute - maximum 3 minutes. One or two pieces to be played. Duets not permitted. |
| Intermediate | 3rd and 4th Grade Time limit maximum 4 minutes One piece to be played only. Duets not permitted. |
| Late Intermediate | 5th and 6th Grade Time limit maximum 4 minutes One piece to be played only. Duets not permitted. |
| Advanced | 7th and 8th Grade Time limit maximum 6 minutes One piece to be played only. Duets not permitted. |
2026 Dates and Locations
Junior Music Festivals will be held in the following places this year:
- Sunday August 23 and 30 Inala School Cherrybrook
- Sunday September 6 and 13 Fitzroy Hall Burwood
- Sunday October 18 Chippen St Theatre Chippendale
- Sunday November 1 Wollongong Conservatorium Auditorium
- Newcastle TBC