72nd Annual Cowra Eisteddfod
Instrumental & Pianoforte Age Sections
11 May 2026 to 13 May 2026
(To be confirmed after receipt of Entries and Programming has been finalised)
View Discipline Rule

BEFORE ENTERING PLEASE READ ALL RULES BELOW

PLEASE CHECK REQUIREMENTS FOR SECTIONS SUCH AS CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS


AFTER ENTERING PLEASE CHECK YOUR INVOICE TO CONFIRM YOU HAVE ENTERED THE CORRECT SECTIONS AND MAKE ANY CORRECTIONS OR APPROPRIATE CHANGES BEFORE THE ENTRIES CLOSE AND THE PROGRAM IS SET


ONCE THE ENTRIES CLOSE AND THE PROGRAM IS SET NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO SECTIONS, SESSIONS OR DAYS UNLESS THE ONLINE SYSTEM HAS MADE AN ERROR AND PROOF IS ON YOUR INVOICE



PLEASE ADDRESS all Enquires TO:



committee@cowraeisteddfod.com.au
 



 

 Program will be available to download from www.cowraeisteddfod.com.au and www.stardom.com.au 



Rules of the Eisteddfod


1. The Adjudicator’s decision will be final.

2. A Late Entry Fee will apply for entries up to one week after the closing date.  Online entries are now the preferred mode of entry. 

3. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by the full entry fee and Scholarship Resume (if appropriate) emailed to the committee. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry.  No refund will be made for any entry fee paid unless the section is cancelled. Competitors are advised to check their Invoice on receipt of entry. No changes can be made once the programme has been printed.

4. Protests, accompanied by a $50 fee, must be lodged in writing, to the committee, setting out fully the circumstances of the protest with the Office within 30 minutes of the Adjudicator’s decision being announced.

5. Competitors must be ready to take their place on the stage in the order in the programme (unless otherwise required under Rule 9).  Failure to comply could lead to disqualification.

6. In all sections (including groups) subject to an age limit, the age of the competitor (groups as per age of the oldest competitor) will be taken as at May 1of the year of the Eisteddfod.  The Committee reserves the right to call up any competitor at any time to furnish, at his/her own expense, a birth certificate (or copy) and can, at its discretion, withhold any prizemonies until such certificate is furnished.

7. In Duo and Trio sections, competitors must provide, the name & birth date of each competitor at the time of entry. No changes can be made once the programme has been printed.

8. No cameras, video cameras, audio recorders or mobile phone cameras are to be used in the auditorium during any session due to the Privacy Act.  Please switch off all mobile phones in the auditorium.

9. The Committee reserves the right to amend the programme at any time.

10. No teacher will be allowed on stage with a competitor (except in the Special Needs and Early Childhood Sections) unless as an accompanist or conductor.  This rule will be strictly enforced.

11. Prompting, except by the Adjudicator, will not be permitted in any section (except the Special Needs Sections).

12. The Committee reserves the right to arrange for adjudication by any person, at any time, whether or not that person has been named or appointed as adjudicator.  Officials of the Committee ONLY may approach the adjudicator.  Failure to comply could lead to disqualification of the competitor.

13. The Committee invests the adjudicator with the power to withhold any prize where he/she is of the opinion that insufficient merit has been displayed.

14. A bell will be rung at the end of the time limit and competitors must leave the stage within 5 seconds.  Time limits are to be strictly adhered to. Disqualification, or not, will be at the discretion the Adjudicator.

15. The competitor must not have been a pupil of the adjudicator in the six months prior to the Eisteddfod.

16. NO REHEARSALS are allowed on stage during the Eisteddfod.

17. Entry fees include a written adjudicator’s report in all sections, which should be collected from the office 15min after the end of the section.  Prizes may be collected at the end of each section.

18. Musical accompaniments are not allowed in Speech & Drama except Special Needs Sections.

19. Prizes will be awarded on the following scale (unless stated otherwise): 
   3 entries – 1st prize only;  5 entries – 2nd prize;  8 or more entries – 3rd prize. 
    Solo Sections of 20 or more entries and Group Sections of 16 or more entries may be split, at the discretion of the committee.  Only 2 entries per studio in the Group Dancing Sections.

20. a)  It is essential that there be a minimum of 3 entries in all solo sections including  Scholarships and Championships (excluding Special Needs and 8 years & under sections), otherwise competitors may be placed in another  suitable section or the section cancelled. 
 b)  Each duo pairing in Dance Sections will be limited to 2 entries per age section.
 c)  Each solo entrant in all entries will be limited to 1 entry per age section.
 d)  Only 2 entries per studio in the Group Dancing Sections.  

21. Speech & Drama - Adjudicator copies of all own choice pieces, (except prepared speech where the subject of the speech is to be provided) need to be handed in on the day of competition, legible and clearly marked with the section & competitor number. If a Speech & Drama item is not printed, it must be typewritten and properly punctuated.

Dance - Music tracks in their final form (edited, if applicable, and ready to use on stage/adjudicators copy including the fade in/fade out) must be uploaded to STARDOM by the designated cut off date. Failure to upload before the designated date, may result in disqualification. Please bring a backup track on USB.

Vocal & Instrumental - Adjudicator copies of all pieces to be performed, need to be handed in on the day of competition, clearly marked with section & competitor number.   

22. COPYRIGHT:  The law of Copyright applies to the Eisteddfod.  It is the responsibility of each competitor to adhere to the Act.
a) Original music, poetry, etc., must be used for performance.  If out of print, or in the case of re-arranged or transposed music, a licensed stamped copy may be used.
b) Copies of music, poetry, etc., will be accepted for the adjudicator (must be marked ‘adjudicator’s copy’).  In the case of the accompanist, copies may be used for easier turning but original music must also be brought on stage.
c) All non-licensed copies will be destroyed after the performance.
d) All Dancing competitors must sign the warranty on the Entry Form.
e) Pre-recorded accompaniment must comply with copyright law.
f) If in doubt, please refer to AMCOS, Pte Box 2135, NORTH SYDNEY  2059.
 
23. The Committee provides competent official accompanists for the Vocal, Choirs, Band and Instrumental Sections, but if desired, the competitor may provide his/her own accompanist for the vocal or instrumental sections.  The adjudicator may take into consideration of the performance, any action or failure of conduct, by any accompanist not provided by the Committee.  

24.  If using the official accompanists (see page 3), contact must be made and music MUST be forwarded to the accompanist at least 7 DAYS PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT of the Eisteddfod.  Only music or manuscripts, which are LEGIBLE, will be accepted.  Failure to comply can render disqualification.  

25. When using music tracks with lyrics in dance performances, lyrics must not contain inappropriate language or themes.  Failure to adhere to this rule may result in penalty at the discretion of the adjudicator and committee.

26. Competitors competing in more than one age group or section must not repeat the same routine or item.

27. Competitors entering in championships must not repeat the same routines or items used for age/open sections, unless otherwise stated.

28. Prizewinners in the ARIA, SCHOLARSHIPS  and other MAJOR sections MUST be prepared to appear in the GRAND CONCERT, if requested by the Committee.  The Committee, at its discretion, can withhold prizemoney for non-compliance of this rule.

29. RESTRICTED means not having won a first prize solo or championship in that particular category regardless of age, at any eisteddfod or competition up until the closing date of entries.

30. Competitors are permitted to enter EITHER Restricted OR Non-Restricted, but NOT BOTH, in that particular category, eg.  piano, recorder, etc., regardless of age group.  

31. Competitors entering all CHAMPIONSHIPS, ARIAS AND / OR SCHOLARSHIPS must also enter and COMPETE in 2 other SOLO SECTIONS of the same type.

32. All prizewinners of Championships are to be presented with their prize on stage in costume.

33. For a pointscore trophy, points will be awarded on an 8 for 1st; 5 for 2nd; 3 for 3rd; and 1 for HC basis for age groups only.

34. All care will be taken in compiling the syllabus and the programme, and the Committee reserves the right to rectify any errors or omissions that may appear in prizemoney or items.

35. A Yamaha C3E Grand Piano and a Yamaha U3AS upright piano are the instruments provided by the Cowra Council.  Contact Council to make an appointment if wishing to see or practise on these instruments before commencement of the Eisteddfod.

36. All electrical items brought into the hall must have been inspected for safety and tagged in the previous twelve months.

37.Stockings/tights must be worn in all dance performances except school groups. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in a penalty at the discretion of the committee and/or adjudicator.


 








ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 17/03/2026 1:00:00 AM (AEST)
8 YRS/U
114RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     8 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Never having won in a piano section - See Rule 30

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
118NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     8 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
125 INSTRUMENTAL POPULAR (excl. piano) Solo     8 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
146 PERCUSSION Solo     8 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
158RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     8 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          HC Certificate          
162NON-RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     8 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
10 YRS/U
115RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
119NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
126 INSTRUMENTAL POPULAR (excl. piano) Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
135 STRINGED INSTRUMENT (incl. Guitar) Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
142 WOODWIND INSTRUMENT (incl. Recorders) Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
150 LOCAL INSTRUMENTAL (Excluding Piano) Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
159RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Never having won a 1st in a piano section. See Rule 30

Entry: $12.001st Medal          HC Certificate          
163NON-RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
169LOCAL PIANO Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          2nd Medal          3rd Medal          HC Certificate          
182NON-RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     10 YRS/U

Time Limit: 02:00

Entry: $12.001st Medal          HC Certificate          
12 YRS/U
116RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
120NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          
127 INSTRUMENTAL POPULAR (excl. piano) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
130 MODERN/POPULAR (theme from TV, stage or film) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
133 INSTRUMENTAL Duet     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $16.001st $30          2nd $15          3rd $5          HC Certificates          
136 STRINGED INSTRUMENT (incl. Guitar) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          
139 BRASS INSTRUMENT (Any Instrument) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          
143 WOODWIND INSTRUMENT (incl. Recorders) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          HC Certificate          
147 PERCUSSION Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
148 GUITAR (Acoustic/Electric) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
151 LOCAL INSTRUMENTAL (Excluding Piano) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          HC Certificate          
12YRS\OPEN
160RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     12YRS\OPEN

Time Limit: 02:00

Never having won a 1st in a piano section. See Rule 29

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
12 YRS/U
164NON-RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          HC Certificate          
167 PIANO Duet     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

See Rule 7

Entry: $16.001st $30          HC Certificate          
170 LOCAL INSTRUMENTAL Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
185 POPULAR/JAZZ PIANO Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
187 MODERN/POPULAR (theme from TV, stage or film) Solo     12 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $12.001st $20          2nd $10          3rd $5          HC Certificate          
14 YRS/U
117RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
121NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 03:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
128 INSTRUMENTAL POPULAR (excl. piano) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
131 MODERN/POPULAR (theme from TV, stage or film) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
137 STRINGED INSTRUMENT (incl. Guitar) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 05:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
140 BRASS INSTRUMENT (Any Instrument) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
144 WOODWIND INSTRUMENT (incl. Recorders) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
152 LOCAL INSTRUMENTAL (Excluding Piano) Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
161RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Never having won a 1st in a piano section. See Rule 29

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
165NON-RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          HC Certificate          
171 LOCAL INSTRUMENTAL Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Eileen Yeo Trophy

Entry: $13.001st Trophy + $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
183 AUSTRALIAN COMPOSITION PIANO Solo     14 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
16 YRS/U
122NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     16 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
168 PIANO Duet     16 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $17.001st $50          HC Certificate          
186 POP/JAZZ Solo     16 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
188 MODERN/POPULAR (theme from TV, stage or film) Solo     16 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          3rd $10          HC Certificate          
18 YRS/U
123NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     18 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          
166NON-RESTRICTED PIANO Solo     18 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Entry: $13.001st $35          2nd $20          HC Certificate          
20 YRS/U
172LOCAL PIANO Solo     20 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Living or taught within the Cowra Shire

Entry: $13.001st $35          HC Certificate          
184 AUSTRALIAN COMPOSITION PIANO Solo     20 YRS/U

Time Limit: 04:00

Living or taught within the Cowra Shire

Entry: $13.001st $35          HC Certificate          
OPEN
124NON-RESTRICTED INSTRUMENTAL (excl. piano) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
129 INSTRUMENTAL POPULAR (excl. piano) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
132 MODERN/POPULAR (theme from TV, stage or film) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
134 INSTRUMENTAL Duet     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $21.001st $80          HC Certificate          
138 STRINGED INSTRUMENT (incl. Guitar) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
141 BRASS INSTRUMENT (Any Instrument) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
145 WOODWIND INSTRUMENT (incl. Recorders) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
149 GUITAR (Acoustic/Electric) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          2nd $35          3rd $20          HC Certificate          
153 LOCAL INSTRUMENTAL (Excluding Piano) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 06:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
190 CLASSICAL PIANO Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
191 ROMANTIC/IMPRESSIONISTIC PIANO Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
192 BAROQUE PERIOD PIANO Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
193 AUSTRALIAN COMPOSITION PIANO Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          
194 JAZZ/BLUES PIANO Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
195 POPULAR PIANO Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          HC Certificate          
196 MODERN/POPULAR (theme from TV, stage or film) Solo     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $15.001st $65          2nd $35          3rd $20          HC Certificate          
197 PIANO Duet     OPEN

Time Limit: 08:00

Entry: $21.001st $80