First Steps Category
The BIYMF First Steps Category is designed for young musicians taking their first steps in performance. This is a non‑competitive, confidence‑building festival experience that allows children to enjoy the stage without pressure.
About First Steps Festival Category
A welcoming, no‑pressure festival experience for young performers
FIRST STEPS CATEGORY (Non‑Competitive)
The BIYMF Beginner Category is designed for young musicians taking their first steps in performance. This is a non‑competitive, confidence‑building festival experience that allows children to enjoy the stage without pressure.
What Participants Receive
Stage performance opportunity at the festival
BIYMF Participation Certificate
Optional professional photo/video packages
Optional written feedback from an adjudicator
A warm, supportive, encouraging environment
Who It’s For
The Beginner Category is ideal for:
AMEB level – Up to grade 4 AMEB
Students who recently started learning their instrument
Young performers who feel nervous about competitions
Anyone wanting a positive “first stage experience”
Performance Time
2–4 minutes
Fee
$70 (includes stage performance + certificate)
Optional add‑ons:
Photo Package
Video Package
Premium Written Feedback
Why Choose the First Steps Category?
This category allows young musicians to:
Build confidence
Experience performing on a real stage
Celebrate their progress
Enjoy music without competition pressure
The First Steps Category is a wonderful introduction to BIYMF and a stepping stone toward future competitive categories.
First Steps Festival Category (Non‑Competitive)
The BIYMF Beginner Festival Category is designed for musicians of any age who are taking their first steps in performance. This is a non‑competitive, confidence‑building festival experience with no ranking, no pressure, and no age restrictions.
Improve Technique: Through rigorous practice and performance, young string players can refine their technique, intonation, and rhythm.
Develop Performance Skills: Through various performance rounds, participants will have the opportunity to develop stage presence, charisma, and a commanding presence.
Learn from Experts: The competition provides a platform for young musicians to learn from renowned musicians and educators who serve as judges and mentors.
Building Stage Confidence
Opportunities for Growth and Recognition
Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-racking for young musicians, but the Presto competition helps to build stage confidence by providing a supportive and nurturing environment. By participating in this competition, participants will:
- Experience Live Performances: Watching and listening to other talented musicians performing live can help young string players gain perspective on their abilities and encourage them to perform at their best.
- Receive Feedback: The judges provide feedback to participants, helping them to identify areas of improvement and offering guidance on how to improve their stage presence.
- Learn from Peers: Interacting with other participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels can help young string players develop a supportive network of peers who share their passion for music.
FESTIVAL REQUIREMENTS (BEGINNER CATEGORY ONLY)
Opportunity for Winners to Perform and Learn Abroad
To complete your application, the following items must be submitted to BIYMF:
1. Online Application Form
Submit a fully completed online application form, including a copy of the applicant’s passport or birth certificate for age verification. All required fields must be filled in for the application to be accepted.
2. Performance Video Link
Provide a YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, or similar link to a recording of the applicant performing their chosen repertoire. A simple home or studio recording is perfectly acceptable.
3. Application Fee
A $70 AUD non‑refundable application fee is required at the time of submission. Please note: After the early‑bird cut‑off, the fee increases to $120 AUD.
- Competitors for the opening round must record one piece of your choice with a maximum time limit of 15 mins
- Semi Finalists – are to perform two contrasting pieces of your choice with no time limit.
- Finalists – the judging panel will choose one of two pieces to be performed live in the final at the gala concert where the winners will be announced.
The Festival reserves the right to record, film, web-stream or broadcast any part of the Festival events. Competitors must grant BIYMF the sole and exclusive right to use of these recordings.
Competitors must ensure that a copy of their sheet music is provided to the festival coordinator at the start of the day of their scheduled semifinal. Please note that photocopies will not be returned.
BIYMF can assist with arranging an accompanist for semifinal/final performances. Please contact the festival coordinator for further details or visit the accompanist guild website at https://accompanistsguildofqld.wordpress.com .
Payment for performances and rehearsals must be arranged and negotiated between the competitor and accompanist.
The judging panel is composed of a minimum of 5 distinguished, international musicians and all decisions of the panel are final. The judges reserve the right to withhold any prize or award should the required standard not be achieved.
Winners Concert
The Winners Concert celebrates outstanding performances in a professional concert setting.
– Performer participation: included in entry fee
– Audience tickets: available separately
This event highlights excellence and provides students with valuable stage experience in front of a live audience.
Optional Development Opportunities
To further support musical growth, optional enhancements are available:
– Detailed written adjudicator feedback
– Masterclasses with adjudicators or guest educators
– Additional category entries at discounted rates
– Professional media (photo/video packages where available)
There are no additional fees required for progression through competition stages.
The cost of travel to the competition will be borne by the competitor. Those requiring assistance with booking accommodation, transport or tours can contact the festival coordinator.
Accepted semifinalists are responsible to apply for a travel visa to Australia where necessary and to hold sufficient travel, accident and health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Entry Fee
A single $149.99 per application (all-inclusive) entry fee covers full participation in the BIYMF Presto Competition.
This includes:
– Entry into the competition (video submission round)
– Eligibility for semi-final selection
– Eligibility for final selection
– Professional adjudication
– Official certificate of participation
– Consideration for awards and winners concert performance
There are no additional fees required for progression through competition stages.
