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 FIRST STEPS 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 (FIRST STEPS 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 $70.00 AUD non‑refundable application fee is required at the time of submission. Please note: After the early‑bird cut‑off, the fee increases to $120.00 AUD.
Repertoire Requirements — First Steps (Non‑Competitive)
Young performers may present one short piece of their choice (up to AMEB Grade 3 level). Repertoire should be:
Classical or educational in style
Comfortable and achievable for the performer
Performed with or without accompaniment (as appropriate)
This category is designed to be supportive and encouraging — choose a piece that helps the performer shine.
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.
These judging conditions apply only to the competitive categories.
The First Steps Category is a non‑competitive, participation‑only experience designed to support and inspire young performers. All First Steps participants receive a Festival Participation Certificate, celebrating their effort, confidence, and musical growth. This category focuses on encouragement, enjoyment, and building early performance experience.
The Rising Stars Gala Concert celebrates outstanding performances in a professional concert setting.
Performer participation: included in the entry fee
Audience tickets: available separately
This event highlights musical excellence and provides students with valuable stage experience in front of a live audience.
Date, venue, and time are to be advised.
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 — First Steps Category
A single $70.00 AUD early‑bird entry fee (per application) covers full participation in the BIYMF First Steps Non‑Competitive Category. The standard fee is $120.00 AUD after the early‑bird period.
This all‑inclusive fee provides young performers with a supportive introduction to the festival experience, including stage time, and an official certificate of participation.
