Entry Information

Heats

One song of own choice. Total performance time of up to 4 minutes. Up to 5 Finalists and two Reserve Finalists will be chosen from the heats. For solo voice only. No backing vocals are permitted. Accompaniment can be with either: (a) Piano and/or guitar accompaniment (b) Self-accompaniment (c) OR with recorded backing track

The following must be uploaded to the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal no later than 14 days prior to the Heats.
- Backing track (if applicable). Files should be in MP3 format.
- Publicity photo in colour as a JPEG file - in high resolution (minimum 2M.B.)
- Biography (maximum 100 words)

Final

Sunday 17 August 2025 at Petersham RSL

Finalists prepare 2 contrasting works with a total performance time of up to 10 minutes (Including time taken between works). Both pieces will be accompanied by the Sydney Eisteddfod House Band (Drums, Piano, Bass & Guitar). No backing tracks or private accompanists are permitted. Self-accompaniment will be considered for one song only, upon application to Sydney Eisteddfod.

Sheet Music: It is up to each performer to provide clear, readable charts for each member of the band. Below are some recommended sources.

Readymade Music: www.readymademusic.com

Barlow Music: www.barlowmusic.com.au

In addition, the band asks that a recording be provided to determine the style of the performance. All sheet music and guide tracks need to be submitted to Sydney Eisteddfod by July 1 at the latest. Failure to submit music by this time may result in you being unable to participate in the event.

Adjudication will be based on originality of style, delivery, vocal ability, stagecraft and overall presentation, which includes audience communication (linking dialogue).

Important Notes

Entrants are encouraged to vary repertoire choices in order to develop their expressive and technical capabilities. However, there are no restrictions on the number of times a work can be repeated across multiple events, including Principal events.

Please note: Entrants do not need to perform the same song in the Finals that was performed in the Heats. Entrants can if they would like to, but it is not mandatory.

Conditions

1. Previous winners not eligible.

2. Adjudicators' reports will be written for the heats only. No marks will be given on these reports.

3. The Winner and Finalists must be reasonably available for media interviews and performance engagements. Sydney Eisteddfod will endeavour to continue to provide performance opportunities to alumni as a way of staying connected and nurturing the creative practices of all.

4. Finalists: Approved band charts for the item/s to be performed with the band must be supplied for each individual musician - bass, drums, guitar and piano. Band charts to be purchased from the approved arrangers listed below.

1) Readymade Music: www.readymademusic.com

2) Barlow Music: www.barlowmusic.com.au

If using arrangers other than those suggested above, they must be a member of the MAGA (Musicians and Arrangers Guild of Australia) - www.magainc.org.au/find.html Please seek prior approval from Sydney Eisteddfod by sending an email at least one month prior, giving all relevant details so that our Musical Director can approve before proceeding with purchases from other arrangers except those listed above. All band charts must be approved by our Musical Director before performance. Please refer to the Contemporary Singing Rules & Conditions of Entry. Your entry is accepted under these conditions.

Prizes

Winner: $3,000. Sponsored by Petersham RSL Club. The winner also receives a photographic portfolio courtesy of BWP Studios. Finalists (excluding place-getter): $500 each. Sponsored by Petersham RSL Club.