Music. Your moment.
Whether you are playing your very first piece, singing a favourite song or performing with a whole choir, there's a place for you at Don Valley Festival. Share your music, enjoy the experience and grow in confidence.
Find your place on stage
Explore the Music classes
There are 109 classes, from complete beginners to advanced recitals, contemporary instruments, original compositions, musical theatre and choirs. Choose a category to see class numbers, age groups, time limits, fees and requirements.
Inclusive music-making
Classes 199 and 200 provide a supported performance opportunity for people with special educational needs and disabilities. They take place on Friday morning at the Parish Church of Saint Jude in Hexthorpe.
A few things to check
Before you enter
Once you have found a section that interests you, check the individual class requirements and the Festival Regulations.
Check the class details
Browse the complete class list to confirm age groups, fees, time limits, repertoire and any accompaniment, backing-track or equipment requirements.
View Music class detailsRead the regulations
Check eligibility, music copies and copyright requirements before submitting an entry. Graded and ensemble classes have additional conditions.
Read the regulations
Expert feedback and encouragement
Meet your Music adjudicators
We're pleased to welcome two experienced adjudicators with backgrounds across instrumental music, choral music, opera and musical theatre.
Donal McCrisken MBE
Musician, conductor, accompanist and music educator with wide-ranging festival experience.
Read Donal's biography
Maria Jagusz
Opera singer, teacher and mentor specialising in vocal performance and the development of young singers.
Read Maria's biographyCelebrate every achievement
Medals, trophies and special awards
Class awards
Many classes offer a medal, and some offer a trophy as well. Every class has its own prize information on the Music class list.
Musician of the Year
Adjudicators nominate outstanding soloists from across the weekend for a special play-off. The winner receives the Millhouse Green MVC Geoffrey Barlow Memorial Cup.
New for 2027: The winner will also receive a £75 gift voucher.
Recital Class
The advanced recital class (117) offers a medal, The Pauline & Jack Hall Trophy and a £50 cash prize, subject to the class conditions.
Celebrating the 2026 Festival
Aurelia, Musician of the Year.
Aurelia was named our 2026 Musician of the Year. Join us in celebrating her achievement and looking back at more moments from the Festival.
See our 2026 highlightsWith thanks
Our Music supporters
We're grateful to organisations helping us celebrate and encourage young musicians through music books, manuscript materials and other resources.
Make some music with us.
Music entries close on 31 January 2027. Online entry is temporarily closed while we prepare the entry system; we’ll announce when it opens.