The Oxford Music Festival was founded in 1974 and is affiliated to the The British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance & Speech, (http://www.federationoffestivals.org.uk) which was founded in 1921.

Participation in a festival adds an extra dimension a musician's enjoyment of music. Young musicians learn their skills at their own home and at that of their teacher, in some degree of isolation. The festival offers a different experience, enabling performers to meet and learn from each other. Listening to others perform is a valuable experience. It is also a very valuable experience to listen to the comments and hear demonstrations from our adjudicators, who are all very experienced professional teachers - some at the leading colleges in the country. An increased level of skill and self-confidence, a deeper level of understanding, an extra measure of interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment - these are some of the things a musician can take from participation in the festival.

Participants in the Oxford Music Festival receive a certificate which indicates the level of achievement and a copy of the adjudicator's comments. And, not to forget the competitive element of the festival, certain class winners receive a trophy and in some of the more senior classes there are cash prizes.

Every year we have between 700 and 800 entries. Each day of the festival is busy, and with so many participants and so many parents and friends, there is a lively and friendly atmosphere - something that helps especially the youngsters overcome any nervousness at performing in public in front of not only parents and friends, but also fellow participants and the adjudicators.

Most participants in the festival do not go on to make their careers in the field of music, dance and theatre, but some do and these will testify that taking part in a festival was an important stepping stone in the development of their career.

The management committee is kept busy throughout the year, but particularly in the months just before and during the festival. The names of the current management committee and the music sub-committee can be found in the Syllabus. We need a large number of helpers. Music stewards are help-mates to the adjudicators and announce the players to the audience. Door stewards sell tickets and programmes and help people find their way around. Canteen stewards help in the dining room at Headington School where they prepare sandwiches and serve tea, coffee, soft drinks etc. We welcome extra helpers, so if you can afford a morning or an afternoon on any of the four days of the festival: Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th January, Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th February, please let us know. You can contact the Festival Secretary Anne Baker at 1 Wellington Place, Oxford OX1 2LD, Email: anne.baker@lineone.net. A provisional timetable for the 2012 Festival is now available on the Syllabus page.