The Oxford Music Festival was founded in 1974 and is held every year during January and February. Participation in a festival adds an extra dimension to 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.
There are currently two organ-related classes in the OMF. The ODOA sponsors an prize in the festival for organist - the Michael Popkin Memorial Award, for organ players under the age of 25.
The 2026 OMF syllabus is now available. Entries must arrive no later than Tuesday 11th November 2025Â
More details can be found on the OMF Details page.