Gauging Success: The Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations
Category: Miscellaneous
Some people love to be graded. Some people just love learning, and don’t necessarily need the feedback that a formal assessment provides. For the former, this post is for you. I have some (a lot of) experience with practicing for and taking examinations through an institution called the Royal Conservatory of Music. I thought I would take this opportunity to explain the program a bit, and maybe give a bit of personal insight into my experience with the process.
The Royal Conservatory of Music is Canada’s most well-established arts educator. Their mandate is to help develop human potential through music and the arts. Although their programs are many, I’m going to focus mainly on the RCM Examinations certificate program, as it is an internationally recognized curriculum (not to mention I am most familiar with this program.)
The RCM Examinations certificate program spans 11 grades, from beginner (Grade 1) to ARCT (Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music). Each level has certain requirements that need to be achieved in order to obtain recognition for that level. Curriculum for a specific level includes technical requirements, ear training and sight reading requirements, as well as a selected repertoire. These skills are evaluated at a one-on-one practical examination in which a certified examiner will assess the student. The student will received a mark, as well as written feedback about their performance.
As the student progresses through the levels, the requirements become more demanding. Theory examinations, intended to complement practical study, begin at the Grade 5 level. There are several different types of theory examinations:
- Rudiments of Music - This examination evaluates the student on their knowledge of basic musical theory and notation.
- Harmony - The harmony curriculum is intended to introduce the student to composition, with basic theories of classical composition
- History - These examinations focus on a specific period in musical history, studying both the composers and the compositions
- Counterpoint - I’ve never taken this exam, so I have no personal experience in it. However, it also focuses on compositional principles.
The Royal Conservatory of Music also offers a Piano Pedagogy curriculum for those interested in teaching.
The cost of an examination can range from just under $100 for the beginner levels, to over $500 for ARCT examinations. For more information you can visit their website to see if examinations are taking place in your area.
Posted on February 19th, 2010 by sharlene
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