MUSIC EXAM TALK #3: What are in the RCM piano test?

There are various types of assessment opportunities for students. They are called exams, tests, auditions, festivals, or other names. They all involve students playing for a judge or examiner and receiving feedback on their performance.

If you take a festival type of audition, the requirement is very straight forward – one or two pieces memorized. Some include scales and arpeggios, some don’t. However, if you plan to take a certificate exam, you’ll need to prepare seriously a way lot more.

What is a certificate exam? For example, The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Music Development Program offers a comprehensive and sequenced program of music study and assessment, beginning with the Preparatory Level A and B, followed by Levels 1 to 10, and concluding with the Associate Diploma (ARCT). At each level, a Certificate of Achievement can be earned by successfully completing a Royal Conservatory practical examination.

Why follow the certificate program of music study? Because it provides a comprehensive study of music, with progressive sequence encompassing repertoire from different styles and periods, technique, ear tests, sight reading, music theory, and music history. The curriculum is well structured, the high exam registration fee is justified.

What are the available programs?

• Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Graded Exams (ABRSM), based in England, is very popular in Australia and New Zealand.

• Trinity College of London, another British system, is less known in the US.

• The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Music Development Program, Canadian system, is becoming popular in the US and the certificate is recognized throughout the states.

Based on my observation, the choice of the certificate program often land on teacher’s background and the city. In Cincinnati, OH, RCM seems to be more popular. Some years ago the Ohio Music Education Board decided to endorse the RCM program. Consequently, more and more teachers teach this curriculum. I do too, and the program does help a lot in many ways.

What exams does the RCM Music Development Program offer?

• Practical Examinations: Accordion, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Flute, Guitar, Harp, Harpsichord, Horn, Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Recorder, Saxophone, Speech Arts and Drama, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Voice

• Written Examinations: Rudiments Theory, Harmony, History, Analysis

(P.S. You don't have to complete all levels. You can skip. However, you cannot skip any further from level 8 and above, and it applies to both practical and written exams.)

How is the exam conducted? Click here for the video examples provided by RCM. There are 3 clips: #1 is piano exam, #2 is vocal, and #3 is instrumental.

What are the requirements in a practical exam? How many points for each piece? The following is an example of the requirements in Preparatory A, Level 1, and Level 10. YouTube video of the pieces is included.

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Preparatory A Requirements

Repertoire----------Total marks: 66

Piece A (20)

* Example: Faber, Piano Adventures, Lesson Book 1, The Haunted Mouse

Piece B (20)

* Example: Faber, Piano Adventures, Lesson Book 2A, Jazz Blast

Piece C (20)

* Example: Bastien Piano Basics, Performance 1, Golden Trumpets

Memory (6; 2 marks per repertoire selection)

Technical Tests----Total marks: 14

Scales and Chords * Must be played from memory. Metronome speeds are intended as a guideline for the minimum tempo of each requirement.

Ear Tests------------Total marks: 10

Clapback (4)

Chords (2)

Playback (4)

Sight Reading------Total marks: 10

Rhythm (5)

Playing (5)

Total possible marks: 100 (pass = 60)

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Levels 1

Repertoire----------Total marks: 56

List A: Baroque and Classical Repertoire (16)

* Example: Burlesque in G Major

List B: Romantic, 20th-, and 21st-century Repertoire (18)

* Example: Crosby Gaudet, Robots

List C: Inventions (16)

* Example: Markow, Teapot Invention

Memory (6; 2 marks per repertoire selection)

Technical Requirements----Total marks: 24

Technical Tests: Scales and Chords (12) * Must be played from memory. Metronome speeds are intended as a guideline for the minimum tempo of each requirement.

Etude (12)

Ear Tests------------Total marks: 10

Clapback (2)

Intervals (2)

Chords (2)

Playback (4)

Sight Reading------Total marks: 10

Rhythm (3)

Playing (7)

Total possible marks: 100 (pass = 60)

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Level 10

* The figures in parentheses in the repertoire section indicate the marks that will be deducted for any selections that are not memorized.

Repertoire----------Total marks: 56 (39)

List A: Works by J.S. Bach 12 (1)

* Example: J.S. Bach, French Suite No.6 in E Major, BWV 817, Allemande and Gigue

List B: Classical Repertoire 14 (1)

* Example: Mozart, Rondo in D Major, K 485

List C: Romantic Repertoire 10 (1)

* Example: Chopin, Polonaise in A Major, op.40, no.1

List D: Post-Romantic, Impressionist, and Early 20th-century Repertoire 10 (1)

* Example: Debussy, Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum

List E: 20th- and 21st-century Repertoire 10 (1)

* Example: Prokofiev, Prelude in C Major “Harp”, op.12, no.7

Technical Requirements----Total marks: 24 (17)

Technical Tests 12

Etude #1, 6

* Example: Chopin, Etude in F Minor, op.25, no.2

Etude #2, 6

* Example: Heller, Etude in F Major, op.45, no.14

Ear Tests------------Total marks: 10 (7)

Intervals 2

Chords 2

Chord Progressions 2

Playback 4

Sight Reading------Total marks: 10 (7)

Rhythm 3

Playing 7

Total possible marks: 100 (pass = 60)

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I hope this article helps you understand the curriculum, levels, and requirements. I’m looking forward to your child’s achievement.

#Parenting #EarTraining #MusicTheory #PianoLessons #MusicEducation