Royal Conservatory Piano Testing

[OnMyOwn]

For an average student, how quickly should they master each level of this program? Should a typical student test at a new level each year? At what level would they be considered a proficient piano player? TIA!

[Kel & the Kids]

I know some kids who test every year, but that does get to be a heavy load. My ds is going to do grade 8 this year which will allow him to teach the earlier conservatory grades. I'm thrilled he wants to do that because if he wasn't on board I wouldn't die on that hill! I did up to grade 6 and can play most anything I like, with some work. I've told my kids that they at least need to do grade 4, as I feel like the basics are there and they could pick it up again later.

 

I hope that helps a little!

[wintermom]

You can use the RCM syllabus as a guide and never ever take an exam. You can pick and choose which exams you want to take. Usually it takes a year to prepare for a technical exam, at least the higher levels. The grade 8 technical level, along with Advanced Rudiments, is equivalent to grade 12 music credit, and also well recognized as a level one could start to teach beginners. It's sometimes a pre-requisite for other music programs to be an instructor and take specific training for their program (e.g., Music for Young Children). 

 

My dd just finished her grade 8 technical in violin, along with the Advanced Rudiments, and will begin teaching beginners this summer. It's a major time commitment and achievement. I'm not sure if she'll take any more exams. 

 

As far as a specific level being considered proficient, it really depends on what you mean. If a child could do all the repetoire and technical components (scales, chords, arpeggios) of grade 6, they would have a solid basis. I believe that grade 6 piano is highly recommended for any musician who plays an instrument other than piano and desires to study music at university, so this level is probably a good indicator of basic proficiency. 

Edited July 30, 2016 by wintermom

[Terabith]

Is there a way to find a teacher who uses this?

[wintermom]

Is there a way to find a teacher who uses this?

 

There is a link to teachers in Canada who are affiliated with Royal Conservatory on their website: http://www.rcmusic.ca/?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=SG0186-Jul6_2016&utm_medium=email

 

These are not all the teachers who use RCM material, though. There could be local listings in your area.

[KarenB]

The United States link is: http://musicdevelopmentprogram.org/

You can search for teachers that use RCM materials or are RCM certified on this webpage.

If in Canada, the link wintermom gave will link you to teachers in your area in Canada.

 

[wintermom]

The United States link is: http://musicdevelopmentprogram.org/

You can search for teachers that use RCM materials or are RCM certified on this webpage.

If in Canada, the link wintermom gave will link you to teachers in your area in Canada.

 

Good to know. I wasn't aware that the Royal Conservatory program was used in the US.

[Terabith]

No teachers within a hundred miles of us here in Virginia. Sigh.

[Bluegoat]

I just looked up my dd11's teacher, out of curiosity.  He isn't on the list, but they do use largely RMC materials in her lessons.  So I wouold not assume that the lit will be all that complete.  In his case he doesn't actually do a lot of teaching.

[wintermom]

No teachers within a hundred miles of us here in Virginia. Sigh.

 

I wouldn't consider the teacher registry complete, either. You could ask around with friends, contact a music store that sells the RCM books, or contact local music academies to find teachers using the program. 

[mathnerd]

I agree with others who said that the registry is not complete. My son's teacher will prepare him for RCM exams and register him for it if any of the parents request her to do it. Otherwise she prepares them for the CM exams (local to our state). She is not registered in that database either. So, ask at the local music stores, they will know the teachers who require their students to purchase RCM material.

[Laura Corin]

Are you meaning the ABRSM exams, or something different?

 

ETA never mind, I worked it out.

Edited August 1, 2016 by Laura Corin