RCM Examination Centre 561 - Charlottesville, VA

The Royal Conservatory of Music has taught and developed a wide-range of musicians, from Glenn Gould and Oscar Peterson to Sarah McLachlan. Participation in the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program demands a higher level of dedication and commitment, yet students who choose to participate have the opportunity to receive guidance from expert pianists and musicians as well as to progress through the curiculum of an internationally-recognized conservatory. RCM training includes mastering a diverse repertoire of music, piano technique, musicmanship, and musical literacy. In addition to practical (performance) assessments, students at RCM Level 5 and above also take examinations in music theory and history. Ultimately, dedicated students may earn their diploma as an Associate of The Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT Diploma).

As a former member of the RCM College of Examiners, I can personally vouch for the fact that RCM examiners are rigorously trained to provide the highest level of constructive, artistic feedback. Consequently, the grading standard for RCM examinations is often somewhat higher than what is typically encountered at elementary, middle, and high schools. In the United States, the national average for RCM practical examinations (for piano) gradually decreases from 78 (at Level 1) to 69 (by Level 10). * In Canada, practical examination scores for piano gradually decrease from 81.2 (at Level 1) to 74.2 (by Level 10). Keep in mind that the two pianists mentioned above, Glenn Gould and Oscar Peterson, were not only great pianists--they were absolute, undeniable legends! In fact, no one can discuss Bach and keyboard music without mentioning Glenn Gould, and no one can devise a list of all-time Jazz greats without including Oscar Peterson! If we consider Glenn and Oscar as RCM's top-of-the-class, A+ students, what examination grades do our students hope to receive? Moreover, current students enrolled at the actual Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto are entirely focused on mastering their art—and devoting the vast majority of their time and efforts to that end. In comparison, what scores can a student—who receives weekly lessons and whose overall practice time is mitigated by many factors—expect to earn?

Over the past decade, Ivy Piano Studio students who take RCM examinations have consistently outperformed the national averages for both the United States and Canada. Despite this achievement, students (and their parents) are discouraged from focusing too much on a particular numerical score, as the specific written feedback provided by a competent examiner is deemed more important and useful—and often includes insights that students can actually use to grow as an artist. I have had the priviledge to train numerous distinguished pianists, some of whom are RCM Gold Medalists; however, all Ivy Piano Studio students receive the same level of instruction whether or not they participate in RCM examinations.

* Sources: RCM Examination National Averages - USA & RCM Examination National Averages - Canada