RCM Examinations
5865 McLaughlin Road, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5R 1B8
Tel: (905) 501-9553 Press 1 for Candidate Services, or listen for directory.
Application fax: (905) 501-0909 (Keep transmission slip: There is a $10 fee for mailed or faxed applications.)
General Information
RCM Examinations is a sister organization to The Royal Conservatory of Music, founded in
1886 in Toronto. The high standards of The Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum are
made available and accessible to students across Canada through the RCM Examinations
Certificate Program. Examinations are conducted three times each year in more than 300
communities from coast to coast through a network of RCM Examinations Centres.
In the Ottawa urban area, the three centres are Ottawa West 172 (serving West Carleton, Goulbourn, Kanata, Nepean and West Ottawa), Ottawa East 148 (serving Gloucester East, Cumberland, Rockland and Orleans), and Ottawa Central 162 (serving central, south and east Ottawa, and Hull/Gatineau). All Grade 10 and ARCT exams are at Ottawa Central 162 due to the need for specialized examiners and a grand piano. Theory exams are offered in all three centres. As of 2004, Ottawa Central offers all levels of Piano, the Strings, Woodwinds and Brass examinations. Ottawa West is the area site for the Guitar and Voice exams. Ottawa East offers Introductory to Grade 9 Piano only.
Each Centre has a local representative whose role is to provide information not found in the syllabus, assist teachers and students, and ensure a successful examination experience. Please only contact the rep for your vicinity (you may not switch centres once designated).
The representatives regret that they may not return long distance calls. Please authorize
your representative to call you collect at your convenience.
All three work freelance for RCM and are certified music teachers in their own right. They
appreciate your patience as they deal with all your enquiries.
The three-digit number is your centre code for use on the exam application. RCM Examinations reserves the right to assign you to the next closest centre if yours is closed, or if your grade is full.
Please note: I am not able to respond to queries that are not specific to the Ottawa centres or that deal with academic policy or financial matters.
Candidates in other centres should contact their local representative or try the national web site for RCM Examinations here.
Practical Examinations
Exams are conducted for two weeks in January, three weeks in June, and two weeks in August.
They are conducted in a friendly and professional atmosphere on a one-on-one basis. Members of the RCM Examinations College of Examiners are chosen not only for their professional qualifications but also for their ability to interact constructively with exam candidates.
Examiners have completed up to three years of initial training and participate in ongoing
professional development sessions. Their biographies, where provided, are given out on exam day, or are available on the RCM Examinations web site.
| Practical examinations are offered in the following disciplines:
| | accordion | bassoon | cello
|
| clarinet | classical guitar | double bass
|
| euphonium | flute | French horn
|
| harp | harpsichord | oboe
|
| organ | percussion | piano
|
| public speaking | recorder | saxophone
|
| speech arts & drama | trombone | trumpet
|
| tuba | viola | violin
|
| voice
|
The Examiner's Evaluation
Each candidate taking a Practical Examination receives a mark and a written evaluation several weeks after the exam. The Examiner's professional and objective assessment of both strengths and weaknesses is intended to encourage candidates and enhance their continued studies with their teacher. Certificates are awarded in Spring and Fall to all candidates who have successfully completed a grade (if a Theory requirement is needed, the certificate will automatically be sent when both parts are complete).
Theory Examinations
These begin at the Grade 5 Practical level and are designed to complement studies. RCM
Examinations theory requirements ensure a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of
the following disciplines:
- Rudiments
- Harmony
- Music History
- Counterpoint
- Analysis
- Public Speaking Theory
- Speech Theory
- Keyboard Harmony (during June practical exams only)
- Musicianship (during practical exams)
Consult the 2002 Theory syllabus, page 7, for the Friday and Saturday exam schedules. Exams are
always held on the second weekends of December, May and August.
Publications
The Royal Conservatory of Music has developed a series of graded repertoire and studies
albums to complement and provide supporting materials for the curriculum and the Certificate Program. These are published in the following series by The Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited, and are available at leading music retailers in the area:
The current syllabus for each instrument is listed at the following URL:
rcmexaminations.org/acadinfo/syllabi.htm
For Piano, only the 2001 syllabus may be used as of the January, 2003 session.
Substitute Piece forms and sample Pedagogy exams should be obtained in writing (mail or fax) from Mississauga. Substitute Piece forms are also available at
on-line under "Academic Policies". They are not stocked locally. Remember to allow enough lead time before the exam deadline.
Benefits for the Student
- Motivation to achieve a goal
- Commitment to practise
- Experience of performing
- Pride of accomplishment
- Non-OAC and OAC credit
- Certificates and awards
- Personal growth and achievement
Assurances for the Parent
- A balanced course of study
- A high standard of evaluation
- Internationally recognized certificates and diplomas
- Invaluable experience and meaningful goals for their children
- Development of self discipline
Benefits for the Teacher
- An excellent and reliable curriculum
- High pedagogical standards
- Richness of repertoire and studies
- Objective assessment of student's achievement
- Feedback from experienced professional colleagues
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