RCM Certificates & Examinations
I will be happy to help you prepare for your RCM examinations in voice and theory (piano - beginners only). The information given here is general; detailed information can be found in the RCM Voice Syllabus (you can read mine before or after your lesson).
From wikipedia:
The RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) Certificate Program is a comprehensive program that encompasses all levels from beginner to certification as an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT), through a curriculum of up to 11 grades. Each grade is a stepping stone established as a logical assessment point for a developing musician.
I recommend taking the RCM examinations. One does not need exams to learn how to sing but having a goal can help you become and stay more focused, motivated and the whole process of preparing for the exam and the rewarding feeling of accomplishment will encourages you to practice regularly and advance faster. After the examination you either pass or fail, but you also receive an evaluation regarding your skills. With this feedback you will learn what your stronger point are and learn how to use them to your advantage. You also learn about your weaker sides and understand that those are the things that you need to work on for your next RCM grade. It is always good to get another opinion and not only your teacher’s - every teacher/evaluator/examiner has a different point of view and everyone can give you another idea of a direction to go to. One last reason: singing and learning in class is very important - but the real process of learning takes place out there in the world; when you need to implement what you learned in other environments, stages, auditions, performances, exams etc. These exams are great preparation for auditions!
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2013-2014 Examination Dates
Winter Session
| Registration Deadline: | November 5, 2013 |
| Theory Examinations: | December 13 & 14, 2013 |
| Practical Examinations: | January 13-25, 2014 |
Spring Session
| Registration Deadline: | March 4, 2014 |
| Theory Examinations: | May 9 & 10, 2014 |
| Practical Examinations: | June 9-28, 2014 |
Summer Session
| Registration Deadline: | June 3, 2014 |
| Theory Examinations: | August 8 & 9, 2014 |
| Practical Examinations: | August 11-23, 2014 |
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RCM Examination Fees, Additional Costs, Books & Other Resources
Taking the exam has a lot of benefits but there are additional costs that one has to take into consideration:
- RCM examination fees (click here for a list of all examination fees):
- RCM Practical Examination Fees: Practical examinations are examination of your instrument (i.e. voice, guitar, piano, trombone...)
- RCM Theory Examination Fees: RCM level 5 and up have theory prerequisites and co-requisites.
- Accompanist: You will need to bring your own accompanist, which means practicing in advance with them and bringing them to your exam. accompanists fees varies and if you need one I will gladly recommend. You cannot bring a playback, sing without accompaniment or sing with any accompaniment other than piano.
- Books:
You need to purchase the repertoire and vocalizes books for your appropriate level. Detailed information can be found on the Frederick Harris Music Publications Website. Serious students may also wish to purchase the Official RCM Voice Syllabus, 2012 edition offering essential information for examination preparation along with repertoire listings from various sources for twelve levels of study. The Voice Syllabus includes an extensive chart of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols for English, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish, and concludes with a comprehensive bibliography of vocal anthologies, reference works, and publications on voice production, vocal pedagogy, language, and phonetics.
Fourth Edition: Resonance™ is the fourth edition (2012) of the acclaimed Voice Series published by The Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited. As in previous editions, Resonance™ encompasses a rich and varied selection of Repertoire, Vocalises, and Recitatives that students of all ages and voice types will find appropriate to their musical interests and level of technical ability. New to the voice series is the addition of musical theatre selections and songs in popular styles in levels 1 to 8 of the Repertoire books, and accompaniment CDs.
Click here to purchase the NEW repertoire books!
Third Edition books may no longer be used for examinations, but if you have them - they are still a wonderful resource of repertoire,
- Repertoire: Due to copyright laws, you may not bring photocopies into the examination room; you have to show two original copies of the music; one for you and one for the accompanist (even though you should be singing by heart). You can buy the RCM Voice Series, Fourth Edition ({Resonance™) suitable to your level or any other publisher approved by RCM Examinations.
- Music Theory Books: I recommend investing in a well-structured music theory book, especially when registering to level 5 and up. It is always useful to have a book with you that you can use as reference in the future. For example you can purchase Music Theory Publications by Mark Sarnecki.
- Ear Training / Sight Singing: Sight singing will be tested during the RCM examination. This skill needs constant exercise and thankfully there are many useful resources to help you. For example Ear Training and Sight Reading Books and CDs by Carol Schlosar.
- Frederick Harris Music Publications Catalogue: Frederick Harris Music Publications catalogue is available online, you can browse through it and find the right resource to suit your needs to prepare for your RCM examination - click here.
- Repertoire: Due to copyright laws, you may not bring photocopies into the examination room; you have to show two original copies of the music; one for you and one for the accompanist (even though you should be singing by heart). You can buy the RCM Voice Series, Fourth Edition ({Resonance™) suitable to your level or any other publisher approved by RCM Examinations.
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Registering to RCM Examinations
Please consult with me before registering. We will go over the requirements (repertoire, technical skills, ear tests, sight singing & theory) and decide which is the right level for you. Then you can register online using my teacher number (61075).
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RCM Links
- The RCM Examination Website
- RCM Website: The Royal Conservatory of Music
- About RCM and the RCM Examinations (Wikipedia)
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RCM Quiz
Coming soon...
