RCM Certificates & Examinations

Dates  |  Cost  |  Register  |  RCM Links  |  RCM Quiz

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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2009-2010 Examination Dates

Summer Session 2009

Registration Deadline:June 2, 2009
Theory Examinations:August 7 & 8, 2009
Practical Examinations:August 10-22, 2009

Winter Session 2010

Registration Deadline:November 3, 2009
Theory Examinations:December 11 & 12, 2009
Practical Examinations:January 18-30, 2010

Spring Session 2010

Registration Deadline:March 2, 2010
Theory Examinations:May 14 & 15, 2010
Practical Examinations:June 7-26, 2010

Summer Session 2010

Registration Deadline:June 1, 2010
Theory Examinations:August 6 & 7, 2010
Practical Examinations:August 9-21, 2010

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RCM Examination Fees & Additional Costs

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):

  • 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: Please browse the voice section of Frederick Harris Music Publications.
    • 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 voice series (third edition) suitable to your level or any other publisher approved by RCM Examinations. Click the image below to view prices (PDF format).
    • Theory Books: You may need to buy additional music theory/sight singing books, 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.

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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

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RCM Quiz

Coming soon...

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