HOW THE RCM WORKS:

1.  There are two, main music examinations:

a.     Practical (Performance) examinations evaluate performance of repertoire, etudes or vocalizes, aural skills, sight reading or singing, and orchestral excerpts for string, brass, and wind instruments.

b.     Theory (Written) examinations evaluate the understanding of theory basics such as musical notation.

2.  The exams are given three times a year – November/December, May/June, August – to allow students to work at their own pace.

3.  Your child’s teacher will decide the appropriate level and the exam session.

4.  All examination registrations should be submitted using the online

registration system by the parent.  Exact dates and deadlines can be found online. https://www.rcmusic.com/learning/examinations/examination-resources-students/examination-dates

5.  Students work with their teachers on selected literature, technique elements, sight reading, theory and ear training for their enrolled level.

6.  Upon completion of the exam, the examination results are available online in 4 – 10 weeks.

7.  Internationally recognized certificates are awarded for successful completion of each practical and written examination from Preparatory to Level 10.

8.  There are no State Music Conventions or Local Recitals hosted by RCM.

Because of the intensity of the said requirements, and the commitment and dedication necessary from student and teacher, SJAM has implemented the following mandatory guidelines to participate in the RCM program.

1.  Weekly lesson lengths are as follows:

            Levels Prep – 4:            45 minutes

            Levels 5 – Advanced:    60 minutes

·       Extra lessons will be necessary for those instruments needing piano accompaniments and additional Theory review sessions.

2.  A minimum, mandatory total of 45 classes, from March 2018 – March 2019 must be completed to take the exam.

3.  Those students who plan to take prolonged music breaks for more than six consecutive weeks may not be considered for RCM.

4.  All instruments, excluding piano, require a piano accompanist.  Extra rehearsals with the piano accompanist will be scheduled for additional fees.

5.  No photocopies of music are ever allowed for the exam.  All the required RCM Repertoire and Theory Practice books must be bought online, or at the local music store by the student/parents, upon assignment from the teacher. 

6.  A daily, home, practice routine must be established by the student.  Technique and Repertoire must be reviewed daily.  Minimum practice sessions are the same as the regular lesson lengths. 

7.  For piano students, a grand piano or upright piano must be provided by the parents for optimum daily practice.  A keyboard is not acceptable.

8.  All SJAM instructors reserve the right to withdraw the student from the exam if the instructor has assessed that the student is not ready.

9.  All music books and materials, music lessons, and examination fees are to be settled by the parents before the examination date.

10. Those students who need more practice in Theory must attend at least one, 1 hour, theory group or private class to solidify understanding of the Written Theory portion of the exam. Group theory class is $25 per student. Private theory class is $50 per student.

11. Level placement is determined by the teacher.