logo.jpgRCM Examination Information - Piano Levels 1 - 7


Preparation must begin at least a year prior to taking an exam at the Royal Conservatory. There are four components to the exam:

  1. Repertoire (pieces) (56%)
  2. Technique (24%)
  3. Ear Tests (10%)
  4. Sight Reading (10%)

1. REPERTOIRE (56%):

There are three lists of music from which to choose: List A (16%), List B (18%), List C (16%). No repeats are necessary, but Da Capo signs are to be observed. All of my students must have two or more pieces learned from each list, although only one piece from each list is necessary for an exam:

Levels 1 and 2:

List A: Baroque and Classical

List B: Romantic and 20 th       /21 st       Century

List C: Inventions

Levels 3 to 7:

List A: Baroque

List B: Classical and Classical-style

List C: Romantic and 20 th       /21 st       Century


2. TECHNIQUE (24%):

There are two parts to this component of the exam:

  1. Technical Tests (12%):
    These include scales, chords (triads), arpeggios (level 4 and up), etc. These must be memorised and up to the required tempo.
  2. Etudes (12%):
    For levels 1 and 2, I insist my students learn at least three etudes but one etude must be prepared for the exam. For levels 3 and up, my students must learn at least four etudes but two etudes must be prepared for the exam. Etudes need not be memorised.
    Popular Selection List Substitutions: One etude may be substituted for a work from the Popular Selection List.

3. EAR TESTS (10%):

This component of the exam consists of four parts:

Levels 1 – 4:

  1. Clapback (2%):
    clap back the rhythm of a melody
  2. Intervals (2%):
    name intervals by ear
  3. Melody playback (4%):
    play back a melody
  4. Chords (2%):
    name a chord by ear

Levels 5 – 7:

  1. Intervals (2%):
    name intervals by ear
  2. Melody playback (4%):
    play back a melody
  3. Chords (2%):
    name a chord by ear
  4. Chord Progressions (2%):
    name a chord progression by ear


This component of the exam consists of two parts:

  1. Play (7%):
    generally expected to be able to sight read three level levels below the level currently studying
  2. Clap (3%):
    clap the rhythm of a simple rhythmic pattern from sight

What is an Exam Like?


You must bring all of your music and your Examination Program Form (completely filled out) to the exam. Arrive at least one half hour before the exam. You do not want to be harried when you arrive. Make sure you know where to go and announce yourself to the person in charge. You will be shown where to wait. You can wait with your family or friends there.

There will only be two people in the examining room: you and the examiner. No one else is allowed with the exception of perhaps an examiner-in-training. You may choose to start with technique or pieces. The examiner will pick a few examples of technique. For the lower levels, he/she will listen to the whole pieces and etudes (depending on time). For the higher levels the examiner will likely stop you from playing whole pieces (especially the Da Capo). Then the examiner will test your ear and sight reading. The exam will take between ten and twenty minutes.



You can access your exam marks and examiner comments by logging in to your account on the RCM Examinations website (examinations.rcmusic.ca) approximately 4 - 6 weeks after the exam.


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