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The Royal Conservatory of Music
With over 135 years of legacy, The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Canada, offers one of the world’s most respected music education and assessment systems. The RCM Certificate Program is internationally recognized for its comprehensive curriculum and high standards. RCM provides a structured path from beginner to advanced levels, including Diplomas in Teaching (Piano & Violin) and Performing Arts for aspiring professionals.
Note: The ABC books are uniquely designed for piano learners, while Elementary to Advanced levels and diplomas apply across various instruments.
Beginner Level
ABC Books 1, 2, 3
Elementary Level
Prep & Levels 1–4
Designed for piano learners, the ABC series builds fundamental performance, rhythm, and technique skills. Each book includes step-by-step lessons, basic theory, exercises, and engaging illustrations to help students get comfortable with the instrument and musical expression.
Students develop technical and expressive skills through the following:
Performance: Explore a variety of musical styles and historical periods. Pieces gradually increase in difficulty to foster expression and interpretation.
Technique: Learn scales, arpeggios, chords, and Etudes to build finger strength, dexterity, and control.
Ear Training & Sight Reading: Improve musical hearing and fluency in reading notation, focusing on intervals, rhythm patterns, and simple harmonies.
Intermediate Level
Levels 5–8
This stage marks a significant leap in musicianship. Students begin to perform with greater technical and emotional depth:
Performance: Tackle complex pieces by renowned composers, including concertos and sonatas, blending skill with personal expression.
Technique: Master more advanced Etudes, fast passages, wide leaps, and detailed articulation.
Ear Training & Sight Reading: Develop recognition of extended intervals, advanced chords (7ths, 9ths), and layered harmonies.
Theory: Analyze musical forms, harmonic progressions, and stylistic elements to deepen interpretation and performance.
Advanced Level
Levels 9–10
Students at this level demonstrate artistic maturity and technical refinement:
Performance: Present works with depth, nuance, and stage presence.
Technique: Perform Etudes and technical tests with precision and control.
Ear Training & Sight Reading: Handle complex rhythms, polyphony, and advanced harmonic structures.
Theory: Study in-depth harmonic and formal analysis; apply theory to performance and composition.
Music History: Gain insight into historical contexts, composer biographies, and stylistic developments across eras.
Diplomas
ARCT & LRCM
ARCT (Associate Diploma): For performers and educators (Piano, Violin, Voice, Winds, Brass). A respected credential for teaching and advanced performance.
LRCM (Licentiate Diploma): The highest RCM qualification for Piano and Violin. It signifies professional-level artistry and opens doors to advanced teaching and performance opportunities.