Royal Conservatory of Music Exam Workshop Summary

Part I: The Benefits of RCM Exams

Hello everyone!

It has been an awfully long time since I wrote a blog post but I finally have a great topic for discussion! I was lucky enough to attend a workshop last week put on by the Royal Conservatory of Music that gave some great advice on how to prepare for their musical examinations. I have summarized what I learned from that three-hour workshop into a 3-part post starting with the benefits of taking the examinations. Later on I will write posts 2 and 3 on tips and advice on what to expect during your exam and a brief look into the mind of an RCM Examiner. I hope it is helpful and that more students will sign up for exams next Fall!

RCM Exam Benefits: Why should you sign up for a Music Exam?

I know it seems backwards to think that an exam for music would be beneficial when music is such an emotional, expressive and subjective thing. But, in order to be an emotional and expressive player we have to practice and learn how to properly convey such intangible feelings through a very tangible and - somewhat temperamental - instrument. Here is a brief, point-form list of the many benefits of completing a Royal Conservatory Examination. 

• It is an unbiased assessment from someone other than your regular music teacher. It is important to have new people hear you play because they can give you a new perspective on your abilities.
• It highlights your progress from year to year. If you complete more than one examination, your marks, as well as the examiner comments, can give you an idea of how you have improved since your last exam.
• It encourages short and long-term goal setting. Completing an exam takes planning, preparation and discipline. This is excellent practice for setting goals in school, other extra-curricular activities, and in life!
• It motivates the pursuit of excellence. These are some pretty fancy words, but there is a valuable reward in hearing you earned "First Class Honours" on your music exam. When hard work and preparation pay off, students are more willing to put in the hard work for their next goal.
• It fosters the development of life skills. I think this has already been said in the last two points, but I will include it again. Completing an exam is terrific preparation for learning how to plan and accomplish your goals. It also challenges you to take a risk in your performing and to do something you don't normally do! This will help build confidence and make school exams, swim competitions and any other activities that might seem intimidating become more manageable.
• It provides a balanced written assessment for future musical development. The feedback comments you get from the examiner are an excellent keepsake to keep you on track in future years. Nothing is better than looking back at old comments and saying, "Aha! I don't have those problems any more!"
• It sets an international standard for cross-boundary study. Are you looking to take your musical talents abroad someday? The RCM Exams provide a good scale to measure your skills for the playing requirements on international programs.
• You learn a broad selection of repertoire. This is fantastic preparation for future musical endeavours. Not only do you learn how to prepare a piece, but you learn the ins and outs of chalenging repertoire that is standard for your instrument. These pieces are reviewed every 7 years to ensure a broad scope of historical and contemporary works by both Canadian and Internationally renowned composers.
• It ensures well-rounded musical training. Probably the most important point: Not only are you required to prepare pieces and studies for your exam, but scales and other technical exercises, ear training and sight reading. This comprehensive overview is unique to the Royal Conservatory and improves musicianship, the development of score reading, and increases the understanding of harmony, structure and different musical styles. This makes you not only a better instrumentalist but a better MUSICIAN!

I hope that helps give students out there some motivation to sign up for an exam. I know they can seem intimidating and like a lot of work, but they are definitely worth it! Please feel free to contact me at 403-200-9655 or [email protected] for more information on registration and exam dates. 

Good luck!

Amanda