The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) was established in 1886, and for some reason, it seems to be Canada’s best-kept secret among the parents whose children I’ve taught. Having taught piano and theory for over 25 years and dealing with parents seeking lessons for their children, many have never heard of The Royal Conservatory. Now, in all fairness, you wouldn’t know of Canada’s most prominent music institution and one of the world’s largest and leading music institutions unless you’ve been looking for it. It’s one of those things: if you’re into music education, you can’t miss this behemoth of a music education institution.
Let’s talk about their incredible certificate program. The RCM certificate program has instruction and examinations for more than 20 instruments, including theory and music history. Students prepare for the exams through private instruction with a teacher familiar with the RCM syllabus. When the student is ready, they take their exam and, upon successfully completing their exam, are rewarded a certificate for that level. The RCM offers ten piano certificate levels and several associate diplomas. In almost all Canadian provinces and territories, completing specific grades of the RCM certificate program qualifies you to receive credits for music towards your high school graduation diploma. Access to the Royal Conservatory of Music is now available in the United States, and my understanding at the time of writing this article is that it’s up to each State as to whether certificate completion qualifies for high school credit. It appears in many states it may. You’d have to check with your local high school. In most cases in Canada, achieving a certain level of music certification or equivalency through the RCM is a requirement for University acceptance in a music-related degree.
So why is the RCM certificate program such a great program? I’m not saying this because I’m a certified Royal Conservatory of Music Piano and Theory teacher, which I am, but because my students love it. They love the music in the RCM repertoire, studies, and etudes books, and they feel motivated to get their certificate for their hard work; it’s a great motivational tool. From an educator’s viewpoint, You can also expect that an institution that’s been around since 1886 has developed a well-designed, thought-out and established syllabus.
The RCM certificate program is designed to inspire music students, ensuring a top-quality music education. It serves as the foundation to help produce highly competent musicians at both the amateur and professional levels. It’s a program worth checking out, and they have an excellent website.
If you have any questions about the RCM certificate program or want to try online piano or theory lessons, please get in touch with me. Have fun practicing.
