fbpx

RCM Theory Exams

A Little History behind RCM Theory Exams

The Royal Conservatory of Music, or RCM is one of the most popular music education systems here in Canada.  Established in 1886, the Royal Conservatory’s certificate programs are recognized all over North America.

RCM Theory Exams are offered three times a year (Spring, Summer and Winter). Starting in Level 5, you are required to write the corresponding theory exams if you want to receive the comprehensive certificate for that level. If you play your practical exam first, you have to complete the theory co-requisite within 5 years.

The new Celebrate Theory series books are out and are divided in level from Preparatory up to ARCT levels. The Elementary levels (Preparatory – Level 4) do not have formal examinations. The official examinations begin at Level 5 and are required as co-requisites in order to receive your Level completion certificate.

A theory certificate may be earned by successful completion of each theory examination. A comprehensive certificate may be earned by successful completion of each practical examination and its corequisite written examination.

Level 5 through Level 8 Theory teaches students about music notation and some of the conventions and rules associated with learning to write music. Students also learn analysis, simple composition techniques, and music history. Each level builds on concepts learned in earlier books.

Level 9 – ARCT Theory exams cover additional subjects in theory which include Harmony (written or keyboard), Analysis, and three levels of History. Counterpoint elements are covered in the levels, but is no longer a separate subject.

After having completed all the theory requirements <whew!>, I thought I’d share a few tips that will help you get through the RCM Theory Exams successfully.

RCM Theory Exams – Tips for Success

RCM THEORY EXAMS – GENERAL TIPS – Before you write your exam

  1. Read the current theory requirements.  Check with the latest Theory syllabus to make sure you have learned all the required topics for your exam. You can download the latest theory syllabus (2016) here. (Pdf version)
  2. Write as many practice exams as you can. RCM makes old exam papers available for purchase. I highly recommend buying them to test your knowledge thoroughly! Past preparatory rudiments exam papers are available as a free download from the www.rcmusic.ca website. You can also purchase past papers as well.
  3. Bring pencils, a good eraser, and a ruler. Scrap paper with a printed keyboard and blank manuscript paper is provided.
  4. Have your candidate number with you and bring along Photo ID if possible.
  5. Memorize the Italian terms, and make sure you know the terminology that comes with the required topics (e.g., do you know the difference between chromatic semitones and diatonic semitones? Do you know how to write a harmonic interval vs. a melodic one? etc.)

RCM THEORY EXAMS – GENERAL TIPS – During the exam

  1. Read questions carefully. It helps to underline points in detailed questions to make sure you do all that is required. For example, treble clef or bass clef, accidentals or key signatures, harmonic or melodic, etc.
  2. Before you start your exam, write out any reference items you need (that you have memorized previously) like the circle of fifths, order of sharps, etc. on the scrap piece of paper that is provided. (Don’t do this before you get there–that’s called cheating!! — hee hee)
  3. Going through the exam: There are a number of ways to get through the questions. Some ways that worked for me were 1) Start with the questions you know and can answer easily. Then go back and spend more time on the ones you skipped OR 2) Tackle the questions that are worth the most marks or take the most time to do (like writing out scales, or answering essay questions for history etc.)
  4. Keep your eye on the time. Make sure that you leave plenty of time to complete the questions that are awarded the most marks and leave yourself time to check things over.
  5. Look at the marks that are awarded for each question. This often gives you a clue to the answer that is required. For example, if a history question is worth five marks, then it is a good idea to offer 5 points in your answer.
  6. Double and then triple check your answers. Look at what you underlined in the questions. Did you complete everything they asked for in the questions? Check your key signatures. Make sure you wrote answers in the correct clef. Mark it like your teacher would!

Good luck on your exam!

We are pleased to offer online lessons in Theory. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please feel free to send me an e-mail using our Contact Form.

Return to top of RCM Theory Exams.

Return to home page of the-piano-studio.com.