The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) examinations are a series of graded music exams that offer a systematic and progressive way of mastering your instrument. The Royal Conservatory of Music is based in Toronto, Canada and was founded in 1886 as the Toronto Conservatory of Music. The Conservatory is a world-class institution known for its high standards in teaching and performance, and (according to the RCM) has reached more than a quarter of a million candidates annually by providing them graded performance examinations, internationally recognized certificates and diplomas, as well as teacher development.

The RCM Examinations

The RCM exams encompass not only the performance aspect of one’s musical training, but music theory, harmony and analysis, music history, musicianship and piano pedagogy. Currently, the RCM examinations are offered to students studying:

The NMCP Examinations

In 2003, RCM examinations expanded into the United States of America. The National Music Certificate Program (NMCP) functions as a division of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and presently provides music students in America the equivalent music examinations and training based on the curriculum of the renowned RCM. Both practical and music theory examinations are conducted multiple times each year for music students in America using the RCM’s internationally recognized and progressive assessment program. According to NMCP, more than 100, 000 candidates enroll each year for these music exams.

UPDATE: As of March 2011, the National Music Certificate Program was renamed The Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. According to the press release,

The core program will remain the same, however, you will notice some changes in terminology in The Achievement Program. For example examinations are now called assessments and examiners are now called adjudicators.

A Progressive Journey

Both the RCM examinations and NMCP The Achievement Program examinations outline a logical, progressive path towards mastering one’s instrument. A candidate who is committed to begin and complete the entire ‘journey’ of training that is the RCM and The Achievement Program exams will receive a thorough music education in practical performance and music theory. This journey begins with two preparatory levels, and proceeds to Grades 1 through 10. Candidates who seek further training can choose to climb up higher on the achievement ladder by studying for and attempting the Associate of the Royal Conservatory (Toronto), or ARCT in either Piano Pedagogy (Piano Teaching) or Piano Performance. The ARCT in Piano Pedagogy focuses on strengthening the qualifications and teaching techniques of a private piano teacher. Candidates who train for the ARCT in Piano Performance receive all of what it takes to be a concert pianist.

For more information about the RCM and The Achievement Program music examinations, please visit their official websites:

RCM | Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations: www.rcmexaminations.org

The Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program: www.theachievementprogram.org