How Does a Royal Conservatory Guitar Exam Work?

One of my students recently completed a Guitar Exam through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM).

If you’re not familiar with it, RCM is a music school in Toronto, Canada.

RCM offers a highly structured system of music exams, similar to Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London (Trinity).

The RCM exams for guitar are organized into Prep Level (beginner), followed by Levels 1-10, which can be followed by an Associate Diploma for either Guitar Performer or Guitar Teacher.

You can choose whether to start at Prep Level or seek to jump in at one of the subsequent levels. After you complete one level, you can start working on the next level.

Preparing for an RCM exam is a good way to motivate yourself and measure your progress.

What is required on each guitar exam?

1. Repertoire and Studies – RCM publishes a book of guitar repertoire and studies for each level from Prep Level to Level 8. Their Syllabus book lists repertoire and studies for each level from Prep Level to Level 10 and the Associate Diplomas.

2. Technique – RCM publishes a single book of technique exercises for all levels.

3. Ear and Sight-Reading Tests – RCM tests on ear and sight-reading skills as part of the guitar exam. They provide supplemental materials if needed to prepare for these.

4. Theory and History Exams – These are only required at the later levels and are administered separately from the guitar exams. RCM provides resources to help students learn the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare for these exams.

If you want to sign up for an exam, you can go to rcmusic.com.

The exams are open to students of all levels and ages, ranging from young children to retired hobbyists.

If you sign up for an exam, you can complete it through a Zoom video call with an examiner, without having to travel to a specific location.

If you would like me to help you prepare for an RCM exam, let me know.

Keep making music!