Preparing for Classical Piano Exams
Preparing for classical piano exams adds an extra element of structure and concrete goals to your piano lessons, and provides an excellent source of motivation.
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) is the go-to exam board for classical piano exams in Toronto.
The RCM offers graded classical piano exams from Grade 1 to Grade 10, as well as advanced diplomas.
Everyone is eligible to take these exams, and our classical piano teachers can make sure that you pass with high marks!
If you wish to benefit from the RCM exam program, the first step is to tell your classical piano teacher. Your piano teacher will assess your current level, and recommend the appropriate exam grade to begin preparing for. Beginner classical piano students often start by preparing for the preparatory exams, which offer a good introduction to the exam system, and stepping stones into the Grade 1 exam.
Once your grade level has been determined, it is time to purchase your piano exam books. There are four parts to each piano exam, and four corresponding books available for each grade level, including Piano Repertoire, Piano Etudes, Technical Requirements, and Four Star Sight-Reading and Ear Tests. These books are widely available in music stores.
The last step is to choose the date for your exam. You can book the exam yourself, on the RCM website, and your classical piano teacher can help you decide which exam session to enter, in order to give yourself enough time to adequately prepare.
In addition to classical piano exams, the RCM also offers exams in music theory. It’s even possible to take jazz/pop/rock piano exams, which are offered through a different exam board called Conservatory Canada.
