RCM Piano Pedagogy
Typically students begin to study pedagogy during or after completion of their Level 9 Piano Comprehensive Certificate. The Royal Conservatory of Music divides piano pedagogy in to three levels: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced.
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The completion of each level of pedagogy involves 3 components:
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Piano Comprehensive Certificate (completion of the practical exam as well as the harmony and history exams)​
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Interactive examination
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Written exam or RCM's online course
Pedagogy lessons would help students prepare for items 2 and/or 3.
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The written examination involves topics from part 2 in addition to explaining how to teach one or more pieces and explain some pedagogical issues in an essay format.
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For a full understanding of the curriculum please consult the RCM Piano Pedagogy Syllabus. Upon successful completion of these three levels students receive their ARCT Diploma in Piano Pedagogy.
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Students will need to budget approximately $250 for RCM books, $150 for textbooks about pedagogy, and $600 for the exam plus the cost of private lessons for 8 - 12 months.
Elementary
The Elementary Piano Pedagogy curriculum discusses the materials from Preparatory A through Level 4.​ The interactive examination requires students to prepare repertoire and etude selections from each of the 5 levels as well as discuss teaching approaches for each selection they've chosen. Additionally, students must know about lesson planning, studio management, elementary technique, exam preparation, supplementary material and more.
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In lessons we will cover a few topics not included in the syllabus such as: games and activities, nurturing improvisation and composition, how exams are evaluated, and teaching students with physical or mental learning disabilities.
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Intermediate
The Elementary Piano Pedagogy curriculum discusses the materials from Level 5 to 8.​ The interactive examination requires students to prepare repertoire and etude selections from each of the 4 levels as well as discuss teaching approaches for each selection they've chosen. Additionally, students must know about diagnosing skills and strategies for practicing, memorization techniques, historical performance practice, popular repertoire, technical development and more.
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In lessons we will cover a few topics not included in the syllabus such as: student retention challenges, nurturing a more independent student, transfer students.
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Advanced
The Elementary Piano Pedagogy curriculum discusses the materials from Levels 9 and 10.​ The interactive examination requires students to prepare repertoire and etude selections from both levels as well as discuss teaching approaches for each selection they've chosen. Additionally, students must prepare the extensive technique list that's outlined in the syllabus as well as prepare the musicianship skills. Discussions about music editions, technology resources, developing agility, advanced pedalling, interpretation are important at this level.
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In lessons we will cover a few topics not included in the syllabus such as: student retention challenges, injury prevention, organizing practice time, balancing long and short term pieces.
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