Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) piano curriculum is the most widely recognized classical music program in North America. It provides a structured pathway from beginner to advanced piano studies, beginning with Preparatory A and B, continuing through Levels 1 to 10, and culminating in the Associate of the Royal Conservatory (ARCT) Diploma.
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At my studio in Ottawa, I guide students through the RCM curriculum with a personalized approach, ensuring they build strong technique, musicality, and performance skills at every stage.
Components of an RCM Grade
To successfully complete an RCM grade in piano, students focus on four key components:
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Repertoire: Carefully selected pieces appropriate for each level
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Studies / Etudes: Technical exercises that develop finger strength, agility, and expression
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Technique: Scales, chords, and arpeggios essential for mastery of the instrument
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Ear Training: Developing listening skills, musical memory, and rhythmic understanding
The full requirements for each grade are available in the RCM Piano Syllabus.
How I Teach RCM Piano Lessons in Ottawa
My approach ensures students have a solid foundation before moving to the next level. Key aspects include:
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Number of pieces per level: Most students learn at least 14 pieces—10 repertoire selections and 4 etudes
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Optional supplementary books: Students may explore additional repertoire in genres like classical, jazz, improvisation, pop, or holiday music
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Personalized guidance: I tailor selections to each student’s interests and skill level, supporting long-term musical growth
Level-Specific Expectations
While students follow the core RCM curriculum, they are encouraged to choose additional repertoire. I have listed below the required number of pieces from each repertoire and etude list as well as examples of suggested supplementary books for each level:
RCM Repertoire selections
Choose 14 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Blues, and/or Ragtime books:
Connections for Piano, Preparatory – Christopher Norton
ShowTime Piano Ragtime – Faber and Faber
ShowTime Piano Jazz & Blues – Faber and Faber
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Optional Classical books
ShowTime Piano Classics – Faber and Faber
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Optional Pop books
ShowTime Piano Hits – Faber and Faber
ShowTime Piano Disney – Faber and Faber
ShowTime Piano Popular – Faber and Faber
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Optional Method book solos
Alfred’s Premier Piano Course: Performance 1
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Optional Christmas books:
ShowTime Piano Christmas – Faber and Faber
Christmas Hits: Beginning Piano Solo Play-Along Volume 4 – Various
RCM Repertoire selections
Choose 14 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags, and Blues books
Connections for Piano, Preparatory – Christopher Norton
The Microjazz Collection, 1 – Christopher Norton
ChordTime Piano Ragtime – Faber and Faber
ChordTime Piano Jazz & Blues – Faber and Faber
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Optional Classical books
ChordTime Piano Classics – Faber and Faber
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Optional Method book solos
Alfred’s Premier Piano Course: Performance 2A
Hal Leonard Piano Solos 3
Succeeding at the Piano: Recital Book 2A
Succeeding at the Piano Recital Book 2B
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Pop books
ChordTime Piano Hits – Faber and Faber
ChordTime Piano Disney – Faber and Faber
ChordTime Piano Popular – Faber and Faber
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Optional Christmas books:
ChordTime Piano Christmas – Faber and Faber
First 50 Christmas Songs You Should Play on the Piano – Various
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 5 peices
List B: Choose 8 pieces
List C: Choose 3 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 6 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags and Blues books
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 1 – Martha Mier
Connections 1 for Piano – Christopher Norton
Microjazz – Christopher Norton
Pianozazz – Christopher Norton
Jazz-a-Little Jazz-a-LOT – Catherine Rollin
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Optional Classical books
At Sea – Teresa Richert
Copycat Copycat – Teresa Richert
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Famous and Fun Pop Book 3 – Carol Matz
Famous and Fun Rock Book 3 – Carol Matz
American Popular Piano Book 2 – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Book 3 – Christopher Norton
Microrock – Christopher Norton
Contemporary Piano Repertoire Level 1 – Hal Leonard
FunTime Piano Hits – Faber and Faber
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Optional Christmas books
FunTime Piano Christmas – Faber and Faber
Piano Adventures Christmas Level 3A – Faber and Faber
First 50 Christmas Carols You Should Play on the Piano – arr. Various
American Popular Piano Christmas Level 1 – Christopher Norton
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 5 pieces
List B: Choose 8 pieces
List C: Choose 3 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 6 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags and Blues books
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 1 – Martha Mier
Connections 2 for Piano – Christopher Norton
Microjazz 2 – Christopher Norton
Pianozazz – Christopher Norton
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Optional Classical books
21 Great Classics (Easy Piano) – arr. Philip Keveren
At Sea – Teresa Richert
Copycat Copycat – Teresa Richert
Days of Summer – Teresa Richert
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Famous and Fun Pop Book 4 – Carol Matz
Famous and Fun Rock Book 4 – Carol Matz
American Popular Piano Book 4 – Christopher Norton
Microballads – Christopher Norton
Microrock – Christopher Norton
Contemporary Piano Repertoire Level 2 – Hal Leonard
BigTime Piano Hits – Faber and Faber
The Nightmare Before Christmas (Easy Piano) – Danny Elfman
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Optional Christmas books
BigTime Piano Christmas – Faber and Faber
Piano Adventures Christmas Level 4 – Faber and Faber
Christmas Impressions – arr. Jennifer Linn
Christmas at the Piano – Lynda Lybeck-Robinson
American Popular Piano Christmas – Christopher Norton
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 3 pieces
List B: Choose 3 pieces
List C: Choose 4 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 4 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags and Blues books
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 2 – Martha Mier
Connections 3 for Piano – Christopher Norton
Microjazz 2 – Christopher Norton
Pianozazz – Christopher Norton
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Optional Classical books
Days of Summer – Teresa Richert
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Famous and Fun Pop Book 5 – Carol Matz
Famous and Fun Rock Book 5 – Carol Matz
American Popular Piano Book 5 – Christopher Norton
Microballads – Christopher Norton
Microrocck – Christopher Norton
Contemporary Piano Repertoire Level 3 – Hal Leonard
Alfred’s Top Hits Level 3
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Optional Christmas books
Piano Calm Christmas: 15 Reflective Solos for the Season – Philip Keveren
Christmas Pop Favourites for Piano Solo – Willis Music
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Easy Piano Songbook – Vince Guaraldi
American Popular Piano Christmas – Christopher Norton
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 3 pieces
List B: Choose 3 pieces
List C: Choose 4 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 4 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags and Blues books
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 2 – Martha Mier
Connections 4 for Piano – Christopher Norton
Pianozazz 4 – Christopher Norton
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Optional Classical books
Petals for Piano – Teresa Richert
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Famous and Fun Pop Book 5 – Carol Matz
Famous and Fun Rock Book 5 – Carol Matz
American Popular Piano Book 5 – Christopher Norton
Microballads – Christopher Norton
Microrocck – Christopher Norton
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Optional Christmas books
American Popular Piano Christmas – Christopher Norton
Christmas Carols for Easy Classical Piano – Philip Keveren
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 3 pieces
List B: Choose 3 pieces
List C: Choose 4 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 4 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags, and Blues books
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 3 – Martha Mier
Connections 5 for Piano – Christopher Norton
Microballads – Christopher Norton
Microlatin – Christopher Norton​
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Optional Classical books
Romantic Impressions Book 1 – Martha Mier
Romantic Impressions Book 2 – Martha Mier
Romantic Impressions Book 3 – Martha Mier
Petals for Piano – Teresa Richert
Canine Inventions – Teresa Richert
The Nutcracker Suite – Alfreds (Product 16876)
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Optional Pop and Rock books
American Popular Piano Repertoire 5 – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 6 – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 7 – Christopher Norton
Microrock – Christopher Norton
Alfred’s Top Hits Solo Book Level 5
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Optional Christmas books
Piano Recital Showcase: Christmas Eve Solos – Various
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 3 pieces
List B: Choose 3 pieces
List C: Choose 4 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 4 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags, and Blues books
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 3 – Martha Mier
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 4 – Martha Mier
Jazz-a-little Jazz-a-LOT – Catherine Rollin
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Optional Classical books
Romantic Impressions Book 3 – Martha Mier
Northern Menagerie – Teresa Richert
Petals for Piano – Teresa Richert
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Elton John Intermediate Solos arr. Carol Klose – Sir Elton John
The Beatles 18 Favourites – Keveren
Connections 6 for Piano – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 6 – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 7 – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 8 – Christopher Norton
Microballads – Christopher Norton
Microrock – Christopher Norton
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Top Hits Level 6
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Optional Christmas books
A Ragtime Christmas: Easy Piano – Philip Keveren
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 3 pieces
List B: Choose 3 pieces
List C: Choose 4 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 4 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags, and Blues books
Smooth Jazz, 13 Favorites – Philip Keverin
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 4 – Martha Mier
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 5 – Martha Mier
Jazz Preludes – Christopher Norton
Blues and Rag Piano – Hal Leonard
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Optional Classical books
Romantic Impressions Book 4 – Martha Mier
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Fifteen Cinema Classics – Philip Keveren
Connections 7 for Piano – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 7 – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 8 – Christopher Norton
Contemporary Movie & TV Hits – Hal Leonard
Movie Hits for Solo Piano – Alfred’s
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Optional Christmas books
Christmas Praise Hymns: Piano Solo – Philip Keveren
Christmas Songs for Classical Piano – Philip Keveren
Christmas Standards – Philip Keveren
Christmas Pop Hits for Piano Solo – Willis​​
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 3 pieces
List B: Choose 3 pieces
List C: Choose 3 pieces
List D: Choose 3 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 3 pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags, and Blues books
George Gershwin 14 Greatest Tunes – Hal Leonard
Twenty Ragtime Classics – Hal Leonard
Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 5 – Martha Mier
Jazz Preludes – Christopher Norton
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Optional Classical books
Romantic Impressions Book 4 – Martha Mier
Seasons – Teresa Richert
Seascape – Teresa Richert
River Flows in you and Other Eloquent Solos for Piano – Hal Leonard
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Connections 8 for Piano – Christopher Norton
American Popular Piano Repertoire 8 – Christopher Norton
Rock Preludes – Christopher Norton
Contemporary Movie & TV Hits – Hal Leonard
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Optional Christmas Books
Christmas Standards: Jazz Piano Solos Series Volume 45 – Brent Edstrom
Christmas Cocktail Jazz: Jazz Piano Solos Series Volume 65 – arr. Brent Edstrom
Christmas at the Movies – Philip Keveren
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 2 pieces
List B: Choose 2 pieces
List C: Choose 2 pieces
List D: Choose 2 pieces
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RCM Etudes selections
Choose 3 or more pieces
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Optional Jazz, Rags, and Blues books
Duke Ellington 17 Timeless Classics – Hal Leonard
Rediscovering Ellington – Alfred
Gershwin 14 Greatest Tunes – Hal Leonard
Twenty Ragtime Classics – Scott Joplin
Connections 9 for Piano – Christopher Norton
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Optional Classical books
Seasons – Teresa Richert
Seascape – Teresa Richert
River Flows in You and Other Eloquent Solos for Piano – Hal Leonard
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Optional Pop and Rock books
Rock Preludes – Christopher Norton
Popular Music Collection Volume 3 – Dan Coates/Alfred’s
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Optional Christmas books
Christmas Songs - All Jazzed Up! – Various
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 2 pieces
List B: Choose 2 pieces
List C: Choose 2 pieces
List D: Choose 2 pieces
List E: Choose 2 pieces
RCM Repertoire selections
List A: Choose 2 pieces
List B: Choose 2 pieces
List C: Choose 2 pieces
List D: Choose 2 pieces
List E: Choose 2 pieces
Recent student Achievements:
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​​​​2025
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Level 9 Piano — First Class Honours
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Level 4 Piano — First Class Honours
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Level 3 Piano — First Class Honours with Distinction
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Level 2 Piano — First Class Honours
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Level 2 Piano — First Class Honours
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Level 2 Piano — Honours
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Level 1 Piano — First Class Honours
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Preparatory B Piano — First Class Honours
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Preparatory A Piano — First Class Honours with Distinction
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Preparatory A Piano — First Class Honours
2024
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Level 8 Piano — Honours
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Level 3 Piano — Honours
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Level 1 Piano — First Class Honours
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Preparatory B Piano — First Class Honours with Distinction
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Preparatory A Piano — First Class Honours
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