Category Archives: Examinations
Viva la différence!
For teachers in Canada, there is a healthy, rich alternative to the ubiquitous exam system. Conservatory Canada is similar in the number of grades, theoretical subjects, general format, and credit in high schools. There are a number of striking differences … Continue reading
Posted in Canadiana, Examinations, Piano pedagogy
Tagged Conservatory Canada, music exams, Piano exams, piano teachers, Piano teaching
3 Comments
Decipher the handwriting. And more.
“You have survived this season’s run of music festivals and competitions. You have your certificate. Maybe you even earned an award. Perhaps now you’re asking yourself, “Now what?” Please bring your written adjudication sheet(s) to your next music lesson … Your … Continue reading
Theory exams when the student is ready
Imagine. Writing a theory exam when the student is ready – and at their convenience. Not being tied to those May/August/Dec or Jan scheduled exams. One more reason to choose Conservatory Canada as an exam system in Canada. New are … Continue reading
Posted in Examinations, Theory
Tagged Classical music, Conservatory Canada, Music theory, theory exams
3 Comments
When it’s OK to give up marks. And when it’s not.
A friend and colleague in town also blogs. She’s been blogging longer than I have. We meet for coffee sometimes to talk about teaching and blogging and all kinds of things. A couple of weeks ago we met with Kay, … Continue reading
Okay. I’ll share my secret.
None of my students ever get the interval of a minor sixth wrong on the ear test portion of the exams. Ever. Forget the sappy Love Story tune. So not appealing to anyone under the age of 40. Maybe even … Continue reading
You win some. You lose some.
Reflections after the student Christmas Recitals. Win some: Best comment from a parent: “I can’t keep her off the piano. In the middle of dinner she has to get up to play a piece before she finishes eating.” Lose some: This … Continue reading
Posted in Business of Teaching, Examinations, General, Performance, Practice Tips, Studio News
Tagged Piano, Piano exams, Piano Lessons, Piano Performance, Recital
6 Comments
On the “lowering of standards”
The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Canada’s largest exam system, recently announced changes to the theory requirements for their diploma, the Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT). I jumped for joy, in a manner of speaking, when I … Continue reading
Posted in Business of Teaching, Examinations, Theory
Tagged ARCT, ARCT Theory Requirements, RCM exams, Royal Conservatory of Music
2 Comments
How to Ace a History Exam
Here’s where I hold my nose and go against all my principles of educating. The topic of the music history exams was being discussed on a forum recently (Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada; The Achievement Program in the US). The syllabus … Continue reading
Nerves? What nerves?
I have officially mellowed. I’m sitting and waiting while my youngest daughter (15) is taking her grade 10 piano exam, writing with pen on paper, still resisting the devices and services which would enable internet access anytime, anyplace. As mother … Continue reading
12 Most Written Comments on Exams
A number of years ago I went to a Conservatory Canada teacher workshop given by Ontario teacher and examiner Emily Dow. She presented the listening protocol used by examiners and left us with this useful list. I’m sure we’ll all … Continue reading
Posted in Examinations, Piano pedagogy, Practice Tips
Tagged Piano exams, Piano pedagogy, Piano Performance
Leave a comment
What to wear… what to wear….
To students – yes, you should dress nicely for any performance – festival, competition, even exams. You don’t need an evening gown or a suit and tie, but please, PLEASE don’t show up in sweats and flip-flops (we’ve discussed the … Continue reading
Posted in Examinations, Performance, Studio News
Tagged Hahn-Bin, Piano Performance, Stephen Hough
1 Comment
A helpful parent
You know the situation. Good, musical student (about 10 years old) – parental involvement (both musicians) – everything should be progressing well, but you still end up saying the same things over and over and over again. Problem: a lack … Continue reading
