The New Technical Requirements for RCM Piano Examinations

RCM Examinations (which operates in the US as the National Music Cerficate Program) is currently overhauling their entire piano curriculum for the 2008-09 season. Some of the changes have recently been announced, including new technical requirements for all grades, which include:

• the introduction of Preparatory A and B into Canada (already available in US)
  
• preparation for the tough level changes that occur between Grades 4-5 and 7-8
• different major/minor relationships throughout the grades
• staccato scales introduced
  
• earlier introduction of hands together forms
• different listings of scales at the 3rd and 6th in later grades, as well as the introduction of scales at the 10th.

To get a better idea of these new changes and how they will apply to the RCME curriculum one year from now, read Part 1 and Part 2 of Christopher Kowal's articles on the subject in the Music Matters newsletter published by RCME.