RCM Programs
The RCM Program at Vancouver Conservatory of Music offers students a structured, academic, and internationally recognized pathway in music education through the official graded examination system of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Our RCM curriculum provides comprehensive training in performance, technique, musicianship, ear training, sight-reading, classical music theory, harmony and counterpoint, music history, analysis, and artistic development, enabling students to build strong technical and musical foundations while progressing through internationally respected grade levels. Many RCM examinations are also recognized as valuable academic credentials and may contribute toward high school credits and educational portfolios in both Canada and the United States. Through personalized instruction from experienced and certified educators, Vancouver Conservatory of Music prepares students for examinations, performances, scholarships, auditions, university music programs, and long-term artistic and academic success.
RCM Piano Program
- Prerequisite : No
- Duration : 30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : +10 years, adults
- Specification : Faster direction for pre-teens, teenagers, and adults
Preliminary 1
At the end of this course, students will be playing simple pieces in white keys in A minor and C major scales with a focus on sight-reading skills.
▼ Read MoreLevel 1 teaches students foundational musical concepts, including time values, pitches, rhythmic precision, notation, and dynamics, while encouraging the development of proper finger, arm, and body positions with a faster pace and using different methods compared with Pianokids.
Preliminary 2
Building on the concepts explored in Level 1, Level 2 aims to enhance students’ confidence and improve their technique. Students receive instruction in the fundamentals of piano play and study score reading, proper pedal use, phrasing, and other concepts and techniques.
The virtues of practice, discipline, posture, and technique are conveyed in a fun, upbeat environment. The repertoire is drawn from a variety of styles, from highly lyrical works to rhythmic pieces.
Prerequisite: Preliminary 1, or permission of the instructor.
Preliminary 3
Level 3 studies deepen the link between theory and practice by further developing students’ awareness of dynamics, articulation, and tone quality. Particular attention is paid to basic musicianship and body awareness.
Prerequisite: Preliminary 2, or permission of the instructor.
RCM Violin Program
- Prerequisite : No
- Duration : 30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : +10 years, adults
- Specification : Faster direction for pre-teens, teenagers, and adults
Preliminary 1
At the end of this course, students will be playing simple pieces in white keys in A minor and C major scales with a focus on sight-reading skills.
▼ Read MoreLevel 1 teaches students foundational musical concepts, including time values, pitches, rhythmic precision, notation, and dynamics, while encouraging the development of proper finger, arm, and body positions with a faster pace and using different methods compared with Pianokids.
Preliminary 2
Building on the concepts explored in Level 1, Level 2 aims to enhance students’ confidence and improve their technique. Students receive instruction in the fundamentals of piano play and study score reading, proper pedal use, phrasing, and other concepts and techniques.
The virtues of practice, discipline, posture, and technique are conveyed in a fun, upbeat environment. The repertoire is drawn from a variety of styles, from highly lyrical works to rhythmic pieces.
Prerequisite: Preliminary 1, or permission of the instructor.
Preliminary 3
Level 3 studies deepen the link between theory and practice by further developing students’ awareness of dynamics, articulation, and tone quality. Particular attention is paid to basic musicianship and body awareness.
Prerequisite: Preliminary 2, or permission of the instructor.
RCM Viola Program
- Prerequisite : Pianokids or preliminary course
- Duration : 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : All
- Specification : Certification & high-school credit
The RCM piano program provides students with world-class, well-rounded musical training, from elementary through to advanced levels. With the completion of each level, students further hone their skills and develop their ability to play music independently.
▼ Read MoreThe program at the Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
• Each level includes a broad selection of pieces representing a variety of musical styles and historical periods.
• Regular reviews of the repertoire keep the selections fresh and innovative.
• Teachers and students can add favorite pieces through the teacher’s choice selections.
Technical Requirements & Etudes
• Technical requirements are designed to support the demands of the repertoire for each level.
• Technical tests include scales, chords, and arpeggios.
• Etudes develop technical skills within a musical context.
Musicianship Skills
• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of ear training and sight-reading provides students with a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.
• Musicianship skills are developed to support the goals and requirements of both theoretical understanding and musical performance.
RCM Cello Program
- Prerequisite : Pianokids or Preliminary course
- Duration : 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : All
- Specification : Personalized course with certification
The VCM piano program provides students with world-class and personalized musical training, from elementary through to advanced levels. After completing each level, students can register for the VCM piano exam to receive constructive feedback from professional instructors and earn a VCM piano certificate.
▼ Read MoreThe program at the Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
• Each level includes several personalized pieces representing a variety of musical styles and historical periods.
• Personalized pieces selected based on psychological and cultural preferences and moods.
Improvisation, Etudes, and Technics
• Improvisation is designed to empower the students’ brain output similar to learning speaking and writing.
• Technical requirements are designed to support the demands of the repertoire for each level.
• Technical tests include scales, chords, and arpeggios.
• Etudes develop technical skills within a musical context.
Musicianship Skills
• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of ear training and sight-reading provides students with a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.
• Musicianship skills are developed to support the goals and requirements of both theoretical understanding and musical performance.
RCM Voice Program
- Prerequisite : Pianokids or Preliminary course
- Duration : 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : All
- Specification : Personalized course with certification
The VCM piano program provides students with world-class and personalized musical training, from elementary through to advanced levels. After completing each level, students can register for the VCM piano exam to receive constructive feedback from professional instructors and earn a VCM piano certificate.
▼ Read MoreThe program at the Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
• Each level includes several personalized pieces representing a variety of musical styles and historical periods.
• Personalized pieces selected based on psychological and cultural preferences and moods.
Improvisation, Etudes, and Technics
• Improvisation is designed to empower the students’ brain output similar to learning speaking and writing.
• Technical requirements are designed to support the demands of the repertoire for each level.
• Technical tests include scales, chords, and arpeggios.
• Etudes develop technical skills within a musical context.
Musicianship Skills
• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of ear training and sight-reading provides students with a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.
• Musicianship skills are developed to support the goals and requirements of both theoretical understanding and musical performance.
RCM Guitar Program
- Prerequisite : Pianokids or Preliminary course
- Duration : 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : All
- Specification : Personalized course with certification
The VCM piano program provides students with world-class and personalized musical training, from elementary through to advanced levels. After completing each level, students can register for the VCM piano exam to receive constructive feedback from professional instructors and earn a VCM piano certificate.
▼ Read MoreThe program at the Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
• Each level includes several personalized pieces representing a variety of musical styles and historical periods.
• Personalized pieces selected based on psychological and cultural preferences and moods.
Improvisation, Etudes, and Technics
• Improvisation is designed to empower the students’ brain output similar to learning speaking and writing.
• Technical requirements are designed to support the demands of the repertoire for each level.
• Technical tests include scales, chords, and arpeggios.
• Etudes develop technical skills within a musical context.
Musicianship Skills
• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of ear training and sight-reading provides students with a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.
• Musicianship skills are developed to support the goals and requirements of both theoretical understanding and musical performance.
RCM Music Theory
- Prerequisite : Pianokids or Preliminary course
- Duration : 45 or 60 minutes
- Class size : Private, in-person & online
- Age Range : All
- Specification : Personalized course with certification
The VCM piano program provides students with world-class and personalized musical training, from elementary through to advanced levels. After completing each level, students can register for the VCM piano exam to receive constructive feedback from professional instructors and earn a VCM piano certificate.
▼ Read MoreThe program at the Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
• Each level includes several personalized pieces representing a variety of musical styles and historical periods.
• Personalized pieces selected based on psychological and cultural preferences and moods.
Improvisation, Etudes, and Technics
• Improvisation is designed to empower the students’ brain output similar to learning speaking and writing.
• Technical requirements are designed to support the demands of the repertoire for each level.
• Technical tests include scales, chords, and arpeggios.
• Etudes develop technical skills within a musical context.
Musicianship Skills
• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of ear training and sight-reading provides students with a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.
• Musicianship skills are developed to support the goals and requirements of both theoretical understanding and musical performance.
