Royal Conservatory Music Development Program

What is The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program?

The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program provides a national standard for musical achievement for people of all ages studying music in the US. It offers a sequential course of study from beginner through advanced levels. Modeled on the acclaimed examination system of The Conservatory in Canada, the program was created in response to feedback from parents and teachers throughout the US, requesting a top-quality nationally-recognized system to track students’ musical progress.

The Music Development Program centers on periodic assessments for students—one-on-one adjudicator-to-student performance evaluations that also function as valuable teaching and learning opportunities. In each practical assessment, a certified professional adjudicator evaluates a student’s performance of repertoire, studies (etudes), and musical proficiency skills. Assessments are offered for keyboard, string, woodwind, and brass instruments; voice; and the academic subjects of music theory, music history, and pedagogy. Assessments are held several times a year at locations across the US with upcoming dates and registration information listed on The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program website.

Why Choose The Music Development Program?

The Music Development Program encompasses
four main areas:

Repertoire

• Each level includes a broad selection of pieces representing a variety of styles and periods.
• Repertoire selections are leveled progressively in difficulty.
• Periodic reviews of the repertoire keep the selections fresh and innovative.
• Teachers and students can add favorite pieces through the Teacher’s Choice and Own Choice selections

Technique

• Each level of technique is designed to support the demands of the repertoire for that level.
• Technique includes scales, chords, arpeggios, patterns, and études.

Musicianship

• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of reading and aural skills.
• Musicianship skills are developed in conjunction with repertoire goals and requirements.
• Musicianship skills give students a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.

Musical Literacy

• The Music Development Program’s academic subjects support students in acquiring the theoretical and historical knowledge necessary for music literacy.
• Theoretical levels are tied to practical (performance) levels, reinforcing concepts encountered in repertoire, technique, and musicianship studies.
• At-the-keyboard assessments of keyboard harmony and musicianship present students with an opportunity to develop skills in improvisation and composition.

The Assessment Experience

The Music Development Program includes two different types of assessment: practical and theoretical. Both create an opportunity to recognize achievement and receive meaningful feedback.

Practical Assessments

• A practical assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a student's current abilities on their chosen instrument, including voice. The assessment is designed to be a warm and welcoming experience, one-on-one with a professional, program-certified adjudicator
• The adjudicator's comments and marking breakdown are available online within four to six weeks of the assessment
• Practical assessments are held twice a year, with all scheduling and location arrangements made by The Achievement Program

What Can a Student Expect in a Practical Assessment?

Practical assessments evaluate the following areas of a student’s musical development:

• Performance of three to five pieces of repertoire depending on level
• Performance of one or two études that focus on an aspect of performance skill appropriate for the level
• Performance of technical skills such as scales, chords, and arpeggios, which progress in difficulty from level to level in a manner consistent with the technical demands of the repertoire. An assessment includes a representative sampling from the published list of requirements.
• An evaluation of musicianship skills, appropriate for the level, through aural identification of intervals, chord qualities, cadences, and ear-to-hand playbacks of rhythms and melodies.
• A demonstration of rhythmic reading and sight playing ability further supports music literacy.

Theory Assessments

• Students complete a written assessment of their theoretical and/or historical knowledge in a classroom setting.
• Theory assessments are held twice a year, with all scheduling and location arrangements made by The Achievement Program.

Certificates of Achievement

Certificates of Excellence

These certificates are awarded to students in each assessment center and in each state who earn the highest marks for their practical assessment level. No application is necessary.

The Comprehensive Achievement Certificate is awarded to students who have completed both the practical and theory assessments for a specific level, beginning in Level 5. No application is necessary for the Comprehensive Achievement Certificate.