General Information
Detailed information on examination requirements and policies can be found in a current syllabus. The following general information covers commonly asked questions.
Accompanists | Candidate Standings | Classification of Marks | Photocopies | Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) Eligibility | Time Extensions
Accompanists
Orchestral Instrument and Voice candidates are required to provide their own accompanists. Taped accompaniments are not permitted. Examinations will not be conducted unless an accompanist is present at the examination. All selections requiring accompaniment, must be performed with piano accompaniment only. No other instruments are permitted.
Candidate Standings
The following table summarizes the percentage of candidates across Canada who achieved standings at the Honours, First Class Honours, and First Class Honours with Distinction levels each academic year.
Teachers, students and parents may find it useful to gauge how students' results compare to candidates from the rest of the country.
| Range of Marks | 70 - 79 | 80 - 89 | 90 - 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical | |||
| Grade 1 | 28% | 63% | 5% |
| Grade 2 | 38% | 52% | 4% |
| Grade 3 | 47% | 38% | 2% |
| Grade 4 | 46% | 38% | 2% |
| Grade 5 | 48% | 33% | 1% |
| Grade 6 | 48% | 32% | 2% |
| Grade 7 | 48% | 31% | 2% |
| Grade 8 | 44% | 28% | 2% |
| Grade 9 | 45% | 32% | 3% |
| Grade 10 | 40% | 23% | 3% |
| ARCT Performers | 41% | 29% | 7% |
| Theory | |||
| Basic Rudiments | 12% | 29% | 51% |
| Inermediate Rudiments | 18% | 33% | 36% |
| Advanced Rudiments | 18% | 32% | 36% |
| Basic Harmony | 37% | 39% | 6% |
| Intermediate Harmony | 37% | 16% | 1% |
| Counterpoint | 40% | 20% | 3% |
| Advanced Harmony | 34% | 18% | 1% |
| Analysis | 28% | 35% | 13% |
| History 1: An Overview | 29% | 31% | 11% |
| History 2: Middle Ages to Classical | 28% | 28% | 11% |
| History 3: 19th Century to Present | 27% | 28% | 14% |
Classification of Marks
| For Grades 1 - 10 | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Range of Marks |
| First Class Honours with Distinction | 90 - 100 |
| First Class Honours | 80 - 89 |
| Honours | 70 - 79 |
| Pass | 60 - 69 |
| Grade 10 ARCT Pre-requsite | 75 Overall OR 70% in each section |
| For Performer's and Teacher's ARCT | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Range of Marks |
| First Class Honours with Distinction | 90 - 100 |
| First Class Honours | 80 - 89 |
| Honours | 70 - 79 |
| Pass (Performers) | minimum 70 |
| Pass (Teacher's Non-Piano) | 75 Overall OR 70% in each section |
| For Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Range of Marks |
| First Class Honours with Distinction | 90 - 100 |
| First Class Honours | 80 - 89 |
| Honours | 70 - 79 |
| Pass (Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced Viva Voce) | Minimum 70 |
| Pass (Advanced Practical) | 70% in each section |
Photocopies
Composers, artists, editors, and publishers rely on sales revenues to contribute to their livelihood. Photocopying music deprives the creators of due compensation.
Please note that photocopied music will not be permitted in the examination room. Candidates who bring unauthorized photocopies to the examination will not be examined.
Candidates should bring all music to be performed to the examination. Candidates who wish to photocopy one page of a selection for the purpose of facilitating a page turn may do so with permission from the publisher. The Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited is pleased to grant permission to festival, recital, and examination participants to photocopy one page from Frederick Harris Music publications for the purpose of facilitating a page turn.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) Eligibility
Candidates who have a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) may be eligible to use these funds to support private studies in music at the Grade 9, Grade 10, and ARCT levels. Please consult your RESP provider for more information.
Time Extensions
Candidates working towards the Grade 10 certificate or ARCT diploma must complete their theory co-requisites before or within 5 years of their practical examination. Candidates who, due to extenuating circumstances, are unable to complete their theory co-requisites within the 5 year time limit, may submit a request for a time extension in writing to RCM Examinations. Such requests will be considered on an individual basis.
