Joining the College
Benefits of Membership | Becoming An Examiner | Examiner Apprenticeship Program | Membership in the College of Examiners | How do I Apply?
Benefits of Membership
Observing the International Music Community
See and hear the work of thousands of music teachers and students across North America.
Professional Development & Collegiality
Share and exchange ideas about pedagogy and evaluation with other distinguished performers and pedagogues at annual workshops.
Supporting a Valuable Curriculum
Reinforce the value and importance of music studies through a complete curriculum.
Participating in Change
Contribute to the evolution and development of the examination process and curriculum.
Becoming An Examiner
Education and Experience
Successful applicants should possess at minimum:
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A Bachelor of Music or equivalent degree/diploma
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Five years professional teaching experience after completion of undergraduate degree
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Adjudicating experience at festivals/competitions
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Knowledge of the The Royal Conservatory Examinations curriculum through student participation in examinations
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Membership in a professional teacher association such as CFMTA or MTNA
Application Process
Acceptance takes place through the following steps:
- Résumés are reviewed by the Council of Examiners
- Qualified applicants are interviewed by a Chief Examiner
- Successful applicants are evaluated by Academic Council
- Approved individuals are invited to participate in the Examiner Apprenticeship Program.
Successful completion of the Examiner Apprenticeship Program is required for entrance into the College of Examiners.
Examiner Apprenticeship Program
Practical Subjects
Phase One takes place in a classroom setting. This four-day seminar features a series of lectures, demonstrations, and discussions based on the procedures and assessment criteria of The Royal Conservatory Examinations.
Phase Two takes place at the examination centre. Over a period of three examination sessions, apprentice examiners work with mentor examiners. Apprentice examiners have an opportunity to participate in the examination process and to practice examining. At the end of each session, apprentice examiners are provided with a written evaluation of their progress.
Theoretical Subjects
Phase One is an orientation session to describe the structure and organization of theory examinations. Each apprentice examiner is assigned to a mentor examiner who will supervise their work over the course of their training.
Phase Two offers hands-on marking experience in a supervised setting. Over a period of three examination sessions, apprentices work with their mentor to mark a limited number of theory papers. Mentors provide ongoing feedback and evaluation to apprentice examiners during this period. Attendance of theory examiner workshops and marking meetings is required.
NOTE: Theory workshops and marking meetings take place several times per year in the Greater Toronto Area. Attendance is mandatory.
Membership in the College of Examiners
At the completion of the Apprenticeship Program, examiner apprentices are evaluated by the Office of the Chief Examiners. Eligible apprentices graduate to become members of the College of Examiners.
Chief Examiners provide ongoing evaluations of all members of the College of Examiners through:
- Annual Review and Development reports
- Evaluation of written critiques
- Comparative analysis of mark averages
- Observational sessions with Chief Examiners
Examiners must attend annual professional development workshops in order to refine their skills, maintain evaluation consistency, and participate in pedagogical discussions with other College members.
How do I Apply?
The Royal Conservatory Examinations welcomes applications from all distinguished teachers and performers. Applications are reviewed biannually.
Interested individuals should submit a résumé and cover letter to:
Manager, College of Examiners
The Royal Conservatory Examinations
5865 McLaughlin Road, Unit 4
Mississauga, Ontario L5R 1B8
Fax: (905) 501-1290
For more information about The Royal Conservatory Examinations please click on Background and history.
