The Royal Conservatory of Music: A Tradition of Excellence:
I thought I would follow up on the information that was mentioned in a recent Music For Ministry Podcast (MFM006) concerning the Royal Conservatory of Music program and its availability here in the USA. Hands down, Canada sets a higher standard of achievement in musical training among its young people then what they are normally receiving here in the states.
The Achievement program encompasses four main areas:
- Repertoire
- Technique
- Musicianship
- Musical Literacy
The students are held to a national standard that maintains the integrity of the program and ensures a consistent assessment across the country. As each level is mastered, students are awarded certificates and diplomas for successfully passing their individual level.
Up until recently, getting training was hard to come by state side. In 2011, an effort to expand the program in America, the Royal Conservatory of Music teamed up with Carnegie Hall to form the Carnegie Hall Royal Achievement Program. Unfortunately, after two years this venture failed to live up to expectations citing only 6,000 American students passed last year compared to Canada’s 100,000.
At the beginning of the year (2013) Carnegie Hall withdrew as a partner and now focuses on orchestral related work to reach young people. The Royal Conservatory has decided to continue its American expansion. The Royal Conservatory president, Peter Simon stated in a press release, “We are committed to ensuring Americans have access to the education through The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.” With this commitment, the standard of excellence in training young people in the arts will continue to spread into the United States.
Amazon carries The Royal Conservatory of Music method books that Carnegie Hall produced here in the US. Follow the link below to great piano, guitar, and voice music.
Piano music
Note: This link is an affiliate link.
Mark H
November 16, 2013, 1:27 amI find it quite disheartening to see how music education has taken a back seat in the US. There is evidence of it everywhere. Your blog post is very encouraging, but it also shows how much more there is to do in order to reach out to youth. Thanks for posting!
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