RCM Cello Grade 1
Repertoire: two contrasting selections, one from List A (legato pieces in a slower tempo) and one from List B (faster pieces), by two different composers; memory marks awarded. Technical requirements: two etudes from the syllabus list plus technical tests = scales, arpeggios, AND double stops. Ear tests: clapback + playback. No theory co-requisite. Playing expectations per the syllabus: slurs, legato, martele, staccato with detache developing; steady rhythmic pulse; tonality centered in 1st position including backward extensions. Difficulty anchor: roughly Suzuki Book 1 level. Confidence high (read directly from the 2013 PDF).
Based on the RCM Cello Syllabus, 2013 Edition (filename s37_cellosyl_2016 on the official RCM CDN; verified directly from the PDF). Repertoire/technique tied to the Cello Series, 2013 Edition (Frederick Harris). Same RCM-wide Sept 1 2024 musicianship revision caveat applies to the ear/sight-reading sections.. Exact repertoire lists, technical requirements, and mark breakdowns change by edition and exam cycle. Always confirm the current requirements on the official syllabus: RCM strings syllabus
Frequently asked
What is involved in RCM Cello Grade 1?
Repertoire: two contrasting selections, one from List A (legato pieces in a slower tempo) and one from List B (faster pieces), by two different composers; memory marks awarded. Technical requirements: two etudes from the syllabus list plus technical tests = scales, arpeggios, AND double stops. Ear tests: clapback + playback. No theory co-requisite. Playing expectations per the syllabus: slurs, legato, martele, staccato with detache developing; steady rhythmic pulse; tonality centered in 1st position including backward extensions. Difficulty anchor: roughly Suzuki Book 1 level. Confidence high (read directly from the 2013 PDF). This is based on the RCM Cello Syllabus, 2013 Edition (filename s37_cellosyl_2016 on the official RCM CDN; verified directly from the PDF). Repertoire/technique tied to the Cello Series, 2013 Edition (Frederick Harris). Same RCM-wide Sept 1 2024 musicianship revision caveat applies to the ear/sight-reading sections.; the exact repertoire lists and mark breakdown change by edition, so confirm the current requirements on the official RCM syllabus.
How do I practice for an RCM Cello exam?
Build your repertoire and technical requirements slowly and clean, then record them and get scored on intonation, evenness, and tone, the same things an examiner listens for. Orchestra Kingdom scores cello takes. Your first take is free, no signup.
Other RCM Cello levels
- RCM Cello Preparatory
- RCM Cello Grade 5
- RCM Cello Grade 8
- RCM Cello Grade 10
- RCM Cello ARCT in Cello Performance