RCM Viola Grade 1
Repertoire: two contrasting selections, one from List A (slower legato pieces) 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 and arpeggios from memory). Ear tests: clapback + playback. No theory co-requisite. Playing expectations per the syllabus: standard bow hold, whole bow, detache/martele/staccato and up to four-note slurred legato, clear tone, dynamic variety, differentiated whole/half steps. Difficulty anchor: roughly Suzuki Book 1 territory and early method books. Confidence high (read directly from the 2013 PDF).
Based on the RCM Viola Syllabus, 2013 Edition (filename s38_violasyl_rcm_2016 on the official RCM CDN; verified directly from the PDF). Repertoire/technique tied to the Viola Series, 2013 Edition (Frederick Harris). Note: musicianship/aural+sight-reading requirements were revised RCM-wide effective Sept 1 2024, so the ear/sight-reading SECTIONS of this 2013 syllabus may now be superseded; the technique and repertoire-list STRUCTURE described here is from the 2013 edition.. 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 Viola Grade 1?
Repertoire: two contrasting selections, one from List A (slower legato pieces) 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 and arpeggios from memory). Ear tests: clapback + playback. No theory co-requisite. Playing expectations per the syllabus: standard bow hold, whole bow, detache/martele/staccato and up to four-note slurred legato, clear tone, dynamic variety, differentiated whole/half steps. Difficulty anchor: roughly Suzuki Book 1 territory and early method books. Confidence high (read directly from the 2013 PDF). This is based on the RCM Viola Syllabus, 2013 Edition (filename s38_violasyl_rcm_2016 on the official RCM CDN; verified directly from the PDF). Repertoire/technique tied to the Viola Series, 2013 Edition (Frederick Harris). Note: musicianship/aural+sight-reading requirements were revised RCM-wide effective Sept 1 2024, so the ear/sight-reading SECTIONS of this 2013 syllabus may now be superseded; the technique and repertoire-list STRUCTURE described here is from the 2013 edition.; the exact repertoire lists and mark breakdown change by edition, so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 Viola 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 viola takes. Your first take is free, no signup.
Other RCM Viola levels
- RCM Viola Preparatory
- RCM Viola Grade 5
- RCM Viola Grade 8
- RCM Viola Grade 10
- RCM Viola ARCT in Viola Performance