RCM Viola Preparatory
Entry graded level (now examinable in the 2013 edition). Repertoire: two contrasting selections by two different composers from List A (slower-tempo pieces) and List B (faster-tempo pieces). Technical requirements: one etude from the syllabus list; technical tests = major scales and arpeggios in G and D, 1 octave, from memory, starting on an open string (printed tempo quarter=69). Ear tests: clapback (rhythm clap/tap of a 2-4 measure melody) and playback (play back a short melody built on the first three notes of a major scale, G or D major). No theory co-requisite. Difficulty anchor: pieces overlap Suzuki Viola School Revised Edition Book 1 and beginner method-book level (All for Strings 1, Waggon Wheels). Confidence high for STRUCTURE; the specific scale tempo markings are RCM-set (not historical) and read off 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were revised RCM-wide effective Sept 1 2024, so the ear/sight-reading SECTIONS of this 2013 syllabus may now be superseded; the technique and repertoire-list STRUCTURE described here is from the 2013 edition..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 Preparatory?
Entry graded level (now examinable in the 2013 edition). Repertoire: two contrasting selections by two different composers from List A (slower-tempo pieces) and List B (faster-tempo pieces). Technical requirements: one etude from the syllabus list; technical tests = major scales and arpeggios in G and D, 1 octave, from memory, starting on an open string (printed tempo quarter=69). Ear tests: clapback (rhythm clap/tap of a 2-4 measure melody) and playback (play back a short melody built on the first three notes of a major scale, G or D major). No theory co-requisite. Difficulty anchor: pieces overlap Suzuki Viola School Revised Edition Book 1 and beginner method-book level (All for Strings 1, Waggon Wheels). Confidence high for STRUCTURE; the specific scale tempo markings are RCM-set (not historical) and read off 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 Grade 1
- RCM Viola Grade 5
- RCM Viola Grade 8
- RCM Viola Grade 10
- RCM Viola ARCT in Viola Performance