What is in the RCM Voice Syllabus?
The Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program is a structured approach to music education in the private studio. There are syllabi for over 22 instruments. The Voice Syllabus structures musical and vocal development from early stages (a young child or complete adult beginner) through the advanced stages of vocal study. The Elementary and Intermediate Levels are EXCELLENT approaches for young singers studying in the private studio.
Elementary (Preparatory-Level 4)
Intermediate (Levels 5-8)
Advanced (Levels 9-10 and ARCT)
Each Level includes a variety of repertoire from the standard classical canon, modern arrangements of folk songs, and some songs specifically composed with young singers in mind.
Starting at Level 1, students study Technical Exercises and Musicianship skills
Technical Exercises
Intervals
Clapback
Sightreading
In higher Levels
Singback
Vocalise
Identifying chords
Identifying cadences
See the syllabus for a complete list of requirements
Where do I start?
Opening up the Royal Conservatory Voice Syllabus for the first time may be overwhelming. Where to start? Since most US voice teachers are not familiar the RCM structured approach, it will takes some time to understand the program as a holistic approach. But, it won’t take long!
Here are some ways to explore the syllabus for NEWBIES!
Explore the Syllabus. Browse through the repertoire for each Level making a note of repertoire that you know. Start with what you know and grow from there. The Resonance Series (Preparatory-Level 8) is an excellent resource, but the Voice Syllabus provides greater options. You might be surprised to find that Caro Mio Ben in Level 7! Note: The new 2019 Syllabus is coming out soon!
Teach your students the repertoire. If you teach primarily younger voices, focus on Preparatory-Level 5 for a start. If you are a college level teacher, Levels 5-10 provide a trove of excellent repertoire selections appropriate for variety of college level singers. Involve your students as you explore repertoire. This will help you gage students’ interest in the repertoire. Becoming familiar with the approach of Leveled repertoire will help you place students within the program (see my post Do you have to start at Level 1?) and pick repertoire that is appropriate for vocal abilities and musicianship.
Try different aspects of the program with your students. Not all of your students will be interested in preparing for a RCM Voice Exam. Consider incorporating some of the components with all of your students. Maybe you have a student who mainly wants to sing pop, rock and musical theater? A Vocalise or a folk song from one of the Levels might help her strengthen the soprano range. Technical exercises, intervals and or sight singing materials will help all students develop musicianship skills. Assign sight reading materials starting at Level 1 and work through the challenges with a student. This will help you develop strategies for teaching the RCM materials.
Start with ONE student. Pick one student that you believe is ready to prepare for a Voice Exam. Your student might actually take an exam (see link for exam centers in the US), or you could unofficially serve as the “mock examiner” and give the exam in your studio. Spend time exploring repertoire from list A, B and C and involve your student in the selection process. This will help you gage students’ interest in the repertoire. Make a note of how long it takes this student to master the repertoire, technical skills and musicianship skills. The more experience you have teaching the repertoire and skills, the more you will become a master of this program.
The 2012 syllabus is available online: https://files.rcmusic.com//sites/default/files/files/S35_Voice%20Syllabus_2013%20online_final_SECURED.pdf
The 2019 syllabus will be coming out soon!