The Waukesha County Conservatory of Music (WCCM) in Hartland is proud to be a Founding School and Test Center for the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program. To register or for a consultation to learn more, contact our RCM Coordinator, Robin Wohlfeil. Robinwohlfeil@gmail.com or 262-719-4124
The Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program provides a recognized national standard of success in music study from beginner to advanced levels. It inspires excellence through individual student assessments that are central to the Program, while also supporting teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. RCM allows students to measure and celebrate accomplishment and track their progress withing the United States, but also throughout the world.. All students and teachers, globally, are invited to participate, and WCCM is proud to offer these opportunities here, and through outreach to the surrounding communities.
Why Study the Program?See what the Conservatory says regarding why this program is so important!
The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program is a comprehensive system of music study and assessment from Elementary through to Advanced levels. In many countries, it is considered the gold standard for developing high-caliber musical literacy.
At each level of the RCM Certificate Program, students are supported with accompanying publications to help them develop into well-rounded musicians. With a focus on nurturing creativity and developing self-confidence, our program allows students to work at their own pace.
Our integrated curriculum encompasses repertoire from classical to contemporary, as well as etudes, ear tests, sight reading, technique, and theory for over 20 instruments, voice, and speech arts and drama. Individual student examinations, delivered by one of our 300+ accredited examiners, enable students to track their progress and celebrate their accomplishments.
WCCM is an official and accredited Testing Center for the RCM Certificate Program. This means that students studying the program, throughout the state of Wisconsin travel to our location to take their assessments.
RCM Assessments Examinations are used to periodically measure a student’s progress as they navigate the program and it’s levels. Exams have multiple benefits including promoting student engagement, and offering an incentive for student practice and achievement. Participants are graded on proficiency in the following areas: performance; technical requirements; aural skills; rhythm; and, sight-reading ability. Examinations are available for both Practical (performance) and Theory (written).
Check out RCM’s website information regarding the official examinations:
Practical examinations evaluate the performance of repertoire, etudes or vocalises, aural skills, sight reading or singing, and orchestral excerpts for string, brass, and wind instruments.
Theory examinations evaluate the understanding of theory basics such as musical notation. Advanced levels include harmony, counterpoint, analysis, and history.
The Benefits of Exams
- Build self-confidence
- Encourage goal setting
- Provide a national standard for students to track their progress
- Promote well-rounded musical training
- An objective assessment of the student’s skill for that level
- A friendly yet professional atmosphere
- Personalized feedback and marks available online within a few weeks