Viva la différence!

For teachers in Canada, there is a healthy, rich alternative to the ubiquitous exam system.

Conservatory Canada is similar in the number of grades, theoretical subjects, general format, and credit in high schools.

There are a number of striking differences and some confusion about some of the requirements. Off the top of my head, here are some of the main points (consult the website and syllabus for official, authoritative information).

1. It’s a small system and when you call during office hours (in Ontario) you get a human being answering the phone. Questions are answered on the spot. Invaluable service.

2. Keyboard skills. Starting in grade 5, and working up ever so gradually, students learn the skills of harmonising a melody and transposing at sight. There are resources to guide you and the student through this. I freaked out about this at first for no reason. This should not be confused with improvisation or composition.

2. Ear training. Intervals, chords and playbacks are all here, but the approach from the beginning is – first the student learns to identify the tonic, mediant, and dominant of the chords and to identify what kind of scales they are hearing.

3. Supplementary piece. Requirements for studies and repertoire from the different eras are the same. In addition, the student plays a piece which can be pretty much anything as long as it is roughly at the same grade level – another piece in the rep book, a popular song, a student’s own composition or improvisation, a newly composed piece that hasn’t found its way to the syllabus yet – the possibilities are endless. This is the case for grades 1 – 10.

4. All-in-one Repertoire Books. Repertoire and studies are in the same book, as well as a listing of all the technical requirements, ear tests, sight-reading and viva voce requirements.

5. Viva voce. A fancy way of saying you need to know all the markings on the score, as well as what key the piece is in, and a wee bit about the composer (bios are also included at the back of the book). An easy few marks on the exam.

6. Canadian component. If we don’t promote our own music, who will? One piece or study on every exam must be by a Canadian composer. The supplementary option works very well here for new compositions that are not yet in the syllabus.

7. Flexible exams. Theory exams can be taken anytime, anywhere, whenever the student is ready. Just give the office 30 days notice. Practical exams can be taken anytime in 15 centres across Canada and in Kingston, Jamaica; 10 more centres are pending. Partial exams (splitting up the grade between two sessions) start at grade 7. E-exams are available using top-quality keyboards and cutting-edge technology. See the website for more details.

8. Theory 4. Theory exams include 3 levels of rudiments, then Theory 4, which is a perfect bridge course to harmony. It is a required course for grade 8; half is advanced rudiments and half is basic 4-part writing. Again, a more gradual approach to a more difficult subject. Workbooks specific to each of the Theory 1-4 courses are available and prepare the students well.

9. Awards. Students get medals for the highest mark in each grade and each theory level in each province. Ceremonies are held annually in London, ON, as well as in each province. There is a lot of scholarship money available as well.

10. Masterclass series. Every year (on a piano/voice rotation) a few teachers and students from across the country are invited to come together for a weekend of masterclasses and performances and the opportunity to make a recording. All expenses paid. I had the privilege of attending one of these a number of years ago. That one weekend did more for my confidence than anything else had.

11. Contemporary Idioms. Running alongside the Classical stream is a contemporary stream. I can’t speak much about this although I know people (other bloggers even) who can.  Let me know if you want more information.

12. Teacher resources. The online E-sharp club for teachers ($40/year) is packed with resources for both streams, as well as about a decade worth of previous theory exam papers from every level. Many more resources are available – see the website  under publications. Advanced theory subjects have been catching up. There are online resources, both free and for a small fee. Again, let me know and I can put you in touch with people who know more than me.

My (un)disclosure: I have nothing to gain financially or professionally (I’m not an examiner) by promoting Conservatory Canada. It’s a system I love and would love to see it around, thriving for a long time to come, available for me as a teacher.

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Image: Music of the Spheres (oil) by Patick-Kramer via Madame Scherzo.

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