Exams
OncOnce the student discovers the joy of performance and the pride of accomplishment, it is the perfect time to get them started on a music exam system to establish a steady path with a clear trajectory.
Currently, over 90% of the students at our studio are preparing for RCM or ABRSM exams. (I plan to start offering the CM - Certificate of Merit exam in 2026.) As of January 2025, all students who have taken exams have passed with the highest honors.
ABRSM (Performance Grade)
This is probably the most accessible international piano exam. The exam is conducted through a video submission. You send a recording of your pieces, and they will grade your performance. Over 600,000 candidates take this exam each year in 93 countries. This exam can be a good way to test and experience what it’s like to prepare for and take a piano performance exam. You can take this exam anytime throughout the year. There are 8 grades. In order to take Grade 6 or higher, you must first pass the Grade 5 Theory exam.
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RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) (Practical Exam)
RCM exams are also international, but their exams are much more involved, and preparing for them requires a more comprehensive music study. The exam can be taken in-person or online (remote). The exams are more expensive than the ABRSM Performance exam as well. Therefore, fewer candidates take this exam. However, if you feel that piano will be an important part of your identity, pursuing the RCM exam path will help you set a steady and reliable foundation for good piano study. There are 3 testing periods each year: around June, August, and December. There are 10 levels.​
CM (Certificate of Merit)
(Not available at the studio until 2027)
CM is a regional exam system in California. Like RCM, CM is also very comprehensive, and I believe the test can be taken in-person or online (please verify this). In California, this exam is probably the most standard piano performance exam and is run by MTAC (Music Teachers' Association of California). Once I graduate with a Master of Music degree from SFSU, I will have access to register my students for this exam, starting in February/March of 2026 (with registration in September 2025). The exam is held only once a year. MTAC also organizes various music festivals and competitions. In the near future, I look forward to participating in those events with my aspiring students!​