Crossover Period for RCM Theory Syllabi
January 23, 2010 by Scott Ashby
Filed under Online Music Theory Classes
With the release of the new 2009 theory syllabus, we have entered a transition period. I am currently teaching my online classes to align with the new syllabus. The following information is from Music Matters, the official newsletter of RCM Examinations, and explains the transition:
As with all RCM Examinations syllabi, there will be a crossover year for the Theory Syllabus, 2009 Edition beginning with the December 2009 session and ending with the August 2010 session. During this time, candidates may use either the 2002 or the 2009 Editions to prepare for their examinations. Where there is a change in requirements, examination papers will present two versions of a question, in which the first option tests familiar elements from the 2002 Edition while the second option tests new elements from the 2009 Edition. History examinations will contain an expanded range of choice within each question in order to accommodate students who have prepared using either syllabus.
Hi Scott,
I found your web site when looking for online theory courses for two of our children. We live on Vancouver Island and theory teachers are few and far between here! Our two oldest children (who, by the way, are current students at Bob Jones University) took their History and Harmony courses by telephone with an instructor who is no longer teaching via telephone. Both completed their RCM Grade 10 requirements for piano prior to heading off to BJU. Our next two sons have both completed their RCM Grade 10 piano exam as well as their Advanced Rudiments and History 1 requirements. They were planning to try to prepare for their History 2 exam on their own. I see that you have recorded your History class and am wondering if it’s currently available for lease or purchase.
Prior to moving to the mainland this past fall, our sons’ piano teacher taught them Basic Harmony using Mark Sarnecki’s Harmony Book One. Her plan was to have them take a few practice exams and then teach the second course in preparation for the RCM Intermediate Harmony exam (to save the cost of the Basic Harmony exam since only Intermediate is required for completion of the grade 10 requirements). Do you have plans to teach the Intermediate course this year? And if not, do you know of any other teachers who teach theory by phone or computer?
Thanks so much for your time!
Cindy Johnson (’81 BJU grad)