Music Theory, Exams & RCM prep
Dear Parents,
I grew up in a musical family where everyone played several instruments and played music together.
I was the only one in my family who was encouraged to journey the Royal Conservatory road with exams and the study of classical music, music theory, harmony and music history.
Once you’ve made that journey you really understand the demands and rewards of an intense kind of study.
It’s not for everyone.
And before you jump into this world, know that you don’t need to travel the exam route to understand music, to play beautifully and become an accomplished pianist.
However, if you have a child who responds well to pressure and setting goals in order to accomplish something challenging, this is an amazing path to follow!
My piano students typically score well, achieving Honours or First Class Honours for most of their exam levels.
I have prepared students for every level up to Level 10, including the music theory and music history components required for the upper levels.
What is RCM?
RCM is short for Royal Conservatory of Music. It’s sometimes referred to as the Toronto Conservatory because it’s located in Toronto, Canada.
What is a practical exam?
It’s a paid, formal exam where you play your instrument for an RCM approved examiner. They listen and provide written feedback around what you play well and what could be improved.
Typically, you prepare a series of songs from a chosen list of pieces, as well as specific scales, chords, arpeggios, sightreading and ear training exercises.
You receive an RCM certificate for each level you complete.
These levels can be used for credit toward their school graduation diploma once students are in high school.
What is a theory exam?
It’s a paid, written exam where you complete a series of questions and problem solving related to details of music theory.
The higher the level, the longer the exam and the more complex the problem solving.
Theory exams are required once a student reaches a Level 5 practical exam level.
What are the benefits of committing to an exam?
The RCM syllabus can be helpful to set long-term and short-term goals for students at all levels and abilities.
In some ways it supports a well-rounded study because of the requirement to prepare for all the different components of an exam (eg. sightreading, technique/scales/chords, ear training, repertoire from a range of eras)
The exam route creates an opportunity to recognize achievement and to celebrate achievement.
For some students, it’s an amazing path that fosters life-long engagement in music and the arts. It can be enriching on many levels.
Openings for September 2026
Several of my long-term students graduate in the spring of 2026. Some had longer lesson times from 45 minutes up to 2 hours each week.
What this means is, for the first time since 2013, I have several after school & early evening spaces available for new students!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday (waitlist)
Thursday (availability before 6 pm only)
Friday
Saturday (morning)
Program fees
Click to download further details re: studio policies + calendar
30-minute lesson each week in your home
suitable for exam prep up to Level 2 or 3, depending on how much your child is practicing
Sept- Dec – $672
Jan – June – $1008
45-minute lesson each week in your home
suitable for levels 3-5, depending how much your child is practicing
Sept- Dec – $1008
Jan – June – $1512
How long should lessons be?
This is always determined by how much practicing is happening. A young child who plays frequently in between lessons will progress quickly and probably won’t need more than 30 minutes each week.
Once your child reaches Level 5, there are music theory exam levels required (called co-requisites) and for some children they need extra time to complete the music theory exam prep component.
I teach music theory as regular part of all my lessons, regardless of whether a child is on the RCM exam route so if your child has been taking lessons with me for a few years and wishes to jump into exams at a higher level, they will already have a music theory foundation and may not need much extra time to prepare for an exam.
Sometimes it’s better to have me come to your home multiple times each week for a couple of shorter lessons rather than have one long lesson with both practical and theory prep. Multiple weekly lessons are amazing to keep children focussed & excited about the journey.
Even if it’s not me preparing your child for all parts of their RCM exam journey, at some point your child will have to attend classes dedicated to music theory and study the intricacies with someone who knows them and knows how to prepare for exams in this field.
What teens say…
“Thank you so much for being an awesome piano teacher and helping me to pass my piano exam. Thank you for also making my lessons fun and for bringing me licorice and other treats. Finally, thank you for moving my lessons around if there are times that don’t work for me with all my sports travel.”
“Thank you for being such an amazing music teacher this year (and all the other years too, of course). Thank you for all the treats, music and positive energy you bring and of course for making me do theory even when I don’t want to. Thank you so so much!”
What parents say…
“Thanks so much for the amazing work that you do! You bring so much joy and love, not to mention a depth of knowledge and experience to your work – we love it!”
“We just want you to know that we appreciate you. You are such a blessing to our son.”
“I have been meaning to write you for years to say how much I feel you impacted my kids’ approach to music. Our daughter is now 16 and sings in a choir and wants to sing more. Our son has become a ballet enthusiast – he’s been at it four years now and this year he’ll be dancing four times a week with a school downtown. They both love to sing and have a great ear for picking out arrangements, instruments and harmonies when we listen to music together. Thank you!!”
Common questions
Do you teach popular music? YES
Do you prepare students for exams? YES
Do you use the Royal Conservatory repertoire? It depends on your child’s goals. Only with some kids
Does my child have to do exams? NO
Do you teach students to improvise? YES
Do you teach theory? YES. I begin teaching theory through super fun games as soon as your child starts lessons.
Do you work with teens? YES
How many lessons per week? It depends. Typically once a week but sometimes more often.
Do you teach other instruments? Yes, I’m a multi-instrumentalist so can explore other instruments with your child including guitar, recorder and other wind instruments, voice, theory, percussion, rhythm.
My child has special needs and learning challenges. Can you adapt your teaching to suit? Most of the time, yes. I have a background in music therapy, developmental movement therapy, learning assistance and special needs work so I’m accustomed to adapting lessons to suit each child.
Some students love a more serious approach, preparing for exams and learning Royal Conservatory repertoire with ear training and technique, including formal music theory. These families tend to have more of a commitment to practice and encouraging conversation in the home supporting that journey.
Some students want it all! Exams and a range of repertoire from conservatory to pop songs.
Regardless of commitment to practice and styles of music enjoyed, I engage all students in some form of improvisation during their lessons.
Read more about my extensive training and experience here.
To connect and explore learning possibilities contact Susan.
