At Alyssa Young's Piano Studio, students follow a curriculum grounded in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) standards, which offer a nationally recognized framework for progressive skill development in piano performance, musicianship, and theoretical understanding. The RCM program is divided into levels from Preparatory A/B through Level 10 and ARCT, each with clear goals that reflect increasingly sophisticated artistry, technique, and musicianship.

Progress through each level is based on skill mastery, musical maturity, and comprehensive readiness — not simply time spent in lessons. Below is a general guide to what is expected of students in order to advance to the next level the following academic year.

Preparatory A & B

• Introduction to basic keyboard geography, rhythm, simple notation, and hand position

• Develop comfort with finger independence and posture

• Begin playing short, pattern-based pieces and simple sight reading

• Advancement requires consistent practice habits, basic hand coordination, and readiness for Level 1 technical work

Levels 1–4: Foundational Technique and Musicianship

• Repertoire from multiple styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary)

• Scales, triads, and arpeggios in designated keys

• Introduction and application of dynamic contrast, articulation, and phrasing

• Basic sight reading, rhythm dictation, and interval recognition

• Students must demonstrate fluency in required technique, clean and expressive repertoire performance, and developing ear/theory skills to advance

Levels 5–7: Intermediate Musicianship & Expressive Development

• More demanding repertoire requiring greater dynamic control, tonal shaping, and stylistic interpretation

• Expanded technical requirements including more keys, increased tempo expectations, and 2-octave scales

• Strong sight reading, accurate rhythm reading, and developing aural memory

• Theory study (RCM Theory Level 5 and up) becomes essential at these levels

• Advancement requires reliable home practice, expressive playing across multiple genres, and foundational theoretical comprehension

Levels 8–10: Advanced Repertoire and Artistic Maturity

• Complex, multi-page works from each style period; emphasis on memorization and artistic nuance

• Full-scale technical routines (scales, arpeggios, chords, and études) with speed and control

• Confident sight reading and nuanced ear training, including harmonic dictation and chord identification

• Theory is mandatory for official RCM certification (Level 8 requires Theory 8, etc.)

• Students should be performance-ready for competitions, evaluations, and exams

• Advancement is based on polished repertoire, mastery of all technical skills, and successful completion of required theory coursework

ARCT (Associate Diploma)

• Pre-professional level requiring performance of major concert works

• Significant technical facility, interpretive depth, and theoretical knowledge

• Preparation often takes multiple years and includes advanced theory, history, and counterpoint

Studio Promotion Guidelines

To advance to the next level in the following academic school year, students must:

1. Successfully complete all technical requirements (clean, accurate, and up to tempo)

2. Prepare and perform full-level repertoire with attention to expression, style, and memorization

3. Participate in at least one adjudicated event or evaluation (e.g., Fall Solo Evaluation, AIM, Federation, or RCM Exam)

4. Demonstrate readiness through consistent, focused practice and strong lesson preparation

5. Complete appropriate theory requirements as designated by RCM level standards

6. Exhibit musical maturity and responsibility—including self-motivation, attentive listening, and goal setting