The Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program

The Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program The Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program is a unique and innovative music education experience specifically designed to develop superior musical skills in school-aged students (ages 4 17+). Based on The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program, an internationally renowned standard of music education that has inspired excellence for over 125 years, the Music Enrichment Program fosters students musical development through a comprehensive and effectively sequenced program of music study and assessment. The Music Enrichment Program focuses on developing the whole musician through four key elements: Individual Instruction, Theory/Musicianship Classes, Assessment & Enrichment, and Electives (only available in the MEPlus program) to inspire creativity and musical exploration. MUSIC ENRICHMENT PLUS (MEPlus) MUSIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (MEP) MEP STAGES ELEMENTARY Twinkler (Piano Only) RCM Preparatory to Level 4 (all instruments and voice Traditional or Suzuki instruction) INTERMEDIATE RCM Level 5 8 ADVANCED RCM Level 9, 10, ARCT Individual Instruction (32 34+ ) 30 minute group piano lesson 30/45/60 minute private lessons 45/60 minute private lessons 60 minute private lessons Theory/ Musicianship (28 ) 30 minute musicianship class Prep Lvl 2: 30 minute Lvl 3 4: 45 minute Theory classes 60 minute Basic/Int/Adv. Rudiments 60 minute Harmony, History, Counterpoint or Analysis Assessment & Enrichment (ongoing) In class feedback 2 RCM examinations Simulated Exams 2 RCM examinations Simulated Exams 2 RCM examinations Simulated Exams MEPlus Electives (28 ) n/a Jr./Sr. Choir Orff Ensemble Suzuki Group Class Pattern Play, Student Composers Workshop Chamber Ensembles, Suzuki Group Class Composition, Jazz and Improv, Music Tech, Pattern Play Chamber Ensembles, Composition, Jazz and Improv, Music Tech Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program FAQs Spring 2014 Page 1

Music Enrichment Program Frequently Asked Questions 1. Is there an audition for the Music Enrichment Program? No. The Music Enrichment Program is designed to promote the music development of all students. Our focus is on pedagogical excellence and all we expect from our students is a commitment to their musical education shown through regular practice, engaged learning and musical curiosity. For those students starting beyond the Twinkler or Preparatory MEP levels, an entrance assessment may be required for placement in the MEP to determine a student s practical playing level and/or theoretical knowledge. Acceptance in the MEP, however, is subject to teacher and group class availability/capacity. September intake only. 2. Is the Music Enrichment Program available for all instruments? Yes! The Music Enrichment Program welcomes students practicing all instruments (including Suzuki Strings) and voice. 3. How do students progress through the Music Enrichment Program? The Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program (MEP) has three stages that align with Royal Conservatory examination levels: Elementary (Preparatory to Level 4); Intermediate (Levels 5 8); Advanced (Levels 9, 10, and ARCT). For students under 5 who are just starting to play an instrument, they may join the Music Enrichment Program as a Twinkler. Twinklers participate in a group piano class (instead of a private lesson) and take a group musicianship class. While Theory has been a co-requisite to obtain a comprehensive Royal Conservatory Certificate in levels 5 ARCT, the MEP includes theory content to complement students musical development at every level. This means that at The Royal Conservatory School young children in levels Preparatory to 4 will benefit from the deeper understanding of music that theory and musicianship studies provide. 4. Why is Theory such an important part of my child s music education? The Music Enrichment Program is specifically designed to create a pathway of success for through The Royal Conservatory of Music s Certificate Program. This includes not only the practical study of an instrument, but also the knowledge of the rudiments of music theory. The RCM s Certificate Program awards comprehensive certificates at each level for those students who complete a practical examination and the co-requisite theoretical examination. In Ontario, students receive a Grade 11 high-school credit for completing RCM Level 7 Practical and Intermediate Rudiments and a Grade 12 high school credit for completing RCM Level 8 Practical and Advanced Rudiments. While Theory has been a co-requisite to obtain a comprehensive Royal Conservatory Certificate in levels 5 ARCT, the MEP includes theory content to complement students musical development at every level. This means that at The Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program FAQs Spring 2014 Page 2

Royal Conservatory School, young children in levels Preparatory to 4 will benefit from the deeper understanding of music that theory and musicianship studies provide. 5. What are the benefits of Royal Conservatory Examinations? What if my child just wants to play for fun? Even if a student's goal is simply to "play for fun", the skills that they will acquire by following the RCM s system of assessment will help them attain a level of proficiency that will give them the freedom to learn music independently and play for their own enjoyment. As with many of life s pursuits, students are likely to put more effort into learning new material or honing new skills when they know that they are going to be tested. Preparing for a Royal Conservatory examination provides students with an established goal to work towards. Students who participate in RCM examinations tend to become more dedicated to their instrument and practice more often. 6. In the Music Enrichment Program, can my child explore genres outside of classical music? Yes! While RCM repertoire is mainly focused on classical music, opportunities to play jazz, folk and popular music are included within The Royal Conservatory framework. If a student chooses to explore other genres, the classical training provided by The Royal Conservatory system of study and assessment provides the strongest possible foundation upon which to continue a student s musical journey. Once a student reaches the Intermediate Stage (RCM Level 5 and above) they can choose to take electives in Jazz and Improv, enabling them to focus part of their education on non-classical pursuits. 7. What electives are available as part of the Music Enrichment Plus Program? Adding an MEPlus elective allows your child to develop their musical creativity, broaden their musical experience, and engage in music-making with others. Electives vary by stage and are as follows: Elementary (Prep Level 4) RCS CHOIR: Learning how to use one s natural instrument develops the inner, musical ear; contributes to a stronger sense of phrasing and dynamics; and gives children a fun way to make music in a group. ORFF ENSEMBLE: Incorporating the four basic media of Orff-Schulwerk (singing, playing both pitched and un-tuned percussion instruments, speech, and movement), children gain a deeper sense of pulse and rhythm, develop right and left hand coordination, and get the opportunity to have fun making music with friends. Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program FAQs Spring 2014 Page 3

PATTERN PLAY : Inspiring Creativity Just as we create sentences with words, we can create music with musical patterns. Children learn how to improvise by creating with others. All instruments welcome! Non-piano students have the opportunity to use their own instrument while learning some piano skills as well. Intermediate (Levels 5 8) RCS VOCAL ENSEMBLE: Learning how to use one s natural instrument develops the inner, musical ear and contributes to a stronger sense of phrasing and dynamics. The RCS Vocal Ensemble gives students a chance to sing a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary and jazz works. CHAMBER MUSIC & SMALL ENSEMBLES: Learn how to collaborate with other musicians and participate in a musical conversation. Students will be placed in ensembles based on their instrument and level. Classes will involve a combination of performance and theory (i.e. learning about the great chamber music composers). All instruments (including pianos) are welcome! PATTERN PLAY : Inspiring Creativity Just as we create sentences with words, we can create music with musical patterns. Students learn how to improvise by creating with others. All instruments welcome! Non-piano students have the opportunity to use their own instrument while also picking up some piano skills as well. STUDENT COMPOSERS WORKSHOP: Budding composers get the chance to work with a living composer to write their very own music. Students learn the basics of composition and bring their musical ideas to life. Advanced (Levels 8, 9, 10, ARCT) RCS VOCAL ENSEMBLE: Learning how to use one s natural instrument develops the inner, musical ear and contributes to a stronger sense of phrasing and dynamics. The RCS Vocal Ensemble gives students a chance to sing a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary and jazz works. CHAMBER MUSIC & SMALL ENSEMBLES: Learn how to collaborate with other musicians and participate in a musical conversation. Students will be placed in ensembles based on their instrument and level. Classes will involve a combination of performance and theory (i.e. learning about the great chamber music composers). All instruments (including pianos) are welcome! STUDENT COMPOSERS WORKSHOP: Budding composers get the chance to work with a living composer to write their very own music. Students learn the basics of composition and bring their musical ideas to life. Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program FAQs Spring 2014 Page 4

8. As a parent, how should I support my child in the Music Enrichment Program? Support from parents and other family members is a vital element in a student s successful study of music. Here are some tips to support your child s progress in the Music Enrichment Program: Help make practicing an enjoyable part of every day s activities: In the MEP, consistent, dedicated practicing is essential to success. If your child is not interested in practicing their repertoire or scales on a given day, put on some music and encourage student-driven exploration and experimentation on their instrument to develop musical awareness and curiosity. MEP students and parents benefit from the RCS special Practice Makes Perfect workshops that teach innovative strategies to engage learners of all types in focused practicing. Communicate with your child s teachers: It is fundamental for parents and teachers to work together to establish shared goals and a mutual understanding of success. Fostering a love of music in one s child is very different than hoping to see them performing on the stage of Carnegie Hall by the age of eighteen. Regular communication will help ensure that you, your child, and the teacher, are mutually aware of how things are progressing. Stay engaged with your child s lessons: For young children sitting in on the entire lesson each week will make practicing easier for both of you, and will contribute to a shared understanding of accomplishment. For older kids, watching a lesson from time to time will help you understand their experiences and what their individual joys and challenges are. Encourage your child to share their progress with you and others: As your child is learning, instead of asking them to play something for you, ask them what they learned this week, or if they can show you what they are working on. Understand that these pieces are often works in progress. Once your child has perfected a song, encourage them to participate in Royal Conservatory School recitals and other performance opportunities where they ll have the opportunity to practice playing under pressure and will start to develop a sense of poise and stage presence. Make music a part of your family s life: provide opportunities for your child to listen to music. Radio, recordings, YouTube, web broadcasts, and live performances can impact and inspire your child in meaningful ways. MEP families benefit from 15% off tickets to Koerner Hall s new Family Concert series. A discount code will be available in your student handbook! Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program FAQs Spring 2014 Page 5

9. How much is tuition for the Music Enrichment Program? Tuition is outlined in the following table: Lesson Term Stage Lesson Duration Tuition MEPlus (ages 4 17+) + Individual Instruction + Theory/Musicianship + Enrichment + MEPlus Elective + 2 RCM examinations MEPlus Suzuki Strings (ages 4 17+) + Individual Instruction + Group Suzuki Class + Musicianship/Orchestra + Enrichment + 2 RCM examinations Add on: Theory after Book 3 28 34 34 Twinkler Elementary (RCM Prep 4) Intermediate (RCM 5 8) Advanced (RCM 9, 10, ARCT) Suzuki Elementary Intermediate 30 min $1030 (group piano) 30 min $2,580 45 min $3,450 45 min $3,530 60 min $4,320 60 min $4,430 ARCT 60 $4,499 min 30 min $2,680 45 min $3,550 60 min $4,430 MEP (ages 4 17+) + Individual Instruction + Theory/Musicianship + Enrichment + 2 RCM examinations 32 Elementary (RCM Prep 4) Intermediate (RCM 5 8) Advanced (RCM 9, 10, ARCT) 30 min $2,149 45 min $2,979 45 min $3,029 60 min $3,769 60 min $3,919 ARCT 60 $4,129 min Royal Conservatory Music Enrichment Program FAQs Spring 2014 Page 6