Candidates working towards the current ARCT Teacher’s diploma as outlined in the Piano Syllabus, 2001 edition must complete all examination requirements by August 31, 2009 (i.e., there is a four-year cross-over period). Starting September 1, 2009, all candidates working towards the ARCT Teacher’s diploma must follow the requirements as outlined in the Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program addendum.

The Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program, 2005 edition is an addendum to the Piano Syllabus, 2001 edition and outlines the examination requirements for all three pedagogy levels. The addendum can be purchased from a local music retailer.

• Applies to candidates working towards the ARCT diploma in all disciplines (including piano candidates using the Piano Syllabus, 2001 edition)
• Piano candidates working towards the ARCT diploma through the new Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program should consult the Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program, 2005 edition addendum for information on Supplemental Examinations

In response to concerns from teachers and candidates regarding the ambiguity of the Teacher’s ARCT Supplemental Examinations policies, this article serves to clarify and inform you of revisions to the policies.

In order to achieve a Pass standing for the Teacher’s ARCT practical examination, candidates must complete Parts 1 and 2 within a TWO-YEAR time period (including any supplemental examinations) and fulfill the minimum marks as outlined in the chart below. (Note: The ARCT Teachers Part 3: Teacher’s Written examination must also be completed within this two-year time period to fulfill the diploma requirements. Please consult a current syllabus for full details about diploma requirements.)

Candidates who choose to take Parts 1 and 2 of the Teacher’s ARCT practical examination at different sessions no longer have to wait until both Parts 1 and 2 have been completed before being eligible for supplemental examinations. For example, candidates may take a supplemental examination for Part 1 after completing just the Part 1 and fulfilling the eligibility requirements below.

Candidates may try the complete Part 1 or complete Part 2 in any order and as many times as they wish, but a Pass standing will be contingent upon all Parts being completed within a two-year time period.

Piano examination candidates are no longer exempted from playing octave scales and solid four-note chords on the basis of having small hands.

Candidates will be required to prepare all Technical Tests as described in the Piano Syllabus, 2001 edition for their grade. For all four-note tonic chords and octave scale s, candidates may choose one of the options outlined below. The chosen option need not be indicated in advance to the examiner and will be evaluated on the same merit as all other technical tests for that grade. No prior approval is required from RCM Examinations.

Solid four-note chords:

• Chords may be played in a rapidly rolled manner (must be quite distinct from the additional requirement of evenly broken chords in sixteenths) OR
• The lowest note of the chord may be played alone followed very quickly by the upper three notes in solid form (played like a grace note to the upper three notes played in solid form) OR
• The lower three notes of the chord in solid form may be played as a “grace chord” to the single upper octave note (the reverse of the above second option).

In all cases, use of pedal may be applied to enhance the “solid” effect. Regular four-note chord fingering should be used in all cases.

Solid octaves:

• Solid octaves may be substituted with broken octaves beginning on the lower note, either in even sixteenths, or with the lower note played as a rapid grace note to the upper octave note.