RCM Examinations: Joining the College of Examiners

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College of Examiners

Joining the College

Benefits of Membership

Observing the International Music Community
See and hear the work of thousands of music teachers and students across North America.

Professional Development & Collegiality
Share and exchange ideas about pedagogy and evaluation with other distinguished performers and pedagogues at annual workshops.

Supporting a Valuable Curriculum
Reinforce the value and importance of music studies through a complete curriculum.

Participating in Change
Contribute to the evolution and development of the examination process and curriculum.

Becoming An Examiner

Education and Experience Successful applicants should possess at minimum:
	• A Bachelor of Music or equivalent degree/diploma
	•Five years professional teaching experience after completion of undergraduate degree
	• Adjudicating experience at festivals/competitions
	•Knowledge of the RCM Examinations curriculum through student participation in RCME/NMCP examinations
	• Strong organizational and time management skills
	• Membership in a professional teacher association such as CFMTA or MTNA

Application Process
Acceptance takes place through the following steps:

Résumés are reviewed by the Council of Examiners
Qualified applicants are interviewed by a Chief Examiner
Successful applicants are evaluated by Academic Council
Approved individuals are invited to participate in the Examiner Apprenticeship Program.

Successful completion of the Examiner Apprenticeship Program is required for entrance into the College of Examiners.

Examiner Apprenticeship Program

Practical Subjects
Phase One takes place in a classroom setting. This four-day seminar features a series of lectures, demonstrations, and discussions based on the procedures and assessment criteria of RCM Examinations.

Phase Two takes place at the Examination centre. Over a period of three examination sessions, apprentice examiners work with mentor examiners. Apprentice examiners have an opportunity to participate in the examination process and to practice examining. At the end of each session, apprentice examiners are provided with a written evaluation of their progress.

Theoretical Subjects
Phase One is an orientation session to describe the structure and organization of theory examinations. Each apprentice examiner is assigned to a mentor examiner who will supervise their work over the course of their training.

Phase Two offers hands-on marking experience in a supervised setting. Over a period of three examination sessions, apprentices work with their mentor to mark a limited number of theory papers. Mentors provide ongoing feedback and evaluation to apprentice examiners during this period. Attendance of theory examiner workshops and marking meetings is required.

NOTE: Theory workshops and marking meetings take place several times per year in the Greater Toronto Area. Attendance is mandatory.

Membership in the College of Examiners

At the completion of the Apprenticeship Program, examiner apprentices are evaluated by the Office of the Chief Examiners. Eligible apprentices graduate to become members of the College of Examiners.

Chief Examiners provide ongoing evaluations of all members of the College of Examiners through:

Annual Review and Development reports
Evaluation of written critiques
Comparative analysis of mark averages
Observational sessions with Chief Examiners

Examiners must attend annual professional development workshops in order to refine their skills, maintain evaluation consistency, and participate in pedagogical discussions with other College members.

How do I Apply?

RCM Examinations welcomes applications from all distinguished teachers and performers. Applications are reviewed biannually.