Both somewhat dystopian and delightful: you can browse tons of people’s exam submissions for the Royal Conservatory of Music’s associate degree in piano performance on YouTube. youtube.com/results?search
(Normally they’d play at a testing center, but they submit online b/c COVID…)
Conversation
Fascinating observations! I’m an examiner for the RCM and although in a previous years I would spend ~2 months on the road examining, in 2020 I examined over 500 candidates from across Canada and the US remotely, all from my home studio.
1
1
3
Wow! I’d be very curious to hear any observations you have about differences in your experience this year.
1
1. Candidates are much more relaxed for exams since they're playing in their homes. However, the quality of pianos generally isn’t as good as what you'll find at official examination centres.
1
1
1
2. The biggest downside is that the quality of transmission is dependent on the families' ability to access high-quality internet and devices. This doesn't sit well with me, as I'm in favor of a level playing field for all candidates.
1
1
1
3. But one of the cornerstones of the RCM system is still this: a candidate in NYC receiving an 85 on their exam is playing at the same level as a candidate in northern Alberta or rural Tennessee who get the same mark.
1
1
2
Replying to
Fascinating. Making those 85s line up in all those places when testing is distributed must be incredibly challenging. Easy to understand how e.g. AP tests can distribute essay grading but those are much more discrete rubrics (e.g. “one point for contextualization” in history)
Replying to
The marks line up so well because RCM examiners are extremely well trained. We have mandatory professional development seminars to attend throughout the year in order to remain certified.