Apply for Licentiate Exam

The Licentiate Diploma (LRCM), Performer is intended for candidates who wish to further refine their artistry and seek additional performance and evaluation opportunities beyond the Associate Diploma (ARCT). The Licentiate examination is evaluated as a concert performance. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a masterful command of the instrument and communicate an understanding of stylistic characteristics and structural elements of each repertoire selection with interpretive insight and a mature musical personality. 

Licentiate examinations will be evaluated by two senior members of the College of Examiners. Candidates will receive a written critique of their performance along with an overall mark.

Candidates must achieve an Honors standing (at least 70 percent) in order to be awarded the Licentiate Diploma.

Licentiate Diploma (LRCM) in Piano, Performer

Prerequisite: Associate Diploma (ARCT) in Piano, Performer

Licentiate Diploma (LRCM) in Violin, Performer

Prerequisite: Associate Diploma (ARCT) in Violin, Performer

For more information on examination requirements and policies please consult the Syllabus.

How to Register

1. Submit your proposed program for your Licentiate examination here. You will be asked to confirm that you have met the prerequisites.
2. Your proposed program form will be reviewed by the RCM Certificate Program. 
3. You will either be emailed an official approval (PDF) OR commentary on why your program was not approved.  If your program was not approved, you will need to resubmit your proposed program.
4. If your program is approved, register for your exam here – you will be able to select exam dates between 14 and 180 days from the date of registration. Note that Licentiate exams conducted remotely will take place via Zoom.
5. When your examination date and time is confirmed, please submit your approved program using the link in your MyRCM account.

The LRCM Diploma in Composition and the LRCM Diploma in Theory represent an advanced course of study designed to support aspiring composers and music theorists.

Candidates must achieve an Honors standing (at least 70 percent) on each examination, and a Pass or Pass with Distinction standing on the Creative Project and Portfolio to be awarded the Licentiate Diploma.

Licentiate Diploma (LRCM) in Composition
Licentiate Diploma (LRCM) in Theory

 
Prerequisites:

• All RCM Associate Diploma (ARCT) theory corequisite examinations: ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint (or ARCT Keyboard Harmony), ARCT Analysis, and ARCT History, or 
• ​an undergraduate degree in music, or equivalent studies/experience. 

For more information on program requirements, please consult the  Syllabus.

How to Register

1. Application:
   • Submit the LRCM in Composition/Theory Application Form in advance of registering for your first examination.
   • Your application will be reviewed within 1–2 weeks.
2. Aural Skills Exam:
   • The first exam that must be successfully completed is the Aural Skills exam. Register by contacting [email protected].
3. Written Exam:
   • The remaining exams may be taken in any order. Register for all exams by contacting [email protected].
4. Creative Project:
   • After the successful completion of all exams, submit the LRCM in Composition/Theory Creative Project Proposal Form. Your proposal will be reviewed within 2–3 weeks.
   • Submit your creative project to [email protected]. Please allow 4–6 weeks for evaluation.
5. Portfolio:
   • After successful completion of the Creative Project, submit the LRCM in Composition Portfolio Proposal Form or the LRCM in Theory Portfolio Proposal Form. Your proposal will be reviewed within 2–3 weeks.
   • Submit your portfolio to [email protected]. Please allow 6–8 weeks for evaluation.
6. Summative Interview:
   • After successful completion of the Portfolio, submit your Summative Interview report and schedule your Summative Interview by contacting [email protected].

Sample exams for the LRCM in Composition and the LRCM in Theory are available from the links below:
Aural Skills
16th- and 18th-century Counterpoint
Classical and Romantic Compositional Techniques
20th- and 21st-century Techniques
Preliminary Orchestration and Score Analysis
Advanced Orchestration and Arranging
Topics in Music History