It’s been a while since I offered a weekend competition, and today’s post is particularly exciting because it focuses on the new, highly anticipated Celebration Series^®, published by The Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Programme. This Programme is based in Toronto, Canada. A very popular examination board in Canada and North America, the RCM works in a similar way to the ABRSM and Trinity College London, although their grading system is a little different, as it comprises several ‘Preparatory’ exams, 10 ‘Levels’ as well as diploma exams.

The Celebration Series^®, Sixth Edition for piano is a comprehensive 22-book collection of graded repertoire and études. This cleverly curated series includes an abundance of styles and is a useful guided path for teachers to encourage and build a student’s artistic and technical development. The selection spotlights 514 pieces by composers from over 20 countries, and it specifically highlights the work of many Contemporary composers alongside traditional classical repertoire. These books can be used by teachers for studio recitals, competitions and festivals, and they also serve the RCM Certificate Programme, too.

I enjoyed perusing the syllabus and noting the differences between the RCM and the UK-based exam board syllabuses. In general, there is a huge variety of music on offer for students and teachers to choose from in the RCM Certificate Programme, and there’s also a pleasing focus on diversity. Some of the selections are similar to those in the UK syllabuses, but there are significantly more Contemporary composers, with an emphasis on composers from Canada and US. I feel that the UK exam boards could do well to note the important addition of études (there is a separate volume for each level featuring studies), and this is an element which could be introduced more widely in UK exam syllbuses, although the London College of Music already do this to some extent.

I have three prizes to give away, and each one will include the following:

• RCM Celebration Series®, Sixth Edition Syllabus
• Celebration Series®, Sixth Edition Level 3 Repertoire
• Celebration Series®, Sixth Edition Level 3 Etudes

To win, all you need to do is leave a comment in the comment box at the end of this post, saying why you’d like to explore these volumes. I look forward to reading your comments and will announce with three winners on Monday evening (UK time). Good luck!

Find out more about this series, here, and purchase the books, here.

www.rcmusic.com

Publications

Melanie Spanswick has written and published a wide range of courses, anthologies, examination syllabuses, and text books, including Play it again: PIANO (published by Schott Music). This best-selling graded, progressive piano course contains a large selection of repertoire featuring a huge array of styles and genres, with copious practice tips and suggestions for every piece.

For more information, please visit the publications page, here.