The RCM Level 1 piano exam asks for three pieces, one etude, a short set of scales and chords, ear tests, and sight reading. It is the first numbered level, one step after Preparatory B. No theory exam is required. A student passes with 60 marks out of 100.
The marks
| Part of the exam | Marks |
|---|---|
| Repertoire: List A | 16 |
| Repertoire: List B | 18 |
| Repertoire: List C | 16 |
| Repertoire: memory | 6 |
| Etudes | 12 |
| Technical tests | 12 |
| Ear tests | 10 |
| Sight reading | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
A mark of 60 passes, 70 earns Honors, and 80 earns First Class Honors. See RCM exam marks explained.
The pieces
The student plays three pieces, one from each list. Here are a few of the choices.
List A: Baroque and Classical
- Mozart, Minuet in F Major, K. 2
- Haydn, German Dance in D Major
- Beethoven, “Ukrainian Folk Song”
List B: Romantic, 20th-century, and 21st-century
- Kabalevsky, Waltz, Op. 39, No. 13
- Linda Niamath, “March of the Terrible Trolls”
- Barbara Assiginaak, “Niimi Aandeg (Crow Dances)”
List C: Inventions
- Bartók, “Conversation No. 3”
- Renée Christopher, “The Snake”
- Andrew Markow, “Teapot Invention”
An invention is a short piece in which the two hands copy each other, as two singers do in a round.
Each piece played from memory earns 2 marks, for a total of 6. A student may play from the music, and those marks are then lost.
Canadian composers on the Level 1 lists include Linda Niamath, Christine Donkin, Anne Crosby Gaudet, and Barbara Assiginaak.
RCM prints a repertoire book and an etudes book for each level in its Celebration Series. The syllabus marks the pieces that are in those books and lists others that a teacher may choose.
The etudes
One etude. An etude is a short piece built to train one skill, such as even fingers or a light staccato. Examples on the list are “Morning Greeting” by Gurlitt and “Scherzo” by Kabalevsky. A student may play a piece from RCM’s Popular Selection List in place of the etude.
The technical tests
The examiner asks for a selection of these, from memory.
- Scales in C, G, and F major and in A, E, and D minor, hands separately, two octaves. The minor scales are played in two forms, natural and harmonic.
- A contrary motion scale in C major, hands together. The two hands move in opposite directions.
- A chromatic scale starting on C, hands separately, one octave. It uses every key in order, black and white.
- Triads in the same six keys, hands separately, one octave. A triad is a three-note chord. It is played broken, one note at a time, and solid, all notes at once, in root position and inversions.
The syllabus sets a metronome speed for each pattern. Ask the teacher for the speeds.
The ear tests
- Clapback. The examiner plays a short tune of two or three measures. The student claps its rhythm.
- Intervals. A minor 3rd or a major 3rd. The student may sing the interval or name it.
- Chords. The student says whether a triad is major or minor.
- Playback. The student plays back a short tune that uses the first five notes of a scale.
The 10 marks are split like this: clapback 2, intervals 2, chords 2, playback 4. See RCM ear tests explained.
Sight reading
- Rhythm. The student taps or claps a two-measure rhythm.
- Playing. The student plays a four-measure tune that is shared between the hands.
Rhythm is worth 3 marks, and playing is worth 7. See how to practice sight reading at home.
Theory
None. RCM does not require a theory exam until Level 5. See RCM theory requirements by level.
What is new since Preparatory B
- Three pieces from three lists, with one invention
- A first etude
- Scales over two octaves
- Minor scales in two forms
- Intervals in the ear tests
How a parent can help
- Sit in on practice and read the teacher’s notes aloud
- Count scale repeats with a practice game
- Clap short rhythms back and forth in the car
- Hold a practice exam at home two weeks before the day
Before you register
RCM can change its requirements. Confirm the pieces, the keys, and the dates with your child’s teacher. For the weeks before the exam, read how to prepare for an RCM practical exam. For the day itself, read RCM exam day: what to expect.
Other levels
Read about Preparatory A and B and Level 2. For the whole ladder, see RCM levels explained and the RCM certificate requirements tool.
Sources
Checked in November 2026.
- The Royal Conservatory. Piano Syllabus, 2022 Edition.
- Joy Morin, Color in My Piano. Technical requirements charts for the 2022 syllabus, used to cross-check the keys.
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Use it with your kids
Print a listening page, a practice chart, or a composer fact sheet. Or try a tool, such as the composer timeline or the piece picker.