RCM Level 2 piano: what the exam asks for

The RCM Level 2 piano exam asks for three pieces, one etude, scales and triads in six keys, ear tests, and sight reading. The plan is the same as Level 1, with harder keys and one new scale pattern. 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 G Major, K. 1e
• Beethoven, Écossaise in G Major
• Bach, Minuet in G Major, from the Suite in G Minor, BWV 822

List B: Romantic, 20th-century, and 21st-century

• Schumann, “Soldiers’ March”
• Tchaikovsky, “The Sick Doll”
• Bartók, “Slovakian Folk Tune”

List C: Inventions

• Bartók, “Little Dance in Canon Form”
• Gurlitt, Canon in A Minor

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.

Canadian composers on the Level 2 lists include Nancy Telfer, Clifford Poole, Jean Coulthard, Pierre Gallant, and Linda Niamath.

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. Examples on the list are the Etude in D Major, Op. 139, No. 33, by Czerny and “The Little Juggler” 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 G, F, and B-flat major and in E, D, and G minor, hands separately, two octaves. The minor scales are played in two forms, harmonic and melodic.
• A formula pattern in C major and in G major, hands together. In a formula pattern, the hands play in the same direction, then in opposite directions, and back.
• A chromatic scale starting on G, hands separately, one octave.
• Triads in the six scale keys, hands separately, one octave, broken and solid.

The syllabus sets a metronome speed for each pattern. Ask the teacher for the speeds.

The ear tests

• Clapback. The student claps the rhythm of a short tune.
• Intervals. A minor 3rd, a major 3rd, or a perfect 5th.
• Chords. Major or minor triads, played as solid chords.
• Playback. A short tune from 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 rhythm of two to four measures.
• Playing. A four-measure tune shared between the hands. It may move out of one hand position.

Rhythm is worth 3 marks, and playing is worth 7. See how to practice sight reading at home.

Theory

None is required.

What is new since Level 1

• The melodic minor scale
• The formula pattern
• B-flat major, the first scale that starts on a black key
• The perfect 5th in the ear tests
• Sight reading that leaves one hand position

How a parent can help

• Ask your child to explain the two kinds of minor scale to you
• Use the metronome for kids for scales, at a slow speed first
• Play “same or different” with two short tunes
• Record one piece a week and listen together

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 Level 1 and Level 3. 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.