The RCM Level 4 piano exam asks for three pieces, two etudes, scales and triads played hands together, a first set of arpeggios, ear tests, and sight reading. It is the last of the elementary levels. No theory exam is required. The pass mark is 60 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
- Bach, Minuet in D Minor, BWV Anh. 132
- Handel, Air in B-flat Major
- Scarlatti, Sonata in C Minor, K. 40
List B: Classical and Classical-style
- Clementi, Sonatina in G Major, Op. 36, No. 2, third movement
- Diabelli, Sonatina in F Major, Op. 168, No. 1, first movement
List C: Romantic, 20th-century, and 21st-century
- Schumann, “The Happy Farmer”
- Chaminade, Barcarolle
“The Happy Farmer” comes from Schumann’s Album for the Young. Read Robert Schumann for kids.
Each piece played from memory earns 2 marks, for a total of 6.
Canadian composers on the Level 4 lists include Christine Donkin, Stephen Chatman, Barbara Pentland, and Alexina Louie.
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
Two etudes that train different skills. Examples on the list are “Ballade” by Burgmüller and “Chastushka” by Kabalevsky. A student may replace one etude with a piece from RCM’s Popular Selection List.
The technical tests
The examiner asks for a selection of these, from memory.
- Scales in D, A, B-flat, and E-flat major and in B, G, and C minor, hands together, two octaves.
- A formula pattern in C minor, in the harmonic form, hands together.
- A chromatic scale starting on C, hands separately, one octave.
- Triads in the seven scale keys, hands together, two octaves, broken and solid, in root position and inversions.
- Arpeggios in the same keys, hands separately, two octaves. An arpeggio is the notes of a chord played one at a time up and down the keyboard.
The syllabus sets a metronome speed for each pattern. Ask the teacher for the speeds.
The ear tests
- Clapback. A tune of two to four measures.
- Intervals. A minor 3rd, a major 3rd, a perfect 4th, a perfect 5th, or a perfect octave.
- Chords. Major or minor, plus naming one note as the root, the third, or the fifth.
- Playback. A tune of six to eight notes.
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 the rhythm of a four-measure tune.
- Playing. A four-measure passage, hands together.
Rhythm is worth 3 marks, and playing is worth 7. See how to practice sight reading at home.
Theory
None is required. Level 5 brings the first required theory exam. Ask the teacher when to start theory work.
What is new since Level 3
- Arpeggios
- Triads hands together
- E-flat major and C minor, with three flats
- The octave in the ear tests
How a parent can help
- Ask the teacher whether to start written theory this year
- Have your child teach you what an arpeggio is
- Practice sight reading with one new line a day. See how to practice sight reading at home
- Hold two practice exams, three weeks and one week 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 Level 3 and Level 5. 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.