The RCM Level 9 piano exam asks for four pieces, two etudes, a large set of technical tests in twelve keys, ear tests, and sight reading. It is the first advanced level, and memory now counts in a new way. The comprehensive certificate needs three written exams: Level 8 Theory, Level 9 Harmony, and Level 9 History. The pass mark is 60 out of 100.
The marks
| Part of the exam | Marks |
|---|---|
| Repertoire: List A | 14 |
| Repertoire: List B | 16 |
| Repertoire: List C | 14 |
| Repertoire: List D | 12 |
| 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 four pieces, one from each list. Here are a few of the choices.
List A: Baroque
- Bach, Sinfonia No. 2 in C Minor
- Bach, Sinfonia No. 10 in G Major
- Scarlatti, Sonata in E Major, K. 380
List B: Classical
- Mozart, Sonata in C Major, K. 330, first or second movement
- Haydn, Sonata in F Major, Hob. XVI:23
- Beethoven, Six Variations on “Nel cor più non mi sento”
List C: Romantic
- Chopin, Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
- Tchaikovsky, “October,” from The Seasons
- Brahms, Intermezzo, Op. 116, No. 2
List D: Post-Romantic, 20th-century, and 21st-century
- Debussy, “Valse romantique”
- Scott Joplin, “The Easy Winners”
- Bartók, Three Hungarian Folk Songs from Csík
A sinfonia is a three-part invention. Three tunes run at once, shared between two hands.
There are no extra marks for memory at this level. The examiner takes off one mark for each piece that is not played from memory.
Canadian composers on the Level 9 lists include Oscar Peterson, Harry Somers, Alexina Louie, Heather Schmidt, and Violet Archer.
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. Composers on the list include Cramer, Czerny, and Bertini. 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 C, D-flat, D, E-flat, E, and F major and in C, C-sharp, D, E-flat, E, and F minor, hands together, over four octaves.
- Formula patterns and chromatic scales.
- Scales in octaves. Each hand plays two notes an octave apart at once.
- Four-note chords, broken and solid.
- Dominant 7th and diminished 7th chords.
- Arpeggios over four octaves, in root position and inversions.
The syllabus sets a metronome speed for each pattern. Ask the teacher for the speeds.
The ear tests
- Intervals. Any interval up to an octave, the augmented 4th included.
- Chords. Four-note major and minor chords in root position and first inversion, augmented triads, dominant 7ths, and diminished 7ths.
- Chord progressions. Four chords that use I, IV, V, and vi.
- Playback. The upper line of a short passage in two parts.
The 10 marks are split like this: intervals 2, chords 2, chord progressions 2, playback 4. See RCM ear tests explained.
Sight reading
- Rhythm. A rhythm of four to six measures.
- Playing. A passage of up to sixteen measures, about as hard as a Level 6 piece, with up to five sharps or flats.
Rhythm is worth 3 marks, and playing is worth 7. See how to practice sight reading at home.
Theory
Three written exams for the comprehensive certificate: Level 8 Theory, Level 9 Harmony, and Level 9 History. Keyboard Harmony may take the place of Harmony.
What is new since Level 8
- A mark lost for each piece not played from memory
- Three written exams
- Scales in octaves
- Chords named in inversions by ear
- Bach’s three-part sinfonias
How a parent can help
- Map out the three written exams with the teacher
- Ask who will teach harmony and history, if the piano teacher does not
- Arrange a recital or two before the exam
- Ask the teacher how long Level 9 may take, and plan for it
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 8 and Level 10. 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.