Conservatory Canada vs. Royal Conservatory of Music

[erick86]

Hi all,

I feel like this is a question that must be asked countless times, yet when i search the boards here, nothing comes up. 

I took my grade 10 practical exam in 2001 with Conservatory Canada.  After a fairly long stint away from piano, I have recently began practicing seriously again, learning new repertoire, and now I'm thinking about completing the Associate performer (ACCM) diploma in the next year or two. 

Long ago, I used to take the RCM exams, but switched to Western Board of Music around Grade 6 piano, but shortly thereafter (in 1997, i believe?) it became Conservatory Canada, and that is with whom I took my Grade 10. 

Because of this, I am inclined to just stay with CC to continue my piano studies.  But I am perplexed as to how seemingly unknown they are.  I can say from personal experience that their standards seem to be higher (harder) than RCM's, in terms of difficulty and volume of required repertoire, technique requirements, aural testing, harmonization, transposition, etc...   yet I rarely (if ever) hear of others who have also gone through CC. 

At this point, I'm trying to decide if I would be gaining anything by switching to RCM, or if CC is just as reputable.  I'm leaning toward just staying with CC to avoid transcript issues, but thought I would ask to find out if there are other pros or cons that I am currently unaware of. 

Cheers!


Eric

[quantum]

Why do you want to take the Associate exam?  As a prerequisite for something else?  For the credentials?  As a personal goal?  For the fun of learning? 
 

[erick86]

The last two:  as a personal goal, and for the fun of learning.    It's mostly something to keep me focused in my playing, and give me a goal to work towards.

[quantum]

Then just take whichever exam appeals to you more.  If it is less hassle to stay with CC, the do so.  There really isn't much point in switching to RCM if you don't need those specific credentials and CC meets your needs. 

Lots of people have ARCT, you could probably stand out more with ACCM.  When asked about it, you could say just as in your initial post that the requirements seemed more challenging.