Introduction
Planning to do your RCM guitar exam but not sure what exactly you will be graded on and how? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will tell you what each section of the exam is worth to help you decide how to better allocate your prep time for optimal results! We created this RCM Guitar Exam Mark Guide with you – the student – in mind!
Note: information contained in this guide is current as of June 2023 and is based on the latest (2018) edition of the RCM “Classical Guitar” syllabus, which is a free resource provided by the RCM.
RCM GUITAR EXAM REQUIREMENTS FOR: ELEMENTARY LEVELS (Preparatory - Level 4)
Preparatory Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 2 pieces and can earn 3 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 56 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: consists of technical tests and one etude. A maximum of 24 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Level 1 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 2 pieces and can earn 3 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 56 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 1 etude. Note that no memory marks are given for the etude, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 24 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Level 2 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 2 pieces and can earn 3 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 56 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. No memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 24 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Level 3 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 3 pieces and can earn 2 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. No memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Level 4 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 3 pieces and can earn 2 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
RCM GUITAR EXAM REQUIREMENTS FOR: INTERMEDIATE LEVELS (Level 5 - Level 8)
Level 5 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 3 pieces and can earn 2 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Starting at level 5, students must also write a co-requisite theory exam if they wish to earn a Comprehensive Certificate for their particular level. For level 5, the co-requisite theory exam is “Level 5 Theory”.
Level 6 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 3 pieces and can earn 2 extra marks per piece if they have it memorized. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Students must also write a co-requisite theory exam (“Level 6 Theory”) if they wish to earn a Comprehensive Certificate for this level.
Level 7 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 4 pieces. A number of marks (see parentheses) will be deducted for not having memorized the indicated pieces. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Students must also write the co-requisite “Level 7 Theory” exam if they wish to earn a Comprehensive Certificate for this level.
Level 8 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 4 pieces. A number of marks (see parentheses) will be deducted for not having memorized the indicated pieces. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Students must also write the co-requisite “Level 8 Theory” exam if they wish to earn a Comprehensive Certificate for this level.
RCM GUITAR EXAM REQUIREMENTS FOR: ADVANCED LEVELS (Level 9 - Level 10)
Level 9 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 4 pieces. A number of marks (see parentheses) will be deducted for not having memorized the indicated pieces. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Students must also write the co-requisite “Level 8 Theory”, “Level 9 History”, and “Level 9 Harmony” (or “Keyboard Harmony”) exams if they wish to earn a Comprehensive Certificate for this level.
Level 10 Guitar
Repertoire: students are required to perform a total of 4 pieces. A number of marks (see parentheses) will be deducted for not having memorized the indicated pieces. A maximum of 60 marks can be earned for this section.
Technical Requirements: includes technical tests and 2 etudes. Note that no memory marks are given for the etudes, which means students can have their sheet music in front of them while playing if they wish. A maximum of 20 marks are given for this section.
Musicianship: includes Ear Tests and Sight Reading components, each worth 10 marks, for a combined total of 20.
The exam is out of 100, with 60 being the passing grade.
Students must also write the co-requisite “Level 8 Theory”, “Level 9 History”, “Level 9 Harmony” (or “Keyboard Harmony”), “Level 10 History”, and “Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint” (or “Keyboard Harmony”) exams if they wish to earn a Comprehensive Certificate for this level.
- Learn everything you need to know about RCM exams with “RCM Exams: Your Complete Guide”
- See exactly how RCM Piano Exams are graded with “The Ultimate RCM Piano Exam Mark Guide”
- Get the most out of your practice sessions with our “5 Best Practice Tips for Music Students”
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