The Royal Diploma Program is The Royal Conservatory's enriched, integrated music program - the only one of its kind in North America.
This exceptional curriculum was developed specially by The Royal Conservatory as a natural continuation from our successful children’s programs. The Royal Diploma Program is the perfect choice for parents and students seeking an extraordinary musical education and who wish to meet other families with similar interests and goals.
About the Royal Diploma Program
Royal Diploma Program Components
About the Royal Diploma Program
Students in the Royal Diploma Program explore musical concepts from many different angles, training them to be well-rounded, accomplished musicians. This truly comprehensive approach to learning integrates every element of a thorough musical education: individual studio instruction, group musicianship and theory classes, and performance experience in choirs, orchestras, and small ensembles.
Students progressing through the Royal Diploma Program prepare for Royal Conservatory practical and theory examinations while enjoying many exciting enrichment opportunities such as workshops, master classes, performances, and field trips to major arts organizations. Parents receive regular progress reports from a collaborative team of teachers. As students complete the requirements for each level, they will earn a Royal Diploma issued by The Royal Conservatory.
"In our family, music plays a role which extends beyond the practicing of an instrument: music brings us happiness and brings us together. In enrolling our two children in The Royal Diploma Program, our hopes of a balanced, enriching, and rewarding experience were fulfilled." (H. Wheatcroft, Royal Diploma Program parent)
Royal Diploma Program Levels
The Royal Diploma Program offers six diploma levels and is available exclusively at the 273 Bloor Street West campus:
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Royal Twinkler (3-5 years old)
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Royal Starter (5-6 years old)
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Royal Beginner (6-8 years old)
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Royal Junior (8-11 years old)
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Royal Intermediate (11-13 years old)
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Royal Advanced (13 years and older)
"Our daughter has benefited immensely from the Royal Diploma Program in just six months. As parents, we see a tremendous growth in her musical aptitude. The knowledge and creativity of her teachers and the wonderful exposure to a variety of professional guest artists have all contributed to an outstanding program!" (S. Verhoeff, Royal Diploma Program parent)
Royal Diploma Program Components
Private Lessons
All students of the Royal Diploma Program must be registered for a minimum of 32 private lessons with a member of The Royal Conservatory's private lesson faculty who participates in the Royal Diploma Program*. Lessons must be a minimum of 30 minutes in length, Royal Junior must be a minimum of 45 minutes in length, and subsequent levels must be a minimum of 45 minutes in length (60 minutes is recommended).
In addition to one-on-one lessons, Royal Diploma Program students participate in group classes that integrate theory, musicianship, and performance. They also participate in choir (piano students), orchestra (violin and cello students), and small ensembles (all students). The course descriptions are listed below.
Course Descriptions
Musicianship and Theory Classes
Royal Diploma Program group classes integrate musicianship, ear training, theory, and history to supplement and enhance material taught in individual lessons. In the higher levels, the curriculum goals reflect Royal Conservatory Examination requirements and are aimed at participation in such examinations. Students will also share performances and present researched material to one another.
Royal Twinklers Year I (ages 3-4)*
Musicianship: 28 30-minute group musicianship classes
Performance: 28 30-minute group piano classes
The Royal Twinkler curriculum provides a two-year entry-level music and performance study for beginner instrumental students, including the Suzuki method. The focus of each class will include using the voice as a natural instrument, Solfege, rhythmic learning, basic theory, and performance etiquette.
Royal Twinklers Year II (ages 4-5)
Musicianship and Performance: 28 60-minute classes.The Royal Twinkler curriculum provides a two-year entry-level music and performance study for beginner instrumental students, including the Suzuki method. The focus of each class will include using the voice as a natural instrument, Solfege, rhythmic learning, basic theory, and performance etiquette.
Royal Starter (ages 5-6)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance: 28 60-minute classes.The Royal Starter curriculum provides group study to students with two years at the Royal Twinkler level, or to students entering the Royal Diploma or Suzuki program with no prior experience in music lessons. Each class focuses on theory and musicianship concepts and is the first year in a three-year program leading to the Preparatory Theory examination.
Royal Beginner Year I (ages 6-7)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance: 28 90-minute classes.The Royal Beginner curriculum provides a mix of 30 minutes of theory with a 60-minute musicianship class. This class build on the principles of theory and musicianship as the second year in a three-year program leading to the Preparatory Theory examination.
Royal Beginner Year II (ages 7-8)
Theory, Musicianship ,and Performance: 28 60-minute classes
Singing Class – 28 60-minute classes
The Royal Beginner Year II curriculum will advance and build upon the skill level acquired from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Beginner Year I curriculum. The focus of each class will include a more in-depth study of theory and musicianship concepts, as it marks the completion of the three-year program leading to the Preparatory Theory examination.
Royal Junior Year I (ages 8-9)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance: 28 60-minute classes
Junior Choir/Training Orchestra – 28 60-minute classes
The Royal Junior curriculum provides a three-year study of theory leading to the basic rudiments examination. Students build on the skills acquired from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Beginner Year II curriculum. In a stimulating interactive setting, the instructor incorporates theoretical concepts and historical topics such as the introduction of the instruments of the orchestra, and Canadian, Baroque, and classical composers. Ear training skills include melodic and rhythmic dictation.
Royal Junior Year II (ages 9-10)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance: 28 60-minute classes
Junior Choir and Training Orchestra: 28 60-minute classes
Continuing the three-year program of the Royal Junior curriculum, students build on the skills acquired from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Junior Year I study. This class incorporates theoretical concepts, continued study of orchestral instruments, a focus on Canadian composers, and the music of the Romantic era and 20th century. Ear training skills include melodic and rhythmic dictation.
Royal Junior Year III (ages 10-11)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance: 28 60-minute classes
Junior Choir and Training Orchestra – 28 60-minute classes
The final year in the three-year program of the Royal Junior curriculum, students will build on the skills acquired from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Junior Year II study. This class incorporates ear training, theoretical concepts, and an in-depth study of the instruments of the orchestra, composition, as well as further exploration of the musical eras. Students will have greater opportunities to share performances and present researched material to one another.
Royal Intermediate Year I (ages 11+)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance: 28 60-minute classes
Intermediate Ensemble and Orchestra: 28 60-minute classes
Students will advance and build upon the skill level from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Junior Year III curriculum. This class incorporates theoretical concepts leading to the completion of the Royal Conservatory intermediate rudiments examination. Students will have many opportunities to share performances and present researched material that complements their music history studies. Ear training skills, including melodic and rhythmic dictation, will enhance the theory curriculum.
Royal Intermediate Year II (ages 12+)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance - 28 60-minute classes
Intermediate Ensemble/Orchestra – 28 60-minute classes
Students build on the skill level from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Intermediate I curriculum. This class incorporates theoretical concepts leading to the completion of the Royal Conservatory advanced rudiments examination. Students will have opportunities to perform and present researched material to one another. Ear training skills, including melodic and rhythmic dictation, will supplement the theory curriculum.
Royal Intermediate Year III (ages 13+)
Theory, Musicianship, and Performance - 28 60-minute classes
Intermediate Ensemble and Orchestra – 28 60-minute classes
Students build on the skill level from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Intermediate II curriculum. This class incorporates theoretical concepts leading to the completion of the Royal Conservatory introductory harmony examination. Students will have greater opportunities to perform, participate in ear training and critical listening, and present researched material to one another. Students will also acquire a firm foundation of the complex components of advanced rudiments and the fundamentals of basic harmony.
Choir
Royal Junior I-III: In addition to the theory classes, students will join The Royal Conservatory children's choirs, a child-centered program designed to encourage children to use their singing voices as lifelong musical instruments. (Note: string players will join the orchestra.) In the Beginner/Junior Choir, students learn the skills needed to sing music expressively and continue to develop their vocal technique. Musicianship skills will be reinforced with sight reading exercises and singing games. The students will learn a large variety of song literature of varying complexity, which, wherever possible, will be chosen to complement literature studied in individual and theory classes. Performance opportunities will be available to this ensemble group.
Orchestra
Royal Junior I-III and Royal Intermediate I-II: In addition to the theory classes, string students will participate in a Royal Conservatory School Training Orchestra. A wonderful enhancement to individual lessons, this orchestral program strives to nurture a love of music while fostering respect for self and others. Members are encouraged to have fun and take pleasure in making music. Students will regularly rotate positions within the orchestra to ensure equal playing opportunities. Skills and concepts established in theory class will be augmented in the orchestral setting with a diverse and interesting repertoire. The program also includes workshops, a concerto competition, field trips to professional orchestras, and a CD/DVD recording.
Ensembles
Royal Intermediate Ensembles Year I (ages 11 and up): In addition to the theory class, piano and nonpiano students will join a music ensemble. The instructor will incorporate ensemble concepts, an introduction to duet and duo piano performance, as well as trio performances with instruments from the string and wind families. Students will have opportunities to present researched material and share performances in recitals and music festivals. Musicianship skills including ensemble balance and dynamics, as well as the sight reading of introductory repertoire, will supplement and enhance the solo studies of the students.
Royal Intermediate Ensembles Year II (ages 12 and up): In addition to individual lessons and theory classes, piano and nonpiano students will join a music ensemble. Students will build on skills from the Royal Diploma Program's Royal Intermediate Ensembles Year I curriculum. The instructor will incorporate ensemble concepts, a more in-depth study of duet, duo piano, and trios with instruments from the string and wind families. Students will have opportunities to share performances in recitals and music festivals. Musicianship skills including ensemble balance and dynamics, as well as the sight reading of intermediate repertoire, will supplement the solo studies of Royal Diploma Program students.
Royal Intermediate Ensembles Year III (ages 13 and up): In addition to the theory class, piano and nonpiano students will join a music ensemble. Students will advance and build upon the skill level from the Royal Diploma Program Royal Intermediate Ensembles Year II curriculum. Providing a stimulating interactive setting, the instructor will incorporate ensemble concepts, an in-depth study of duet, duo piano, and trios with instruments from the string and wind families. Students will be provided with opportunities to present researched material to one another, to share performances in recitals, as well as in music festivals. Musicianship skills including ensemble balance and dynamics, as well as the sight reading of intermediate repertoire, will supplement the solo studies of Royal Diploma Program students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is The Royal Diploma Program?
The Royal Diploma Program is an enriched, integrated approach to music education developed by The Royal Conservatory. By linking private lessons, musicianship and theory classes, and performance opportunities in choirs, orchestras, and small ensembles, the Royal Diploma Program allows students to achieve their fullest musical potential. Royal Diploma Program students participate in Royal Conservatory examinations as well as numerous enrichment opportunities such as workshops, master classes, performances, and field trips. Parents are involved in their child's lessons and will receive two progress reports from a collaborative team of teachers.
2. At what age can my child enroll in The Royal Diploma Program?
The program is open to children ages 3 to 13. Children as young as 3 or 4 can begin in the Royal Twinkler level of the program.
3. What instruments are taught through The Royal Diploma Program?
The Royal Diploma Program is available for piano, flute, guitar, violin, cello, and voice.
4. What are the different components of The Royal Diploma Program?
- Private Lessons: The private lesson is the centrepiece of The Royal Diploma Program. The studio teacher guides the child’s development on their instrument and is the main liaison with parents. The studio teacher monitors homework assignments from all classes and provides progress reports for each term in conjunction with other members of the teaching team.
- Musicianship and Theory Classes: Younger Royal Diploma Program students participate in weekly group classes where they learn to use their natural instruments: the singing voice and the moving body. A wide variety of activities, such as singing, moving, clapping, listening, reading, and writing, addresses the many different learning styles exhibited by children and allows them to share the joy of music with their friends. At the Royal Junior level, weekly classes incorporate both musicianship and theory, providing students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of reading, analyzing, and writing music notation. Linking ear training with music literacy helps students understand theoretical concepts and structures. A music history component explains different musical periods to complement repertoire chosen for private lessons. All levels of Royal Conservatory examinations are embedded in the Royal Diploma Program.
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Choirs, Orchestras, and Ensembles: Exceptional ensemble experiences give Royal Diploma Program students an opportunity to learn in a group environment, and are a wonderful enhancement to private lessons. The ensemble component strives to nurture a love of music while fostering respect for self and others. Members are encouraged to have fun and take pleasure in making music while honing their performance skills.
Special Events: At least four special events such as workshops or master classes are planned throughout the year to enrich the Royal Diploma study. Students must write a report that reflects their impressions of the workshop experience. Attendance is obligatory and is factored into their midterm and year-end reports.
5. What is the difference between the Royal Suzuki Program and The Royal Diploma Program?
The Suzuki method is one of the various teaching methodologies available to students. Piano student wishing to be taught in the Suzuki method are part of the Royal Diploma Porgram. For detailed information, please contact Registration and Student Services.
6. As a Royal Diploma Program parent, what will my involvement be in the program?
Parental involvement is essential to a student's success in the program. Therefore, all parents are encouraged to:
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Keep track of their children's class schedule and homework assignments
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Oversee their children's practice routine
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Discuss and track their child's progress with the Royal Diploma Program teaching team
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Show their support by attending concerts and events
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Volunteer at least once a year
7. How often will I receive feedback on my child's progress?
Students and parents will receive written progress reports in January and June.
How to Register
For a consultation, please contact Registration and Student Services at 416.408.2825.
Tuition and Program details for the 2012-13 academic year will be available in June 2012.
