Examiners’ Guidelines for Assessment of
Technical Requirements on Piano Examinations
of the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto
Scales, Chords, Arpeggios, Octaves
FAIL
- very slow or uneven tempo
- inadequate knowledge of keys
- inaccurate notes
- uneven touch
- poor tone quality
- inconsistent fingering
- lack of rhythmic flow
PASS
- slow, steady tempo
- basic knowledge of keys
- accurate nores
- evenness in touch
- satisfactory tone quality
- good understanding of fingering
- rhythmic security
HONOURS
- fluent tempo
- good knowledge of keys
- accurate notes
- even, articulate touch
- good tone quality
- appropriate fingering
- good rhythmic definition and flow
FIRST CLASS HONOURS
- required tempo or better
- solid knowledge of keys
- accurate notes
- controlled, precise, and accurate performance
- excellent tone quality
- secure fingering
- vitality and flexibility in rhythmic flow