Preparatory Music Literacy Elements

Question 1

List the pitch and notation goals for the student in the RCM preparatory levels.

Answer 1

Identify and draw:

1. Staff, grand staff, bar line, brace, treble clef, bass clef, measure
2. Notes on the staff with treble and bass clefs from E one ledger below the bass to A one ledger line above the treble, and middle C and the adjacent spaces (B and D) are required for both clefs.
3. Eighth, quarter, half, and whole notes and rests

Question 2

What are the rhythm and meter learning objectives in the RCM preparatory levels?

Answer 2

1. Apply time signatures or bar lines to short fragments in 2/4 and 4/4 time
2. Calculate proportional relationships (relative note values) of 2:1, using eighth, quarter, half, and whole notes or rests

Question 3

What are the scales and intervals learning goals for the RCM preparatory levels?

Answer 3

1. Identify and write notes moving by step and skip
2. Identify and write C major and A natural minor scales in the treble and bass clef, ascending or descending, in whole notes
3. Identify by technical degree name the tonic pitch of a scale

Question 4

What are the Chords learning objectives for students in the RCM preparatory levels?

Answer 4

1. Identify the tonic triad of C major or A minor in root position solid/blocked or broken form ascending and descending
2. Write the tonic triad of C major or A minor in root position solid/blocked or broken ascending only

Question 5

What musical terms and signs should the student learn in the RCM preparatory levels?

Answer 5

Identify and define:

1. Articulation signs and terms: legato, staccato, accent (slur sign, staccato mark, accent mark)
2. Dynamic signs and markings: piano (p), mezzo-piano (mp), mezzo-forte (mf), forte (f), crescendo, cresc. (

Question 6

What key signatures are studied in the RCM preparatory levels?

Answer 6

C major and a minor (natural only).