Royal Conservatory System

It is fascinating that the United States decided that they would use the Royal Conservatory System of exams and teaching. The United States has a mishmash of systems and recently at a conference of music teachers held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin it was decided that they would use the Royal Conservatory System. A system which has been in place for quite a number of years. The goal is to increase participation in music throughout the U.S. partly by emphasizing music's central role in the development of innovative, healthy and happy societies. "It comes back to the goal to make participation in music, a central part of the daily lives of every person,"said Peter Simon, president of the RCM. Carnegie first commissioned consultants to explore the appetite for creating national exams and curricula. The study showed that schools, teachers and parents were eager and tapped the RCM as having the most reputable and applicable system. The two had no formal relationship but Simon flew to New York last fall and discussions moved quickly. Carnegie's education program is substantial and expanding through an ongoing $200 million (US) renovation which will carve out a 5,600 square metre education wing. The project has similarities to the RCM's recent revamping of its own building in Toronto. If the U.S. partnership proves a success, both parties envision establishing the examination system in other countries, notably China. "It's very clearly demonstrated that programs such as this are real motivators. You create an aspirational pathway for people. These things become beacons."