Recitals, Exams & Festivals
Recital Information
CEMA Recitals
Have you ever been to one of those recitals that just never ends? Or worse, the details aren't communicated very well and it's become hectic. Well, we take pride in how we handle our recitals. We plan our entire year at once and share all dates with you the moment you register. We keep each recital at 1 hour (or less) with 15 minute intermissions... and we even have an 8.5 foot DRAGON at our Halloween Recital while we perform in the dark! We want to create memorable experiences.
Mini Musicians Tips
The anticipation of a recital approach is something a lot of people did not enjoy when they took music lessons themselves. By offering 4 recitals every year, kids get to try and try again. We dress up in costumes for our Halloween and Christmas recitals to make it extra fun! Our youngest musicians in Mini Musicians Class get to do a few group numbers with their teacher (including singing and percussion instruments), and they get to watch and learn from the 'big kids' too!
Private Student Tips
Our private students participate in challenges that motivate practising, culminating in awesome prizes just before the student is off to perform. We help students pick their pieces 2–4 weeks in advance so that they have lots of time to prepare for a great performance. Our group classes are used to help students feel more comfortable performing in small groups before the big crowd - like a practice run!
At-Home Preparation
You'd be surprised how much you can help out at home with your child's performance anxiety. Our teachers will not push any student to perform if they're not ready or simply don't want to. But for those who are a little nervous, having a practice run at home with your family supporting them can be helpful. We'll do our group classes too, and please always consider the option of attending a recital just to watch... instead of skipping it. Check our CEMA emails for details.
Please Remember to Read Our Newsletters Thoroughly for Other Great Tips and Resources.
RCM Exam & Festival Information
RCM High School Credits
Did you know that students can earn 4 high school credits through the Royal Conservatory of Music? Achieving Levels 5-8 in their RCM Exams is the equivalent of Grades 9-12 of public school! Students who begin lessons at age 10 or younger are often able to achieve this level of musicianship in time, but it does take a strong commitment to practice what your teacher asks and to participate in our recitals/events.
Exam Preparation
RCM Exams are only for students who have 3–4 years of lessons under their belt. Parents are asked to register for their Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam directly with their teacher to ensure the process goes smoothly. Practising consistently is very important, and students must work diligently on their ear training and scales.
Our piano and violin instructors teach up to Level 10 RCM, while our other instruments/voice teach up to Level 8 RCM. We're proud to say that our students have consistently achieved First Class Honours (80-89%) and First Class Honours with Distinction (90-100%) in their exams!
Winnipeg Music Festival
The Winnipeg Music Festival (WMF) is a competition for students who have had 3–4 years of lessons and have taken an RCM exam. It is not a normal recital, and performing in a competition can place a lot of pressure on young musicians (often heightening their performance anxiety).
However, that being said, we are SUPER proud when our higher-level students are brave and compete in WMF! Be sure to tell your teacher the moment you decide to sign up, so that they can help you confirm the important details on the registration form.