Assessments and Competitive Events
Royal Conservatory of Music Program
NMSM is proud to be the first institution in New Mexico to be affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music.
For 130 years the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM-Canada) has offered an internationally-renowned program of comprehensive music study and assessment through its certificate program.
Over 30,000 teachers and 500,000 students across North America participate in the program.
The certificate program provides students with a well-rounded musical training in performance, technique, theory, and musicianship skills, from elementary through to advanced levels. With the completion of each level students further hone their skills and develop their ability to play music independently while nurturing a lifelong appreciation for music making.
RCM Practical (performance) and Theory exams are currently being conducted online. Registration information may be found at: https://www.rcmusic.com/learning/examinations
For more information please speak with your child's teacher.
Performance Assessment Program
The Performance Assessment Program (PAP) is a non-competitive evaluation held in the spring semester. It is open to students of all ages and levels subject to their teacher’s recommendation. Students perform privately for a judge and receive written and verbal comments. Their performance is graded as Satisfactory, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Superior. They also receive a certificate and ribbon. There are 10 levels in PAP and the student’s teacher will determine the level appropriate for the student based on the student’s age, length of study, repertoire, and level of advancement.
The Performance Assessment Program is an excellent incentive and goal for students to work towards each year. It is also a preparatory event for students who may want to participate in the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program exams in the future.
Honors Auditions
The Honors Auditions are a competitive event sponsored by the Professional Music Teachers Association of New Mexico. The program was designed to encourage students to study, prepare, and present recital caliber repertoire in a polished performance.
Participants have the opportunity to perform before qualified judges who provide careful and constructive criticism. Outstanding student winners perform in recitals at the culmination of the state auditions.
The auditions begin at the district level in October, with the winners advancing to a state-wide contest in November. The repertoire, dates, and general rules are available at www.PMTNM.net. Additional questions may be directed to Lawrence Blind, State Honors Audition Chair, at lblind@nmschoolofmusic.com.
Junior and Senior Performance Competitions
The Junior and Senior Performance and Composition Competitions are administered by the Music Teachers National Association. These highly-competitive events begin with a state-level contest in October. State winners perform at the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico conference in November, and then submit a videotaped entry to the Southwest Region competition. Regional winners advance to a national competition held at the MTNA conference in March.
The Junior Performance Competition is open to students ages 11-14 (as of Jan. 1, 2021), and the Senior Performance Competition is open to students ages 15-18. For more information please visit: www.MTNA.org.
