Everything You Need to Know About the BCCM Piano Curriculum Changes
Coming January 2022, there will be new requirements for BCCM Piano Examinations. There will be a one year transition period where the 2017 or 2022 Piano Syllabus will be accepted for an exam taken in 2022. Starting with the January 2023 session, only the 2022 Piano Syllabus requirements will be accepted.
We’ve outlined every single change that is made to the BCCM Piano Syllabus. A complete list of the detailed changes for each grade as well as examples can be found here.
Technique
The number of keys required for scales, chords, and arpeggios has been revised for each grade.
The keys required for scales, etc., are paired as Major and the parallel (or tonic) Minor. This applies to all grades.
ie. C+, C-, D+, D-
Formula scales start at Grade 5 and continue through to Licentiate.
Polyrhythm scales (2 against 3) are a requirement starting at Grade 8 piano (previously Grade 9).
The number of keys required for Grade 8 - 10 is four major and four minor keys.
All keys are still required for Licentiate Teacher.
Keyboard Style Performance
Students will be asked to play passages in keyboard style
The passages for the exam are found in the BCCM technique and studies book for each grade.
Listening
This section was previously referred to as ear tests.
Chords & Cadences - Depending on the grade, students will be asked to
Identify the key as major or minor
Identify open or closed cadences
Identify all chords played in a passage
Identify cadences as Open-Half or Closed-Plagal, Closed-Authentic or Deceptive
Intervals
Revisions involve additions to the number and direction of intervals.
Playback
Melody playback will involve a bass part for Grades 7 to 10
Sight Reading
Rhythm (Clapping)
Students will be asked to clap rhythmic passages of various complexities depending on the grade.
Playing (Notation)
Students will be asked to play at sight, a score that is 2 to 3 grades below their current exam repertoire.
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