These courses in Instrumental Music, Parts 1, 2 & Specialist prepare candidates to teach beginning and more advanced instrumental music in elementary and/or secondary schools or other settings. Candidates will learn to play one woodwind, brass, and string instrument, multiple percussion instruments and will explore the guitar and world drumming. Instrumental techniques, pedagogy, conducting, repertoire selection, score preparation, composition, arranging, beginning improvisation and working with current music technology will help support educators who are new and those who want to delve deeper into the teaching and learning of instrumental music.
These courses are offered as Ontario Additional Qualifications or as unique certificate programs without AQ designation
The courses in Instrumental Music are programmed as 60-hour (10-day) intensive courses in the summer over two and a half weeks to allow days off for completion of independent work. Candidates complete some components online and independently. We provide a blended model consisting of 10 days of face-to-face instruction with some space in the schedule to allow for completion of individual assignments, online work, and instrumental practice.
PREREQUISITES
- Instrumental Music, Part 1: ability to read music; for AQ, must be OCT registered; it is highly recommended that candidates have some prior experience playing at least one instrument
- Instrumental Music, Part 2: successful completion of Instrumental Music 1 from the RCM or another provider; for AQ, must also provide teaching experience form showing at least 1 year of successful classroom experience verified by a supervisor
- Instrumental Music, Specialist: successful completion of Instrumental Music 2 from the RCM or another provider; for AQ, must also provide teaching experience form showing at least 2 years of successful classroom experience verified by a supervisor including at least one year of teaching instrumental music.
DATES: July 21-August 7, 2025
TIME: 8:45 am-2:45 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Ann Fratia
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Certificate Only
$1,230
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Certificate + AQ
$1.405
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Instrumental Music
Part 1
Register
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Instrumental Music
Part 1 + AQ
Register
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Instrumental Music
Part 2
Register
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Instrumental Music
Part 2 + AQ
Register
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Instrumental Music
Specialist
Register
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Instrumental Music
Specialist + AQ
Register
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What types of AQs does the RCM offer?
Schedule D (Part 1 – Part 2 – Specialist)
We do not offer ABQ or Honours Specialist courses.
What AQs are offered through the Oscar Peterson School of Music at The Royal Conservatory?
- The AQ in Primary/Junior Vocal Music with Orff Focus, Parts 1-2-Specialist
- The AQ in Primary/Junior Vocal Music with FSL Focus, Part 1
- The AQ in Instrumental Music, Parts 1-2-Specialist
- The AQ in Intermediate/Senior Vocal Music, Parts 1-2 (Specialist to be added)
I am not a member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Can I register for an AQ course?
No, but you can take any of our AQ courses as Certificate programs instead.
I have some music qualifications already. Can I skip AQ Part 1 and go directly into an AQ Part 2 course?
If you have the basic teaching qualification in the same musical course on your OCT teaching certificate from your pre-service training, you can skip Part 1. Otherwise, usually the answer is no except under some fairly unusual conditions. Please contact the AQ Coordinator (
[email protected]) for specific advice.
I have the music qualifications or experience to enter AQ Part 2 but I have to take AQ Part 1. Will I be bored?
These courses provide valuable training for those with prior musical training and/or significant teaching experience. The practical emphasis on creative strategies for the classroom, thoughtful presentation of issues in music education and exciting repertoire drawn from a wide variety of world cultures are valuable to both the novice and the experienced musician.
I took AQ Part 1 from another provider. Can I go directly into AQ Part 2?
Yes, providing you have the musical qualifications.
I took AQ Parts 1 and 2 from another provider. Can I go directly into AQ Part 3 (Specialist) at the RCM?
Yes, providing you have the musical qualifications.
Does it cost more to take the course with AQ?
There is an additional fee for the AQs to cover the assessment of your AQ work and registration with the Ontario College of Teachers.
Are materials and equipment required for this course?
For this particular course there are additional fees for rental of instruments if need be (unless you can borrow some), and purchase of equipment if needed.
Do I need to provide proof of teaching experience to take an AQ?
If you are taking Part 2 or 3 (Specialist) you will need to upload a teaching experience form signed by a superintendent. This form is available on the AQ registration page or by contacting
[email protected].
I can’t reach my Superintendent during the summer to sign my experience form. Can I still register for AQ Part 2 or Specialist?
Yes, complete the AQ registration without the experience form. Your AQ completion will be registered once you upload the form in the fall.
I’m a new teacher graduate and the OCT has not registered me as yet. Can I still take the AQ?
Yes. Just let us know when your registration comes through and we will post your AQ completion right away.
I understand these courses are hybrid. When do I complete the online portion of the courses?
The Instrumental and Vocal music courses are scheduled over two and a half weeks to allow you time to complete all online components during the course.
How and when does the Ontario College of Teachers register the AQ?
The RCM will submit your completion to the OCT when you have successfully completed all course components; the College will enter the completion on your teaching certificate. This usually takes about 1 month or less from the time you submit your final assignment. There will be no direct notification to you, but you can check your status at
www.oct.ca.
I am a pre-service teacher (or planning to complete my teaching qualifications in the near future). Can I start, or even complete, my AQ part 1 before I am an OCT?
No, you must have completed your teaching qualifications before you start the AQ course.
Further questions? Please contact:
[email protected]
Where is the course venue?
The courses run in the home of The Royal Conservatory's downtown Toronto location at 273 Bloor Street West, steps from St. George subway station. This state-of-the-art dedicated music facility is air conditioned and features fast, reliable, and free wifi. Please visit our website for location details.
What is the daily schedule?
These intensive courses provide ten full days of in-class instruction. In addition, nightly practice and assignments are expected. Two short breaks and a 45-minute lunch break are incorporated into the schedule, and extra assistance is always available before and at the end of the regular day.
What will I need to bring to class?
We ask you to purchase a few resources we know will be valuable as ongoing resources for your teaching career. You will be sent a list of required materials in addition to that provided by The Royal Conservatory (RCM). These will be communicated to you ahead of time and available for purchase on the first day of the course. Instrumental Pedagogy students will be asked to rent (or provide their own) one brass, one woodwind, and one string instrument. Discount rental rate information will be provided to you by your instructor prior to the start of class.
Wear casual clothing appropriate for movement and bring layers. Please do not wear heels.
What amenities are available?
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or visit our in-house café, b espresso, to purchase meals or beverages. There are also several places in the neighbourhood where you can purchase food.
What if my plans change? What is the withdrawal policy?
Our registration policies are available on our Student Information Page. Please note that when completing registration you agree to these policies.
Further questions? Please contact:
[email protected]