Pedagogy: Vocal Music and Conducting (AQ or Certificate)

DATES: July 22-August 7, 2025
TIME: 8:45 am-4:30 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Carol Woodward Ratzlaff
 

Certificate Only $1,230	Certificate + AQ $1,405
Intermediate and Senior Vocal Music Part 1 Register	Intermediate and Senior Vocal Music Part 1 + AQ Register
Intermediate and Senior Vocal Music Part 2 Register	Intermediate and Senior Vocal Music Part 2 + AQ Register

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 and year of music teaching experience.

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.

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?
This intensive course provides ten full days of in-class instruction. Two short breaks and a one-hour lunch break are incorporated into the schedule. Extra assistance is always available at the end of the day.

Regular workload incudes: nightly practice of singing, conducting, and musical literacy/aural skills; assignment completion; and readings of the textbook and assigned articles. It is highly recommended that candidates avoid booking evening and weekend commitments for the duration of the ‘in-person’ instructional days.

What materials will I need to bring to class?
You will be sent a list of required materials in addition to that provided by The Royal Conservatory (RCM). Details about purchases will be communicated to you in advance. For  Vocal Pedagogy & Conducting, this includes a textbook and a device - either a computer or iPad. A package of choral music will be provided on the first day of the course.

Wear casual clothing appropriate for movement and bring layers.

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]