Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Experience
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How are the 10 weeks structured?
You have access to all modules of the course from Day 1, through 4 weeks after your final grade is posted online in your Teacher Account. By midnight Pacific every Tuesday, you're asked to read a few articles, watch some 3-4 minute videos, submit an assignment, write an original post in the discussion forum, and reply to forum posts from 3 other teachers. Feedback on your assignments and marks for the discussion forum and assignments are generally posted no later than 7 days following the deadline. A summative portfolio is comprised of all the assignments you've submitted and is due in week 10.
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Do I have to be online at a certain time?
We don't have any time-specific commitments in our courses. You're free to do the work at a time and place that's convenient for you. However, the deadline for each week's work - assignments and discussion forum posts - is midnight Pacific every Tuesday.
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How much time do I need to commit each week?
The amount of time you spend depends in part on your experience as a teacher, your comfort with online learning, and the number of hours you choose to invest in completing coursework. Participants have shared with us that they spend, on average, six or more hours each week.
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How am I assessed?
Our professional facilitators are master piano teachers, and they work hard to ensure you have a meaningful learning experience. Beginning on Day 1, you can view the marking rubrics for every graded assignment and discussion forum. Each week your facilitator provides personal feedback on your assignment and assigns two grades: one for your assignment and one for discussion forum participation.
Curriculum
Cancellation/Withdrawal
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Are courses ever cancelled? What happens then?
We need to meet minimum enrollment numbers in order to run a course. If we cancel a course due to lack of enrollment, we'll offer you the opportunity to transfer into a future course session within the current academic year or a full refund of your tuition fee. Your choice.
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What happens if I have to withdraw?
We understand that life happens! Every situation is different, so we work with you to find the best solution. Depending on when withdrawal is initiated, a partial refund may be given. For more information, please see our
Online Teacher Courses Terms and Conditions.
Beyond the Course
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Once I finish a course, what's next?
Provided you meet pre-requisites for the next course, you're welcome to enroll. If you've already submitted two successful piano practical exam candidates at the required levels and have achieved the RCM Level or equivalent that corresponds with that designation, you'll immediately become an RCM Certified Teacher and receive two years of no-cost access to our complete inventory of professional development programming, resources, and benefits. Renewal requirements apply at the end of the two-year period. You have two years following completion of a course to submit the required two piano practical exam candidates to become an RCM Certified Teacher.
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Do I need to wait to become an RCM Certified Teacher to take the next course?
As long as you meet the pre-requisites for the next course, you're welcome to enroll.
Courses & ARCT Diploma Program
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How do the courses work with the ARCT in Piano, Pedagogy diploma program?
Successful completion of the Teaching Advanced Piano Course is required to earn the Associate Diploma (ARCT) in Piano, Pedagogy. A mark of 70 percent or higher must be achieved in the online course. Upon completion of this course, teachers who hold an Advanced Specialist – Piano designation may also be eligible to receive an ARCT in Piano, Pedagogy following successful completion of:
- Advanced Piano Pedagogy Interactive (Viva Voce) Examination
- Advanced Piano Pedagogy Practical Examination
- ARCT History
- ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint (or Keyboard Harmony)
- ARCT Analysis
- all Theory Prerequisites
Please see the Associate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy addendum to the Piano Syllabus, 2022 Edition for more information.
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Has the Piano Teacher’s ARCT Diploma been discontinued?
Yes. The Piano Teacher’s ARCT Diploma has been replaced with the Associate Diploma (ARCT) in Piano, Pedagogy.
For additional inquiries, please contact Teacher Services at
[email protected] or
1-844-726-8247.