In the summer of 2019, we ran an experiment: an eight-week RCM prep course designed specifically for late-elementary piano students using the Piano Express method.
The idea was simple—but ambitious. We wanted to help students prepare for RCM exams while still keeping our studio’s core approach intact: group lessons, tech-powered practice, and the Piano Express app as the backbone of our method.
We weren’t sure how it would compare to the more traditional one-on-one exam prep route.
But the results?
They blew us away.
We enrolled 25 students—primarily in Prep A, Prep B, and Level 1—and broke them into small groups with a 1-to-6 teacher-to-student ratio. Each group met for a one-hour class each week. During these eight weeks, we covered:
- Sight reading and ear training
- All technical requirements for each exam level
- Carefully chosen repertoire from the RCM syllabus
- Polishing techniques like dynamics, articulation, interpretation, and style
And just like always, we used the Piano Express app to build precision in notes and rhythm—before diving into musicality and performance.
So how did it go?
- 22 out of 25 students scored above the national average
- The other 3 students still passed—no failures
- 3 students earned the State Certificate, meaning they earned the highest score in Virginia for their level
- One Prep A student, Anya, didn’t just win the state… she earned the RCM National Gold Medal—the highest score in the country on her exam session
Let that sink in:
A group piano student, learning through an app-based method, earned the top score in the nation on a classical performance exam. And she wasn’t alone—our group students outperformed individual students all over the state.
Yes, this took thoughtful teaching.
Yes, our team was organized and ready.
Yes, we have built many of the RCM exam songs right into our method!
But… the structure of Piano Express helped make that possible.
It allowed us to gamify learning, track progress, track how much students were practicing at home, and ensure students mastered rhythm and notes quickly—giving us time to focus on the real artistry.
If you’re preparing students for RCM exams and using Piano Express, it is absolutely crucial that you understand their published syllabus.
We’ve compiled a full guide to show you exactly how each level of Piano Express supports the requirements of these exams.
The Piano Express method contains pieces and exercises that can assist a student’s preparation, but it is the teacher’s responsibility to understand the entire scope of the exam in order to help the student fully prepare.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Rigor and Fun
If your studio is using Piano Express—or even considering it—this story is proof: you can run group lessons, use technology, and still prepare students for high-level exams. You don’t have to pick one or the other.
- You can trust the method.
- You can train your staff.
- You can track progress with confidence.
Our results weren’t just strong—they were measurable. And that’s the power of using a system that’s both flexible and aligned with high standards.
Want to see how it works?
The tools are powerful.
The method is proven.
More and more studios and schools are converting to Piano Express every single month…
Are you ready to join the movement?