Before we begin, let’s talk about honey badgers. You’ve probably heard that they're one of the most fearless, resilient creatures on the planet. Despite being no larger than your average corgi, they take on vipers, hyenas, even lions. And they can escape from almost any enclosure. Honey badgers are relentless, even when faced with obstacles far larger than themselves. 

I'm not exactly likening an RCM exam to a chimerical predator against which you'll have to battle for your life. But some days, it will feel just as unsurmountable and daunting. Here are some tips I've learned along the way:

1. Remember Why You Started

There’s a reason you picked up the violin. Whether it was a lilting concerto that gave you goosebumps, seeing two twins duel Celtic fiddles in Lord of the Dance's 1997 VHS release (rather obscure but I stand by it), or else the quiet pride in mastering something difficult. Hold onto that. The RCM syllabus is restrictive, but within that structure is room to showcase your unique voice. Your interpretation, your emotion, your growth. Each étude, each scale, each bow stroke is a step toward that version of yourself you imagined when you first placed the violin on your shoulder.

2. Grit Over Aptitude

My teacher - one of the best violinists I've ever met - once told me that I carried my talent like a sack of potatoes. Yes I know, we teachers are full of colorful analogies. But in all honesty, I didn’t practice much then. What he meant was that I could coast along with some degree of natural aptitude, but that ability was really just there, trailing behind me and not being fully used.  If you don't peel those potatoes and make delicious crisps (i.e., practice), then you're doing yourself a disservice. Literally and figuratively. 

There was something about hearing it said that way that made me realize that the difference between a beginner and a prodigy or professional has less to do with innate talent and more to do with time, effort, grit, and resources. Holding yourself accountable and staying disciplined with your practice routine is the only way to progress.

3. Your Worth as a Musician is not Defined by an Exam 

The exam is an objective measure of where you are technically at that specific point in time. It shouldn't be what drives or defines you as a musician. Failures will hit harder and successes will seem fleeting if the only way you measure your growth is through test scores and applause. 

Play because you love it, because music is meaningful and worthwhile all on its own. Exams are great certifications that can help you get into a conservatory, teach, or become a professional. But they are not a comprehensive measure of who you are as a violinist. 

When you are up there, being critically assessed by an adjudicator with an impressive background, ignore the formality and play as if you were simply serenading another human being, sharing a moment in the music. 

4. Measure by Measure, Line Upon Line

Studying for the RCM exam can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to cover: scales, arpeggios, studies, repertoire, orchestral excerpts, playback, and ear training. From a logistical standpoint, the easiest way to prepare for the exam is to break it down. Set goals that are small, clear, and achievable. Maybe today is just a slow practice session on shifting. Maybe tomorrow is all about vibrato or intonation.

They key is to avoid perfectionism during practice. That sounds counterintuitive, as the goal is obviously to improve, but sometimes the fear of sounding "bad" can prevent us from even starting in the first place. However, tackling a hard passage over and over...until it just clicks, is a great feeling. 

5. Your Entourage

Teachers, recordings, finger charts, backing tracks, YouTube videos of famous violinists performing your piece are all a part of your toolkit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to seek feedback, or to record yourself and listen for areas of improvement. Force friends and family to listen to your repertoire and give feedback à la Bird Box. Except auditorily, not visually. You get it. 

Only 1-3% of our country actively plays the violin. Out of those, only 0.01% are advanced violinists. Armed with the grit and honey badger energy we talked about earlier, you will join the ranks of us lunatics who've chosen this difficult, beautiful, instrument as our own. 

With that being said, here is a link to a downloadable copy of the 2021 RCM Syllabus - happy practicing!