An exam requiring yearlong prepping is not atypical for the numerous students taking AP tests and final exams, but some students are preparing for another type of assessment. The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP), originally funded by Carnegie Hall, is recognized as the national standard of music success.

“This national standard lets students be rewarded for their accomplishments no matter where they go,” said Sheila Vail, director of Indian Springs Academy of Music, a founding school.

The school provide certificates for musicianship through practical and academic (theory and history) assessments. What makes the program unique is it that it is a national, rather than regional, assessment system.

With up to 10 levels and then a diploma level, “graduating” from level 10 gives musicians certification that qualifies the ability to teach.

“Upon passing level 10, students would have developed all areas of music equivalent to third year music majors,” said Vail.

The assessments are conducted with a single examiner or judge to score the student on their prepared program of repertoire along with conducting ear training, sight, reading, and technical tests.

“The MDP definitely helps students progress in whichever instrument they play, and the theory exams, although tedious, makes interpreting the music easier. The studying and practicing takes a long time, but ultimately the feeling of completing an exam is totally worth it,” said Chun Wong, 12.

Their mantra encompasses the evolvement in four areas: Repertoire, technique, musicianship, and music literacy. These subjects force players to not only focus on actually playing their instrument, but also improving ear training, sight reading, and academic subjects.

“It’s interesting because I ended up learning things about music that I never would have by just playing the piano. For example, I learned about the history of opera and strings from all time periods,” said Wong.