my quest to meet my level 6 RCM piano requirement... without breaking the bank

Hello! You might know me, and if you do know me, you might know that I am going start my undergrad in music in the fall (BMus). In first year, we have to have completed a piano requirement of RCM level 6 or equivalent. The problem is, I don't know a lick of piano! (well, only a little). Feel free to peruse this post to follow my piano questing shenannigans.

I'm not going to look for a teacher (maybe at the end when I'm about to take my exam) because I ideally want to save money for my tuition... This will be a fun challenge and I hope you enjoy.

DAY 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

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Day 1 (06/22/2024):

Today is not the true Day 1 because I started yesterday, and didn't have a chance to record so... shrug. Right now I have been learning with the Alfred adult beginner piano book that I got permission to borrow stole from my school's music office. I have been learning some basic, one-octave scales (C, G, F major) that are included at the back of this book

Lone Star Waltz (Alfred Book)

Day 2 (06/23/2024):

It's weird as a wind player to have to get dynamics by pressing harder on the keys... which in theory makes sense, but I feel is easier said than done, so please excuse my lackluster dynamic contrast XD. Next time I should practice with a metronome. I will be working on a full technical requirements list (based on the RCM syllabus) tomorrow. I don't have a scales book yet (I have one, only with lvl 6 stuff tho) but I'm working on it. lol idk why I jumped away after the last chord like it was a hot pan

Cafe Vienna (Alfred Book)

Day 3 (06/24/2024):

I am playing the C major scale. I finally got my hands on a scales book :) Fingering is weird

Day 4 (06/25/2024):

I kinda hacked out today's entry because I was binging too many chess videos that I forgot to practice... Right before this, Careless Whisper was playing on the TV and I couldn't stop laughing and getting distracted LOL. I will be working on pedal independence

Joy to the World (Alfred Book)

Day 5 (07/05/2024):

Sorry I went kinda MIA, life stuff and yeah. I got a crap ton of piano books from my friends. I've been working on C, F, and G major scales. This will be my first real piano piece!

Minuet in F Major K2, Mozart (bars 1 to 8) (RCM 1 2008)

Day 6 (07/06/2024):

I filled out my course selection today :)

Minuet in F Major K2, Mozart (bars 1 to ?) (RCM 1 2008)

Day 7 (07/09/2024):

sorry I restarted in the beginning and I forgot to crop that out HAHAHA srry for spotty attendance I practice everyday I swear! 

Minuet in F Major K2, Mozart (RCM 1 2008)

Day 8 (07/10/2024):

yay my first piece :)))) I forgot to do the repeats.

Minuet in F Major K2, Mozart (RCM 1 2008)

Day 9 (07/11/2024):

I haven't made a technique video in a while! Here I am playing C and G major triads (solid) with the different inversions on both hands. It's actually so weird when music theory knowledge actually gets applied??? LOL

Day 10 (07/15/2024):

A Starry Night, Taranta (RCM 1 2008)

Day 11 (07/23/2024):

I am really happy that I have The Brown Scale Book (thanks music office) I think this is such an invaluable technique resource and it has everything without me needing to buy every single RCM piano technique book

G minor harmonic scale

Day 12 (05/27/2025):

 

why am I back here. lmao. anyways kevin said I should learn rule of the octave

 

Rule of the Octave (C major, asc. desc)

 

Day 13 (05/28/2025):

 

what even am i doing

 

Rule of the Octave (C major, asc. desc)