Senior Fellowship Diploma in Pedagogy

Programs/Exams > Pedagogy > Senior Fellowship Diploma in Pedagogy

The Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music is proud to offer the Senior Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy, the first of its kind in Canada. This diploma will provide the successful candidate a program of extensive study including research, pedagogy and piano performance. The Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory's examination program is designed to offer thorough training, flexibility, creativity and choice for both the student and the teacher.

This Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy is a unique program designed to enrich the teaching skills of the private teacher. Whether a candidate is a recent university graduate planning a career in the private sector, or a qualified teacher seeking higher education and upgrading, The Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy is available to any teacher who has successfully attained the Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music Licentiate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy or an equivalent.

This program is multi-faceted and more comprehensive than the Licentiate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy. All areas of pertinent study have been included and will be tested in seven 90-minute practical examinations, one public performance and four written research papers. Musical knowledge and skills will be examined to include the following:

  • Candidates are required to demonstrate teaching approaches for the selected repertoire.
  • Candidates will be required to demonstrate knowledge and teaching ability of Canadian composers' repertoire.
  • Candidates will be required to present an extensive collection and awareness of teaching repertoire.
  • Candidates will be required to show an awareness of different styles and comparative study of selected works and composers.
  • Candidates will be required to offer polished performances and be prepared to discuss the selected repertoire through pedagogical and stylistic discussion.

The Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music believes that the Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy will be a unique opportunity for teachers of all backgrounds and experiences to pursue higher education. This program is designed to allow the teachers to achieve this while maintaining a private teaching studio.

The Senior Fellowship in Piano Pedagogy consists of eight practical exams and four research papers.

​Prerequisites
Candidates are required to have achieved the Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music, Licentiate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy before applying for the Senior Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy. Candidates will be awarded the Senior Fellowship Diploma when all requirements are completed.

Certificates & Diplomas
​Certificates will be awarded after the successful completion of each individual credit. A diploma will be awarded after the completion of all requirements.
​
Performance Level
​Candidates should aim for the highest possible performance proficiency. Associate performance level is recommended.

The Eight Credits are as follows:
Requirements
Credit 1
Credit 2
Credit 3
Credit 4
Credit 5
Credit 6
Credit 7
Credit 8
Credit 9
Credit 10
Credit 11
Credit 12
Description
​The Art of the Sonata
The Art of Romanticism
The Art of Baroque
The Art of Études
The Art of Impressionism/Post-Romantic
The Art of 20th/21st Century
The Art of Canadian Music
The Art of Performance
The Art of Analysis
The Art of Teaching
The Art of Performance Practices
The Art of Canadian Compositions
Exam Type
Practical
Practical
Practical
Practical
Practical
Practical
Practical
Performance
Research Paper
Research Paper
Research Paper
Research Paper
Minimum Mark
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
ANY CREDIT MAY BE REPEATED TO IMPROVE THE FINAL AVERAGE MARK - UP TO A MAXIMUM OF THREE TIMES.
​
Supplemental Examinations​
​Supplemental examinations are available to candidates requiring an upgrade in the practical examinations or research papers. Candidates are allowed three attempts to achieve any credit.

Repertoire Selections
​For all selections, CANDIDATES ARE FREE TO CHOOSE REPERTOIRE FROM ANY SOURCE. The levels, which need to be represented in the choice of repertoire, will range from Grade Nine to performance level. Candidates are encouraged to move away from recognized syllabi and select repertoire outside of these listings. Candidates will be marked on the appropriateness of difficulty levels.

Examination Schedules
​The examinations may be taken in any order and candidates are allowed to group credits together for one exam sitting. Candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 70% for each credit before being examined on the next credit. There will be a maximum of three attempts to pass each credit. Although not mandatory, it is recommended that Credit Seven and Eight be reserved as the last practical examinations.

Before registering for any examination or research paper, the required chart and program must first be approved and accepted by the Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music.

Time Limit
​The time limit for completion of all Senior Fellowship requirements will be ten years from the date of the candidate's first examination. Complete details of examination requirements, examination fees, recommended texts and resources are available upon request.

Second Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy
The candidate, who has already successfully completed the CNCM Junior Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy will be exempt from three of the four research papers. Credit will be awarded for the following research papers:
  • The Art of Teaching, The Art of Performance Practices, and The Art of Canadian Compositions

The candidate must fulfill the requirement The Art of Analysis, based on the selected repertoire for the Senior Fellowship Diploma in Piano Pedagogy.
​
Applications​
​All applications must include the current application form and the necessary fees.

Practical Examinations
​In the case of the eight practical examinations, candidates must submit copies of the appropriate completed charts with the application form.
​
Research Papers
​Candidates may set their own schedule for research papers. Candidates must submit their application and outline for the research paper for prior approval of topic and content. Candidates must give a minimum notification of six weeks before submitting the actual research paper.

Editions
​In the case of Baroque and some early Classical music where the composer did not use dynamic, articulation or expressive markings, the candidate is expected to use their musical knowledge in providing a stylistic performance. Candidates are encouraged to make every effort to obtain editions that present the composer's intentions in the clearest and most accurate manner.