Every Part of the Exam, Covered
Graded exams reward thorough, structured preparation. Maria builds a plan around your grade and exam board, then works through each component so nothing is left to chance:
Repertoire
Choose exam pieces that suit the student's strengths, then polish them to performance standard — accuracy, interpretation, and stylistic detail.
Technique & Theory
Scales, arpeggios and technical requirements for the grade, plus the musicianship and theory the syllabus expects.
Sight-Reading, Aural & Exam Day
Targeted practice for sight-reading and aural tests, plus mock runs and exam-day strategy so the student walks in calm and prepared.
ABRSM or RCM — Both Supported
🌍 ABRSM
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music runs exams in over 90 countries. Maria prepares students for ABRSM grades wherever they sit the exam.
🇨🇦 RCM
The Royal Conservatory of Music certificate program is widely used across Canada and the US. Preparation follows the current RCM syllabus and repertoire lists.
👨👩👧 Parents welcome
Maria keeps parents in the loop with clear progress notes, so you always know how preparation is tracking toward exam day.
🎯 Deadline-driven
An exam date is a powerful motivator. Maria reverse-engineers a realistic week-by-week plan from your registration deadline.
Not sure which board or grade is right? Maria will assess the student's current level in a free consultation and recommend a path.
Why Prepare With Maria
- ✓Conservatory training — Maria studied at the Mannes School of Music (NYC) and the Moscow Conservatory, with the technical depth graded exams reward.
- ✓20+ years teaching — across all levels and ages, with a structured, methodical approach to building exam-ready playing.
- ✓Online & flexible — prepare from anywhere; sessions fit around school and family schedules.
- ✓Whole-exam coverage — pieces, technique, sight-reading and aural, not just the pieces.
- ✓Confidence on the day — mock exams and clear strategy so the student knows exactly what to expect.
Exam Prep FAQ
Which piano exams do you prepare students for?
Maria coaches students for ABRSM and RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) graded piano exams across the full range of grades, tailored to your specific syllabus, grade and exam board.
Can you help with every part of the exam?
Yes — preparation covers the exam pieces, scales and technical requirements, sight-reading and aural tests, plus exam-day strategy so the student walks in confident.
How early should we start?
It depends on the grade and starting level, but most students benefit from 4–9 months of focused preparation. The earlier you start, the more comfortably the repertoire and technical work settle before exam day.
Is exam prep fully online?
Yes. Preparation is delivered online, so students in the US, Canada and internationally can work with Maria regardless of location. You can also pair exam prep with async video feedback between live sessions.