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SALISBURY, MD---The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program, hosted by Salisbury University’s Department of Music, provides a national standard and sequenced program for musical studies from beginner through advanced levels.

The only model of its kind on the Eastern Shore, the program holds two assessments each year, in late fall and late spring. The practical (performance) assessments evaluate students’ musical development in three to five pieces and one or two etudes focusing on an aspect of performance skill and technical skills such as scales, chords and arpeggios.

The next assessment is scheduled Sunday, December 8, in Fulton Hall Room 112. Online registration is available through Tuesday, October 22, at the program’s website, .

The model also includes an evaluation of musicianship skill through aural identification of intervals, chord qualities, cadences and ear-to-hand playbacks of rhythms and melodies. A demonstration of rhythmic reading and sight playing ability complete the assessment. Available syllabi may be found on the program’s website.

Participants may perform in any instrument, including voice. Assessments result in one of four graduations: First Class with Distinction, First Class Honors, Honors and Pass. Certificates of achievement are awarded to all students upon successful completion of an assessment. Certificates of excellence are awarded to those who receive the highest marks for the practical assessment level in each state’s assessment center.

The program is adjudicated by a professional body of teachers and performers from across North America who are specialists in one or more areas represented in the program of study. Adjudicators undergo a competitive admissions process and must meet a minimum qualifying standard.

For more information about the program, or to register, contact Luba Paskova at 443-365-0743 or e-mail lapaskova@salisbury.edu.