Barbara M. Siemens holds a Master of Arts in Historical Musicology and a Bachelor of Music (Piano) from the University of British Columbia, as well as an A.R.C.T. Piano Performer’s Diploma and an A.R.C.T. Piano Pedagogy Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Canada. She has been a private music teacher for over thirty years and has twenty-five years of experience as a RCM senior examiner and festival adjudicator. Along with her teaching, Barbara has distilled her pedagogical knowledge into her publications for both students and instructors. She is currently serving as President of the British Columbia Registered Music Teachers’ Association (BCRMTA) and 1st Vice President of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association (CFMTA).
Exam preparation sessions for RCM Piano Levels 1 to ARCT Performance/Pedagogy are available in-person at Barbara’s Vancouver studio or online. These sessions are a great way to test material in advance of exams and to receive constructive, supportive feedback tailored to the individual’s abilities. Students who are taking an exam for the first time will have a chance to see what it might be like, allowing them to be more confident. Students who are more experienced but looking for another “set of ears”, can find new ways of looking at challenging issues, be they technical, musical, or psychological.
The exam experience is simulated with a performance of the repertoire, technique, sight reading and ear tests (if applicable) followed by a review of the comments and suggestions on how to enhance the work already completed. After the session, the comments and an estimated mark are emailed to the student along with any recorded examples of exercises.
Depending on the level and the complexity of the repertoire, an exam preparation session is most useful 2-4 weeks prior to the big day.
Barbara is happy to consult with the teacher in advance of an exam preparation session, and she is always respectful of their relationship with their student. Here are a few of the teachers whose students have worked with Barbara and seen positive results in their exams.
- David Vandereyk
- Dr. Ronald Morgan
- Teresa Ho
- Darrel Loewen
- Jennifer West
- Marie Cahill
Visit the contact page to enquire about rates and scheduling.
