Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Changing the landscape of formal music education
From a small office in West London in 1991, RSL Awards had a dream to change the landscape of formal music education, and sought to become the first viable alternative to the traditional offerings available in Britain at the time.
To simultaneously fill the void and satisfy a demand that they knew was out there, founders Norton York and Dr. Simon Pitt initially developed a guitar, bass and drums syllabus for the contemporary musician. Rockschool began offering these exams in the summer of 1991, making it the world’s first graded exam syllabus for popular music.
By continuing to create engaging contemporary qualifications, we have since expanded operations from Rockschool Graded Music Exams (1991) to the inclusion of Teaching and Performance Diplomas, Vocational & Technical Qualifications (2005), Performance Arts Awards (2010), Creative Qualifications and RSL Classical graded music exams (2020).
We pride ourselves on delivering the most academically rigorous and industry relevant qualifications, designed to support all aspiring musicians, performers, educators and teaching establishments – wherever they may be.
Vision
To be a global leader in contemporary arts education, enabling everyone everywhere, to develop and fulfil their own individual talent and potential.
Mission
To create a wide range of innovative, contemporary arts qualifications and resources across the world that are engaging and inspiring to learn and teach.
Brand
The RSL brand is a guarantee of quality, expertise and a commitment to delivering the best contemporary arts qualifications on offer.
Values
Creative
We are market leading, innovative and forward thinking. We are passionate about what we do and not afraid to disrupt.
Inclusive
We are friendly, caring and fair. We respect cultural diversity and individualism and believe that contemporary arts education should be accessible to all.
Professional
We deliver the highest standards of excellence to support the aspirations of our learners and teachers. We never stop looking for ways to improve.
Transparent
We are clear and transparent and believe in being honest with our partners, teachers, learners and each other. We take responsibility for our actions and listen to others.
Responsible
We are respectful of the environment in which we work and actively seek out ways to operate in more sustainable ways. We strive to make a positive impact through creative learning.
Collaborative
Our highly motivated team delight in delivering innovative solutions. We are ambitious and enjoy working with people that challenge our thinking.
The Leadership Team
Introducing the RSL Leadership team, based in London, UK. We have a team of almost 50 internal office staff, 100s of examiners and External Quality Assurers, and around 40 International Distributors. We also have offices with dedicated teams based outside of London in Madrid, Delhi and Beijing.
Norton York
Chairman and Founder
RSL Awards is about bringing talented, enthusiastic creatives into the education world, so that aspiring artists can benefit from their expertise and advice.
Norton York
Chairman and Founder
RSL Awards is about bringing talented, enthusiastic creatives into the education world, so that aspiring artists can benefit from their expertise and advice.
Tim Bennett-Hart
CEO
I believe that the arts are key in developing the minds of young people. Studying creatively offers learners the chance to explore new ideas and make the connections that prepare them to work in a range of industries. Education should be a safe space where students can grow, make mistakes,…
Tim Bennett-Hart
CEO
I believe that the arts are key in developing the minds of young people. Studying creatively offers learners the chance to explore new ideas and make the connections that prepare them to work in a range of industries. Education should be a safe space where students can grow, make mistakes, and learn.
Dr Fern-Chantèle Carter
Director of Awarding (Responsible and Accountable Officer)
I passionately believe in the transformative power of education and am committed to ensuring that our qualifications and partner organisations are compliant, effective, and impactful. I’m proud that RSL’s robust range of qualifications and assessments foster inclusive and accessible learning environments, empowering all learners to achieve, no matter their background…
Dr Fern-Chantèle Carter
Director of Awarding (Responsible and Accountable Officer)
I passionately believe in the transformative power of education and am committed to ensuring that our qualifications and partner organisations are compliant, effective, and impactful. I’m proud that RSL’s robust range of qualifications and assessments foster inclusive and accessible learning environments, empowering all learners to achieve, no matter their background or location.
Nathan Theodoulou
Director of Product and Marketing
The first few pieces you learn to play, the first dance routine you master and the first time you speak lines on a stage, are all unforgettable moments. My job is creating books, music, digital resources and training programmes that make all that possible. I couldn’t do it alone. I…
Nathan Theodoulou
Director of Product and Marketing
The first few pieces you learn to play, the first dance routine you master and the first time you speak lines on a stage, are all unforgettable moments. My job is creating books, music, digital resources and training programmes that make all that possible. I couldn’t do it alone. I lead an amazing team of talented creative people who make the products and then make sure you find out about them!
Matthias Postel
Director of Global Operations
I am dedicated to promoting creative arts education and empowering young people to discover and develop their individual talents. My role within the RSL team involves streamlining our operations and leveraging technology to efficiently deliver exams and qualifications around the world. By focusing on these practical aspects, I am proud…
Matthias Postel
Director of Global Operations
I am dedicated to promoting creative arts education and empowering young people to discover and develop their individual talents. My role within the RSL team involves streamlining our operations and leveraging technology to efficiently deliver exams and qualifications around the world. By focusing on these practical aspects, I am proud to help build strong foundations for young people pursuing their passion in the arts.
Johan Droskie
Director of IT
My role is to oversee and manage the technological infrastructure and platforms of RSL, ensuring the effective and efficient use of technology to support our business goals and objectives.
Johan Droskie
Director of IT
My role is to oversee and manage the technological infrastructure and platforms of RSL, ensuring the effective and efficient use of technology to support our business goals and objectives.
Chief Examiners – Music
Dr. Bruce Darlington
Chief Examiner (Electric Guitar)
Dr Bruce Darlington is a professional musician with Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in music, and holds Grade 8 Guitar certification with several exam boards. He has worked across multiple sectors of education in the UK, including Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education, and has extensive experience as a guitarist and…
Dr. Bruce Darlington
Chief Examiner (Electric Guitar)
Dr Bruce Darlington is a professional musician with Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in music, and holds Grade 8 Guitar certification with several exam boards. He has worked across multiple sectors of education in the UK, including Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education, and has extensive experience as a guitarist and vocalist in studio sessions, musical theatre, various live ensembles, and radio.
With several albums of original music available digitally, Bruce combines academic expertise with practical industry experience. Since beginning his work with Rockschool in 2007, he has travelled the world running exams, masterclasses, and workshops, and is currently enjoying his role as Chief Examiner for Electric Guitar and Deputy Chief Examiner for Diplomas.
Patricia Moon
Chief Examiner (Classical)
Patricia Moon is the Chief Examiner for Classical Music and a member of the examining panel for GME, PAA, and Popular Music Theory. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in violin and opera from the Music Conservatory of Vigo and a Master’s degree in Teacher Training. She studied in Berlin under…
Patricia Moon
Chief Examiner (Classical)
Patricia Moon is the Chief Examiner for Classical Music and a member of the examining panel for GME, PAA, and Popular Music Theory. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in violin and opera from the Music Conservatory of Vigo and a Master’s degree in Teacher Training. She studied in Berlin under the concertmaster of the Deutsche Oper before receiving a scholarship from the prestigious Berklee College of Music (USA).
She has been a violinist for British musician Matt Elliott for many years and has collaborated with international artists such as The Posies and Ken Stringfellow (REM, Big Star), and she formed the project ‘Amy Winehouse Experience’ with Robin Banerjee, the original guitarist of Amy Winehouse’s band. As a solo artist, she has released three albums: ‘Rock & Love’ (Patricia Moon), ‘Oxytocin’ (Dulcimer Songs/EMI Music), and ‘Patricia Moon’ (El Pescador de Estrellas/EMI Music) and has toured Europe, Asia, and the USA, either as a soloist or with bands and symphony orchestras.
Rhys Matthews
Chief Examiner (Drums)
Rhys Matthews is a highly respected professional musician, educator, and examiner with over 14 years of experience in both performance and teaching. A graduate of the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Rhys holds a Master of Music (MMus), a Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus Hons), and…
Rhys Matthews
Chief Examiner (Drums)
Rhys Matthews is a highly respected professional musician, educator, and examiner with over 14 years of experience in both performance and teaching. A graduate of the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Rhys holds a Master of Music (MMus), a Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus Hons), and a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM).
Rhys has had a distinguished teaching career, spending over a decade at Oundle School, one of the leading private schools in the UK. At Oundle, he teaches students from beginner to diploma level, specialising in drum kit and percussion.
As a professional performer, Rhys has graced some of the most renowned stages in the UK and abroad. He has been featured in BBC live broadcasts, radio recordings, and at the iconic BBC Proms.
Rhys joined RSL Awards in 2012. He has held a number of roles including: Senior Examiner for Graded Music Exams, Senior Diploma Assessor, Senior Performing Arts Awards Examiner, Theory Assessor and Moderator, and Chief Examiner for RSL Classical, and is currently the Chief Examiner for RSL Drums.
An experienced examiner, Rhys has toured extensively as part of his work with RSL Awards, assessing students in the UK, Europe, Asia, and South America.
Brian Ashworth
Chief Examiner (Bass, Ukulele)
Brian has travelled extensively/worldwide as a presenter; performer and educator, heavily involving/focusing on guitar; bass guitar, and drum kit content from RSL Syllabi (2001/2025). He has played and recorded with many ensembles over the years; his most recent recordings have led to an acclaimed guitar duo cd (Duologue) and a…
Brian Ashworth
Chief Examiner (Bass, Ukulele)
Brian has travelled extensively/worldwide as a presenter; performer and educator, heavily involving/focusing on guitar; bass guitar, and drum kit content from RSL Syllabi (2001/2025). He has played and recorded with many ensembles over the years; his most recent recordings have led to an acclaimed guitar duo cd (Duologue) and a Radio 3 Live broadcast (on ‘Here and Now’) of music by the 20th Century composer Milton Babbitt (noted for his work in serialist and early electronic genres). Current projects include creating contemporary guitar; bass, and ukulele arrangements within an electric string quartet setting, based in Brighton, UK (with repertoire; performance, and recording schedules planned for early 2026). He is a tutor of guitar, bass, and ukulele at Brighton college.
Bührmann Steenkamp
Chief Examiner (Acoustic Guitar)
Bührmann Steenkamp began formal music tuition at the age of eleven and started performing just two years later. During high school, he was a dedicated member of a prominent Big Band Jazz ensemble, comprising of professional jazz musicians and students. This, together with his rock band, ensured he completed hundreds…
Bührmann Steenkamp
Chief Examiner (Acoustic Guitar)
Bührmann Steenkamp began formal music tuition at the age of eleven and started performing just two years later. During high school, he was a dedicated member of a prominent Big Band Jazz ensemble, comprising of professional jazz musicians and students. This, together with his rock band, ensured he completed hundreds of gigs while still in school.
Bührmann specialised in Electric, Acoustic, and Classical guitar during his tertiary education and also teaches drums, vocals, and piano. He has maintained an active performance career, showcasing his versatility across various styles and setups, ranging from cruise ship bands and resident casino/hotel gigs to classical duet and solo performances. In 2015, Bührmann joined the RSL International Examiner panel, and in 2021, he was appointed to the GME Senior Examiner panel.
Kirstie Smith
Chief Examiner (Piano & Vocals)
Kirstie is a highly experienced musician, examiner, director, conductor, educator, consultant, composer, and choral arranger. She began her musical journey at the age of three, learning piano and recorder before expanding her skills to include singing, violin, and ballet. With a love for all styles of music—particularly rock, classical, and…
Kirstie Smith
Chief Examiner (Piano & Vocals)
Kirstie is a highly experienced musician, examiner, director, conductor, educator, consultant, composer, and choral arranger. She began her musical journey at the age of three, learning piano and recorder before expanding her skills to include singing, violin, and ballet. With a love for all styles of music—particularly rock, classical, and film—Kirstie has embraced a versatile and dynamic musical career.
She holds a B.A. Honours degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, along with the RSCM Gold VFL/HC award, LTCL and LRSL diplomas, and a PGCE/PCET teaching qualification.
A professional musician for over 40 years and an educator since 1989, Kirstie has performed internationally across a wide range of genres, including classical, jazz, musical theatre, choral music, and rock. She has played piano and sung for audiences around the world, also leading her own successful covers band.
Passionate about providing a positive and rewarding exam experience, Kirstie is dedicated to supporting learners at every stage of their musical journey. Whether consulting on syllabus development, assessing graded exams, or delivering diploma feedback, she views it as an absolute pleasure and privilege to help shape the next generation of musicians.
Rob Clark
Chief Examiner (Drums)
Rob studied percussion at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and since graduating, he has worked extensively as a drummer and percussionist both in this country and abroad. He has worked with many distinguished artists playing high profile venues & festivals as well as The International Association of Jazz Educators Conference in…
Rob Clark
Chief Examiner (Drums)
Rob studied percussion at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and since graduating, he has worked extensively as a drummer and percussionist both in this country and abroad. He has worked with many distinguished artists playing high profile venues & festivals as well as The International Association of Jazz Educators Conference in New Orleans, USA. Theatre work includes shows for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon and on tour. Further musical theatre credits include UK tours of Cabaret & Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
His orchestral work includes performances with a number of the UK’s orchestras playing under the baton of renowned conductors such as Yan Pascal Tortelier, Sir Roger Norrington and Sir Colin Davis, including performances at the Proms, Royal Albert Hall.
In addition to his role with RSL, his work in education involves drum kit and percussion tuition at independent schools in the north of England.
Careers at RSL
At RSL we believe our success is down to the people who work for us. We are committed to providing opportunities for professional growth and development in a work environment that is innovative, dynamic and supportive, which values professionalism and academic rigour at its core. View our available jobs below. To apply, email your application in the form of CV and covering letter outlining your experience relevant to the role to careers@rslawards.com.
Latest Job
Stageschool Officer
Teddington, UK (Hybrid)
Full-time
We’re looking for a Stageschool Officer who can manage the end-to-end operational lifecycle of our Stageschool graded examinations. The Stageschool Officer will be the central point for orchestrating exams, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and compliant process from initial booking through to certificate dispatch. This role requires someone with exceptional organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding communication abilities, particularly when liaising with school principals and examiners.
Latest Job
Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Coordinator
Teddington, UK (Hybrid)
Full-time
At RSL, we are committed to providing the best, most industry-relevant qualifications for tomorrow’s creative professionals. We are looking for a dedicated and organised Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with schools and colleges that deliver our Level 1 to Level 5 vocational qualifications, providing ongoing support throughout the academic year.
Latest Job
Instrumental Teacher – Drums: Dubai English Speaking School
Dubai – Dubai English Speaking School
Full-time
The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Instrumental to develop the rich artistic life of the DESS School’s and College. The role will be involved primarily in teaching one-to-one lessons following the Rockschool examination syllabus, together with general theory, aural and musicianship. The role will have responsibility for a range of other music activities including performances for school assemblies, concerts and shows. The role will involve teaching at both DESS's primary and secondary locations.
Latest Job
Customer Relations Officer
Teddington, UK (Hybrid)
Full-time
At RSL, we are committed to providing the best, most industry relevant qualifications for tomorrow’s creative professionals. We are seeking a motivated candidate to oversee and be responsible for all incoming enquiries via phone, email or livechat, and to allocate support tickets appropriately. The candidate will provide Level 1 support for basic customer issues, and to support business development by building and maintaining customer relationships with new and existing contacts to further enhance growth.
We’re proud to work with the biggest names in Contemporary Arts
We work with some of the best and biggest manufacturers, retailers, and music and contemporary arts schools, colleges and institutions across the world. RSL’s qualifications are also fully regulated by every UK regulatory body.
Industry Partners
Regulators
Customer Testimonials
We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the sectors we work in and the quality and integrity of the qualifications we award. Here’s what our customers think…
Hannah Fieldhouse
Great exam board, and a strong calibre of songs included in each Rockschool grade/instrument level. Students are especially enjoying the new syllabus, with a range of popular songs included.
Bruce Dickinson – Founder Director, Waterbear
At WaterBear The College of Music, we are always encouraged when a new applicant arrives through the door with an RSL qualification under their belts. The RSL programmes are super practical, relevant to the modern creative sector and have academic rigour too. As a result, graduates from these programmes are well placed to progress into higher education and have all the foundations fora successful career in the creative sector.
Artz Centre
PAA's flexible nature is ideal for our Performing Arts Academy teaching team and students, meaning that we can plan our show exams, classes and syllabus delivery around our many other production projects; which is ideal given what a busy community organisation we are!
Head of Music at a Teaching and Recording Studio
The Professional Diploma was exactly what I was looking for to further my career. The format was straightforward, I could self-study and do the assessments at home in my own time. When I sent the assessments in I got the results back quickly and I achieved my Diploma Level 6 quicker that expected.
Simon Arbuthnot
I have been using RSL guitar & bass grade books in my music teaching company for over a decade now & would recommend them unequivocally, over and above everything else in the market today - I have tried them all.
Jay Lawrence – Coleg Y Cymoedd
The RSL qualifications have given us so much scope as a creative provider. The range and versatility of the criteria and delivery content has been a welcomed change and model that both staff and learners are engaged by.
Hannah Fieldhouse
Great exam board, and a strong calibre of songs included in each Rockschool grade/instrument level. Students are especially enjoying the new syllabus, with a range of popular songs included.
Bruce Dickinson – Founder Director, Waterbear
At WaterBear The College of Music, we are always encouraged when a new applicant arrives through the door with an RSL qualification under their belts. The RSL programmes are super practical, relevant to the modern creative sector and have academic rigour too. As a result, graduates from these programmes are well placed to progress into higher education and have all the foundations fora successful career in the creative sector.
Artz Centre
PAA's flexible nature is ideal for our Performing Arts Academy teaching team and students, meaning that we can plan our show exams, classes and syllabus delivery around our many other production projects; which is ideal given what a busy community organisation we are!
Head of Music at a Teaching and Recording Studio
The Professional Diploma was exactly what I was looking for to further my career. The format was straightforward, I could self-study and do the assessments at home in my own time. When I sent the assessments in I got the results back quickly and I achieved my Diploma Level 6 quicker that expected.
Simon Arbuthnot
I have been using RSL guitar & bass grade books in my music teaching company for over a decade now & would recommend them unequivocally, over and above everything else in the market today - I have tried them all.
Jay Lawrence – Coleg Y Cymoedd
The RSL qualifications have given us so much scope as a creative provider. The range and versatility of the criteria and delivery content has been a welcomed change and model that both staff and learners are engaged by.
Hannah Fieldhouse
Great exam board, and a strong calibre of songs included in each Rockschool grade/instrument level. Students are especially enjoying the new syllabus, with a range of popular songs included.
Bruce Dickinson – Founder Director, Waterbear
At WaterBear The College of Music, we are always encouraged when a new applicant arrives through the door with an RSL qualification under their belts. The RSL programmes are super practical, relevant to the modern creative sector and have academic rigour too. As a result, graduates from these programmes are well placed to progress into higher education and have all the foundations fora successful career in the creative sector.
Artz Centre
PAA's flexible nature is ideal for our Performing Arts Academy teaching team and students, meaning that we can plan our show exams, classes and syllabus delivery around our many other production projects; which is ideal given what a busy community organisation we are!
Head of Music at a Teaching and Recording Studio
The Professional Diploma was exactly what I was looking for to further my career. The format was straightforward, I could self-study and do the assessments at home in my own time. When I sent the assessments in I got the results back quickly and I achieved my Diploma Level 6 quicker that expected.
Simon Arbuthnot
I have been using RSL guitar & bass grade books in my music teaching company for over a decade now & would recommend them unequivocally, over and above everything else in the market today - I have tried them all.
Jay Lawrence – Coleg Y Cymoedd
The RSL qualifications have given us so much scope as a creative provider. The range and versatility of the criteria and delivery content has been a welcomed change and model that both staff and learners are engaged by.
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