Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Graded Music Exams
Free Choice Pieces, Adapted and Benchmarked Repertoire
Earn your next grade playing the music you love. Find out what pieces of music you can play in your graded music exam, and the different categories that the repertoire falls into.
All pieces performed in RSL Graded Music exams fall into one of four categories:
- Benchmarked repertoire
- Adapted repertoire
- Accredited free choice piece
- Non-accredited free choice piece
A distinction has been implemented between Free Choice Pieces (externally sourced) and adaptations of (current) RSL repertoire. While the maximum limit of two free choice pieces for a Graded Exam/Certificate or three for a Performance Certificate remains in place, there is no limit to the number of pieces which may be presented as Adapted Repertoire.
Benchmarked repertoire and accredited free choice pieces will always be assessed as meeting the required level of demand, while adapted repertoire and non-accredited free choice pieces may be assessed as not meeting the required level of demand.
Note: these guidelines apply to all RSL graded music exams, ie.
- Rockschool
- RSL Classical
- Yamaha
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Benchmarked repertoire is suitable for use in your exam without prior checks:
- Current grade book repertoire
- 2012 Guitar, Bass and Drums repertoire
- Rockschool Classics (previously known as Hot Rock)
- Yamaha
- Tom Gates
(all as per the syllabus being examined).
Notes:
- Male / Female vocals grade book repertoire (2014 syllabus) is interchangeable at the same grade
- Vocal grade book repertoire may be transposed to suit vocal range. For the 2021 syllabus, transposable MusicXML files are provided for this purpose. For the 2014 syllabus, backing tracks in the transposed key are required and to be sourced by the candidate. All other aspects need to remain unchanged.
- Accredited free choice pieces, including vocals wider repertoire or pieces taken from other RSL syllabuses, are not considered benchmarked repertoire (see below).
There is no limit on the maximum number of pieces or songs which may be presented as benchmarked repertoire.
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Adapted Repertoire is current syllabus material which has been changed or adapted by the candidate:
- Current RSL Grade Book piece performed with a different backing track or accompaniment to the one set by RSL, including no backing track or accompaniment where one is usually required (NB. excluding transposition of pieces in the RSL vocal grade books to suit a particular vocal range – see above)
- Current RSL Grade Book piece set at a different (lower or higher) grade in the same syllabus, or from a different syllabus
- RSL Grade Book piece taken from an outgoing or incoming syllabus during the transition period for a new syllabus
There is no limit on the maximum number of pieces or songs which may be presented as adapted repertoire.
It is not permitted to play a piece from a different syllabus on that instrument, with the exception of acoustic guitar / electric guitar exams, and piano / keys exams, up to and including Grade 3. All other instances of this will be awarded a mark of zero.
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Accredited Free Choice Pieces will be accepted as suitable without prior checks:
- Pieces from a corresponding previous RSL syllabus at the same (or higher) grade. (NB. As an exception, pieces from the 2014 vocals syllabus presented in a vocals exam are considered Adapted Repertoire)
- Pieces from other regulated music exam boards set for the same (or higher) grade.
- Vocals wider repertoire.
Non-accredited Free Choice Pieces:
- Current RSL Grade book pieces in a different version (ie. obtained from an alternative source)
- Original compositions
- Any other piece or song
NOTE: occasionally the distinction between ‘Current RSL Grade Book piece performed with a different backing track or accompaniment to the one set by RSL’ (Adapted Repertoire) and ‘Current RSL Grade book pieces in a different version’ (Free Choice Piece) may be ambiguous / uncertain. In such cases the examiner will make a judgement as to which category the piece falls into. If you want to be sure, please use our checking service (see ‘Prior Approval’ below.)
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- for all graded examinations and digital graded certificates, candidates may choose to perform a maximum of two Free Choice Pieces
- for all performance certificates, candidates may choose to perform a maximum of three Free Choice Pieces
If more Free Choice Pieces are presented than allowed (ie. a third free choice piece in a graded exam or video graded certificate, or a fourth / fifth free choice piece in a performance certificate), the additional pieces will be judged as inadmissible and will receive a mark of zero.
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RSL does not specify the use of particular genres, although all music selected must be suitable for the instrument being played. Candidates should be aware that Rockschool branded exams (ie. exams in popular music performance) are marked by popular / contemporary music specialists.
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Free Choice Pieces can be performed to a backing track, with live accompaniment, or as a solo piece (without backing track or accompaniment), as appropriate to the repertoire chosen.
Backing tracks for RSL syllabus pieces do not include the solo part on the track. Where a backing track for a Free Choice Piece includes the part being performed (‘full mix’), this will usually reduce the extent to which outcomes for the grade can be met, which will be reflected in the marking (see ‘Level of Demand’ below).
For face-to-face and Live Video exams, for all non-current RSL backing tracks, candidates must provide a device containing the downloaded audio. This can be any device with a 3.5mm minijack output eg. MP3 player, portable CD player, phone or tablet. We recommend that two different sources are brought, one as a back-up.
Candidates will be expected to operate their own devices. Examiners will provide a 3.5mm (minijack) lead to connect the device to the PA.
Audio cannot be live streamed directly as mobile devices must be turned off or to airplane mode during the exam. Examiners will be unable to stream or download any backing tracks on the candidate’s behalf.
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Non-accredited Free Choice Pieces and Adapted Repertoire will be assessed to the extent that they enable outcomes for the grade to be met. Benchmarked Repertoire for the grade can be referred to as a suitable reference point.
Free Choice Pieces should therefore be selected carefully to ensure that they provide sufficient opportunity for candidates to demonstrate the necessary technical and musical competence for the grade. Similarly, adaptations to RSL Grade Book repertoire should be made in such a way that the piece is not simplified below the level of demand required for the grade.
Simplification or reduction in demand can occur through changes to tempo, duration, style/groove, notes and rhythms, dynamics, and/or articulation; or via perceived ‘assistance’ to the candidate such as the presence of the solo part, cues, or ‘leading’ auditory material on the backing track, or removal/adaptation of the backing track so that candidates can employ flexibility of timing when this was not intended.
Free Choice Piece and Adapted Repertoire will be assessed by the examiner to the extent to which outcomes required for the grade are demonstrated, and this will be reflected in the marks and comments.
NB. The following case will always be interpreted as reducing the extent to which outcomes for the grade are met:
- RSL Grade book piece from a lower grade in the same syllabus
- RSL Wider Repertoire Vocal piece from a lower grade in the same syllabus
The following case will always be interpreted as enabling all outcomes for the grade to be met:
- Classical Piano repertoire played in Rockschool Piano exams, and Rockschool Piano repertoire played in Classical Piano exams (at the same or lower grade)
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It is not a prerequisite for Non-accredited Free Choice Pieces or Adapted Repertoire to be approved by RSL, as the examiner will make a judgement about the suitability of the piece in the exam. However, if you are unsure about the eligibility of your piece(s) you can seek approval.
Please e-mail us at info@rslawards.com with details of the proposed piece(s)/adaptations, instrument and grade. A full reply will be given no later than 4 weeks after payment of the approval fee (£10) which will be facilitated via an online link that we will e-mail to you.
Please bring a copy of the approval confirmation with you to show the examiner, or for a recorded digital exam submission please upload a copy of the approval confirmation with your video.
Where prior approval is not obtained, examiners will make a judgement about the suitability of a Non-accredited Free Choice Piece or Adapted Repertoire at the time of the exam, and if in their judgement it does not meet the requirements for the grade, this will be reflected in the marking.
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If a performance piece overruns beyond the allocated time (as per the instrument guidance downloadable below), the examiner may halt the performance and only assess the material demonstrated until that point.
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With the exception of previous RSL syllabuses from 2014 onwards, candidates must provide fully notated sheet music for all Free Choice Pieces, including Vocals Wider Repertoire. A copy must be brought to the examination, or for a recorded video exam, supplied when the video is uploaded.
Sheet music must fully reflect the version of the piece being performed, including all directions. A chord chart, lyrics sheet or tab is not sufficient, although a lead sheet (notated melody plus chords) will be accepted.
Additionally, for vocals exams, for any free choice pieces sung in a language other than English, a translation of the lyrics into English must be provided.
Candidates may refer to their own copies during the performance. Examiners will retain all photocopied materials from the exam session.
If sheet music and/or translations are not provided for a Free Choice Piece (where this is required), this will affect the extent to which outcomes for the grade can be met and will be reflected in the marking.
Sheet music is not required for any adapted repertoire, but we recommend this is provided and given to the examiner at the beginning of the exam.
Guidance Downloads
Download the Free Choice Piece guidance for your instrument…
Rockschool Drums Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
181.3 KB
Rockschool Bass Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
180.9 KB
Rockschool Electric Guitar Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
185.2 KB
Rockschool Vocals Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
168.2 KB
Rockschool Piano & Keys Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
202.4 KB
Rockschool Acoustic Guitar Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
202.8 KB
Rockschool Ukulele Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
199.5 KB
Rockschool Harmonica Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
193.7 KB
RSL Classical Piano Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
607.7 KB
RSL Classical Violin Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
602.2 KB
RSL Classical Guitar: Free Choice Piece Guidance
pdf
727.8 KB
Examples
Example 1
A piano candidate is entering for a Grade 2 Graded Music Exam. They have chosen:
- Two pieces from the Grade 2 Rockschool Piano syllabus
- One piece from the Grade 2 RSL Classical Piano syllabus
If they enter for a Rockschool piano exam the repertoire will be defined as follows:
- Two pieces from the Grade 2 Rockschool Piano syllabus – benchmarked repertoire
- One piece from the Grade 2 RSL Classical Piano syllabus – adapted repertoire
- they will need to prepare the Technical Exercises and Unseen Tests from the Grade 2 Rockschool Piano syllabus
If they enter for an RSL Classical exam the repertoire will be defined as follows:
- Two pieces from the Grade 2 Rockschool Piano syllabus (Grade 2) – adapted repertoire
- One piece from the Grade 2 RSL Classical Piano syllabus (Grade 2) – benchmarked repertoire
- they will need to prepare the Technical Exercises and Unseen Tests from the Grade 2 RSL Classical Piano syllabus
All pieces will be assessed as meeting the required level of demand.
Example 2
An Electric Guitar candidate is entering for a Grade 5 Graded Music Exam. They have chosen:
- One piece from the Grade 5 Rockschool Electric Guitar syllabus
- One piece from the Grade 5 Rockschool Acoustic Guitar syllabus
- One piece from the Grade 5 pre-2012 Rockschool Electric Guitar syllabus
All pieces are being played on the electric guitar.
The repertoire will be defined as follows:
- One piece from the Grade 5 Rockschool Electric Guitar syllabus – benchmarked repertoire
- One piece from the Grade 5 Rockschool Acoustic Guitar syllabus – adapted repertoire
- One piece from the Grade 5 pre-2012 Rockschool Electric Guitar syllabus – accredited free choice piece
All pieces will be assessed as meeting the required level of demand.
Example 3
An Acoustic Guitar candidate is entering for a Grade 2 Performance Certificate Exam. They have chosen:
- Two pieces from the Grade 2 Rockschool Acoustic Guitar syllabus
- Two pieces from an accredited Grade 2 Classical Guitar syllabus
- One piece from the Grade 2 Rockschool Electric Guitar syllabus
The repertoire will be defined as follows:
- Two pieces from the Grade 2 Rockschool Acoustic Guitar syllabus – benchmarked repertoire
- Two pieces from an accredited Grade 2 Classical Guitar syllabus – accredited free choice pieces
- One piece from the Grade 2 Rockschool Electric Guitar syllabus – adapted repertoire
All pieces will be assessed as meeting the required level of demand.
Example 4
A Vocals candidate is entering for a Grade 8 Graded Music Exam. They have chosen:
- One piece from the 2021 Grade 8 Rockschool Vocals syllabus in a transposed key. They have sourced their own backing track
- One piece from the 2014 Grade 8 Rockschool Female Vocals syllabus in a transposed key. They have sourced their own backing track
- One piece from the Vocals Wider Repertoire list at Grade 8
The repertoire will be defined as follows:
- One piece from the 2021 Grade 8 Rockschool Vocals syllabus in a transposed key. They have sourced their own backing track – adapted repertoire
- One piece from the 2014 Grade 8 Rockschool Female Vocals syllabus in a transposed key. They have sourced their own backing track – accredited free choice piece, presented as adapted repertoire
- One piece from the Vocals Wider Repertoire list at Grade 8 – accredited free choice piece
The first two pieces will be assessed as meeting the required level of demand so long as the backing tracks chosen do not simplify the repertoire below the outcomes expected for the grade. This can be checked in advance or the examiner will make a judgement in the exam.
Example 5
A Vocals candidate is entering for a Grade 3 Performance Certificate Exam. They have chosen:
- Two pieces from the 2021 Grade 3 Rockschool Vocals syllabus in a transposed key. Both will be performed with the live accompaniment provided in the Grade Book
- One piece from an accredited Musical Theatre syllabus
- One piece from the 2014 Grade 3 Rockschool Male Vocals syllabus performed with the original backing track
- One piece from the 2014 Grade 3 Rockschool Male Vocals syllabus performed with a live accompaniment
The repertoire will be defined as follows:
- Two pieces from the 2021 Grade 3 Rockschool Vocals syllabus in a transposed key. Both will be performed with the live accompaniment provided in the Grade Book – benchmarked repertoire
- One piece from a regulated Grade 3 Musical Theatre syllabus – accredited free choice piece
- One piece from the Grade 3 2014 Rockschool Male Vocals syllabus performed with the original backing track – adapted repertoire
- One piece from the Grade 3 2014 Rockschool Male Vocals syllabus performed with a live accompaniment – adapted repertoire
The first four pieces will be assessed as meeting the required level of demand.
The fifth piece will be assessed as meeting the required level of demand so long as the accompaniment chosen does not simplify the repertoire below the outcomes expected for the grade. This can be checked in advance or the examiner will make a judgement in the exam.
