For all Graded Music examinations, in addition to a minimum of one performance piece from the RSL grade book, candidates may choose to perform a maximum of two Free Choice Pieces.
For all Performance Certificate examinations, in addition to a minimum of two performance piece from the RSL grade book, candidates may choose to perform a maximum of three Free Choice Pieces.
Free Choice Pieces must demonstrate a comparable level of technical and musical demand to the pieces given in the set selections in the grade books which can be referred to as an indication of appropriate level.
Free choice pieces must be in a modern popular genre such as Pop, Rock, Metal, Jazz, Country, Blues, Soul and Reggae, for example. Own compositions are also acceptable.
Pieces should be selected carefully to ensure that they provide suitable opportunity for candidates to demonstrate the necessary technical and musical competence detailed in the appropriate assessment criteria. Candidates are reminded that if a chosen Free Choice Piece does not meet these requirements this may impact on the level of achievement possible within the examination.
For the 2019 editions of our Acoustic, Piano & Keys syllabuses: Free Choice Pieces can be performed to a backing track (without the examined part on the track), or as a solo piece (without backing track).
For all other graded music syllabuses: All pieces must be performed to a backing track (without the examined part on the track), except in cases where the piece has been selected from a previous Rockschool syllabus, which do not have backing tracks provided.
Download the Free Choice Piece Guidance for Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Electric Guitar, Drums, Piano and Ukulele
| Instrument | Download |
|---|---|
| Acoustic Guitar Free Choice Guidance |
Rockschool Acoustic (2019) Guitar Free Choice Pieces Rockschool Acoustic (2015) Guitar Free Choice Pieces |
| Bass Free Choice Guidance | Rockschool Bass Free Choice Pieces |
| Drums Free Choice Guidance | Rockschool Drums Free Choice Pieces |
| Electric Guitar Free Choice Piece Guidance | Rockschool Electric Guitar Free Choice Pieces |
| Piano & Keys (2019 Edition) Free Choice Piece Guidance | Rockschool Piano & Keys (2019) Free Choice Pieces |
| Piano (2015 Edition) Free Choice Guidance | Rockschool Piano (2015) Free Choice Pieces |
| Ukulele Free Choice Guidance | Rockschool Ukulele Free Choice Pieces |
| Vocals Free Choice Guidance | Rockschool Vocals Free Choice Pieces |
Free Choice Pieces (FCP) must meet the timing requirements below for each grade:
| Level | Minimum Time Limit for FCP | Maximum Time Limit for FCP |
|---|---|---|
| Debut | 45 Seconds | 3 minutes |
| Grade 1 | 1 minute | 3 minutes |
| Grade 2 | 1 minute | 3 minutes |
| Grade 3 | 1 minute 30 seconds | 4 minutes |
| Grade 4 | 2 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Grade 5 | 2 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Grade 6 | 2 minutes 30 seconds | 5 minutes |
| Grade 7 | 2 minutes 30 seconds | 5 minutes |
| Grade 8 | 3 minutes | 5 minutes |
Candidates are reminded that RSL examination regulations state that pieces must be performed to the exact requirements as detailed in the relevant syllabus guide. If a performance piece overruns, the examiner may halt the performance and only grade the material demonstrated until that point. Candidate reports in this instance will be automatically referred to the Examiner Panel Manager at RSL HQ and may be returned to the candidate with accompanying notes.
Free Choice Piece’s must be available in fully notated sheet music. Candidates need to bring a copy of the sheet music for the examiner to refer to during the examination. It is acceptable for candidates to refer to their own duplicate copy during the performance. Candidates are reminded that both copies need to fully reflect the interpretation and intended performance of the piece. Examiners will retain all photocopied materials from the exam session.
It is not a prerequisite to have these pieces approved by RSL HQ, but please feel free to e-mail us if you are unsure about the eligibility of your piece at freechoicepieces@rslawards.com.