Gospel Graded Music Exams

RSL have worked extensively with the Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) to create a Rockschool Graded Exam for singers who perform in the Gospel tradition. Starting with Grade 6, candidates can choose from a range of benchmarked pieces that have been chosen by leading Gospel practitioners such as RSL Fellows Karen Gibson MBE and Anu Omideyi.

Revolutionary gospel qualifications

Until now, the proficiency and level of musicianship amongst gospel professionals has not been recognised outside of gospel circles. Therefore, to drive change, we, at RSL Awards, have partnered with the Gospel Music Industry Alliance, (GMIA) to release an exciting new initiative created to award these standards of excellence.

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Roger Moore

Co-Chair, GMIA

“As a West Midlands-based GMIA representative, born and bred in Birmingham, this launch represents a thread which will breakthrough educational barriers and unite Gospel practitioners all around the country impacting the next generation inside schools, churches and many other musical hubs and organisations.”

Roger Moore

Co-Chair, GMIA

“As a West Midlands-based GMIA representative, born and bred in Birmingham, this launch represents a thread which will breakthrough educational barriers and unite Gospel practitioners all around the country impacting the next generation inside schools, churches and many other musical hubs and organisations.”

Anu Omideyi

Co-Chair, GMIA

“Some of the aims of the Gospel Music Industry Alliance are to bring together, celebrate and educate gospel musicians alongside providing educational opportunities for anybody who wants to learn. So, we are delighted with this partnership with RSL that is recognising the great work of some – though by no…

Anu Omideyi

Co-Chair, GMIA

“Some of the aims of the Gospel Music Industry Alliance are to bring together, celebrate and educate gospel musicians alongside providing educational opportunities for anybody who wants to learn. So, we are delighted with this partnership with RSL that is recognising the great work of some – though by no means all – of gospel music’s illustrious practitioners, and launching an educational programme of immense quality. This is an exciting advancement in gospel music.”

Norton York Chairman and Founder Leadership Team
Norton York

Founder, RSL Awards

“Over 30 years ago, RSL Awards created the world’s first pop and rock grade exams. We continue our pioneering work today in partnership with GMIA to present the first ever UK gospel music graded exams. By doing this, we are thrilled to recognise the wonderful artistry in gospel music for…

Norton York Chairman and Founder Leadership Team
Norton York

Founder, RSL Awards

“Over 30 years ago, RSL Awards created the world’s first pop and rock grade exams. We continue our pioneering work today in partnership with GMIA to present the first ever UK gospel music graded exams. By doing this, we are thrilled to recognise the wonderful artistry in gospel music for the first time in UK music education. Thanks to the GMIA and RSL staff for spearheading this vision.”

Graded Music Exams & UCAS Points

As with any regulated Rockschool Exams, grades 6-8 earn UCAS points to help with admission to higher education. Click here to learn more and to calculate your number of UCAS Points…

Repertoire

Please note video links are externally sourced form YouTube…

Work With Leading Consultants

Are you a vocal coach, choir director or music educator interested in delivering Gospel Music education? We work with leading consultants to offer Continued Professional Development workshops, designed to equip practitioners with everything they need to confidently engage with Gospel Music.
Led by expert Gospel educators including Anu Omideyi, Karen Gibson MBE, Kim Samuels and Audrey Lawrence-Mattis, these sessions will walk you through the stylistic interpretation and main features of Gospel Music.

Whether you are an experienced tutor or new to Gospel, this training will give you the confidence and clarity to embed the exams into your teaching practice and inspire the next generation of Gospel vocalists.

Workshops will be hosted in accessible regional locations based on practitioner interest. Register your details to be the first to hear about upcoming dates near you.

Anu Omideyi, FRSL

Award-Winning Choir Director | Director, National Gospel Music Centre

Anu brings over 30 years of experience directing choirs across the UK and internationally. Currently leading three high-profile choirs based at Liverpool Lighthouse, Anu is known for her vocal workshops, TV appearances, and work with major choirs including mass performances at the Vatican alongside global stars. She is the creative…

Anu Omideyi, FRSL

Award-Winning Choir Director | Director, National Gospel Music Centre

Anu brings over 30 years of experience directing choirs across the UK and internationally. Currently leading three high-profile choirs based at Liverpool Lighthouse, Anu is known for her vocal workshops, TV appearances, and work with major choirs including mass performances at the Vatican alongside global stars. She is the creative lead behind the Gospel Music Into Schools programme and has a unique ability to engage learners of all levels with her vibrant and inclusive approach to Gospel music.

Karen Gibson, MBE

Founder of The Kingdom Choir | Leading Gospel Workshop Facilitator

Globally recognised for conducting The Kingdom Choir at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Karen is a multi award-winning choir conductor with decades of experience running gospel workshops across the world. Named one of the UK’s most influential Black Christian women and recently inducted into the Gospel…

Karen Gibson, MBE

Founder of The Kingdom Choir | Leading Gospel Workshop Facilitator

Globally recognised for conducting The Kingdom Choir at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Karen is a multi award-winning choir conductor with decades of experience running gospel workshops across the world. Named one of the UK’s most influential Black Christian women and recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Karen is known for her inspirational leadership and her passion for nurturing talent in schools and communities alike.

Kim Samuels

Choir Leader | Music Educator | Author of the Rhythm Road Series

Based in Bristol, Kim is co-founder of the Renewal Choir and a dynamic force in the UK’s Gospel music education scene. She leads multiple community and university choirs, including the NHS-supported Voice of Hope Choir and the UWE Gospel Choir. A passionate educator, Kim combines musical excellence with accessible teaching,…

Kim Samuels

Choir Leader | Music Educator | Author of the Rhythm Road Series

Based in Bristol, Kim is co-founder of the Renewal Choir and a dynamic force in the UK’s Gospel music education scene. She leads multiple community and university choirs, including the NHS-supported Voice of Hope Choir and the UWE Gospel Choir. A passionate educator, Kim combines musical excellence with accessible teaching, making her an ideal trainer for schools looking to inspire children through Gospel music. She’s also the author of Rhythm Road, a popular music theory picture book series for young learners.

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    Candidates should learn the pieces according to the form and structure of the YouTube link provided. Within the Graded Exam, candidates will be expected to perform to the Piano backing track provided.

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    Candidates can choose five pieces from this list to complete a Performance Certificate. Alternatively, candidates can choose three pieces from this list and remainder of the requirement from the Rockschool Grade book to complete a Graded Exam or Graded Certificate. All exam types can be entered as a face-to-face exam, recorded or live stream digital exam. Learn more about the exam formats here…

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    Simply purchase your Grade 6 exam from our online shop and complete your entry as normal. You’ll be able to choose Gospel Vocals from the drop-down instrument selector menu when completing you entry via your secure account.

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    Your certificate will proudly display the GMIA logo in addition to the normal RSL credentials.

Ready to Enter for an Exam?

Entering for your exam is a simple process. Simply purchase your exam entry via the link below, before completing your entry via your secure account (you will be given instructions on this step after checkout).

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Vocals Grade 6

The essential syllabus for the aspiring contemporary vocalist. This book will provide you with ev...
Graded Music Exam Grade 6

Graded Music Exam: Grade 6

All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
RSL Classical Repertoire

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    Digital Files

    For the RSL shop we’ve chosen the most widely used media for ease of use and flexibility when transferring across different devices.

    Every complete digital book (e.g. Electric Guitar Grade 1) includes:

    • PDF sheet music
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    We know downloading digital content can be frustrating at times which is why we’ve given you multiple chances to download your audio and sheet music.

    Each complete digital book purchased includes:

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    1. Hard Copy

    The hard copy or paperback version can be purchased from our shop for shipping to the UK. Orders for shipping to other countries can be placed via www.musicroom.com. The paperback version includes everything you need for your exam in one essential book, including sheet music, a code for access to MP3 audio and complete supporting tests.

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