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Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Graded Music Exams
Pre-record your exam and upload it to our innovative submissions portal for it to be marked by our expert examining panel.
At RSL Awards, we pride ourselves in the trust and confidence that our dedicated community has in us to deliver outstanding examination experiences. Welcome to RSL’s Recorded Digital Exams.
Environmentally friendly, no waiting times, reduced stress and available worldwide, this digital solution shows our commitment to providing the most accessible exam experience possible.
We don’t want candidates to face any barriers to reaching their full potential. With RSL’s Recorded Digital Exams, candidates have complete control over their exam experience. This innovative exam solution allows the candidate to record their exam from a location they feel most comfortable in, whether that’s at home or on their teacher’s premises.
Once we’ve received a recorded video submission, candidates will be marked by an official RSL Awards examiner in exactly the same way that they would in a face to face exam. Additionally, the examiner who assesses the exam will record a short video message to candidates that delivers the result for their exam performance.
As with RSL’s Live Stream Digital Exams, the Recorded Digital Exams impact on the environment is almost negligible. Accessible worldwide, we’re doing everything we can to leave a sustainable, healthy landscape for future generations of aspiring musicians!
RSL can accept and mark two types of Recorded Digital graded music exams
A Grade Certificate is a mixture of music performances and technical assessment. As part of the performance section of the exam (worth 75% of the overall exam marks), the candidate must prepare to perform three pieces from their Rockschool or RSL Classical Grade book (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces). Each performed piece is marked out of 20.
The other 25% consists of Technical Exercises. The candidate must perform all of the technical exercises as listed in the documentation on this page. Please note that due to the nature of this exam, there are no unseen tests. The pass mark for this style of exam is set at 60%.
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All exercises listed in the Recorded Digital Exam Technical Exercises guidance
At all grades candidates can submit recorded videos for Performance Certificates. During the Performance Certificate a candidate must play five pieces with each song marked out of 20 (up to three of these can be Free Choice Pieces). The pass mark for this exam is set at 60%.
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Some useful tips and reminders of what to do and before, during and after your exam.
*If you make a mistake in a piece you can restart as long as you are not more than a third of the way through. This needs to be instigated by the candidate and not by a teacher or parent if they are present on the recording.
*If you make a mistake in a piece you can restart as long as you are not more than a third of the way through. This needs to be instigated by the candidate and not by a teacher or parent if they are present on the recording.
All candidates at Grades 6–8 must show photographic ID or completed Photographic ID Form to camera for at least 10 seconds in accordance with the video exam guidelines.
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission.
Candidates will be marked by an official RSL Awards examiner in exactly the same way that they would be in a face-to-face exam. Additionally, the examiner who assesses the exam will record a short video message to candidates that delivers the result for their exam performance.
The video should be recorded by the candidate as a continuous take and submitted via the online portal.
For RSL video exams to be valid, there are a number of rules you must adhere to:
In the event that your recorded video exam submission cannot be marked because guidelines have not been followed correctly, you will be charged 75% of the entry fee to make a resubmission.
Examples of this include:
For other more minor issues such as missing content (eg. technical exercises), wrong backing track being used (including ‘full mix’, ie. including the solo part) , etc., examiners will mark on an ‘as seen’ basis and marking will be affected, reflecting the extent to which the outcomes of the exam were impacted by the infringement. In such cases candidates will also be able to resubmit on payment of 75% of the fee if they wish.
Resubmissions in these cases are only permitted for the same instrument, grade and exam type as the original entry.
We understand that it can get very confusing just trying to understand all of the words and codes used by companies to try and sell us their latest gadgets. You are likely to have come across terms like 720P, 1080HD or 4k – but may not know what any of the numbers or letter stand for. This part of the guide should help you navigate through the jargon and make the process easier.
With this in mind, please read the guidance below in full to help you have the best chance of submitting a video that we can accept for submission and allow you complete your RSL exam successfully.
As a very rough rule, the larger the number stated, the more detail is captured within each video frame you record – but there is a downside. More detail often means bigger digital files – which require more storage and take longer to upload to the internet.
4k video can, and often does, look fantastic – but the file sizes are big and can cause some compatibility issues too. At the other end of the spectrum, if the frame size is too small, the images can look blurry or pixelated when you try and view them on computer monitors or tablets, so it is best to go for a happy medium – striking a balance between detail and file size.
Full HD (often referred to by the names 1080i or 1080P) is a very good happy medium. However, 720HD video can still look very good (720i or 720P) and will produce noticeable smaller file sizes. As a result, RSL is asking for a minimum of 720HD videos and currently setting a maximum of 1080HD, to ensure your picture quality is good whilst keeping the file sizes manageable. Please note that the current file size limit is 2GB.
The ‘i’ stands for ‘interlaced’, meaning that the video file captured refreshes every other line of pixels every frame, so the video file actually contains half the amount of data. It refreshes very quickly, so you can’t see the interlacing in a perfectly set up system. However, most mobile phones and cameras now only give you the option to record in a progressive format – meaning every line is captured. It’s probably best to avoid interlaced formats if you can. If your settings don’t mention it and your equipment is relatively modern, it’s more than likely to be a progressive video format.
Look at the chart below to see how each frame size relates to each other. This should also explain why 4K is so detailed, but why the file sizes are so big:
This figure refers to how many frames your camera captures every second. A camera that captures 30 frames per second (30fps) is essentially capturing 30 images which, when played at the correct speed, gives a good impression of natural movement.
Frame rate has an impact on the perceived quality of video to an extent – a very low frame rate will result in jerky video. However you don’t need a huge amount of frames per second before things start to look pretty smooth. Feature films, for instance, typically use 24 frames per second. This is important, because mobile phone and camera manufactures are currently increasing the frame rates that their devices can capture, largely so extreme slow motion video can be produced. Whilst this is impressive, RSL don’t need this – and the more frames your video contains, the bigger the file sizes get again.
So, its for this reason RSL is asking you to set your frame rate to somewhere between 24 fps (frames per second) and 30fps. Typically this will be a choice between 25fps and 30fps, depending on the hardware. This will generate video that is smooth but should keep your video file size manageable.
Mobile phones and consumer cameras largely gather video and process them and store them in a file, which makes it easier to share using the internet. The results vary, but a well designed video format can do an excellent job of retaining a good sound and image while squeezing it into a small package. The most common formats are .MP4 files which are a good choice, as they are both quite small and open across lots of devices, but .mov files and .avi files are also pretty well supported. If you are at all confused or concerned, it may be worth contacting RSL to check that your submitted video files will open.
Framing Guide
The help videos in the next tab should make things clearer, but it is important to read the guidance below, so you can be confident your submitted video will be accepted for assessment.
1) We need to see you and your instrument clearly.
For all instruments at all grades: the whole of the instrument, all associated equipment being used, and accompanist (if present) needs to be fully visible in the camera shot:
Drums: Snare, bass drum, all toms, cymbals, pedals, and the player in the seated position, in full view throughout, with the kit presented side-on showing hands and feet with both sticks and all cymbal surfaces / drumheads in full view. Getting a single camera shot of a drummer can be challenging, so try and find an angle that allows the examiner to see performer and equipment clearly: a slightly elevated position with the camera pointing slightly down can work well. Note that some video angles can make recording audio difficult, with the volume of cymbals and snare drum resulting in distortion: striking a balance between video framing and audio may take some experimentation, but a compromise can be found.
Piano/Keys: Full extent of the keyboard, all pedals, and the player in the seated position in full view throughout, the piano presented side-on showing hands and feet.
Stringed instruments: Full extent of the player, instrument, any equipment being used throughout (e.g., footswitches/amps) and accompanist if present.
Vocals: Full extent of vocalist, microphone, mic. stand, any equipment being used throughout, and accompanist if present.
Ensure music stand/s and other equipment do not obscure these views, and ensure all effects changes/tone adjustments between and during performances are shown.
The camera shots are intended to replicate the same view as examiners would have in a face-to-face exam.
If the available assessment vantage is not as per these guidelines, a resubmission may be required.
(Please note: the videos on the Supporting Videos tab were recorded before the advice above was updated.)
2) The shot needs to be reasonably well lit.
Try to avoid shooting in very dark environments, as this significantly affects the video quality. If you can record your performance in a space with good natural light, or have access to good quality photographic or stage lighting, the end result will be better. Please avoid coloured or moving lights in your videos too – we need to see you clearly.
3) Keep your footage as steady as possible.
If you can use a tripod or some other kind of camera mount, that would be ideal. If you do need someone to hold a camera or phone, please ensure you keep the video as stable as possible and avoid zooming in or out during the exam.
Take a look at the photos below, to help guide you when setting up to film your RSL graded syllabus exam:
The help videos will provide more detail, but following these simple guidelines should help you create videos with reasonable audio
1) Don’t set your volume too loudly when using amplifiers or PA speakers.
Mobile phones and video cameras record sound fairly well most of the time, but struggle with high volume sound sources. This can prove especially challenging when trying to record the sound of drums – so please read the Recording drums for RSL exams section below for further guidance
2) Spend some time getting a good balance between your performance and the backing track.
RSL needs to clearly hear your performance when examining, but equally we want your performance to feel connected to the accompanying backing track. It is worth experimenting and producing some test recordings to ensure the balance is good.
3) Avoid very noisy or reverberant spaces.
Your examiner wants to give your performance their full attention, so avoid recording your exam in a space where there is likely to be significant background noise. Also, whilst it may sound creatively pleasing, please avoid capturing your videos in very reverberant places. We want to hear as much of your signal as possible. If you do opt to use a microphone for vocal recordings avoid using excessive amounts of reverb and avoid long reverb times.
4) The use of a microphone is optional for vocals candidates at all grades.
We understand that some candidates won’t have access to their own microphone, so we will accept performances without use of a microphone at all grades (including Grades 6-8), so long as the candidate is able to evidence relevant and appropriate dynamic expression, projection, tonal contrast and balance.
Microphone technique is most relevant to the acoustics of the performance space and the amplification of the sound via PA, so less relevant when recording a video performance. However, if no microphone is used, the candidate will need to consider where and how they position themselves in the space, so the examiner can still assess expressive techniques as if a microphone was used.
5) Don’t mix or ‘produce’ your audio.
Overall audio should replicate as closely as possible the effect of live studio performance as an examiner would normally hear it in a face-to-face exam; ie. the sound of the instrument, either acoustic or amplified through a speaker, balanced against the backing track played over a PA. Candidates should not mix or produce the audio post-recording, or add any further effects or processing, as this could obscure the examiner’s ability to make a valid assessment of the performance, which may in turn impact negatively on the marking.
TOP TIP: Whilst you can record reasonable audio using a mobile phone in most instances, there are a number of devices you may wish to consider if you want to ensure your audio is of a good quality. Please see below for a list of devices and apps that RSL recommends that can help you improve audio quality when creating your video exam.
The acoustic drum kit provides some challenges when trying to capture clear audio, especially when filming with a mobile phone. Whilst it is possible to record usable audio with a mobile phone with care, RSL highly recommends that drummers use a video device where they can have full control over the microphone’s sensitivity and volume. Mobile phones do not allow you this control by default, so it is worth installing an app that gives that that control, or using a microphone designed for use with a mobile phone that allows you to control the volume of the incoming signal. Please see below for a list of devices and apps that RSL recommends to help you improve audio quality.
Drum candidates are permitted to use headphones if this helps their performance, but the examiner will also need to be able to hear what they are listening to as well. Please note that this replaces our former guidance where candidates using headphones only needed to provide a video of their performance.
Alternatively, you may wish to consider performing your exam to video using an electronic kit, where you will have greater control over your volume balance. Many electronic drum modules provide the facility to plug in an audio device directly and allow the user to blend a backing track with the drum kit. However, we recognise that many drummers will prefer to play acoustic drum kits during assessment, so this approach is entirely optional.
Please note that where there is evidence from the video that the candidate is not listening to a backing track while performing, this may affect the marks awarded, as performing to a backing track (where one is provided) is a requirement of the exam.
Microphone for use with mobile phones (check for handset compatibility):
Mobile phone video apps that allow manual control of audio
Dedicated video cameras for recording high quality audio
We hope this set of guidelines has helped you understand the RSL graded syllabus video exam process and provided a clear set of guidelines for capturing and submitting exam material. Should you require any further advice, please contact us here…
Flick through our supporting videos for advice and guidance created to support you achieving your next grade with RSL Awards’ Recorded Digital Exams.
Download the relevant documentation for your instrument to find the technical exercises you will need to record as part of your exam submission.
Booking your graded music exam is an extremely simple process. Whether you intend to take an exam in person or digitally, simply purchase your exam entry from our online shop before completing your exam details via your RSL Awards secure account.
Please see the information below for all recorded video graded music exam fees. Use the dropdown menus to find the correct fee…
Exam grade | Price |
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Entry Level 3 (Debut) | £55.00 |
Grade 1 | £61.00 |
Grade 2 | £68.00 |
Grade 3 | £79.00 |
Grade 4 | £87.00 |
Grade 5 | £95.00 |
Grade 6 | £108.00 |
Grade 7 | £117.00 |
Grade 8 | £130.00 |
Please Note: Fees are for exams taking place in 2023. Fees are subject to change. E-Certificate is included. Printed certificate available for an additional fee
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:
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:
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.
Digital downloads is the most popular way of purchasing and downloading a Rockschool book, track or supporting test. Rockschool digital book downloads come complete with PDF sheet music, MP3 audio and supporting tests for instant accessibility on all your favourite devices.
Note: Digital sheet music is stamped with your email address and order number.
The RSL e-books, utilising Learning Platform technology powered by MatchMySound, are the ultimate practise tool, giving you the ability to master your instrument like never before.