RSL Awards Take your exam from the comfort of your own home!
At RSL Awards, we pride ourselves in the trust and confidence that our dedicated community has in us to deliver outstanding examination experiences. We’re taking this a step further, and we are delighted to announce the launch of our 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.
Please download the recorded digital exams 'how to' guide and click on each tab below in order to read all the information about our video exams.
RSL AWARDS RECORDED DIGITAL EXAMS - HOW TO GUIDE
Please note that Digital Exams are not bound to exam periods. However, the online entry requires selection of a time period. Please choose the earliest range of dates available. It will not affect when you can enter for the Recorded Video Digital Exam and when you can submit it. In the online entry form, under Exam Details please choose either ‘Video Graded Certificate’ or ‘Video Performance Certificate’ as the Type of Exam.
RSL can extend the deadline if you need more time before submitting your exam. Should you wish to cancel your exam outright then we will refund the exam fee if you cancel the exam within 14 days of the date the entry was submitted.
RSL can accept and mark two types of graded music exams.
At all grades candidates can submit recorded videos for Performance Certificates. It is important for candidates to remember a few things to ensure their exam does not break any rules:
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 will record a short video message to candidates that delivers feedback on the exam performance.
Just like with other Performance Certificates, candidates can choose play all five pieces from the repertoire from the Rockschool / RSL Classical Graded Book, or choose to record up to three free choice pieces from the following sources:
For more details visit our dedicated Free Choice Pieces page.
Graded Certificates require the candidate to play three pieces (including up to two free choice pieces) and all of the technical exercises (omitting the Sight Reading / Improvisation, Ear tests and General Musicianship Questions).
Please refer to our Technical Exercise Guidance downloads below and the information under the ‘video exam checklist’ tab for a comprehensive list of requirements.
Please note: in many cases the technical exercises download contains further permutations of exercises than the notated examples that are published in the appropriate grade book. In these instances, candidates should use the grade book as a reference for how these additional permutations should be played.
Technical exercises must be presented as required by the relevant specification and as shown in the relevant Grade Book, including range, octave, patterning, tempo, fingering (where stipulated), use of click, and order.
The video comprising pieces and technical exercises should be recorded by the candidate as a continuous take and submitted via the online portal.
It is important for candidates to remember a few things to ensure their exam does not break any rules:
Just like with other Graded Exams, candidates can choose to play all three repertoire pieces from the Rockschool / RSL Classical Graded Book, or choose to record up to two free choice pieces from the following sources:
For more details visit our dedicated Free Choice Pieces page.
Graded Certificates – Mark Scheme and Grading Descriptors
Performance Certificates – Mark Scheme and Grading Descriptors
RSL Classical Guitar – Technical Exercises
RSL Classical Violin – Technical Exercises
RSL Classical Piano – Technical Exercises
Keyboard 2019 – Technical Exercises
Piano 2019 – Technical Exercises
Acoustic 2019 – Technical Exercises
Bass 2018 – Technical Exercises
Drums 2018 – Technical Exercises
Electric Guitar 2018 – Technical Exercises
Vocals (New 2021 Syllabus) – Technical Exercises
Vocals (2014-21) – Technical Exercises
UKULELE 2017 - TECHNICAL EXERCISES
UKULELE 2020 - TECHNICAL EXERCISES
Yamaha Play For Keeps Piano & Keys – RSL Digital Exams Technical Exercises
Yamaha Class Vocals – RSL Digital Exams Technical Exercises
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), sheet music not supplied for free choice pieces, 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.
RSL AWARDS RECORDED VIDEO DIGITAL EXAMS - HOW TO GUIDE
You can download the Recorded Video Exams Terms & Conditions by clicking here...
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission. If you require further support, please check our graded music exam help centre.
To register for a Recorded Digital Exam, candidates (or their parents or their teacher) fill in the online entry form with information about the candidate and the exam (instrument, grade).
Recorded Video Exams are not bound by the Exam Periods/Terms that apply to face-to-face exams. Therefore, Digital Exams do not have a closing date, though we do require a submission no later than three month after entry.
Please note that Recorded Video Exams are not bound to exam periods. However, the online entry requires selection of a time period. Please choose the earliest range of dates available. It will not affect when you can enter for the video exam and when you can submit it. In the online entry form, under Exam Details please choose either ‘Video Graded Certificate’ or ‘Video Performance Certificate’ as the Type of Exam.
After uploading the recording, the candidate can relax and we will send a notification when the result is available. We also provide access to a short video of the examiner providing feedback.
We will then produce the official qualification certificate which confirms the award of the qualification. A minimum of ‘Pass’ is required to receive the certificate.
To summarise, candidates/parents/teachers:
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission. If you require further support, please check our graded music exam help centre.
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.
RSL Classical Violin – Technical Exercises
RSL Classical Piano – Technical Exercises
Keyboard 2019 – Technical Exercises
Piano 2019 – Technical Exercises
Acoustic 2019 – Technical Exercises
Bass 2018 – Technical Exercises
Drums 2018 – Technical Exercises
Digital Exams – Adaptions for Electronic Drum Kits
Electric Guitar 2018 – Technical Exercises
Vocals (New 2021 Syllabus) – Technical Exercises
Vocals (2014-21) – Technical Exercises
UKULELE 2017 - TECHNICAL EXERCISES
UKULELE 2020 - TECHNICAL EXERCISES
Graded Certificates – Mark Scheme and Grading Descriptors
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission. If you require further support, please check our graded music exam help centre.
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.
RSL AWARDS VIDEO EXAMS-HOW TO GUIDE
What frame size should I set my equipment to use?
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.
What does the ‘i’ and/or ‘P’ after the numbers mean?
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.
But what do those numbers actually mean?
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:
What frame rate should I use?
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.
What video format should I use?
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.
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission. If you require further support, please check our graded music exam help centre.
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.
RSL AWARDS VIDEO EXAMS-HOW TO GUIDE
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. 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, 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.
We are also advising that, should you need to record your exam directly into a mobile phone, you avoid capturing your acoustic drum performance whilst playing to an audible backing track – the volume required will almost certainly make the recorded audio difficult to hear or result in audio distortion. In this instance, it is permissible for you to record a video of your drum exam with the backing track fed to you via either headphones or in-ear monitoring. RSL will synchronise the backing tracks to your performances for marking – but you will need to audibly mark the final bar of the count-in before the performance begins by clicking your sticks together, so we can easily synchronise the audio to the video. Please see the drum exam video for a demonstration.
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.
Digital Exams – Adaptions for Electronic Drum Kits
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...
RSL AWARDS VIDEO EXAMS-HOW TO GUIDE
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission. If you require further support, please check our graded music exam help centre.
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission. If you require further support, please check our graded music exam help centre.