Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Graded Music Exams
Recorded Digital Exams
Pre-record your exam and upload it to our innovative submissions portal for it to be marked by our expert examining panel.
About the Recorded Digital Exam
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.
Complete Control
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.
Examiner Video Message
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.
Environmentally Friendly
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!
Types of Recorded Digital Exam Available
RSL can accept and mark two types of Recorded Digital graded music exams
Graded Certificate
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%.
Number of Pieces
3
Technical Exercises
All exercises listed in the Recorded Digital Exam Technical Exercises guidance
Performance Certificate
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%.
Number of Pieces
5
Technical Exercises
None
Recorded Video Exam Checklist
Some useful tips and reminders of what to do and before, during and after your exam.
Graded Certificate (Debut to 8)
- Record and upload 3 pieces (up to 2 free choice pieces) and ALL the technical exercises outlined in the technical guidance below (Please note: the technical exercises download contains further exercises than those that are published in the appropriate grade book)
- No more than 1 restart (pieces) or 2 restarts (technical exercises)*
- Unedited performance
- Upload the sheet music (and backing tracks if necessary) for any free choice pieces
*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.
Performance Certificate (Premiere to 8)
- Record and upload 5 pieces (up to 3 free choice pieces)
- Unedited performance
- No more than 2 restarts*
- Upload the sheet music (and backing tracks if necessary) for any free choice pieces
*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.
Photographic ID
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.
How to upload your video submission
This walkthrough video shows the process of uploading your recorded video exam submission.
Exam 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 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:
- The exam needs to be captured as a single, continuous recording in real-time, including set-up, tone and equipment adjustments, re-tuning, and any similar activity, and all dialogue either to the camera or with the other person present. No editing is permitted.
- You must not or pause the camera in between pieces or use video editing software to cut out takes or reduce the time between pieces – the video should represent an exam taken in person as closely as possible, so don’t worry about taking a little time setting up between pieces.
- Your face must be visible in the video, so we can identify the person taking the exam – please refer to the framing guide for further details.
- Candidates should introduce themselves by their full name, the exam grade and the discipline they are taking. Either the candidate or another person present (see below) should introduce each piece.
- For Grades 6-8 candidates should clearly display for at least ten seconds valid photographic identification (such as Passport, Driving Licence, Student Union Card, ID Card) at the start of the video recording in line with our policy.
- Candidates must make clear on the video that they are using the appropriate RSL resource: physical copy of the grade book, digital equivalent, or proof of subscription to the RSL Learning Platform.
- Another person is permitted to be present in the room for the following purposes only:
- to operate the camera/ recording equipment.
- to introduce each piece
- to introduce the technical exercises section and/or each technical exercise (Graded Certificate only).
- to operate the backing tracks / clicks
- For guidelines on recording drums and use of microphones for vocals candidates, see ‘Framing and Audio Guide’.
- 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. You can restart up to one piece and two technical exercises in your Graded Certificate, and up to two pieces in your Performance Certificate. This needs to be instigated by the candidate and not by a teacher or parent if they are present on the recording.
- Just like all Rockschool 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 (three for a performance certificate). For more details visit our dedicated Free Choice Pieces page.
- Check the video recording of your exam carefully before submission, making sure that each piece is introduced to camera, the picture and sound are of a reasonable quality and that the full exam has been captured.
-
- 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). Candidates should present the three pieces followed by technical exercises; or technical exercises followed by pieces. They should not play technical exercises between pieces, and they should not split technical exercises into more than one continuous presentation.
- 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, memory, and order.
-
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:
- audio and/or video quality is not sufficient for the examiner to be able to make a reliable assessment
- part of the video file is missing (eg. video cuts off too early)
- the video has been edited (eg. separate takes spliced together)
- audio does not appear to synchronise visually with the candidate’s performance
- another person (eg. parent or teacher) is offering prompting and advice to the candidate which constitutes an unfair advantage, including suggesting re-starts, counting in, etc.
- another person (e.g. parent or teacher) is assisting with any parts of the instrument or associated equipment where this is normally something the candidate would do as part of the performance (eg. amp settings, keyboard voicings, etc.)
- insufficient / inadequate assessment vantage for the examiner (see Framing & Audio Guide)
- the candidate’s face is not visible / we are unable identify the person taking the exam
- missing sheet music for free choice pieces
- technical exercises not being performed to the specification
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.
Understanding Digital Video
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.
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.
Framing & Audio Guide for Video
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:
Audio Guide
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.
Recording drums for RSL exams
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.
Note: failure to indicate the count-in could make the synchronisation between video and audio impossible and may affect the marks awarded or result in the exam being deemed inadmissible for assessment.
It is also acceptable to use multi-track recording to record the drums and backing track together, so long as it is evident that the balance being heard on the video is not the ‘live’ audio balance heard in the exam room.
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 not performing to a backing track where one is provided counts as Adapted Repertoire.
RSL recommended audio / video devices and apps
Microphone for use with mobile phones (check for handset compatibility):
- Zoom iQ7
- Shure MV88
- RØDE iXY
- RØDE VideoMic
Mobile phone video apps that allow manual control of audio
- FV-5 (supported Android devices)
- Filmic Pro (IOS devices and some supported Android devices)
Dedicated video cameras for recording high quality audio
- Zoom Q4
- Zoom Q2n
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…
Supporting Videos
Flick through our supporting videos for advice and guidance created to support you achieving your next grade with RSL Awards’ Recorded Digital Exams.
Downloads
Download the relevant documentation for your instrument to find the technical exercises you will need to record as part of your exam submission.
Electric Guitar 2018 & 2024 Syllabuses – Technical Exercises
pdf
1.7 MB
Drums 2018 & 2024 Syllabuses – Technical Exercises
pdf
845.8 KB
Bass 2018 & 2024 Syllabuses – Technical Exercises
pdf
1.2 MB
Acoustic 2019 – Technical Exercises
pdf
853.6 KB
Piano 2019 – Technical Exercises
pdf
995.6 KB
Keyboard 2019 – Technical Exercises
pdf
996.9 KB
Vocals (New 2021 Syllabus) – Technical Exercises
pdf
970.1 KB
Ukulele 2020 Technical Exercises
pdf
886.2 KB
RSL Classical Guitar – Technical Exercises
pdf
1.4 MB
RSL Classical Violin – Technical Exercises
pdf
1.5 MB
RSL Classical Piano – Technical Exercises
pdf
1.8 MB
Yamaha Class Vocals – Technical Exercises
pdf
107.4 KB
Yamaha Guitar Encounters – Technical Exercises
pdf
117.0 KB
Yamaha Drum Encounters – Technical Exercises
pdf
108.8 KB
Yamaha Play For Keeps Piano & Keys – Technical Exercises
pdf
165.2 KB
RSL Trombone Graded Certificates – Technical Exercises Requirements
pdf
180.8 KB
RSL Alto Sax Graded Certificates – Technical Exercises Requirements
pdf
178.8 KB
RSL Trumpet Graded Certificates – Technical Exercises Requirements
pdf
177.2 KB
How to book your Recorded Digital graded music exam
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.
Recorded Digital Exam Fees
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Ready to take an exam?
Simply purchase your exam entry from our online shop before completing your exam details via your RSL Awards secure account.
