RiFF – A Powerful New Tool for Music Teachers
As of September 2025, we’ve retired our Learning Platform (including its Android and iOS app) and replaced it with RiFF, our new digital sheet music player. RiFF offers a major upgrade with features designed to make teaching and learning more effective and engaging.
If you’ve previously purchased digital books, they’ll automatically be available in RiFF, and accessed via the downloads section of your RSL Awards secure account. Plus, if you’re a teacher, we have multiple subscription options available so you can access the full library of RiFF e-books.
Why RiFF is a Game Changer
RiFF is packed with tools to support practice, performance, and exam prep:
- Multi-Angle Video – See multiple views (e.g. hands, wide shot), with flexible layout and mirror options for left-handed players.
- Smart Playback Tools – Section markers, tempo control, and easy navigation for efficient teaching and learning.
- Audio Control – Switch between full mix, backing track, or solo part.
- Custom Looping – Repeat bars or segments for focused practice.
- Instrument Visuals – Real-time fretboard and keyboard views.
- Metronome & Count-In – Fully adjustable, great for ensemble timing.
- Notation Flexibility – Choose full score, tab, or chord chart.
- Advanced Learning Aids – Rhythmic breakdowns, note names, solfège, and chord visibility toggle.
- Exam Mode – Disables visual aids to replicate printed exam conditions.
Accessing RiFF
You’ll find the RiFF Library inside our new digital hub, Rockschool Backstage. Existing customers will need to upgrade their RSL account (this links everything together across our digital platforms). Below details the routes you need to take depending on how you engage with us.
How to Access RiFF as a Student
- Log in to your RSL Awards Cloud account.
- Go to Access Resources & E-Books.
- Click “Launch RiFF Music Player” next to your purchased e-books.
- If you’re using RiFF for the first time, upgrade your account by clicking “Create an Account.” Use the same email as your Cloud login to keep everything linked (even if signing in with a social account).
Access and Support for Teachers
We’re here to support your transition from the Learning Platform to RiFF.
If you had an active yearly Learning Platform subscription, we’ve already sent you specific instructions by email. If you didn’t get it, please contact info@rslawards.com
To support your teaching business, there are multiple subscription tiers or purchase options available to you:
- RiFF Library (£15/month, first year discounted from £17.50): A content-only subscription created in direct response to teacher feedback. 2-month free trial available for Teacher Registry members.
- Rockschool Associate (from £45/month): Curriculum, technology, training, marketing, and business support. More info at rockschool.io
- Teacher Digital Packs: Discounted bundles for all available syllabuses.
- Digital Upgrades: Upgrade physical books to RiFF e-books for just £5.
How to Subscribe
- Click the button below to start. You’ll be asked to log in to the new Rockschool Backstage hub.
- If you’re using Rockschool Backstage for the first time, click “Create an Account.”
- Use the same email as your RSL Awards Cloud login so everything stays linked (even if signing in with a social account).
Once logged in, you’ll be taken straight to the subscription purchase options page.
Free RiFF Library Trial for Teacher Registry Members
If you have been a member of the RSL Teacher Registry, you can unlock 2 months free RiFF Library access. Activate by 1 November 2025.
To claim your free trial:
- Log in to your RSL Cloud account.
- Click “Start Backstage Trial” from your home page.
- If you’re accessing Backstage for the first time, upgrade your account by clicking “Create an Account.” Use the same email as your Cloud login to keep everything linked (even if signing in with a social account).
*Please note that the RiFF Library access subscription does not include curriculum delivery guides, homework setting, student linking, teacher training, booking functionality, payment systems, marketing support or use of the Rockschool brand. You can find out more about that at rockschool.io…
RiFF will be incorporated into all of RSL Awards’ graded music e-books, which you can purchase here, and embedded into the Rockschool.io curriculum materials.
Rockschool.io has even more features to help you link your teacher account to the student’s books, set and review homework tasks, and all the business support, technology and marketing you need to grow your teaching business.
We’re excited to offer this powerful new tool and are here to help with the transition. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@rslawards.com