Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Performance Showcase
Level 3 Certificate
Take your performance to the next level with RSL Awards.
The RSL Level 3 Performance Showcase Certificate gives aspiring performers the chance to curate and deliver an extended solo performance, all built around a personal theme. Designed for those who have reached Grade 8 standard in their discipline, this qualification offers a natural next step for learners wanting to evidence their skills for progression to the Level 4 & 6 RSL Professional Diplomas, higher education or professional performance.
Career Development
If you’re a musician, dancer, theatre practitioner or actor, this certificate lets you take ownership of your creative direction and demonstrate your individual style and technical command through performance and reflection.
Who is it for?
This qualification is ideal for learners who have completed a Grade 8 qualification (or equivalent) in music, dance or wider performing arts disciplines. It provides a platform for performers to develop and showcase their abilities through a structured, self-directed project.
Whether you’re preparing for a professional diploma, building a portfolio for drama school or a music conservatoire, or simply want to take your art to the next level, this is your stage.
Qualification Summary
- Title: RSL Level 3 Performance Showcase Certificate
- Total Qualification Time: 360 hours
- Guided Learning Hours: 40 hours
- Credit Value: 36
- Assessment Type: Digital submission, externally assessed
- Grading: Pass / Merit / Distinction
How it works
Let us guide you through the simple steps to get started…
01
Download the syllabus
Download the syllabus to review the requirements and processes for this qualification.
02
Submit your entry
Sign in or create an account to submit your entry and to access your unit modules
03
Gain your new qualification
Upload your work to our submissions portal for moderation by our expert examining panel.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, relevant experience in the subject area to be delivered in the classroom is required. We recommend that learners are at least 16 years of age at the time of certification.
What’s Involved?
The Level 3 Performance Showcase Certificate puts you in creative control, allowing you to design and deliver a solo performance that reflects your strengths, style, and discipline. From planning to final evaluation, this qualification gives you the freedom to express your artistry while meeting clear, structured assessment criteria.
You’ll plan, perform and evaluate an extended solo performance lasting 15–20 minutes, underpinned by written or recorded programme notes and an evaluation of your performance. Your work will be assessed across five key areas:
– Planning
– Technical Skills
– Consistency
– Interpretative Skills
– Evaluation
You’ll build your programme around a theme of your choice and submit your performance as a filmed live performance or a showreel. Performances can be accompanied or unaccompanied, and may take place with or without a live audience.
Eligible Disciplines
You can showcase your skills in any of the following disciplines:
Music: Any instrument or voice offered by RSL at Grade 8 level
Dance: Street and Commercial, Jazz (plus Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, and Lyrical with sufficient experience)
Performing Arts: Musical Theatre (Acting, Singing, Dancing), Acting
Assessment Methodology
All work is assessed externally by RSL examiners. You’ll need to submit:
- A filmed performance (15–20 mins) or showreel
- Programme notes including your performance theme and rationale
- An evaluation of your final performance
Submissions can include a mix of written and audio-visual materials, with evidence limits of 1000 words or 6 mins 30 secs of video/audio content (or a proportioned combination of both).
Candidates can begin the learning for the qualification at any time and the learner will have 1 year to complete the Certificate from point of registration.
Progression
This Level 3 Performance Showcase Certificate provides opportunities for learners to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of performing and the process of developing material for performance. It is therefore relevant for anyone expanding their portfolio of skills and qualifications to support progression to Higher Education or the Industry.
It is an excellent complementary qualification for those looking to pursue a career in Music and Performing Arts. The Certificate provides great progression onto RSL’s Level 4 and 6 Professional Diplomas in Performance.
Purchase Your Entries
Purchase your entries for the Level 3 Performance Showcase Certificate via our online shop. You will then be able complete your entry details and access any relevant qualification resources.
-
All work is assessed externally by RSL examiners. You’ll need to submit:
- A filmed performance (15–20 mins) or showreel
- Programme notes including your performance theme and rationale
- An evaluation of your final performance
Submissions can include a mix of written and audio-visual materials, with evidence limits of 1000 words or 6 mins 30 secs of video/audio content (or a proportioned combination of both).
-
All repertoire must be approved by RSL before submission. This ensures your chosen material meets the appropriate level and standard for assessment. Approval should be requested at least six weeks before your intended performance.
-
Successful completion of the Performance Showcase Certificate supports progression to RSL’s Level 4 Professional Diplomas, higher education courses, or direct entry into the creative industries. It’s an excellent addition to your creative portfolio or UCAS application.
-
There are no formal prerequisites, but candidates should be performing at or above Grade 8 level. This qualification is best suited to those with existing experience and confidence in solo performance.
Syllabus downloads
Download the Level 3 Certificate syllabus and relevant documentation to get started.
Certificate Fees
Please see the information below for all Certificate fees
| Exam Grade | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Level 3 Certificate - Printed Certificate | £120 |
Late Entry, Date Changes & Deferrals
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Retake Fee | £35 |
| Extension | Year one free. £15 if deferring booking past two years. |
Enquiries About Results/Appeals
| Service | Fee | Cap for multiple candidates | Refundable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remark | Remark of a Single unit = 12.5% of total fee with the same cap applied for multiple learners | 12.5% of total fee | if there is a change of grade |
| First level appeal | 60% of exam fee | £150 | if enquiry is upheld |
| Second level appeal | 75% of exam fee | £200 | if enquiry is upheld |
Replacement Certificate
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Replacement Certificate | £15 |
Key Dates
There are no set dates for the Level 3 Certificate, you can enter anytime. You have one year to complete your qualification. Extensions to this time can be applied for by directly contacting RSL Awards.
Get Started
Once you’ve purchased your Level 3 Certificate entries, sign in to complete your entry details and access your qualification resources.
General Information
For operational, general information and FAQs relating to our Level 3 Certificate, please head over to our help centre.
Any questions?
Get in touch and our team of experts will get right back to you…
Create your RSL Account
Access everything you need from your secure RSL Awards account. Get started today.
