Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Music Practitioners
Our Music Practitioners qualifications are designed to provide a vocationally-relevant education in contemporary music, aimed at beginners through to semi-professionals.
Whether your learners are aspiring performers, composers, entrepreneurs or a combination of all of these – give them the opportunity to apply their creativity in a practically-focused setting.
Vocational Qualifications
Music Practitioners
Directly influence the future of the Music Industry! Focusing on the acquisition of practical skills and knowledge applicable to the sector, RSL’s Music Practitioners Qualifications at Levels 1-3 offers aspiring producers, performers, songwriters and entrepreneurs the opportunity to surround themselves in music while gaining a fully regulated and recognised qualification in the process.
These qualifications offer practically-focused alternatives to traditional GCSEs and A Levels, whilst retaining the rigour and recognition required for progression. Get larger cohorts, increased learner engagement, and extra qualification flexibility!
UK music industry’s contribution to UK economy in 2021 was £4 billion, employing over 145,000 people.
– UK Music – This Is Music 2022 report
How it works
Get started with RSL’s Vocational Qualifications in three simple steps…
01
Download the syllabus pack
Download the syllabus pack to review the requirements and processes for this qualification suite.
02
Build your qualification
Tailor your courses to your learners needs and centre’s expertise with our Core Units and innovative Optional Units.
03
Submit centre approval application
Ready to deliver? Submit your centre approval application via our website
Pathways Information
This suite of qualifications has been designed to provide vocationally relevant courses in popular music aimed at beginners through to semi-professionals, which allow for direct progression into the industry and/or progression to a higher level of study. It focuses upon the recognition of achievement through practical musical skills, business skills and music technology skills, as well as offering the flexibility of unit combination.
For Non-Performance Tables, the qualifications range from Level 1 to Level 3, with four pathways at each level. The final qualification will be awarded upon successful completion of a specified number of credits at each level. There are four types of final award at Levels 1 & 2; Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma. At Level 3 there are five types of final award: Certificate, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diploma.
For Tech Levels, The Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Level 3 Extended Diploma for Music Practitioners provide music industry qualifications that will equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding for entry to employment in the music industry or progression to further study at a higher level.
The qualifications are divided into specific pathways, offering the opportunity to undertake specialised learning that can be accurately matched to specific career sectors in the music industry. The array of optional units within the qualifications also allows learners to cover a range of aspects of the music industry, whichever pathway they select, reflecting the nature of employment within the music industry which often involves individuals undertaking multiple roles as part of a ‘portfolio career’, many in a freelance capacity.
Pathway Profiles
Each pathway embodies a specific profile of study and this informs the core unit choices, which you are guided to make. Learners will be led by centres when choosing the pathway options available to them, and the units within their chosen pathway.
Performance
Learners will:
- Perform effectively on their instrument/voice
- Rehearse and display musicianship skills
- Initiate and develop repertoire
- Rehearse effectively and perform music live
- Understand contextual issues relating to music style,
audience and the music industry - Understand relevant aspects of music technology
Technology
Learners will demonstrate:
- Sound recording skills
- Mixing and mastering skills
- Sequencing and production skills
- Live sound skills
- Radio programming skills
- Video production skills
- Understanding of contextual issues relating to music
technology
Business
Learners will demonstrate:
- Sound business and financial skills
- Marketing skills
- Understanding of music contracts
- Media communication skills
- Freelance practice
- Artist management and artist representation skills
- Event management skills
Composition
Learners will:
- Compose and arrange music
- Initiate and develop repertoire
- Develop musicianship skills through using a harmony
instrument - Use computers and sequencing and recording
software/hardware - Understand contextual issues relating to music style,
audience and the music industry
Unit Information
Non-Performance Tables
RSL Music Practitioners qualifications consist of two types of unit:
- Core (mandatory) units: chosen depending on the pathway
- Optional units: open to all pathways
All of the units in this qualification suite are internally assessed — staff in centres provide assessment opportunities for, and assess the work produced by, learners.
Tech Levels
The learner can follow one of four pathways:
- Performance
- Composition
- Technology
- Business
Core externally assessed units
Learners taking the Subsidiary Diploma undertake one externally assessed core unit which is relevant to their chosen pathway. Learners taking the Extended Diploma undertake two externally assessed core units, relevant to their chosen pathway.
Core internally assessed unit
All learners undertake an internally assessed core unit (Planning a Career in Music).
Optional internally assessed units
All learners can select a number of optional units in order to develop their skills and understanding in areas relevant to their chosen pathway.
Core, Optional & Skills Units
In addition to the mandatory core units, learners can select from a number of optional units, which are open to all pathways. The number of optional units selected will depend on the chosen type of final award. Learners can also take additional ‘core’ units, from any of the pathways, which will be considered as optional units within the qualification.
Please scroll through a selection of unit examples below. Download the syllabus pack to explore the full list of optional and skills units available at each level.
Qualification Titles & Structure
RSL endeavour to provide qualifications at each level which will fit with the needs of centres and learners. We design qualifications which learners can build upon, and that centres can timetable in to a wider programme of study or as a full time course. With our flexible approach to the combination of mandatory and optional content, our qualifications can be tailored to your needs. From a 60 guided learning hour Award at Level 1 through to over 1000 guided learning hours on one of our Level 3 Extended Diplomas, you are sure to find the right qualification size for you.
Level 1
Performance, Technology, Business, and Composition pathways are available at Level 1. Centre or learner chooses one.
| Qualification Titles | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Minimum No. of Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Award for Music Practitioners | 60 | 10 |
| Level 1 Certificate for Music Practitioners | 120 | 20 |
| Level 1 Extended Certificate for Music Practitioners | 180 | 30 |
| Level 1 Diploma for Music Practitioners | 480 | 80 |
Level 2
All pathways available. Centre or learner chooses one.
| Qualification Structure | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Minimum No. of Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Award for Music Practitioners | 60 | 10 |
| Level 2 Certificate for Music Practitioners | 120 | 20 |
| Level 2 Extended Certificate for Music Practitioners | 180 | 30 |
| Level 2 Diploma for Music Practitioners | 480 | 80 |
Level 3
All pathways available. Centre or learner chooses one.
| Qualification Structure | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Minimum No. of Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Certificate for Music Practitioners | 90 | 15 |
| Level 3 Extended Certificate for Music Practitioners | 210 | 35 |
| Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners | 540 | 90 |
| Level 3 Diploma for Music Practitioners | 720 | 120 |
| Level 3 Extended Diploma for Music Practitioners | 1080 | 180 |
Level 3
All pathways available. Centre or learner chooses one.
| Qualification Structure | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Total Qualification Time (TQT) | Externally assessed core units | Internally assessed core units | Percentage external assessment | Percentage mandatory assessment | UCAS points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners | 540 | 900 | 1 | 1 | 33% | 50% | Up to 84 |
| Level 3 Extended Diploma for Music Practitioners | 1080 | 1800 | 2 | 1 | 33% | 41% | Up to 168 |
Why RSL Vocational Qualifications?
Developed in collaboration with industry experts to reflect the fast-moving Creative Industries sector, RSL’s VQs are practically-focused, and contain a wide range units and criteria accurately mapping to specific careers. They provide engaging assessment opportunities for learners that focus on the application of practical and/or technical skills.
Recognition
All Level 3 qualifications carry up to 168 UCAS points allowing opportunities for HE progression, and Level 4/5 qualifications can be topped up at a variety of the UK’s specialist HE providers.
Flexible Choice
We have a huge range of units to choose from at Level 3 providing unrivalled flexibility of delivery. The range of optional units are designed to equip learners with a well-rounded understanding of the Creative Industries.
Fair and Practical Assessment
All assessment is based around practical and/or technical skills and knowledge applicable to roles in the Creative Industries. Learners are graded according to where the majority of their grading sits, resulting in holistic, best-fit assessment.
Current
No set works, or genre/repertoire restrictions, learners can study the genres they are interested in, allowing deeper focus on content that excites them.
Tailored Delivery
Build a course that’s tailored to your learners’ needs whilst maximising your centre’s resources and expertise.
Funding
RSL has a huge range of qualifications at each level which are funded for delivery in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. RSL qualifications are also available for funded delivery in Scotland in certain settings at certain levels. Get in touch for more info.
Help, Support & Quality Assurance
You will get access to RSL’s Help & Support portal, containing multiple QA resources, guidance documents, templates and exemplar materials, plus footage from previously recorded CPD events.
Centres have contact with two allocated RSL Quality Assurance representatives from the start of delivery all the way through to certification. These named contacts will offer the following services to support centre delivery:
- Annual centre visit – a supportive process designed to monitor and review the way in which qualifications are planned and delivered
- A point of contact for subject-specific academic queries throughout delivery
- Building of a strong relationship throughout the duration of the qualification, resulting in moderation of your learner evidence with a known, named contact already familiar with your centre
UCAS Points
RSL Awards’ Vocational Qualifications aid progression into Higher Education. We have a huge range of qualifications at Level 3 that carry UCAS Points. Click the button below to see the allocation of UCAS Points per qualification size and suite.
Changing Awarding Organisations
Moving over to RSL Awards Vocational Qualifications is easy! Just follow these three simple steps…
1. Submit a preliminary application form.
This is found here. Once you have submitted this, our team will be in touch with some login credentials for our website, along with details of the next step.
2. Prepare your full centre approval application for submission.
Our centre approval application pack details all supporting documents that need to be included, along with a guidance document for completing the form itself.
3. Approval complete!
If the application is complete our team will be in touch to inform you of your new status as an approved RSL Awards delivery centre!
Downloads
Here are our Creative Digital Media Vocational Qualifications syllabuses available to download.
Qualification Details and Registration Fees
Our qualification registration fees are the same for both UK and International delivery centres. These fees apply to each registered learner, with the fee dependent on the size of qualification they are registered on.
Please note: fees listed are for the current academic year.
| QAN | Qualification | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 501/0504/8 | RSL Level 1 Award for Music Practitioners | £55 |
| 501/0656/9 | RSL Level 1 Certificate for Music Practitioners | £71 |
| 501/0655/7 | RSL Level 1 Extended Certificate for Music Practitioners | £100 |
| 501/0546/2 | RSL Level 1 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners | £166 |
| 601/7988/0 | RSL Level 1 Award for Music Practitioners | £70 |
| 601/7995/8 | RSL Level 1 Certificate for Music Practitioners | £91 |
| 601/7993/4 | RSL Level 1 Extended Certificate for Music Practitioners | £127 |
| 601/7994/6 | RSL Level 1 Diploma for Music Practitioners | £211 |
| 603/3305/4 | RSL Level 1 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners | £98 |
| 603/3306/6 | RSL Level 1 Certificate in Technology & Composition for Music Practitioners | £98 |
Please Note: Fees listed are for the current academic year.
Performance Tables
As well as being industry relevant, we understand the need for our qualifications to be recognised by the Department for Education. That’s why we’ve ensured we have specialist Vocational Qualifications approved in music and performing arts at level 3.
Zoe Martin – BIMM Brighton
“The units are delivered across lots of different colleges and places and not everybody has the same equipment, so they (the units) are accessible to be delivered in a lot of different environments”
Register your Interest today
Want to deliver Vocational Qualifications?
Moving over to RSL Awards Vocational Qualifications is easy. To get started, click on the button below.
