Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Rockschool
Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician. Ranging from introductory grades to advanced levels of study, RSL Awards’ graded music exams ensure hard work is rewarded. For over 30 years we have been producing materials to help people learn musical instruments and assess their progress.
Rockschool: Supporting your musical progression
Whether you are taking your first steps on your instrument, moving into further/higher education, or perfecting your advanced instrument technique; a Rockschool qualification will not only improve your playing ability, but expand your technical proficiency and give you a solid grasp of music theory – all whilst learning some of the most iconic tracks from the world of popular music.
Explore our range of syllabuses below…
Drums
The drummer is the driving force, backbone and foundation of the entire band dynamic. Learn the fundamentals to becoming an awesome drummer with Rockschool Drum grades.
Electric Guitar
We’ve hand-picked tunes from some of the world’s biggest artists across a diverse range of genres to provide students with an expansive song choice to use in their exam and for their own enjoyment. Learn your favourite styles of music with Rockschool Electric Guitar.
Vocals
A Rockschool Vocal Grade will not only improve your singing ability, but expand your technical proficiency, grasp of music theory and appreciation of some of the most influential songs from the past five decades.
Ukulele
Join the ukulele revolution! Gain the techniques to play your ukulele like a pro with the Rockschool Ukulele grades.
Acoustic Guitar
A number of phenomenal hits are birthed from the strums of an acoustic guitar. Learn to play like a pro with Rockschool Acoustic grades.
Piano
Created with the modern musician in mind, Rockschool Piano grades gives all aspiring pianists the knowledge needed to become a dynamic contemporary performer.
Keyboard
If you’re looking to become a remarkable keyboardist, the Rockschool Keys syllabus will support you on your musical journey today.
Music Theory
Having a firm grasp on music theory gives you the building blocks needed to become an accomplished musician. The Rockschool Music Theory grades enabling you to confidently articulate your musical ideas and concepts to fellow musicians.
Bass Guitar
Bassists are essential to holding the groove of a song together. Learn the techniques of many great bassist with Rockschool Bass Grades.
Music Production
With 30+ years history of innovation throughout music education, Rockschool Music Production grades provide aspiring producers and engineers with the skills needed to excel in the industry.
Harmonica
The Rockschool Harmonica Method Books introduce the fundamental skills and techniques of playing contemporary music to students who are new to the instrument.
Drums
The drummer is the driving force, backbone and foundation of the entire band dynamic. Learn the fundamentals to becoming an awesome drummer with Rockschool Drum grades.
Electric Guitar
We’ve hand-picked tunes from some of the world’s biggest artists across a diverse range of genres to provide students with an expansive song choice to use in their exam and for their own enjoyment. Learn your favourite styles of music with Rockschool Electric Guitar.
Vocals
A Rockschool Vocal Grade will not only improve your singing ability, but expand your technical proficiency, grasp of music theory and appreciation of some of the most influential songs from the past five decades.
Ukulele
Join the ukulele revolution! Gain the techniques to play your ukulele like a pro with the Rockschool Ukulele grades.
Acoustic Guitar
A number of phenomenal hits are birthed from the strums of an acoustic guitar. Learn to play like a pro with Rockschool Acoustic grades.
Piano
Created with the modern musician in mind, Rockschool Piano grades gives all aspiring pianists the knowledge needed to become a dynamic contemporary performer.
Keyboard
If you’re looking to become a remarkable keyboardist, the Rockschool Keys syllabus will support you on your musical journey today.
Music Theory
Having a firm grasp on music theory gives you the building blocks needed to become an accomplished musician. The Rockschool Music Theory grades enabling you to confidently articulate your musical ideas and concepts to fellow musicians.
Bass Guitar
Bassists are essential to holding the groove of a song together. Learn the techniques of many great bassist with Rockschool Bass Grades.
Music Production
With 30+ years history of innovation throughout music education, Rockschool Music Production grades provide aspiring producers and engineers with the skills needed to excel in the industry.
Harmonica
The Rockschool Harmonica Method Books introduce the fundamental skills and techniques of playing contemporary music to students who are new to the instrument.
Innovation in the contemporary arts for over 30 years
Since 1991, Rockschool has been at the heart of offering ground breaking qualifications that push the bar in the contemporary arts. Now 30 years on, RSL is still challenging the norm, and equipping musicians with the industry relevant skills and offering an array of qualifications in a variety of disciplines.
Awarding students in the music they love to play
At RSL, we award on musicianship as well as technique. As fellow musicians and performers, our examiners credit not just the level of skill from our candidates but their interpretation of the pieces they perform, giving them the tools needed to stand out in their industry.
Recognising achievement worldwide
All our qualifications have been designed with industry relevance, student engagement, and academic rigour in mind. Upon completion of a Rockschool grade, every candidate will have earned a globally recognised qualification, which has been designed to support progression routes towards higher education and the creative industries.
RSL Awards Graded Music Exams
Rockschool’s graded music exams motivate and encourage musicians of all ages and abilities through a system of progressive mastery. Our range of exam options (face-to-face, live stream and recorded digital all available) enable candidates to develop and enhance their musical skills, knowledge and understanding in an exciting, engaging and consistent manner.
Celebrating Achievement: Earn UCAS Points
Rockschool grades 6 to 8 are UCAS recognised aiding Higher Education applications. Candidates can gain up to 30 UCAS points for the successful completion of these Level 3 qualifications. A Rockschool qualification can unlock a wealth of career options over and above being a successful performer.
Shop with RSL
Visit the RSL shop to purchase your grade books, Rockschool classics and method books, graded music exam entries, and music theory workbooks and guidebooks. This all sits alongside a plethora of study guides and resources.
Shop Grade Books
Grab your next Rockschool grade book. Physical editions and innovative e-books available.
Purchase Exams
Purchase your exam entry. Face-to-face, Live Stream and Recorded Digital exams available.
Find a Teacher or Institution
Find your nearest RSL Awards teacher by using the search below. Our exams are also available across the globe. Click here to search international teachers or institutions.
Rockschool FAQs
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Entering for 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.
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We issue certificates for all exams with a result of Pass, Merit or Distinction. Unfortunately, an Unclassified result does not lead to a certificate.
For all UK / Ireland graded exam entries, entrants choose the type of certificate:
- eCertificate: This is a secure digital certificate which will be emailed to the entrant. Further information: eCertificates
- Paper certificate: This is a printed certificate with security features. Choosing this option incurs a surcharge of £3 (Ireland: €3.50) per exam in addition to the exam fees and any late fees. The Paper certificate will be posted to the entrant’s address. When this option is chosen a digital eCertificate is also emailed to the entrant.
Both types of certificate feature a QR code which is also clickable from the eCertificate. This code can be used to validate the authenticity of the certificate via AuthentiQual.com
You can choose which certificate type you want when purchasing an exam entry.
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The fee of an exam varies depending on which grade the candidate is taking. Check the fees page or each qualification landing page for the relevant fees.
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In the UK, Rockschool Graded Music Face-to-face Exams are held over three sessions per year. View the UK exam periods and closing dates.
Digital Exams (Recorded and Live Stream) are not subject to exam periods or closing dates.
If you’re based outside of the UK, please check your country page here……
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Exams take place all over the UK. We always aim to offer candidates the most convenient centre possible but, we cannot guarantee this. Please refer to our exam venue map.
Don’t forget you can also take your exam remotely from wherever you are based around the world via our Digital exams.
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.
