RSL Awards 
Rockschool Popular Music Theory is the essential guide for contemporary musicians, composers and educators.
Performance is a huge part of being a musician, but we believe it is a firm grasp of musical language that opens up the door to achieving your full potential. Our goal is to aid the development of articulate, accomplished musicians, and the Popular Music Theory resources have been specifically designed with this in mind.
Rockschool's Theory Guidebooks are the ideal introduction to music theory for musicians, composers, students and teachers, designed for use with Rockschool's theory exams, as study and teaching aids, or as standalone guides. Rockschool's Popular Music Theory Syllabus is fully accredited and offers UCAS points at Grades 6, 7 and 8.
Rockschool Popular Music Theory consists of two Guidebooks packed with helpful information to guide you through music theory.
You'll develop your music theory from Debut–Grade 8 using some of the best-known genres in pop and rock, whilst taking notes from some of the world's biggest artists and composers.
Rockschool Popular Music Theory will give you the confidence and articulation to direct and work with bands, performers, studio engineers and composers.
For Grades 6, 7 and 8, you can supersize your university application, with up to 10 UCAS points awarded to musicians wanting to progress to university.
Discover more about rock and pop's more uncommon instruments, how they're notated and how to arrange your own brass and string sections.
Sample papers are supplied at each grade in your Workbook, so you can test what you've learnt in our Guidebooks and ensure your theory knowledge is up to scratch.
Ready to enter for your Graded Music Exam? Please see our walkthrough video of how to enter candidates for their exams in the UK...
During your music theory exam, you will be expected to complete some tasks which involve writing notation. These are completed using software called ‘Flat’, which is embedded into the online exam system. Please download the guidance below for instructions on how to access the software and some sample tasks to help you practise prior to your exam day.
Notation Guidance for Digital Rockschool Popular Music Theory Exams
Sit the Music Theory exam from the comfort of your own home. The exam is conducted online – all you need is a computer and internet connection.
Music Theory & Music Production Candidate Guidance – Online Exams
Delivery Centre - Become a delivery centre and teach the Music Theory syllabus here.
Looking for a teacher in your region? We can help! Find a teacher near you via our extensive online database.
Exam dates are scheduled on an individual basis. Your exam date will be arranged once entry has been made -
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