Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
RSL Fellowship
RSL Fellowship
A fellowship of RSL is currently the highest honour that RSL can bestow. Fellowships are presented to acknowledge practitioners who have contributed to the development of their art form and inspired the students of RSL qualifications to achieve their best.
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RSL Fellowships are awarded to practitioners from a variety of industries. Here are the different capacities where an RSL Fellowship would be awarded.
Fellows – Fellows of RSL demonstrate outstanding achievement in the area of Music and the Contemporary Arts.
Honorary Fellowships – may be awarded from time to time by RSL in recognition of educational and professional excellence.Honorary fellows will appear on RSL materials to promote good practice within the sector.
Fellows typically come from two areas of expertise; Professional or Educational.
Professional Experience – Practitioners are expected to have achieved distinction in music, contemporary arts and related areas over a significant period.
This may include:
- Extensive and innovative performance work.
- Significant contribution to the recording industry.
- Significant contribution to policy or practice.
- Extensive peer recognition and a worldwide reputation.
- Has gained industry recognition through industry awards and memberships.
Educational Experience – Practitioners are expected to satisfy one or more of the following criteria with regards to academic qualifications:
- Can demonstrate a high level of teaching experience supported by teaching qualifications.
- Having made a significant contribution to the policy or practice of contemporary arts education.
- Extensive peer recognition and a worldwide reputation
RSL Fellows
Here is the list of current fellows:
Deirdre Cartwright
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Deirdre Cartwright is a renowned guitarist, songwriter, and co-Founder of “Blow the Fuse,” making a profound impact on UK’s music industry.
Deirdre Cartwright
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Deirdre Cartwright is a renowned guitarist, songwriter, and co-Founder of “Blow the Fuse,” making a profound impact on UK’s music industry.
Billy Cobham
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music and Education
Billy Cobham is a Grammy nominated drummer known for his fusion jazz style including his groundbreaking composition “Red Baron”.
Billy Cobham
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music and Education
Billy Cobham is a Grammy nominated drummer known for his fusion jazz style including his groundbreaking composition “Red Baron”.
Fraser T Smith
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Fraser T Smith is a songwriter and producer best known for his work on the Grammy winning single “Set Fire To The Rain” and Stormzy’s Gang Signs & Prayer album.
Fraser T Smith
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Fraser T Smith is a songwriter and producer best known for his work on the Grammy winning single “Set Fire To The Rain” and Stormzy’s Gang Signs & Prayer album.
Randy Brecker
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Randy Brecker is an acclaimed trumpet player and composer, recognised for his iconic composition “Some Skunk Funk” and ongoing influence on young musicians. Photo credit: randybrecker.com
Randy Brecker
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Randy Brecker is an acclaimed trumpet player and composer, recognised for his iconic composition “Some Skunk Funk” and ongoing influence on young musicians. Photo credit: randybrecker.com
Steve White
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music and Education
Steve White is an accomplished drummer and educator who has played with Paul Weller’s Style Council and collaborated with Oasis, The Who, and more.
Steve White
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music and Education
Steve White is an accomplished drummer and educator who has played with Paul Weller’s Style Council and collaborated with Oasis, The Who, and more.
Max Helyer
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Max Helyer is the guitarist of UK rock band You Me At Six, achieving chart success and touring with artists such as Paramore, Fall Out Boy and Thirty Seconds.
Max Helyer
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Max Helyer is the guitarist of UK rock band You Me At Six, achieving chart success and touring with artists such as Paramore, Fall Out Boy and Thirty Seconds.
Muyiwa Olarewaju
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is a renowned gospel artist, broadcaster, and presenter with accolades including Director of Premier Gospel, judge on BBC’s Songs of Praise and leader of Riversongz.
Muyiwa Olarewaju
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is a renowned gospel artist, broadcaster, and presenter with accolades including Director of Premier Gospel, judge on BBC’s Songs of Praise and leader of Riversongz.
Richard Beadle
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Richard Beadle is the Musical Director of the multi-Olivier award winning production Hamilton, whilst also composing the BBC’s Gareth Malone’s All Star Music Quiz theme tune.
Richard Beadle
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Richard Beadle is the Musical Director of the multi-Olivier award winning production Hamilton, whilst also composing the BBC’s Gareth Malone’s All Star Music Quiz theme tune.
Luke McGrellis
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Luke McGrellis is the Vice President of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group, having signed artists such as Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish and Sam Smith.
Luke McGrellis
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Luke McGrellis is the Vice President of A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group, having signed artists such as Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish and Sam Smith.
Crispin Parry
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Crispin Parry, a drummer turned music journalist and industry advocate, founded BANG magazine and British Underground, supporting emerging talent.
Crispin Parry
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Crispin Parry, a drummer turned music journalist and industry advocate, founded BANG magazine and British Underground, supporting emerging talent.
Matt Prime
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Matt Prime, a prolific songwriter and producer, boasts an impressive discography filled with collaborations including Kylie Minogue, Sam Smith, and Jason Derulo.
Matt Prime
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Matt Prime, a prolific songwriter and producer, boasts an impressive discography filled with collaborations including Kylie Minogue, Sam Smith, and Jason Derulo.
Sam Winwood
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Sam Winwood has an expansive career spanning 25 years, starting as a talent scout and now managing huge artists like Sam Fender and Rudimental.
Sam Winwood
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Sam Winwood has an expansive career spanning 25 years, starting as a talent scout and now managing huge artists like Sam Fender and Rudimental.
Shereece Storrod
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Shereece Storrod, renowned singer and mentor, has a 25 year career performing across the world and for notable audiences such as the Royal Family, Pope John Paul and Nelson Mandela.
Shereece Storrod
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Shereece Storrod, renowned singer and mentor, has a 25 year career performing across the world and for notable audiences such as the Royal Family, Pope John Paul and Nelson Mandela.
Francis Seriau
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Francis Seriau DPhil -FRSA, is a creative and pioneering music educator who founded the world-renowned Tech Music Schools, attracting students from over 50 countries.
Francis Seriau
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Francis Seriau DPhil -FRSA, is a creative and pioneering music educator who founded the world-renowned Tech Music Schools, attracting students from over 50 countries.
Robert Burns
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Robert Burns is an accomplished musician and Honorary Associate Professor of Music who has worked with notable artists such as Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, The Stylistics, and Edwin Starr.
Robert Burns
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) For Services to Music
Robert Burns is an accomplished musician and Honorary Associate Professor of Music who has worked with notable artists such as Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, The Stylistics, and Edwin Starr.
RSL GMIA Fellows
RSL Awards & GMIA have partnered to honour UK Gospel Icons. Here is the list of current fellows:
Anu Omideyi
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Anu’s years of work in music education, equipping gospel practitioners and guiding numerous choirs with the expertise needed to excel within the genre.
Anu Omideyi
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Anu’s years of work in music education, equipping gospel practitioners and guiding numerous choirs with the expertise needed to excel within the genre.
Roger Moore
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Roger’s remarkable work in the gospel community empowering gospel professionals with courses and programmes, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the industry.
Roger Moore
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Roger’s remarkable work in the gospel community empowering gospel professionals with courses and programmes, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the industry.
Karen Gibson MBE
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music
Karen Gibson MBE, an esteemed choir conductor and workshop leader, directs the award- winning Kingdom Choir and conducts extensive workshops globally. Celebrated for elevating choirs and gospel music, she has performed for notable figures and led impactful community and educational initiatives. Her contributions have earned numerous awards, including multiple choir…
Karen Gibson MBE
Honorary Fellowship of RSL (FRSL) for Services to Music
Karen Gibson MBE, an esteemed choir conductor and workshop leader, directs the award- winning Kingdom Choir and conducts extensive workshops globally. Celebrated for elevating choirs and gospel music, she has performed for notable figures and led impactful community and educational initiatives. Her contributions have earned numerous awards, including multiple choir competition victories and recognition for service to music and choral ministry.
Audrey Lawrence-Mattis
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Audrey’s dedication to propelling gospel music and gospel artists, empowering various gospel practitioners with educational workshops and her work with multiple choirs.
Audrey Lawrence-Mattis
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Audrey’s dedication to propelling gospel music and gospel artists, empowering various gospel practitioners with educational workshops and her work with
multiple choirs.
Ayo Oyerinde
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Ayo’s exceptional music and production work with gospel artists and musicians as well as his work with various choirs throughout the years.
Ayo Oyerinde
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship awarded in recognition of Ayo’s exceptional music and production work with gospel artists and musicians as well as his work with various choirs throughout the years.
Bazil Meade MBE
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Bazil Meade, MBE, founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, is celebrated for blending faith and music, influencing global audiences, and collaborating with stars like Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney. His workshops and the Bazil Meade Experience showcase his versatility. Awarded an MBE for his contributions to music and gospel,…
Bazil Meade MBE
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Bazil Meade, MBE, founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, is celebrated for blending faith and music, influencing global audiences, and collaborating with stars like Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney. His workshops and the Bazil Meade Experience showcase his versatility. Awarded an MBE for his contributions to music and gospel, Meade’s impact spans teaching, performing, and inspiring through his autobiography.
Clinton Jordan
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Clinton Jordan, celebrated vocalist and vocal arranger for The Kingdom Choir, has performed with icons like Mariah Carey and at significant events, including the 2018 Royal Wedding. His educational contributions earned him the Jack Petchey ‘Outstanding Leader’ award.
Clinton Jordan
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Clinton Jordan, celebrated vocalist and vocal arranger for The Kingdom Choir, has performed with icons like Mariah Carey and at significant events, including the 2018 Royal Wedding. His educational contributions earned him the Jack Petchey ‘Outstanding Leader’ award.
David Copeland
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
David Copeland, with a music career spanning four decades, excels in piano, bass, vocals, songwriting, and production. Collaborations include CBSO and Ruby Turner, reflecting his dedication to music excellence.
David Copeland
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
David Copeland, with a music career spanning four decades, excels in piano, bass, vocals, songwriting, and production. Collaborations include CBSO and Ruby Turner, reflecting his dedication to music excellence.
Faye Simpson
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Faye Simpson, an acclaimed UK gospel artist, has earned multiple accolades including Capital Radio’s Best Gospel Female Artist and the MOBO Gospel Artist of the Year with Nu Colours. She has collaborated with stars like Michael Jackson and Annie Lennox, and her voice features in soundtracks for films like “Four…
Faye Simpson
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Faye Simpson, an acclaimed UK gospel artist, has earned multiple accolades including Capital Radio’s Best Gospel Female Artist and the MOBO Gospel Artist of the Year with Nu Colours. She has collaborated with stars like Michael Jackson and Annie Lennox, and her voice features in soundtracks for films like “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” Faye also mentors emerging artists through her vocal academy.
Jerome Brown
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Jerome “Jerry” Brown, raised in a musical East London family, began his career early, touring with Gloria Gaynor at 17. An adept multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he has performed with icons like Nina Simone, Tom Jones, and Tina Turner, and is part of notable choirs like The Kingdom Choir. Jerry values…
Jerome Brown
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Jerome “Jerry” Brown, raised in a musical East London family, began his career early, touring with Gloria Gaynor at 17. An adept multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he has performed with icons like Nina Simone, Tom Jones, and Tina Turner, and is part of notable choirs like The Kingdom Choir. Jerry values the continuous learning and opportunities in his career.
John Fisher BEM
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
John Fisher BEM, a renowned church musician and music director, founded the IDMC Soul Gospel Choir and has collaborated with notable artists like Sting and Jason Mraz. His community initiatives include the educational project We Sing U Sing, which impacts over 500 children annually in Croydon.
John Fisher BEM
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
John Fisher BEM, a renowned church musician and music director, founded the IDMC
Soul Gospel Choir and has collaborated with notable artists like Sting and Jason Mraz. His community initiatives include the educational project We Sing U Sing, which impacts over 500 children annually in Croydon.
Ken Burton
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Ken Burton, a prominent British conductor, composer, and arranger, has significantly impacted both the music and film industries. Known for his regular contributions to BBC1’s Songs Of Praise, he has also been a choirmaster for the Oscar and Grammy-winning film “Black Panther” and other major films. Burton has performed globally…
Ken Burton
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Ken Burton, a prominent British conductor, composer, and arranger, has significantly impacted both the music and film industries. Known for his regular contributions to BBC1’s Songs Of Praise, he has also been a choirmaster for the Oscar and Grammy-winning film “Black Panther” and other major films. Burton has performed globally at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and Wembley Stadium, with his orchestral music featured by leading UK orchestras.
Lawrence Johnson
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Lawrence Johnson, a foundational member of the London Community Gospel Choir, has had a distinguished 40-year career in music, transitioning to co-found the MOBO-winning group Nu Colours. Renowned as a vocal arranger and mentor, he has collaborated with top artists and producers, including work on acclaimed projects like Lemar’s albums…
Lawrence Johnson
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Lawrence Johnson, a foundational member of the London Community Gospel Choir, has had
a distinguished 40-year career in music, transitioning to co-found the MOBO-winning group Nu Colours. Renowned as a vocal arranger and mentor, he has collaborated with top artists and producers, including work on acclaimed projects like Lemar’s albums and Popstars: The Rivals, showcasing his extensive influence in both the music and film industries.
Nicky Brown
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Nicky Brown, a prominent musician, producer, and arranger, has left a significant mark across various music genres and media. Involved with major collaborations with artists like Mica Paris, Madonna, and Earth Wind and Fire, Brown has also contributed to film and television. A minister and speaker, he continues to influence…
Nicky Brown
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Nicky Brown, a prominent musician, producer, and arranger, has left a significant mark across various music genres and media. Involved with major collaborations with artists like Mica Paris, Madonna, and Earth Wind and Fire, Brown has also contributed to film and television. A minister and speaker, he continues to influence both gospel music and broader musical landscapes, participating in esteemed panels and events like the Music & Media Conference.
Noel Robinson
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Noel Robinson is an international worship leader, music pastor, songwriter, and producer with over 20 years of experience. He founded The Kingdom Worship Movement and the “Renewal Worship Encounters” event. Known for his ability to bridge diverse cultural expressions of worship, Robinson has collaborated with notable figures like Israel Houghton…
Noel Robinson
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Noel Robinson is an international worship leader, music pastor, songwriter, and producer with over 20 years of experience. He founded The Kingdom Worship Movement and the “Renewal Worship Encounters” event. Known for his ability to bridge diverse cultural expressions of worship, Robinson has collaborated with notable figures like Israel Houghton and Ron Kenoly and has led worship at significant global events and conferences.
Priscilla Jones-Campbell
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship in recognition of Priscilla’s remarkable dedication to the UK gospel industry, contributing to the advancement of other vocalists, musicians and artists as well as being part of the iconic British gospel group Nu Colours.
Priscilla Jones-Campbell
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship in recognition of Priscilla’s remarkable dedication to the UK gospel industry, contributing to the advancement of other vocalists, musicians and artists as well as being part of the iconic British gospel group Nu Colours.
Ray Prince
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship in recognition of the remarkable impact Ray has had on the UK gospel industry as well as the strides Ray has made to maintain the classics of gospel music for all generations.
Ray Prince
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Fellowship in recognition of the remarkable impact Ray has had on the UK gospel industry as well as the strides Ray has made to maintain the classics of gospel music for all generations.
Tyndale Thomas MBE
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Tyndale Thomas MBE, a distinguished director of the Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir for over 20 years, is celebrated for his contributions to gospel music in the UK and internationally. A co-founder of The Challengers and The Merry Bell Gospel Choir, he has worked with legends like Stevie Wonder and Nina…
Tyndale Thomas MBE
Honorary Fellowship of RSL & GMIA – FRSL Hons (GMIA)
Tyndale Thomas MBE, a distinguished director of the Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir for over 20 years, is celebrated for his contributions to gospel music in the UK and internationally. A co-founder of The Challengers and The Merry Bell Gospel Choir, he has worked with legends like Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone. Awarded an MBE for promoting gospel music, Thomas also conducts workshops and directs mass choirs across Europe.
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