Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Learning Outcomes
The Learning Outcomes for each section of the exam are described below. They must be read in conjunction with the specific assessment and grading criteria for the relevant grade/discipline. Please refer to the content specification for each grade.
Premiere Candidates
| Learning Outcomes | Exam Section | Percentage of final mark |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Outcome: The learner will perform in a group piece of musical theatre. | Group Performance | 90% |
| Learning Outcome: The learner will understand individual content and context in musical theatre | Understanding and Reflection | 10% |
Debut to Grade 8 Candidates
| Learning Outcomes | Exam Section | Percentage of final mark |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Outcome 1: The learner will perform in a group piece of musical theatre | Group Performance | 60% |
| Learning Outcome 2: The learner will demonstrate technical skills relevant to musical theatre | Technical Skills Demonstration | 30% |
| Learning Outcome 3: The learner will understand individual content and context in musical theatre | Understanding and Reflection | 10% |
Performance
Grading Criteria for each component of the exam are described below. They must be read in conjunction with the specific assessment criteria for the relevant grade/discipline. Please refer to the content specification for each grade
Knowledge, Skills and Understanding
| Acting | Singing | Dancing |
|---|---|---|
| An understanding of the text is expected at all grades, and accurate word memory from Debut. As grades progress, requirements include interpretation, an understanding of character, emotions, subtext, period, style and a sense of spontaneity. | An understanding of the meaning and mood of the song is expected at all grades. As grades progress, requirements include an awareness of character, intention, dynamic variation, communication to the audience and stylistic understanding. | An understanding of the mood of the music is expected at all grades. As grades progress, requirements include characterisation, musical interpretation, communication to the audience and stylistic understanding. |
Grading Criteria
| Unclassified | Pass | Merit | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-9 | 10-12 | 13-16 | 17-20 |
| The assessment criteria for performance at the relevant grade and discipline was not demonstrated to an acceptable standard for the majority of the time, or throughout. There was limited or no evidence of interpretative awareness. | The assessment criteria for performance at the relevant grade and discipline was demonstrated to an acceptable, or mostly acceptable, standard. Generally sound interpretative awareness evident. A satisfactory presentation of work. | The assessment criteria for performance at the relevant grade and discipline was demonstrated to a proficient, or mostly proficient, standard. Assured interpretative awareness evident most of the time. A secure presentation of work. | The assessment criteria for performance at the relevant grade and discipline was demonstrated to a consistently high standard throughout, or almost throughout. Strong interpretative awareness evident. A sustained and convincing presentation of work. |
Technique
Grading Criteria for each component of the exam are described below. They must be read in conjunction with the specific assessment criteria for the relevant grade/discipline. Please refer to the content specification for each grade
Knowledge, Skills and Understanding
| Acting | Singing | Dancing |
|---|---|---|
| Use of facial expression and voice, appropriate to the meaning and mood of the text is expected at all grades. As grades progress, requirements include vocal modulation, projection, phrasing, physical characterisation, movement and gesture. | Audibility is expected at all grades. As grades progress, requirements include timing, pitch, rhythmic awareness, articulation, phrasing, intonation, breath control and resonance. | Coordination and timing is expected at all grades. As grades progress, requirements include rhythmic and spatial awareness, control, alignment, core stability, balance and dynamic variation. |
Grading Criteria
| Unclassified | Pass | Merit | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-9 | 10-12 | 13-16 | 17-20 |
| The assessment criteria for technique at the relevant grade and discipline was not demonstrated to a satisfactory standard throughout, or most of the time. There was limited or no evidence of technical accuracy. | The assessment criteria for technique at the relevant grade and discipline was demonstrated to a satisfactory, or mostly satisfactory, standard. A technically acceptable presentation of work. | The assessment criteria for technique at the relevant grade and discipline was demonstrated to a proficient, or mostly proficient, standard. A technically secure presentation of work. | The assessment criteria for technique at the relevant grade and discipline was demonstrated to a consistently high standard throughout, or almost throughout. A technically strong presentation of work. |
Understanding and Reflection
Grading Criteria for each component of the exam are described below. They must be read in conjunction with the specific assessment criteria for the relevant grade/discipline. Please refer to the content specification for each grade
Knowledge, Skills and Understanding
Through answers to the questions, a general understanding of the Group Performance piece is expected at all grades. As the grades progress, requirements include an understanding of characters, context, rehearsal processes, stylistic features of the performance and critique of candidate’s own performance.
Grading Criteria
| Unclassified | Pass | Merit | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-9 | 10-12 | 13-16 | 17-20 |
| The assessment criteria for Understanding and Reflection at the relevant grade was not demonstrated for the majority of the time, or throughout. Limited, or no answers to questions evident. | The assessment criteria for Understanding and Reflection at the relevant grade was demonstrated to a satisfactory standard. Generally acceptable answers to questions. | The assessment criteria for Understanding and Reflection at the relevant grade was demonstrated to a proficient standard. Generally secure answers to questions. | The assessment criteria for Understanding and Reflection at the relevant grade was demonstrated to a high standard throughout. Consistently insightful answers to questions. |
