Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
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.
