For many aspiring musicians, taking a graded music exam is a significant milestone. RSL Awards (Rockschool) offers a structured path of exams catering to a wide range of styles and instruments. Here's what to expect.
The Practical Exam
You will perform several pieces (usually 3) that showcase different aspects of your musical ability. The examiner looks at technical skill (accuracy, articulation, rhythm), musicality (phrasing, dynamics, tone), and overall performance (confidence, stage presence, interpretation). It's not just about hitting the right notes — it's about delivering a compelling performance.
Technical Exercises and Riff Sections
Technical exercises — scales, arpeggios, and various patterns — assess your finger technique, rhythm, and overall fluency. Riff sections test your ability to play short repeated phrases with precision, timing, and style. Both sections assess the foundational skills that support your performance of full pieces.
Song Choice
RSL provides a range of choices from different genres. For lower grades, students typically choose from a set list; at higher grades, you often have free choice. Balance challenge with familiarity, and choose music that excites you — passion always makes for a better performance.
Performance vs. Grade Exam
A grade exam is a formal, structured assessment covering performance, technical exercises, sight-reading, and sometimes improvisation. A performance exam focuses solely on performance skills in a less formal setting. Both are valuable for different reasons.
How Much Practice?
At least 30–60 minutes daily as the exam approaches. Grade 1–3: typically 2–3 months of preparation. Grades 4–5: 3–6 months. Grades 6–8: 6 months to a year or more. Quality of practice always matters more than quantity.
Video Recording Submissions
Since COVID-19, RSL allows trusted teachers to submit video recordings for assessment. This provides flexibility — students can record in a comfortable environment and submit multiple takes. It remains a permanent feature of RSL's exam system.