What Is Involved In Taking A Music Exam
For many aspiring musicians, taking a graded music exam is a significant milestone in their musical journey. In the UK, RSL Awards (Rockschool) offers a structured path of exams that cater to a wide range of musical styles and instruments, from rock and pop to classical and jazz. Whether you are an aspiring performer or simply looking to track your progress, RSL Awards offers a comprehensive grading system. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at what’s involved in the RSL practical music exam, including song choice, the differences between performance and grade exams, technical exercises, riff sections, the theory component, how much practice you really need to prepare, how long it typically takes to prepare for the exam, and how exams have evolved in the post-COVID era.
The Practical Exam: What to Expect
The practical music exam is the core component of any RSL grade, where the candidate is assessed on their performance of selected pieces. This exam tests not just technical ability, but also musicality, expression, and interpretation.
What’s Involved:
In a typical practical exam, you will perform several pieces (usually 3) that showcase different aspects of your musical ability. The pieces may be chosen from a set list provided by RSL or selected from a list of your own choosing, depending on the grade level. The exam will assess your proficiency, style, and overall musicality.
Exam Structure:
The practical exam is typically performed in front of an examiner in a formal setting, often at an exam center or designated location. You’ll perform your pieces in their entirety, followed by a few technical exercises, which could include scales, arpeggios, or sight-reading. There may also be an opportunity to play a quick improvisation or respond to a musical prompt, depending on the grade and instrument.
Key Skills Assessed:
The examiner will be looking at your technical skill (accuracy, articulation, rhythm), musicality (phrasing, dynamics, tone), and overall performance (confidence, stage presence, and interpretation of the piece). It’s not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about delivering a compelling performance.
Technical Exercises and Riff Sections
Beyond playing full pieces, technical exercises are a vital component of the RSL practical exam. These exercises test your technical prowess on your instrument and ensure that you have a strong grasp of fundamental skills that support your performance abilities.
Technical Exercises:
Depending on your instrument and grade level, you’ll be asked to perform a series of technical exercises such as scales, arpeggios, broken chords, and various patterns that assess your finger technique, rhythm, and overall fluency on the instrument. These exercises are designed to demonstrate your ability to play with accuracy, control, and consistency, and they play a major role in your overall grade.
Riff Sections:
In many RSL exams, you’ll also be required to perform a "riff" section. These are short, often repeated phrases or melodic patterns that are a hallmark of popular music styles like rock, blues, or jazz. The riff section tests your ability to play with precision, timing, and style, as well as your familiarity with the musical vocabulary of your chosen genre. Whether you're playing a blues scale or a rock guitar riff, mastering this section is crucial for demonstrating musicality and technical skill.
Why They Matter:
Both technical exercises and riff sections are crucial because they assess your ability to handle the technical demands of your instrument and your ability to perform within a style. In a way, these sections serve as a way to test the foundational skills that will support your performance of full pieces.
Song Choice: Selecting the Right Pieces for Your Exam
One of the most exciting aspects of taking a graded exam with RSL Awards is choosing your songs. The right song can highlight your strengths and make your performance shine.
Set List vs. Free Choice:
RSL provides a range of song choices from different genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical, for each grade. For lower grades, students typically choose pieces from the set list, while at higher grades, you often have the option to select your own pieces, giving you more flexibility.
How to Choose Your Songs:
When selecting songs, it's important to strike a balance between challenge and familiarity. Choosing a piece that is too difficult may overwhelm you, while one that’s too easy might not showcase your true abilities. Aim for pieces that demonstrate your technical skills but also allow room for creative interpretation. Don’t forget to consider the style and genre of music that excites you, as passion and engagement always make for a better performance.
Preparing for a Variety of Genres:
While your choice of songs will depend on the grade and style of the exam, it’s important to practice a variety of genres throughout your learning journey. This helps develop versatility and ensures you are ready for whatever style your exam might require.
Performance vs. Grade Exam: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard the terms "performance exam" and "grade exam" used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. Understanding the distinction is key when preparing for your RSL exam.
Grade Exam:
The grade exam is a formal, structured assessment that includes a series of components—usually the performance of selected pieces, technical exercises (scales, arpeggios, etc.), sight-reading, and sometimes an element of improvisation. It focuses on your overall ability as a musician and gives you a grade that corresponds to your level (e.g., Grade 1, Grade 2, etc.).
Performance Exam:
A performance exam, on the other hand, is less formal and typically focuses solely on your performance skills. You might be assessed on a live performance or an exam where you showcase your musicality and stage presence. While this type of exam is focused on performance, it still draws on technical skills and the ability to engage an audience.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are aiming for a structured assessment with a focus on a wide range of musical skills, the grade exam is your best bet. If you’re looking to focus on showcasing your performance ability in a more relaxed setting, a performance exam might be a better fit. Many students choose to take both over time to assess their overall progress and build confidence in both technical and performance aspects.
The Theory Exam: Why It’s Important
While the practical exam focuses on your performance abilities, the theory exam is designed to assess your understanding of the fundamental principles of music.
What’s Involved:
The theory exam will test your knowledge of key concepts such as scales, intervals, chord progressions, rhythm, and time signatures. Depending on the grade level, it may also cover more advanced topics like harmony, key signatures, and musical notation.
When Do You Take It?
RSL offers separate theory exams, and in many cases, you may need to pass the corresponding theory exam for each practical grade. For example, if you’re working toward a Grade 5 practical exam, you’ll need to pass the Grade 5 theory exam. You can usually take these exams on different dates, but it’s important to start preparing for theory early on, as it is an essential part of your overall musicianship.
How to Prepare for Theory:
Studying music theory may seem daunting, but it’s essential for developing a deeper understanding of music. You can prepare by studying from books, using online resources, or attending theory classes. Practice regularly and try applying the concepts to the music you are learning in your practical exam.
How Much Practice Does It Take?
One of the most common questions when it comes to taking a graded music exam is: how much practice is really necessary? The answer depends on several factors, including your current level, the grade you are aiming for, and the complexity of your chosen pieces.
General Practice Guidelines:
On average, students should practice for at least 30 minutes to an hour every day, especially as the exam approaches. For beginners, this may mean focusing on learning basic scales and simple pieces, while for intermediate or advanced musicians, it will involve more complex technical exercises and preparation for difficult pieces.
Focused Practice:
It's not just about the amount of time you practice, but how you practice. Focus on quality over quantity by breaking down complex sections of your pieces, working on trouble spots, and regularly revisiting technical exercises. Make sure to balance your time between performance preparation, theory study, and sight-reading to ensure well-rounded preparation.
Realistic Expectations:
Keep in mind that the higher the grade, the more preparation is required. A Grade 1 exam might require a few weeks of dedicated practice, while a Grade 8 exam could take months of consistent work to master all components of the exam.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the Exam?
The time it takes to prepare for an RSL graded music exam can vary depending on several factors, such as your current level, the complexity of the pieces, and how consistently you practice.
Beginners (Grade 1-3):
If you are starting at a lower grade, most students will need around 2 to 3 months of focused practice before feeling ready to take the exam. This includes learning the pieces, mastering technical exercises, and preparing for any other components like sight-reading or improvisation.
Intermediate Levels (Grade 4-5):
For grades in the middle range, preparation might take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. At this stage, you’ll be dealing with more complex pieces and technical exercises, so consistent practice will be essential to make sure you're ready on exam day.
Advanced Levels (Grade 6-8):
At higher levels, students should expect to spend 6 months to a year (or more) preparing for the exam. The pieces become more advanced, and the technical and musical demands are significantly higher. You’ll need to dedicate time to ensure that all areas of the exam are well-practiced and polished.
Keep in mind that these timeframes are just rough estimates. The amount of time you need will depend on your experience, natural ability, and the amount of time you dedicate to practice.
A New Era: Video Recording Submissions (Post-COVID)
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, RSL Awards has adapted its exam format to accommodate the challenges posed by lockdowns and social distancing. Today, for those studying under trusted teachers, RSL allows video recording submissions for the practical exam, providing a convenient and flexible way to take your exam from the comfort of your home or practice space.
How Video Submissions Work:
Trusted teachers—those who have been certified by RSL—are able to submit video recordings of their students performing their pieces for assessment. This provides an alternative to in-person exams, which can be especially helpful for students who may not have easy access to an exam center, or those who prefer to record their performance in a more familiar environment.
Benefits of Video Submissions:
The ability to record your exam gives you more control over your performance. You can ensure your setting is comfortable and free from distractions, and you have the option to submit multiple takes to capture your best performance. This flexibility has become a welcome change for many students, allowing them to feel more confident during their exam.
The Future of Exam Formats:
While in-person exams are still available for those who prefer them, the option to submit via video recording has become a permanent feature of RSL's exam system. This flexibility reflects the ongoing evolution of music education and testing, providing a more inclusive and accessible pathway for musicians worldwide.
A Rewarding Challenge
Taking a graded music exam with RSL Awards is an exciting and rewarding way to track your musical progress. From selecting the right songs to understanding the difference between performance and grade exams, preparing for an RSL exam is a comprehensive process that will help you grow as a musician. Technical exercises and riff sections further develop your foundational skills, while the theory exam complements your practical knowledge. With enough focused practice and the flexibility of video recording submissions, the exam is not only a test of your abilities but also a celebration of your musical journey. Whether you’re aiming for a formal qualification or simply looking to develop your musicality, the graded exam system with RSL Awards offers a structured path to musical growth—and now, with the added flexibility of video recording submissions, it's easier than ever to take your next step as a musician.
