Get Graded with Rockschool
Music
Master your instrument, find out what level you’re at or simply earn a globally recognised qualification that’s truly valuable whether you’re in Thirroul, Sydney or Shanghai
- Electric Guitar
- Acoustic Guitar
- Bass Guitar
- Drums
- Piano
- Keyboard
- Vocals
- Popular Music Theory
- Music Production
Choose Your Weapon
We’re passionate about all the major rock instruments. Whether you’re an indie guitarist, metal drummer or pop pianist we’ve got a grade exam that will help you become a more accomplished and well-rounded musician.
The world’s original and best rock and pop grades
Rockschool released its first guitar, bass and drums Grade Exams in 1991 to offer rock and pop musicians the same access and support to qualifications and training as traditional musicians.
Contemporary Grades for all levels and abilities
We’ll take you from complete beginner (Entry Level 2) to professional standard (Grade 8) at a pace that suits you. We’ve made sure the learning curve is gradual, challenging and rewarding.
A true measure of your musical ability
A Rockschool Grade is a true gauge of your playing and musical ability. What you’ll learn is tailored to fit real-world music situations and your exams are based on performance.
Specialist styles to suit your musical tastes
Our performance pieces are focused on the most popular contemporary genres and written to put every ounce of your technique and performing ability to the test.
Play Free Choice Pieces in your exams
At each grade you can pick your own songs to play in your exam, as well as Rockschool’s own compositions. They can be any you like, just bring the sheet music and audio to your exam.
FACE TO FACE EXAMS:
2 OPTIONS
Grade Exam:
(Debut to Grade 8)
3 performance pieces — 2 of which may be Free Choice Pieces Technical work
Unseen Tests: sightreading or improvisation (or Quick Study Pieces from Grade 6), Ear Tests and General Musicianship Questions.
Performance Certificate:
(Premiere to Grade 8)
5 performance pieces — 3 of which may be Free Choice Pieces No technical work or unseen tests
VIDEO/RECORDED EXAMS:
2 OPTIONS
Graded Certificate
(Debut to Grade 8)
3 performance pieces — 2 of which may be Free Choice Pieces
ALL the Technical work as outlined in the Technical work guidelines No unseen tests
These exams have been extended to include all grades up to Grade 8
Performance Certificate
(Premiere to Grade 8)
5 performance pieces – 3 of which may be Free Choice Pieces No technical work or unseen tests
A note about Free Choice Pieces
Free Choice Pieces can be chosen from the following sources: Songs in the public domain, including hits from the charts Pieces from other exam boards
A piece from our Rockschool Classics series (guitar and drums) Own composition
Sheet music (for the examined instrument line) must be provided for both face to face and video exams . Backing Tracks are no longer mandatory for FCPs , but if used , must be provided at the exam on a device , downloaded and ready to play. Please download and read the FCP guidelines carefully when selecting a work.