Get the syllabus
Learn pieces by Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jamiroquai, Massive Attack and more
A contemporary syllabus for Piano & Keys
ROCKSCHOOL NEWS
Please note the following changes that will affect your Rockschool exam in 2025:
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The new 2024 Guitar, Bass, and Drums books are available now! The syllabus has not changed, so candidates are welcome to use either of the 2018 or 2024 books (or a combination of the two) to prepare for their exams in 2025 and beyond.
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The Graded Certificate Technical Work for Guitar has been updated, with a reduced selection of technical work for video exams. The new guidance PDF can be found on our Video exams page.
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Drums video exam candidates must now ensure that their backing tracks can be heard alongside their drum sound. For more information, please check our Video Exam guide.
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Video exam candidates are now permitted to have a person turn pages in their exam recording. Please note that this does not apply for F2F exams. The Video Exam Resubmissions guide includes more information about video exam breaches.
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Structure your Approach to Learning
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.
Grade Exam or Performance Certificate?
For every face to face exam we give you the option of sitting a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
A Grade Exam is:
- 3 performance pieces — 2 of which can be free choice pieces
- Technical work
- Sight Reading or Improvisation
- Ear tests
- General Musicianship Questions
A Performance Certificate is:
- 5 performance pieces — 3 of which can be Free Choice Pieces
Choose your Instrument
Piano
Internationally recognised Piano Grades for contemporary pianists.
Acoustic Guitar
Globally recognised Acoustic Guitar Grades for beginner to advanced guitarists.
Electric Guitar
Globally recognised Electric Guitar Grades for beginner to advanced guitarists.
Bass
Globally recognised Bass Grades for beginner to advanced bassists.
Drums
Globally recognised Drums Grades for beginner to advanced drummers.
Ukulele
An ideal introduction to developing stringed instrument technique.
Keys
A Contemporary syllabus for an Experimental instrumentSteps
Completing a Rockschool Music Grade is a rewarding experience, we’ll get you on your path to success in no-time.
To get started, simply grab your Music book from the shop.
Book an Exam
To book an exam, please contact your local AMEB state office.
Please be advised that due to new regulatory requirements by Rockschool’s certification body in the UK, Ofqual, all Rockschool reports will now be moderated in the UK before being released. This will result in a longer wait for both results and certificates.
Enrollers and teachers can now expect to receive their students’ results and certificates 5-7 weeks after the exam date.