Popular Music Theory
Become a more skilled, articulate and confident musician
Popular Music Theory exams are now offered in a digital format, providing more flexibility for candidates.
Dates & Fees
Music theory with a difference.
Full-Colour Guidebooks
Rockschool Popular Music Theory consists of two beautifully crafted Guidebooks packed with helpful information to guide you through music theory from start to finish.
Learn From the Music You Know and Love
You'll develop your music theory from Debut–Grade 8 using some of the best-known genres in pop and rock, whilst taking notes from some of the world's biggest artists and composers.
Communicate like a musical director
Rockschool Popular Music Theory will give you the confidence and articulation to direct and work with bands, performers, studio engineers and composers.
Steps
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.
Start Rockschool Popular Music Theory Now!
To start Rockschool Popular Music Theory, you’ll need a Rockschool book. Start with the Debut book and work your way up through the Grades or jump in at a level that’s right for you!
Shop now
Digital Platform Notation Guidance
During your music theory exam, you will be expected to complete some tasks which involve writing notation. These are completed using software called ‘Flat’, which is embedded into the online exam system. Please download the guidance below for instructions on how to access the software and some sample tasks to help you practise prior to your exam day.
Notation Guidance for Digital Exams
Notation Guidance Video Demos
You can also watch a video on each grade, which demonstrates the notation functions you’ll need to perform all the tasks for that grade.
Watch the playlist
Candidate Guidance for online exams
All Popular Music Theory exams are done online. For more information on the process, please download the candidate guidance below.
Download Candidate Guidance
Book an Exam
To book a Popular Music Theory exam, please contact the AMEB Federal Office via email to online@ameb.edu.au.
Rockschool is without a doubt the most relevant music exam board out there. It's syllabus's help learners to become musicians, not just players, and that is what makes it a cut above the rest
R. Bruce
I always give my pupils the choice of exam board when they approach me about exams, and every time they've picked Rockschool.
G. Jones
I have just changed our school's chosen examination board to Rockschool and I am 100% confident we've made the right decision.
Gemma Sugrue
Find out how to book an exam