You can pick the tunes for your next Rockschool, playing the music you love. Free Choice Pieces (FCPs) provide you with a huge amount of flexibility for your exam program and are available for all Grades from Debut to Grade 8.
FCPs are available for all Rockschool syllabuses. You can also use them in your PAA Musical Theatre exam but the information in this article really just relates to Rockschool instrumental exams (including Vocals).
What styles of music can I choose?
This is where the exam repertoire can really represent YOU. You can perform ANY STYLE of music with your FCPs. Jazz lover? Go for it! Keen to try out trad? Why not?! Dabbling in classical? That's fine, too! With FCPs, the choice really is yours.
Where can I find FCPs?
A really easy source is a previous Rockschool syllabus or grade book for the same (or higher) grade.
And handy to note that any previous Rockschool syllabuses, Rockschool Classics books, other regulated exam boards, and vocals wider repertoire pieces are already accredited so you can be sure they're an appropriate standard for your Grade (2014 Vocals syllabus excepted). Here are some further ideas for specific instruments:
- Guitar, bass, and drums can also dig deeper into your favourite genres with Rockschool Style Vaults, which include over 70 set lists.
- Guitarists and pianists can also use pieces from the companion instrument grade book (eg if you're doing a piano exam, take a look at the corresponding Keys Grade book, or Acoustic for Guitar exams).
- Piano and Vocals could select pieces from the AMEB Piano and Singing for Leisure Syllabuses, as they include film and theatre genres.
- Vocalists also have a fantastic resource in the AMEB Musical Theatre Syllabus.
Are you a budding singer songwriter or composer? You can use your own piece as your FCP!
What are the requirements for FCPs?
Your FCP must be of an appropriate standard for your Grade. That means that the piece must provide an avenue for you to demo similar technical and musical demands to the pieces in the Grade Books. It also needs to be a contemporary genre and you can consult the Syllabus for an indicative list of styles. You'll also need to make sure it fits with the time limits in your Syllabus. And don't forget to bring a copy of your sheet music for the Examiner. It's important to note that a chord sheet or lyric charts are not sufficient - you'll need to bring a fully notated copy that that reflects the version of the piece that you're performing. To help make sure your FCP is going to tick the boxes, you can download your instrument-specific guidelines for more detailed information on choosing music appropriate to your level.
How many FCPs can I play?
If you're doing a Grade Exam or Video Graded Certificate, you can perform up to two FCPs. If you're working toward a Performance Certificate (either face-to-face or via Video), you can perform up to three FCPs.
Do I need to bring a backing track for my FCP?
No. But you can if you want to. Backing Tracks are not mandatory for FCPs. You can go it solo, or you can perform your VCP to a backing track, or with live accompaniment. If you do want to play with a backing track, just make sure that your part isn’t in the recording, otherwise you’ll receive a lower mark for that piece. If you're using a backing track in a face-to-face exam, make sure you've downloaded your track to your device BEFORE entering the exam room. We have some more details about backing tracks and devices on our helpful hints page.
How do I get approval for my FCP?
You actually don’t need to get your FCP approved before the day. Just pick your pieces to match the syllabus requirements and the Examiner will make a judgement about the suitability of the piece in your exam. If you're at all unsure, or just want a double check that your piece will be eligible, our friends in the UK team who create the Rockschool syllabuses can help. Just email RSL Awards at info@rslawards.com with details of the proposed piece(s)/adaptations, instrument, and grade. They'll provide a full reply no later than four weeks after payment of an approval fee (which will be emailed to you). Just make sure you allow plenty of time for that reply, and any preparation you might need for a new work just in case. When you receive your approval confirmation, have it handy on your exam day to show your Examiner.
What resources are available?
If you're looking for more information, head to the RSL Awards website (the brains behind the Rockschool syllabuses). Don't forget to download the FCP Guidelines for your instrument/specialty. They also provide some example program scenarios so you can see how FCPs can be used. If you're doing your Vocals exam, you might also find the Wider Repertoire list handy. You could put a callout to your colleagues via the Rockschool Teachers Facebook group and other support avenues (check out some of the leads to your support network here).
Can I get TCE bonus points for my Rockschool exam?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB theory exam from Grade 2 upwards. As it happens, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, too.
When can I do a Rockschool exam?
Our face-to-face exams are available in the June/July and October/November sessions. Alternatively, you can do a Video exam absolutely any time that suits you. To find out more about exam dates, head to our Exam information page.
I have more questions.
That's great! We'd love to help with those. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
