Rockschool contemporary music syllabuses aim to support quality education of learners and to help prepare them to thrive in the industry. Guitar players may choose to specialise in electric guitar (Guitar) or acoustic (Acoustic Guitar)... or maybe both? These two syllabuses have been expertly constructed to support your learning goals and develop a high standard of musicianship, along with the ability to jam with your mates!
We've put this spotlight together to highlight key similarities and differences to help you choose your pathway.
Let's look at the similarities first. Both syllabuses:
- Are free to download.
- Support learning from entry level (Debut) through to Grade 8.
- Are available as Graded Exams or Performance Certificates.
- Are eligible for TCE bonus points (see below).
- Require the same level of learning commitment, and result in equal qualifications.
- Don't have any entry requirements (but they both recommend the knowledge covered in previous grades).
- Have the same exam durations.
- Include the same sets of requirements: technical tests, performance pieces, and unseen tests.
- Cost the same to sit your exam.
- Include the same options to perform Free Choice Pieces.
- Support the learning of both TAB and music notation.
- Offer a great pathway to a specialised Rockschool Diploma.
So what are the differences?
Apart from being performed on different instruments, here's where the two diverge:
- Unique pieces. Some Grades share one piece per Grade book but they each feature a range of tunes from the greats that feature each instrument. The Guitar Grade books also feature three Rockschool Originals to expand your repertoire (or perhaps use them for your Acoustic Guitar Free Choice pieces).
- The technical work is largely the same in the early grades but then begins to diverge - they cover the same basics, with a little variation.
- Additionally, within the technical work, the riff is specific for each, reflecting the individualities of the two instruments.
- Sight reading, unseen, and ear tests vary in tempo slightly in recognition of the skills and techniques they're assessing.
- In the higher grades, the technical work includes Stylistic Studies - these are understandably curated to the instruments, such as Funk, Metal and Latin (for Guitar) and Blues, Rock, and Acoustic Specialist (for Acoustic Guitar).
- Absolute beginners can do a Premiere Performance Certificate exam (pre Debut) but this is only available for Guitar.
- Three specialist tunes in each Grade book to help you build the specific techniques required for your instrument.
Can I do both Guitar and Acoustic Guitar exams?
Yes, you absolutely can! You don't actually have to choose. And why not? If you're keen to explore both techniques and the genres they support, go for it! You can even chop and change to suit your passions and learning goals. The grades are benchmarked to be of the same standard so your technical playing will support you in either. Of course, there are some specific techniques that you'll be expected to know (if you swap over down the track) but that's nothing you can't handle!
What resources are available?
The syllabus itself is free to download and provides all the information you need to prepare for your exam. To support your learning goals, find the Grade book that matches where you're at and get playing. Head to our AMEB Online Shop to get your copy today.
Can I play my own music in an exam?
You sure can! Free Choice Pieces make this one of the most flexible exam options available. As long as they're of the appropriate standard for the grade, and they demonstrate the relevant syllabus criteria, you can play anything that you're working on - that includes your own compositions!
Can I get TCE bonus points for a Rockschool exam?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB exam, including all Rockschool and PAA syllabuses. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as well as Theory Grade 2+.
When can I do a Rockschool exam?
If you'd like to do a face-to-face exam, we offer exams in two sessions each year: Session 2 is through June and July, and Session 5 is across October and November. 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.
