Develop your piano technique and delve into sound manipulation with the Keys Syllabus.
Rockschool contemporary music syllabuses aim to support quality music education to help prepare you to thrive in the industry and the Keys Syllabus is a particular specialty. It's been expertly constructed to support your learning goals and develop a high standard of musicianship, along with the loads of sound manipulation and keyboard-specific repertoire.
Each grade is built on the knowledge of those before it but you can start at any point that suits your current knowledge and skills. The syllabus supports learners from beginner to Diploma and features repertoire that:
- is meticulously researched and benchmarked;
- includes tracks from some of the world's greatest artists;
- Introduces and extends instrument-specific techniques.
Exams are internationally recognised and academically rigorous.
What will I learn from the Syllabus?
You'll focus on all the basics that every keyboard player needs, such as reading notation, note values, evenness of sound, tone quality and consistency, technical control and sync. From the very beginning, your technique develops alongside your keys-specific skills, such as single patch settings, layers, and the basic use of effects/sound manipulation. As you progress through the grades, your musicianship and command of your instrument's technical features grows in a supported and structured progression.
What's involved in a Keys exam?
There are two types of exams you can do: Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The Grade Exam assesses a comprehensive set of learnings. You'll prepare your program of music and technical exercises (eg studies), answer questions on general musicianship, and be tested on aural and sight-reading or interpretation. Alternatively, you could do a Performance Certificate exam, where you perform only your pieces, demonstrating your technique and knowledge through the repertoire. Flexibility exists to choose a range of genres and styles through the tunes in the Grade books, and the option to select Free Choice Pieces broadens the variety even further. As long as the piece is the same standard as your Grade, you can choose pretty much anything!
Performance Certificate exams are a great way to get a practice run at your TCE or UTAS exams. In addition to the AMEB qualification, you'll receive constructive feedback and guidance to help you with your final preparations for your future performance goals.
What sort of music is in the Grade books?
This syllabus really is contemporary and gets reviewed every few years to keep the tunes and material current. You'll find genres like pop, rock, jazz, country, blues, soul, and reggae. Featured artists include Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Stevie Wonder, Tori Amos, Eurythmics, Snarky Puppy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Schindler’s List, and so many more.
Can I switch between Keys and Piano?
Keys Grade books include pieces specifically for both instruments to provide a great basis for both technique and tech. Both Syllabuses progress alongside each other so it's easy to swap across if you want to. Be mindful that there are some specific aspects of each instrument that you may need to get up to speed on, but your finger fluency should be at the same skill level. They're both the same standard of qualification and, while neither require prerequisites, they're a great basis for each other's linear pathways.
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!
What should I bring to my exam?
Your keyboard, music, keyboard stand, and any additional required equipment (eg power supply, sustain pedal) are always essential. We'll supply an amp, lead, and a PA to play your backing tracks through. To check out what's included in the standard backline, have a read of our exam day helpful hints. And we always recommend downloading your free copy of the current syllabus to ensure your instrument meets the Keyboard specifications.
How is it different to the other AMEB and Rockschool syllabuses?
This is the best part - it's not. You'll find the same grading system informed by industry standards and pedagogy. You'll find lots of fantastic repertoire to engage and support learners across a variety of genres and abilities. Grade book pieces come complete with backing tracks that can be used with the Replay app. You'll even have the same positive and supportive experience in the exam room. If you're interested in the differences between the Keys and Piano Syllabuses, check out our dedicated Spotlight article here.
What resources are available?
The syllabus itself is free to download and provides all the information you need to prepare for your exam. That includes explanations of the unseen tests and other assessment elements so you know what to prepare for (and expect in) your exam. To support your learning, find the Grade book that matches where you're at and get playing. These include all the technical work you need to get you set up well, and all the hit tunes that you'll love. Head to our AMEB Online Shop to get your copy today.
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.
