Rockschool doesn't just do qualifications. These great method books are the perfect launchpad for beginner musos.
Whether you're starting out and want charts that you recognise but are actually playable, or if you're a teacher looking for some structure to nurture a love of music, the Rockschool Method books are the perfect way to get seriously good, seriously fast. Rockschool Method books are available for:
- Guitar
- Bass
- Drums
- Piano*
- Ukulele*
*Piano and Ukulele both have two books to step you through even more aspects of the instruments.
What's included in the Method books?
Rockschool syllabuses really are contemporary and they get reviewed every few years to keep the tunes and material current. To start the musical journey, it's important to get set up right. The Method books have been curated with a bunch of helpful inclusions such as:
- engaging and well-known material;
- great variety of genres, such as rock, pop, metal, country, indie and hip hop;
- the basics to get you started;
- introduction to the instrument;
- how to read music notation;
- useful tools for teachers and learners;
- professionally recorded backing tracks;
- accompaniment parts for teachers to play along;
- success stickers;
- exercises, games, and performance pieces;
- fun and motivating artwork.
How are Method books different to Let's Rock?
They're not. The Let's Rock books had a reboot and were rebranded to better represent the foundational nature of the content, complete with great, new cover art. If you're looking at a syllabus that refers to Let's Rock, you can use your Method book instead.
What resources are available?
The Method book itself is the primary resource and you can order a printed (paper) book or you can buy a digital download copy to access immediately. The books include over 100 audio tracks to get you inspired, as well as quick video guides. They also pair beautifully with Rockschool Method Video Courses (head to the UK Rockschool website for those).
There's also the syllabus itself, which 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. Head to our AMEB Online Shop to get your copy today.
Will Method books help me with a Rockschool exam?
Most definitely! Each Method book includes the material to prepare you for your Premiere exam. Plus, you'll already have learnt the material to build upon with each subsequent grade, providing you with a solid foundation for your future playing. Exams are internationally recognised and academically rigorous.
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.
Can I request a left handed drumkit for my exam?
Yes you can! Just let us know when you enrol and we'll schedule your exam accordingly.
Can I play my own music in an exam?
Not for the Premiere exam but you absolutely can for future Rockschool exams! Due to the foundations required to set you up for success, there's a little less flexibility at this level. In future, however, Free Choice Pieces make Rockschool exams some of the most flexible formats 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, but... not for a Premiere exam. TCE bonus points are available for Rockschool practical exams from Grade 4 upwards. In fact, that goes for any AMEB practical exam, including all Rockschool, AMEB classical, and PAA syllabuses. Also, all theory exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 2 onwards.
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.
