Rockschool contemporary music syllabuses aim to support quality education of learners and to help prepare them to thrive in the industry. Keyboard players may choose to specialise in the traditional piano, or perhaps delve into synth territory... 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.
- Feature the same technical work.
- Have the same sight-reading, improv/interpretation, ear test, and general musicianship requirements.
- Share three tunes in each Grade book to help expand your knowledge and provide a pathway to swap specialties.
- 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:
- Keys requires that the Performances Pieces include a minimum of 1 "Keys arrangement" for Graded Exams, and 2 for Performance Certificates.
- Piano exams may be taken on either an acoustic or digital piano whereas Keys exams must be taken on a keyboard.
- A feature of the Keys syllabus is learning to manipulate patches and other keyboard-specific functionality. As such, the candidate will be assessed on their ability to manipulate the sound of their instrument in performance as indicated in the score.
- Pianos are provided (although you may bring your own), whereas keyboards must be brought by the Candidate, along with an appropriate stand and any additional equipment required (eg power supply, sustain pedal etc). This is in respect of the variety of keyboards available and to support the Candidate to achieve their best performance.
- Three specialist tunes in each Grade book to help you build the specific techniques required for your instrument.
Can I do both Keys and Piano 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.
