Graded Examinations
Rockschool
Rockschool is an organization that provides music education and qualifications, including guitar exams. They offer guitar exams at various levels, starting from Debut (entry level) up to Grade 8 (advanced level). These exams are designed to assess the student's technical ability, musicianship, and performance skills on the guitar. The exams cover a wide range of musical styles, such as rock, pop, blues, and jazz, and test the student's knowledge of chords, scales, and other technical elements of guitar playing, as well as their ability to perform in a musical and stylistically appropriate manner.
In addition to the exams, Rockschool also provides the guitar syllabus, study materials, and backing tracks to help prepare students for their exams. The syllabus is designed to help students develop a well-rounded guitar technique, and to improve their musicianship and performance skills.
Rockschool guitar exams are recognized by many music schools, colleges, and universities around the world, and can also be used as a stepping stone to further study or professional development in the music industry. It's a good choice for those who want to pursue professional music career or simply want to take it as a hobby, while having a proper structure and curriculum to follow.
Trinity College
Trinity College London is an examination board based in London that offers a range of music and arts qualifications, including guitar exams. The Trinity College London guitar exams are designed to assess the student's technical ability, musicianship, and performance skills on the guitar. The exams are available at various levels, starting from Initial (entry level) up to Grade 8 (advanced level).
The Trinity College London guitar syllabus covers a wide range of musical styles, such as classical, folk, and popular music. The exams test the student's knowledge of chords, scales, and other technical elements of guitar playing, as well as their ability to perform in a musical and stylistically appropriate manner. The exams also include aural and sight-reading tests, which assess the student's ability to hear and understand music, and to read and interpret written music.
The Trinity College London guitar exams are recognized by many music schools, colleges, and universities around the world, and can also be used as a stepping stone to further study or professional development in the music industry. It's a good choice for those who want to pursue professional music career or simply want to take it as a hobby, while having a proper structure and curriculum to follow.
Video Submitted Exam Pieces
The digital age has changed everything, including how guitar exams are assessed and marked. Students are no longer required to sit face-to-face with an examiner in an examination centre. Students can be filmed using smart phones and the recording subitted through the examination body's website for assessment. This is not only more convenient, it also serves to take the pressure of the candidate in order to encourage a better performance with no set deadline.
100% Current Pass Rate
As of January 2026, the pass rate for my students stands at 100% with many attaining healthy pass marks which include merits and distinctions. Students are encouraged to undertake the exams only when we are both confident that they will do themselves justice and not leave anything 'in the cupboard' on submission.
