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Your personalised guide to taking RSL graded EXAMS via video submission
Video has become a much easier tool to access over the past few years and even modest smart phones, tablets
and cameras are capable of producing a good image and sound if you take a little bit of time to understand the
hardware and follow a few simple guidelines.

RSL Awards is excited about the possibilities video submission of exams presents, but we do still need to make
sure that the exams are fit for purpose and adhere to a reasonable set of principles, to ensure we can still provide
the excellent level of fairness and consistency you would expect from a RSL Awards exam process.

Types of Exam

RSL Awards can accept and mark two types of graded music exams via video submission:

Performance Certificates
Graded Certificates

Performance Certificates – At all grades you can submit videos for performance certificates. It is important for
candidates to remember a few things to ensure their exam does not break any rules:

• The recording needs to be continuous with no editing permitted, including setting up, tone and
equipment adjustments, re-tuning, and any similar activity, and all dialogue either to the camera
or with the other person present
• If you make a mistake in a piece you can restart as long as you are not more than 1/3 of the way
through. You can restart up to two pieces in your Performance Certificate

Candidates will be marked by an official RSL Awards examiner in exactly the same way that they would be in
a face to face exam. Additionally, the examiner will record a short video message to candidates that delivers
feedback on the exam performance.

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Just like with other Performance Certificates, candidates can choose play all five pieces from the repertoire
from the Rockschool / RSL Classical Graded Book, or choose to record up to three free choice pieces from the
following sources:

• Their own composition

• Songs in the public domain, including hits from the charts. For example, a song by their
favourite band or artist
• Pieces from other exam boards
• Pieces from our Vocal wider repertoire pieces

For more details visit our dedicated Free Choice Pieces page: https://www.rslawards.com/free-choice-pieces/

Graded Certificate - Graded Certificates require the candidate to play three pieces (including up to two free
choice pieces) and all of the technical exercises (omitting the Sight Reading / Improvisation, Ear tests and
General Musicianship Questions).

Please refer to our Technical Exercise Guidance downloads below and the information under the ‘video exam
checklist’ tab for a comprehensive list of requirements.

Please note: in many cases the technical exercises download contains further permutations of exercises than the
notated examples that are published in the appropriate grade book. In these instances, candidates should use
the grade book as a reference for how these additional permutations should be played.

Technical exercises must be presented as required by the relevant specification and as shown in the relevant
Grade Book, including range, octave, patterning, tempo, fingering (where stipulated), use of click, and order.

The video comprising pieces and technical exercises should be recorded by the candidate as a continuous take
and submitted via the online portal.

It is important for candidates to remember a few things to ensure their exam does not break any rules:
The recording needs to be continuous with no editing permitted, including setting up, tone and
equipment adjustments, re-tuning, and any similar activity, and all dialogue either to the camera
or with the other person present
If you make a mistake in a piece you can restart as long as you are not more than 1/3 of the way
through. You can restart up to one piece and two technical exercises in your Graded Certificate

Just like with other Graded Exams, candidates can choose to play all three repertoire pieces from the Rockschool
/ RSL Classical Graded Book, or choose to record up to two free choice pieces from the following sources:

• Their own composition

• Songs in the public domain, including hits from the charts. For example, a song by their
favourite band or artist
• Pieces from other accredited exam boards
• Pieces from our Vocal wider repertoire pieces

For more details visit our dedicated Free Choice Pieces page: https://www.rslawards.com/free-choice-pieces/

It is unfortunate that we cannot deliver the Graded Music Exams through online recordings; this is because of
the confidential nature of sight-reading/improvisation and ear test materials.

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Procedure Guide for RSL Graded Syllabus Exams

For RSL video exams to be valid, there are a number of rules you must adhere to:

1) The exam needs to captured as a single, continuous shot in real time - you must not stop or pause the
camera in between pieces.
2) You must not use video editing software to cut out takes or reduce the time between pieces - the video
should represent an exam taken in person as closely as possible, so do not worry about taking a little
time setting up between pieces.
3) Your face must be visible in the video, so we can identify the person taking the exam - please refer to
the framing guide for further details.
4) Candidates should introduce themselves by their full name, the exam grade and discipline they are
taking, as well as introducing each piece.
5) For Grades 6-8 candidates should clearly display for at least ten seconds valid photographic
identification (such as Passport, Driving Licence, Student Union Card, ID Card) at the start of the
video recording in line with our policy.
6) Candidates must make clear on the video that they are using the appropriate RSL resource: physical
copy of the grade book, digital equivalent, or proof of subscription to the RSL Learning Platform.
7) Another person is permitted to be present in the room in order to operate the camera. However, the other
person is not permitted to interact with the candidate or intervene in the exam, with the following exceptions:
1. to introduce the candidate
2. to introduce each piece and/or the technical exercises section and/or each technical exercise (Graded
Certificate only). Page turns must be facilitated by the candidate as in a face to face exam.
8) Drummers supplying recorded video exams recorded by mobile phone or camera where it has not been
possible to create a successful balance between drums and backing track only need to supply video of their
drum performance while listening to the backing track on headphones or in-ear monitoring – but as well as
introducing each piece should audibly mark the final bar of the count-in before the performance begins, by
clicking their sticks together. This will allow the examiner to sync the video to the backing track for assessment.
Failure to indicate the count-in could make the synchronisation between video and audio impossible and may
affect the marks awarded or result in the exam being deemed inadmissible for assessment. Please also note
that where there is evidence from the video that the candidate is not listening to a backing track while
performing, this may affect the marks awarded, as performing to a backing track (where one is provided) is a
requirement of the exam.
9) The use of a microphone is optional for vocals candidates at all grades (including Grades 6-8). Regardless
of whether or not a microphone is used, candidates should ensure they are able to evidence relevant
and appropriate dynamic expression, projection, tonal contrast and balance, as appropriate to the grade.
10) For the Graded Certificate, please refer to our Technical Exercise Guidance downloads under the ‘video
exam checklist’ tab on our website for a comprehensive list of requirements. Please note: in many cases
the technical exercises download contains further exercises than those that are published in the
appropriate grade book. Technical exercises should be presented in the order shown in the Grade
Book. Technical exercises should be presented as shown in the relevant Grade Book, including range,
octave, patterning, tempo, fingering (where stipulated), and order.
11) Check the video recording of your exam carefully before submission, making sure that each piece
is introduced to camera, the picture and sound are of a reasonable quality and that the full exam has
been captured.

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How to register for an Exam

To register for a video exam, candidates (or their parents or their teacher) fill in the online entry form with
information about the candidate and the exam (instrument, grade).

Please note that Video Exams are not bound to exam periods. However, the online entry requires selection of
a time period. Please choose the earliest range of dates available. It will not affect when you can enter for the
video exam and when you can submit it. In the online entry form, under Exam Details please choose either
‘Video Graded Certificate’ or ‘Video Performance Certificate’ as the Type of Exam.

After uploading the recording, the candidate can relax and we will send a notification when the result is available.
We also provide access to a short video of the examiner providing feedback.

We will then produce the official qualification certificate which confirms the award of the qualification. A
minimum of ‘Pass’ is required to receive the certificate.

To summarise, candidates/parents/teachers:

• Read up on all information about how to record video exams

Fill in the entry form
• Set up the recording
• Record the exam performance
• Upload the recording
• Await results. We aim to send these by email within 3-4 weeks
after submission, and the certificate will be posted after.

Video Exam Checklist

Performance Certificate (Debut to 8)

Record and upload 5 pieces (up to 3 free choice pieces)
One take, unedited performance
No more than 2 restarts
Only the performer in the room and someone to film the recording
Upload the sheet music (and backing tracks if necessary) for any free choice pieces

Graded Certificate (Debut to 8)

Record and upload 3 pieces (up to 2 free choice pieces) and ALL the technical exercises outlined in the technical
guidance for your instrument (please ensure you read the technical guidance carefully before submission)
No more than 1 restart (pieces) or 2 restarts (technical exercises)
One take, unedited performance
Only the performer in the room and someone to film the recording
Upload the sheet music (and backing tracks if necessary) for any free choice pieces

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Understanding Digital Video

We understand that it can get very confusing just trying to understand all of the words and codes used by
companies to try and sell us their latest gadgets. You are likely to have come across terms like 720P, 1080HD or 4k
- but may not know what any of the numbers or letter stand for. This part of the guide should help you navigate
through the jargon and make the process easier.

With this in mind, please read the guidance below in full to help you have the best chance of submitting a video
that we can accept for submission and allow you complete your RSL exam successfully.

What frame size should I set my equipment to use?

As a very rough rule, the larger the number stated, the more detail is captured within each video frame you
record - but there is a downside. More detail often means bigger digital files - which require more storage and
take longer to upload to the internet.

4k video can, and often does, look fantastic - but the file sizes are big and can cause some compatibility issues
too. At the other end of the spectrum, if the frame size is too small, the images can look blurry or pixelated
when you try and view them on computer monitors or tablets, so it is best to go for a happy medium - striking
a balance between detail and file size.

Full HD (often referred to by the names 1080i or 1080P) is a very good happy medium. However, 720HD video
can still look very good (720i or 720P) and will produce noticeable smaller file sizes. As a result, RSL is asking for
a minimum of 720HD videos and currently setting a maximum of 1080HD, to ensure your picture quality is good
whilst keeping the file sizes manageable. Please note that the current file size limit is 2GB.

What does the ‘i’ and/or ‘P’ after the numbers mean?

The ‘i’ stands for ‘interlaced’, meaning that the video file captured refreshes every other line of pixels every
frame, so the video file actually contains half the amount of data. It refreshes very quickly, so you can’t see the
interlacing in a perfectly set up system. However, most mobile phones and cameras now only give you the
option to record in a progressive format - meaning every line is captured. It’s probably best to avoid interlaced
formats if you can. If your settings don’t mention it and your equipment is relatively modern, it’s more than likely
to be a progressive video format.

But what do those numbers actually mean?

Look at the chart below to see how each frame size relates to each other. This should also explain why 4k is so
detailed, but why the file sizes are so big:

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What frame rate
should I use?

This figure refers to

how many frames your
camera captures every
second. A camera that
captures 30 frames
per second (30fps) is
essentially capturing
30 images which, when
played at the correct
speed, gives a good
impression of natural
movement.

Frame rate has an impact on the perceived quality of video to an extent - a very low frame rate will result in jerky
video. However you don’t need a huge amount of frames per second before things start to look pretty smooth.
Feature films, for instance, typically use 24 frames per second. This is important, because mobile phone and
camera manufactures are currently increasing the frame rates that their devices can capture, largely so extreme
slow motion video can be produced. Whilst this is impressive, Rockschool don’t need this - and the more frames
your video contains, the bigger the file sizes get again.

So, it’s for this reason RSL is asking you to set your frame rate to somewhere between 24 fps (frames per second)
and 30fps. Typically this will be a choice between 25fps and 30fps, depending on the hardware. This will generate
video that is smooth but should keep your video file size manageable.

What video format should I use?

Mobile phones and consumer cameras largely gather video and process them and store them in a file, which
makes it easier to share using the internet. The results vary, but a well designed video format can do an excellent
job of retaining a good sound and image while squeezing it into a small package. The most common formats are
.MP4 files which are a good choice, as they are both quite small and open across lots of devices, but .mov files
and .avi files are also pretty well supported. If you are at all confused or concerned, it may be worth contacting
RSL to check that your submitted video files will open.

TIP
You should ensure that there is enough battery charge and storage on the
device for the full length of the exam. With many devices such as mobile phones
it is useful to have a memory card installed if the device offers this as a feature to
extend storage. The app used for making the recording would typically have its
settings adjusted to set the card as the destination for recordings.
In order to gauge the amount of storage required, a short 1-minute test
recording could be made and then inspected for its size. This size would need to
be multiplied with the number of minutes taken up by the exam. Please see the
syllabus guide for exam durations.

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Framing Guide

The help videos in the next tab should make things clearer, but it is important to read the guidance below, so
you can be confident your submitted video will be accepted for assessment.

1) We need to see you and your instrument clearly.

For all instruments at all grades: the whole of the instrument, all associated equipment being used, and
accompanist (if present) needs to be fully visible in the camera shot:

Drums: Snare, bass drum, all toms, cymbals, pedals, and the player in the seated position, in full view
throughout, with the kit presented side-on showing hands and feet. Getting a single camera shot of a drummer
can be challenging, so try and find an angle that allows the examiner to see performer and equipment clearly:
a slightly elevated position with the camera pointing slightly down can work well. Note that some video angles
can make recording audio difficult, with the volume of cymbals and snare drum resulting in distortion: striking a
balance between video framing and audio may take some experimentation, but a compromise can be found.

Piano/Keys: Full extent of the keyboard, all pedals, and the player in the seated position in full view throughout,
the piano presented side-on showing hands and feet.

Stringed instruments: Full extent of the player, instrument, any equipment being used throughout (e.g.,
footswitches/amps) and accompanist if present.

Vocals: Full extent of vocalist, microphone, mic. stand, any equipment being used throughout, and
accompanist if present.

Ensure music stand/s and other equipment do not obscure these views, and ensure all effects changes/tone
adjustments between and during performances are shown.

The camera shots are intended to replicate the same view as examiners would have in a face-to-face exam.

If the available assessment vantage is not as per these guidelines, a resubmission may be required.

(Please note: the Supporting Videos on our website were recorded before the advice above was updated.)

2) The shot needs to be reasonably well lit.

Try to avoid shooting in dark environments, as this significantly affects the video quality. If you can record your
performance in a space with good natural light, or have access to good quality photographic or stage lighting,
the end result will be better. Please avoid coloured or moving lights in your videos too - we need to see you
clearly.

3) Keep your footage as steady as possible.

If you can use a tripod or some other kind of camera mount, that would be ideal. If you do need someone to
hold a camera or phone, please ensure you keep the video as stable as possible and avoid zooming in or out
during the exam.

Take a look at the photos overleaf, to help guide you when setting up to film your RSL graded syllabus exam:

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Audio Guide for Video

The help videos will provide more detail, but following these simple guidelines should help you create videos
with reasonable audio:

Don’t set your volume too loudly when using amplifiers or PA speakers. Mobile phones and video
cameras record sound fairly well most of the time, but struggle with high volume sound sources.
This can prove especially challenging when trying to record the sound of drums - so please read
the Recording drums for RSL exams section below for further guidance

Spend some time getting a good balance between your performance and the backing track. RSL needs
to clearly hear your performance when examining, but equally we want your performance to feel
connected to the accompanying backing track. It is worth experimenting and producing some test
recordings to ensure the balance is good.

Avoid very noisy or reverberant spaces. Your examiner wants to give your performance their full
attention, so avoid recording your exam in a space where there is likely to be significant background noise.
Also, whilst it may sound creatively pleasing, please avoid capturing your videos in very reverberant
places. We want to hear as much of your signal as possible. If you do opt to use a microphone for
vocal recordings avoid using excessive amounts of reverb and avoid long reverb times.

The use of a microphone is optional for vocals candidates at all grades (including Grades 6-8). Regardless
of whether or not a microphone is used, candidates should ensure they are able to evidence relevant
and appropriate dynamic expression, projection, tonal contrast and balance, as appropriate to the grade.

Don’t mix or ‘produce’ your audio. Overall audio should replicate as closely as possible the effect of live
studio performance as an examiner would normally hear it in a face-to-face exam; ie. the sound of the
instrument, either acoustic or amplified through a speaker, balanced against the backing track
played over a PA. Candidates should not mix or produce the audio post-recording, or add any
further effects or processing, as this could obscure the examiner’s ability to make a valid assessment
of the performance, which may in turn impact negatively on the marking.

Whilst you can record reasonable audio using a mobile phone in most instances, there are a number of devices
you may wish to consider if you want to ensure your audio is of a good quality. Please see below for a list of de-
vices and apps that RSL recommends that can help you improve audio quality when creating your video exam.

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Recording drums for RSL exams
The acoustic drum kit provides some challenges when trying to capture clear audio, especially when filming
with a mobile phone. Whilst it is possible to record usable audio with a mobile phone with care, RSL highly
recommends that drummers use a video device where they can have full control over the microphone’s
sensitivity and volume. Mobile phones do not allow you this control by default, so it is worth installing an app
that gives that that control, or using a microphone designed for use with a mobile phone that allows you to
control the volume of the incoming signal. Please see below for a list of devices and apps that RSL recommends
to help you improve audio quality.

We are also advising that, should you need to record your exam directly into a mobile phone, you avoid capturing
your acoustic drum performance whilst playing to an audible backing track – the volume required will almost
certainly make the recorded audio difficult to hear or result in audio distortion. In this instance, it is permissible
for you to record a video of your drum exam with the backing track fed to you via either headphones or in-ear
monitoring. RSL will synchronise the backing tracks to your performances for marking – but you will need to
audibly mark the final bar of the count-in before the performance begins by clicking your sticks together, so we
can easily synchronise the audio to the video. Please see the drum exam video for a demonstration.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider performing your exam to video using an electronic kit, where you will
have greater control over your volume balance. Many electronic drum modules provide the facility to plug in an
audio device directly and allow the user to blend a backing track with the drum kit. However, we recognise that
many drummers will prefer to play acoustic drum kits during assessment, so this approach is entirely optional.

Please note that where there is evidence from the video that the candidate is not listening to a backing track
while performing, this may affect the marks awarded, as performing to a backing track (where one is provided)
is a requirement of the exam.

Recommended audio / video devices and apps

Microphone for use with mobile phones (check for handset compatibility):

• Zoom iQ7
• Shure MV88
• RØDE iXY
• RØDE VideoMic

Mobile phone video apps that allow manual control of audio:

• FV-5 (supported Android devices)

• Filmic Pro (IOS devices and some supported Android devices)

Dedicated video cameras for recording high quality audio:

• Zoom Q4
• Zoom Q2n

We hope this set of guidelines has helped you understand the RSL graded syllabus video exam process and
provided a clear set of guidelines for capturing and submitting exam material. Should you require any further
advice, please contact us on: [email protected]

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