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Rockschool Continues To Rock In Bilbao

Rockschool's outfit in Spain (Mr.Jam) has teamed up with FNAC to develop monthly showcases of the best up and coming talent in the area. The first live showcase took place last week with duo and trio acts delivering powerful rock and pop performances on their Bilbao live stage. These monthly gigs are a great opportunity for students to be part of the live music scene in the city and further develop their performance skills on a high profile stage.

National Learn to Play Day - 31st March 2012

Music for All, the charity of the UK musical instrument industry is proud to announce the first, annual, National Learn to Play Day taking place on March 31st 2012.

On this day, the UK’s musical instrument shops will open their doors and offer free instrument “taster” lessons to the general public.

Event Date/Time: 31st March 2012 all day event
Location: All across the UK!
Tickets: Free to all!

There are 15 million people in the UK that either want to play an instrument or used to play one. The Day is designed to welcome people into music shops and to inspire them to get playing. People are often surprised to discover that they ARE musical and simply need a musical “experience” to get them inspired to start playing.

The Day will offer free lessons on a variety of instruments, supported by music teachers and additional guidance on getting started learning to play music. The UK’s instrument manufacturers will also be supporting the event with staff, instruments and special offers!

“Music for All knows how much music can change and enrich people's lives. We are hosting the annual Learn to Play Day to allow as many people as possible to experience the wonderful world of making music".

Paul McManus, Chief Executive of Music For All

Education Show 15th-17th March 2012

The Education Show is the UK's leading education event for the promotion and development of all learning and teaching.

The event offers a selection of free CPD seminars, workshops and training; practical and engaging content; over 400 leading suppliers and plenty of exclusive show offers so you can pick up the latest resources for your learning environment.

Best of all our CEO, Simon Pitt will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about our Qualifications.

Emeli Sande Masterclass - 17th Feb 2012

2012 BRIT 'Critics Choice' award winner Emeli Sande will be talking to an audience of young people in an exclusive masterclass at the British Music Experience, London's museum of popular music based inside The O2.

Event Date/Time: 17th Feb 2012 at 4pm
Location: The Bubble, 02 Area, London
Tickets: Free (register for a place)

The 23 year old singer songwriter will share her experiences of working with some of the biggest names in the music industry, writing for her own debut album, juggling her love of music with her education and being nominated for two BRIT awards before taking questions from the audience.

This free event is guest list only, to register for a place email events@britishmusicexperience.com with 'Emeli Sande' in the subject line. Please include your full name, age and how you found out about the event. We will send you a confirmation email to print and bring on the day.

To enquire about bringing a group email susanne.buck@britishmusicexperience.com

Candidate Stories: Dillon Harrison

Bio

Dillon Harrison was just 8 years old when he took his Drums Grade 4 Exam passing with a high distinction of 91%. Dillon began learning over two years ago with his Dad at home before eventually going to his teacher Jack Nicholson just over a year ago for regular lessons.

Since then Dillon's worked solidly on his playing style, technique, balance and reading skills, all of which have been incredibly important and influential in his outstanding mark in his Grade 4 Exam. Dillon lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire and has a keen interest in all things music, particularly rock and progressive rock. He has an extremely mature music taste for your average 9 year old, listening to bands such as, 'Porcupine Tree', 'Led Zeppelin' and 'Everything Everything'.

Dillon cites his favourite drummers as Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), John Bonham and Thomas Lang, all of which he's moulded and developed his own style around. Dillon uses his drumming idols as a constant source of development, when a "fill" or "develop" crops up in a Rockschool piece he never ceases to try adding some Harrison licks in there for some fun! He also loves and has formed his own attempts at playing "Bonham triplet" patterns, managing to incorporate them into his solo in 'Wouldn't it Be Wonderful'.

Practice Schedule

Dillon's practice schedule usually revolves around 80+ minute solid slots a day (including rudiments on a pad before school) and has begun looking at some advanced rhythmical techniques including displacement.

"Dillon's already developed great technique, in fact his technique has been so impressive that he managed to get 15/15 on his technical exercises in his exam" - Jack Nicholson.

Thrilled with his 91% Distinction at Grade 4 Dillon is looking forward to taking his Grade 5 this spring.

If you've got a story you'd like to send in about yourself or student, please send it to brand@rockschool.co.uk

Candidate Stories: Ayla Gezmis

Ayla Gezmis, age 9 from Skellingthorpe near Lincoln is another young talent that's excelled using the Rockschool Syllabus. Ayla began Guitar lessons in April 2010, then aged 8, as a complete beginner.

Starting from the ground up Ayla began with the Guitar Debut book and quickly worked her way up, taking her Guitar Grade 1 by Christmas, and passing with Distinction. Fast forward to the summer of 2011 and she had already passed her Grade 3 exam followed shortly by a Merit at Grade 5 this Christmas.

It's an amazing achievement, and a credit to her hard work, natural talent, and supportive parents. Her teacher Dan Clark is astonished by how quickly she's picked up the guitar and likewise is extremely proud of her achievements so far. Ayla is hoping to have her Grade 8 before she begins secondary school and Dan has no doubt that she will. From everyone here at Rockschool we wish her the best of luck!

If you've got a story you'd like to send in about yourself or student, please send it to brand@rockschool.co.uk

Music Practitioners Qualifications and Level 3 Grade Exams Remain on Performance Tables

Following publication of the Wolf Report in 2011, the Department for Education announced reforms to the School Performance Tables for pre-16 learners. The reforms have led to a drastic cut in the number of Vocational Qualifications which will count towards a schools achievement; however we are pleased to confirm Rockschool’s Music Practitioners Qualifications will continue to contribute to the headline measures for schools. For those beginning courses in 2012 both the Level 1 and 2 Certificate and Extended Certificate will remain on the performance tables.

In the meantime we are designing new versions of these qualifications to fully adhere to the requirements outlined by the government, we hope to have these updated qualifications available by the end of 2012.

For all of you sitting Grade Exams, our Level 3 (Grades 6, 7 & 8) are also included in the school's performance tables.

Vocals Syllabus Update - Part 1

Great news! We've updated our Vocals Syllabus with brand new tunes for both Male and Female Vocals. Ranging from Lady Gaga to Rage Against The Machine, you can now choose from a whole range of new repertoire. Take a look at part 1 of our list.

Introduction To Guitar Grade 1: Lesson Five Sight Reading (Part 1)

Learn to read...again? Ever wondered what those squiggly dotes with lines were in music books? In this lesson we teach you all the basics you need to know about sight reading, you might find you even enjoy it!

Resources

Use the audio and pdf guide to work through the video lesson.

Lesson 5 Guide
(567KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Gone But Not Forgotten Audio Tracks
(2.15MB, .zip)

Introduction To Guitar Grade 1: Lesson Four Technical Exercises

Practice, practice, practice. Lesson four will arm you with the tools you need to develop your scales, chords and riffs.

Resources

Use the audio and pdf guide to work through the video lesson.

Lesson 4 Guide
(567KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Gone But Not Forgotten Audio Tracks
(2.15MB, .zip)

Introduction To Guitar Grade 1: Lesson Three Rhythm

Rhythm, every guitarist needs it. In this lesson we focus on the importance of rhythm guitar and some great tips to master your technique.

Resources

Use the audio and pdf guide to work through the video lesson.

Lesson 3 Guide
(607KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Gone But Not Forgotten Audio Tracks
(2.15MB, .zip)

Introduction To Guitar Grade 1: Lesson Two Chords

Behind every great song there's a great chord progression. In the second of our nine part tutorial for Guitar Grade 1 we take you through the importance of timing and the relation of different chord patterns.

Resources

Use the audio and pdf guide to work through the video lesson.

Lesson 2 Guide
(607KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Gone But Not Forgotten Audio Tracks
(2.15MB, .zip)

Former Editor of Total Guitar Joins Rockschool

Rockschool is delighted to announce that Stephen Lawson, former editor of Total Guitar, has joined Rockschool’s publishing team as head of editorial. Steve will bring a wealth of experience (and industry contacts) to the job. He will begin work on the final stages of our new Guitar, Bass and Drum syllabuses, due later in 2012.

Biography

During his time as Editor of Total Guitar Stephen steered the magazine to its highest ever circulation and interviewed some of the biggest names in guitar music, from Slash to Zakk Wylde and Ozzy Osbourne.

"Ozzy was my favourite interview. I met him in his Home Counties Tudor pile, expecting mayhem. When he offered me a drink, I accepted but was slightly disappointed to find a bottle of Orangina thrust into my hand. Still, from a journalist's point of view, I suppose a sober Ozzy's better than a squiffy Ozzy!"

Success Stories: Ed Sheeran

Rockschool Vocational Qualification student Ed Sheeran to headline Wakestock, 2012 looks set to be even more hectic than 2011 for ex Rockschool Music Practitioners and Creative Practitioners student Ed Sheeran.

Ed, who studied at Access to Music London and Access to Music Norwich, received a Distinction on the Level 4 Creative Practitioners Diploma and has now scored consecutive top 5 hits in 2011 and went on to top the charts with his debut album ‘+’. He has now been announced as the first confirmed headliner for Wakestock 2012 which takes place at Cardigan Bay between the 6-8th July.

Speaking about his course Ed said:

"I loved the freedom. Obviously you are there to learn, but they understood that half of the learning you needed for the industry was outside the classroom with gigs and studio time. It game me the first push, the opportunity to move to London and the freedom to gig and record whenever I could." - Access To Music

Brit Awards

Ed has also been recently nominated for a total of four Brit awards, scoring nods in the Best British Male Solo Artist, Best British Album Of The Year, Best British Breakthrough Act and also Best Single. Ed will face the likes of Noel Gallagher, Coldplay, Adele, Jessie J and The Wanted as he fights to be named one of the top solo artists in Britain. Vote for Ed

You can also find Ed on:

Top 5 Metronome Apps for iPhone

With a vast array of smart phones and ever increasing possibilities to incorporate the latest apps with your practice, the convenience of having an easy to use metronome in your pocket has never been more readily available. Here are our top 5 metronome apps for home practice and live gigging.

'Gig baby'

Price: £0.69

This is a great little app that not only acts as metronome for practice but also includes a four track recorder with drum machine so you can lay down your own material. It comes with a bunch of standard rhythm tracks that cover all the main genres (Rock, Pop, Jazz, Latin etc). View App

'Steinway Metronome'

Price: FREE

A brilliant little app developed by Steinway pianos that is extremely accurate and robust. The interface is really easy to use and looks great too. The app lets you choose from 10 different time signatures so even the more experienced players can get the most out of it. You can even change the décor of the dashboard. Again completely free so get downloading! View App

'Metronome’

Price: FREE

One the simplest and most downloaded Metronome apps in the iTunes store, this is both easy to use and does exactly what it says on the tin – keeps you in time! Perfect for the beginner, the app affords you the choice of 3 different time signatures, 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4, slightly limiting but yet again it’s free! View App

'Tempo'

Price: £1.99

A little more expensive than the rest, however with the price tag comes a great amount of versatility and reliability, medium to experienced players can really get the most out of this app. The ‘Metronome: Tempo’ app has whopping 35 different time signatures including compound and complex meters. It even features the option to customize accents or turn beats on/off which can really help when choosing the right metronome style for you.

Another great feature which is really handy for all Rockschool students is the ability to use the app alongside your own music. It also gives you the option of saving, and managing your set lists to really make use of your practice time. View App

'Subdivide'

Price: £2.99

At £2.99 this certainly isn’t cheap but what you get for your money is a really solid metronome that is both initiative and reliable. Teachers you can plug this into speakers if you’re teaching a number of different students or want to broadcast the click to a band/ensemble. It also supports airplay for wireless speakers. View App

Introduction To Guitar Grade 1 : Getting Started

Learning something new is never easy, over the next 9 weeks we'll take you through every aspect of the Guitar Grade 1 exam. Every week we'll introduce you to a new section of the exam so you can digest it in easily manageable chunks. Use each lesson as an introduction to our syllabus.

Resources

Use the audio and pdf guide to work through the video lesson

Lesson 1 Guide
(607KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Gone But Not Forgotten Audio Tracks
(2.15MB, .zip)

Music For Youth: Regional Festivals

The world’s largest youth music festival takes place throughout February, March and April with over 50,000 musicians and singers taking part. Regional Festivals provide a unique opportunity for groups to perform to new audiences, listen to other groups from their area and get valuable feedback from the team of MFY Music Mentors.

If you're in a band you can enter online now for the chance to perform live.

Bands already confirmed from Rockschool centres:

The Fretz - Norwich (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Wonderful Broken Things - Stockton-on-Tees (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

JessAmy - Stockton-on-Tees (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Eleven Minutes Of Fame - Stockton-on-Tees (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

The Hoi Polloi - Norwich (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Atraxi - London (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Wind Up Bird - Norwich (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

The Cut Outs - Norwich (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

State of Mind - (London (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Bye Bye Jellyfish - Southampton (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Perfect Fifth - Southampton (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Time Will Tell - Southampton (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Simplicity - Southampton (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

The Dynamics - Stockton-on-Tees (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

Ecnamor - Birmingham (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

The Driveaways - Southampton (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

The Riot Act - Birmingham (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

No Name (Rockschool) - Stockton-on-Tees (Rock, Pop and Urban) 2012

New Music Educator Qualification Starting In Jan 2012

Rockschool partner, Access to Music, has a new music teacher training opportunity starting in January. By taking this course you will gain a qualification which will enable you to teach in Further Education colleges through gaining qualified associate teacher status.

The course enables you to learn how to pass on your musical skills to others covering areas such as understanding how people learn, planning and delivery, teaching and learning strategies and assessment. You will have to undertake at least 30 hours teaching during the course. This can be at an ATM centre.

The Music Educator course is being offered to over 18s in Brighton, Lincoln, London and Norwich. The course lasts for 6 months and is delivered flexibly, meaning you only have to formally attend eight 2-day (weekend) sessions. At the end you will come out with a City & Guilds Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTTLS). Apply Now

Rockschool Student Receives Recognition In Bass Guitar Magazine

Rockschool student Aaron Jacques recently took Grade 5 bass and passed with a distinction, at only 15 years old this is an amazing achievement for any aspiring young bassist, and to top it off he also features in this month's Bass Guitar Magazine.

Aaron started playing bass when he was just 9 and slowly worked his way up through his Rockschool Grades with guidance from his tutor Rory, at RWPBASSTUITION. Citing Flea as his bass hero, Aaron has developed into a mature player using the Rockschool grades as a stepping stone to explore different music styles out of his peripheries.

A big well done to Aaron from everyone here, its always a pleasure to see Rockschool student's being recognised for their achievements.

Read the full article by clicking on the picture or by grabbing yourself a copy of Bass Guitar magazine at your nearest newsagents.

A Glam Rock Christmas At The British Music Experience

Event Date/Time: 12:30-15:30, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th December 2011
Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2, London
Tickets: Pay on the door or Free for BME ticket holders.

Bring your friends and family to the British Music Experience this December for a truly Glam Rock Christmas. Ask yourself, has there ever been a better Christmas than that of 1973?

The country was gripped for the battle of a truly festive Christmas Number One – with two British Glam Rock bands going head to head, the winning song staying at Number One for 9 consecutive weeks with people inexplicably still buying the single well into the New Year.The songs? ‘Merry Christmas everybody’ by Slade and ‘I wish it could be Christmas everyday’ by Wizard. Since then the great British Christmas has never sounded the same again…

The British Music Experience is inviting everyone to relive those forgotten days and chill out in our Glam Rock 70’s lounge; there is even the opportunity for friends and families to hold onto old Christmas memories and pose for a picture by the tree to create their very own retro Christmas card.

Chill out in our Glam Rock 70’s lounge
Create your own retro Christmas card
Play games from the 70’s
Watch classic Christmas movies
Suitable for all the family, free for British Music Experience ticketholders.

'Play Something' Academy Receives MIA Recognition

Playsomething’s Academy scooped its first national award last night at the national Music Industry Association’s awards ceremony at Grosvenor Square Hotel, Park Lane, London. The event hosted the Music Industries finest retailers and manufacturers from across the UK for an evening of awards for outstanding product and contribution into the music Industry.

Playsomething were awarded the much coveted Music Maker award for recognition of their work in creating and developing musicians. Playsomething’s latest development of the Academy, a full time Diploma course for 16-18 year olds, partnered with Hertford Regional College has been a huge success and is already heavily endorsed by many major manufacturers. The Diploma is Rockschool’s Level 3 Music Practioner course with a focus on performance and instrument. Founder Jon Bliss commented:

"We are very proud to gain recognition of our hard work and commitment to providing the very best Musical Instrument tuition in Hertfordshire. I would like to thank the college, Rockschool, schools and manufacturers that believe in our vision and are openly supporting the work we are doing."

For more information on lessons taught at the Academy please call 01920 460646 or email academy@playsomething.co.uk

Santa's Sack Of Rockschool Goodies

The Christmas season is nearly upon us, the Rockschool offices will be closed from the 20th Dec to the 4th Jan 2012. To kick off the Christmas season early we thought we’d give you the chance to WIN some awesome Christmas gifts.

The Prize

This December we’re giving you the chance to WIN:

The Hal Lenoard Recording Method: Complete Series Box Set
Progression Music Editing Software
A full set of Grade books in the instrument of your choosing

Enter Now

Terms & Conditions

Closing date for the competition is 5 January 2012 the winner will be contacted within 7 days of the closing date
Rockschool's decision is final
The prize is for 1 x Hal Leonard Recording Method, 1 x Progression software, 1 x set of Grade Books
A full set of grade books is defined as: Entry Level (Debut) to Grade 8 for Guitar, Bass and Drums. For Piano it is Grade 1 - 8 with no grade 7. For BBK it is Entry Level (Debut) - 5 with the BBK companion guide. Guitar and Drums both include the Hot Rock Series
This prize is not exchangeable for cash
Rockschool accepts no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the prize in transit
One entry per person
This competition is not open to Rockschool staff

Music Practitioners student, Misha B down to the last five in X Factor.

Misha B a Level 3 Music Practitioners vocal student from Trafford College, Manchester has progressed to the last 5 in the X Factor. The 19 year old is on her second year studying for the Extended Diploma on the Performing pathway, though with her prolonged absence from the college, she's probably got some catching up to do!

From everyone at Rockschool we wish her the best of luck.

Music for Youth Schools Prom 2011

Hosted at the Royal Albert Hall over three nights with over 3,000 performers, the Music for Youth Schools Prom took the Albert Hall by storm. Check out some of the videos and pictures taken from this three night showcase of some of the hottest Rock, Pop and Urban talent from around the UK.

'Play' Performed Live

'Play' is an original piece written by composer Tim Steiner, commissioned by MFY and Rockschool for the 2011 season. The Schools Prom version of 'Play' acted as the overture to the concert, involving 800 young performers and featured MC Ryan Pearson.

Taneisha Jackson & Stephanie Forbes

Taneisha Jackson and Stephanie Forbes are a piano and voice duo based at Sedgehill School in Lewisham, London. Both greatly influenced by gospel and contemporary pop and R n' B, their songs and musical talent extend way beyond their age and experience.

SDK

SDK are an urban-pop group from Hustmere School in Sidcup, Kent. With the Schools Prom only being their third public appearance together, the Sidcup boys performed with bags of energy, swagger and confidence.

Get 50% Off Teaching Diplomas in South Wales

Get 50% Off Teaching Diplomas in South Wales

AX Music in South Wales are offering candidates the chance to take the Rockschool Teaching Diploma at half price. If you are interested in taking the Teaching Diploma and are in the South Wales area please contact Phil Harris at phil@axmusic.co.uk. The deadline for registering is Friday 11th November.

For more information on AX Music please visit axmusic.co.uk

10 Year Old Ace Masters Drums, Guitar and Keys

Benjamin Goh is an extraordinary case of young talent excelling in numerous different instruments. With the Rockschool syllabus at the heart of his learning, Benjamin already has Merit at Grade 6, and Grade 3 on Drums and Guitar respectively.

His Story

During the school holidays in 2009, Benjamin Goh and his older brother, Reuben, were taken to a couple of half hour drum lessons by their parents just to fill in the time. Both boys instantly fell in love with the instrument and decided they wanted to continue throughout the school term.

In 2010, Benjamin enrolled for his first Rockschool Drums exam. His Drum teacher, Neil Stewart , was confident that he could take the Grade 5 exam with his older brother. Benjamin hit the ground running and received a Merit at Grade 5 and his brother a Distinction. With the confidence of now knowing his skill level, Benjamin and his brother both performed in the annual 2 hour school music festival with 6 participating schools in August 2011. Benjamin however did not stop there...

After the success of his Grade 5 exam he also took a shine to the Guitar, Ukelele, Keyboad, Piano and even sings with his school performance groups and rock band. Benjamin was awarded a Music trophy for excellence by his school at the end of 2010 and received Merits in his recent Rockschool Grade 6 Drums exam and Guitar Grade 3 exam.

Influential Teaching

Behind every great student, there's a great teacher. Benjamin is very fortunate to have the most wonderful music teachers, Michelle Sadgrove and Matt Moncur who teach at his school (Arahoe Primary school, NZ). Michelle, in particular encourages Benjamin in all aspects of music and inspires all the kids at school.

Both Reuben & Ben get no more than 15 minutes practice a few times a week and really have to make the most of these times. Eventually the boys hope to be able to persuade their parents to build them a music room/studio and intend to carry on their Grades with Rockschool.

If you've got a story you'd like to send in about yourself or student, please send it to brand@rockschool.co.uk

Perform In Music for Youth's Regional Festival Series

In Collaboration with Music For Youth and Access To Music we are offering bands, and solo artists from Rockschool centres across the country the oppportunity to play at one of Music for Youths regional Rock, Pop and Urban Festivals. Selected bands will be invited to perform at MFY’s National Festival in Birmingham and London’s Royal Albert Hall. It’s free to take part and open to all groups of two or more, aged 21 and under.

The Shows will take place at the following venues on these dates;

Friday 25th February: Stockton on Tees, Egglescliffe School

Saturday 3rd March: Bristol (Venue TBC)

Saturday 17th March: Norwich Waterfront

Friday 23rd March: Southampton Tauntons College

Saturday 24th March: South Birmingham College

Date TBC: London Bush Hall

The deadline for entries is mid December. Please send any entries or enquiries to patrick@rockschool.co.uk

MP Presses Education Secretary For Pianos In Schools

An MP has questioned the education secretary Michael Gove over the government’s plans to improve music education in schools.

Valerie Vaz, the Labour MP for Walsall South, asked Mr Gove at Commons education questions for the government to boost music by at least providing a piano in every school.

Citing Plato’s theory of education that musical training is one of the most important instruments in education, she highlighted the recent research from the Institute of Education which found that one in nine primary schools in the UK does not have a piano.

“So could he ensure that he takes steps to ensure that all the primary schools have a musical co-ordinator and, more importantly, a piano?,” she asked of Mr Gove.

He replied that a national plan for the future of music education in schools will be published by the government "shortly", promising that it will "reform the delivery and funding of music education" and will give more children in the UK the opportunity to learn to play an instrument, to sing and to take part in an ensemble.

Earlier this month, the Institute of Education report revealed a wide gap in music education in schools, with some delivering a good programme and others very little. Its survey showed that more than a quarter of schools had no access to tuned percussion instruments and 45 per cent of primary staff could not read music.

Many of the teachers questioned said the main reason for poor music education was down to the need to prepare children for national tests in literacy and numeracy.

Mr Gove heeded the call in the Commons, saying that Ms Vaz is “absolutely right that the wider provision not just of trained music teachers, but also of musical instruments, will ensure not just that more children have access to the greatest of all art forms, but also that more children as a result do better in every other subject as well”.

Music Teacher Magazine: Teachers Guide To Music And Dyslexia

We appeared in Music Teacher Magazine's teachers guide to music and dyslexia, if you didn't catch it here is our section from the article.

At Rockschool we pride ourselves on offering practical, flexible and fun music qualifications. We know that exams can be daunting and stressful, which is why our examiners are trained to try and put candidates at ease as much as possible; we want to you to do well and have fun! Any candidate who has a learning difficulty, disability or is at a disadvantage due to something beyond their control should read our 'Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration Policy'.

We advise that when filling out an entry form, (for all our qualifications), candidates supply us with as much information as possible so that we can accommodate individual requirements to the best of our abilities. Call us to discuss your requirements: 0845 460 4747.

Graded Music Exams

Upon providing evidence on your entry form, dyslexic candidates are given an extra five minutes to complete the exam; for Grades 6 – 8 candidates receive an extra ten minutes. This is automatically added when the exam is booked. If a dyslexic candidate requires further adjustments other than more time, this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Top Exam tips For Dyslexic Candidates

Talk to us – Talk to a member of the team about your individual requirements exams@rockschool.co.uk or if you want to talk to other candidates, find us on Facebook.
Give yourself time – Get to the exam early, don’t put extra pressure on yourself by rushing.
Be prepared – Don’t forget to bring your grade book, spare strings, sticks, etc.
Keep hydrated – Bring a bottle of water with you, it will help you keep focused.
Enjoy it! – Rockschool Graded Music Exams are all about performance: play your music

Teaching And Performance Diplomas

Dyslexic candidates should include a letter with their entry form providing evidence of their dyslexia and include their individual requirements for the examination element of the qualification. All requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

Music Practitioner, Creative Practitioner And Music Educator Qualifications

Our Vocational Qualifications are delivered by individual centres; learners need to enrol with a centre that delivers the qualification they want to take. Vocational Qualifications are coursework based and don’t involve exams. Learners can produce video and audio evidence instead of or alongside written work. Dyslexic learners should talk to the centre about their specific requirements and work with their tutor to produce evidence that works to their strengths.

Centres that require advice or deadline extensions should contact: qualifications@rockschool.co.uk

Guitar Idol 2011

On December 4th 2011 at one of London’s top venues – The Garage, Islington will be the site for a six string battle for supremacy, with contestants flying in from all over the world to do battle for the title of Guitar Idol 2011.

The live final is the headline event for the first 'Licklibrary Live' show: an all-day guitar festival (12.30-10.30 p.m.) which will also feature live performances, clinics and master-classes from some of the top names in guitar playing, as well as the chance for budding guitar stars to jam onstage with top Licklibrary stars:

Stuart Bull, Andy James, Danny Gill, Michael Caswell and Jamie Humphries.

This is a great opportunity for all Rockschool students and musicians alike so see some of the best guitarists in the world battle it out live on stage.

Level 4 & 6 Diploma Help Raise The Bar In South Wales.

The Level 4 and 6 Licentiate Diploma in Music Teaching has seen tremendous success over the years and no more so than at The Academy of Excellence in Music in Aberdare, South Wales.

When the Rockschool Teaching Diplomas were released in 2008 AX Music was beginning its journey as a community based educational organisation.

Jeremy Ward, Executive Director recommended that the staff of AX Music should undertake the Licentiate Level Six examination to bring quality assurance to the company. After a lot of hard work developing lesson plans, assessing performances and researching special needs education three AX Music personnel successfully completed the Licentiate.

In 2010 AX Music became the first educational establishment in Wales to run the Rockschool Diplomas. Staff from music services in the Cardiff area and freelance musicians enrolled on the Level Four Diploma course. Eleven candidates were successful and recently one candidate passed the Licentiate examination.

AX Music has helped further the career of these individuals by recommending them to county music services, private music establishments and community projects safe in the knowledge that quality will be maintained across the board because of the work they have undertaken on the diploma course.

The AX Music Diploma course takes place for two hours per week throughout the academic year. This enables candidates to keep working and teaching without making a dent in their earning potential. The course covers all aspects of the Diploma.

Ten Year Old Receives Distinction at Grade 4

Its not everyday that your average 10 year old recieves a distinction at Grade 4 but that's exactly what Bridie has achieved. Bridie is only ten years old, and has been learning for 3 years now. She's worked all the way through to Grade 4 so far, gaining merits in Grades 1, 2 & 3 and getting a distinction at Grade 4.

Background

Bridie was given her first kit by a family friend who saw she had a real passion and feel for it! Her drumming idols include, Taylor Hawkins and Thomas Lang having already met clinic legend Karl Brasil, a fellow left handed player (Below Right).

Her practice schedule already mirrors that of a young professional, consisting of between 30 mins to an hour everyday during the week and 2 hours at a go on weekends. Her tutor Geoff Tonkin who studied at Drum Tech in West London has helped shape and mould her playing style.

Favourite pieces from her Grade 4 exam include punk/pop classic 'Cherry Bomb', followed shortly by the slightly darker 'Folded' and 'Baked Potarto'. More recently she's just started to play with other musicians, at a local regular jam night, which is teaching her things her tutor and exams cannot, and as a result her confidence is growing and is developing a real love for performing live.

Bridie eventually hopes to have her very own custom DW kit and work her way all the way up to Grade 8. From everyone here at Rockschool we wish her the best of luck!

If you've got a story you'd like to send in about yourself or student, please send it to brand@rockschool.co.uk

Craig Blundell Hot Rock Drums Tour

Renowned clinician and educator Craig Blundell will be presenting three intimate Hot Rock Drums clinics in association with Music Sales & Roland, this November.

During the workshops, Craig will be demonstrating how to play the exam versions of Hot Rock Drums Grades 4 and 5 using the Roland TD-4 and TD-9 electric kits, as well as the HD1 kit, Octapad and Handsonic.

There will also be special offers on Hot Rock Books in all stores on the day of the demonstrations, plus a competition to win a HD1 kit and a full set of Grade and Hot Rock books!

Hot Rock Drums

The Hot Rock Series covers works from a wide variety of artists and bands, including Metallica, Foo Fighters, AC DC, Kings of Leon and many more.

"Hot Rock is a great way of playing hit tunes in our exams and this series for drums and guitar has been going great guns since 2009. “We are delighted to be teaming up with Roland and Music Sales for these clinics. Craig is a great drummer and we expect these events to be well attended."
Simon Pitt, CEO.

The drum clinics will be held from 3pm to 7pm in the following Musicroom stores:

Bristol: Tuesday 8th November 2011 – Musicroom Bristol, 30 College Street, BS1 5TB
Lincoln: Wednesday 9th November 2011 – Musicroom Lincoln, 161-162 High Street, LN5 7AF
Edinburgh: Thursday 10th November 2011 – Rae Macintosh, 8 Queensferry Street, EH2 4PA

Guitar Techniques Issue 194

We have a monthly column in Guitar Techniques magazine. It offers advice on scale choices, soloing strategies and many other ways to expand your playing. All the resources you will need for Issue 194 can be found below.

This month features Guitar Grade 7 piece, 'Deja Vu' - A Southern boogie style track typified by bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. This song begins with a driving riff which should be played cleanly and loud, not forgetting the bends, slides and vibrato.

If you think you'd like to sit the Guitar Grade 7 exam you will need the Guitar Grade 7 book, available from musicroom.com

Resources

The resources you need for the Rockschool Guitar Techniques feature (194 Issue) can be found below:

Sheet Music - Guitar Grade 7- 'Deja Vu'
(216KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

'Deja Vu' Audio (Full & Backing Track)
(10MB, .zip)

Related Products

You may find the following books useful for preparing for the Guitar Grade 7 exam:


Rockschool Guitar Grade 7 Price: £15.99 Media: Sheet Music & CD Language: English Learn more...


Rockschool Guitar Technical Companion Price: £10.00 Media: Sheet Music Language: English Learn more...

BME: 40 Years Of Hard Rock Café And The Worlds Rock And Roll Greats - Sept 2011

Event Date/Time: Now Until September 27th 2011
Location: The Bubble, 02 Area, London
Tickets: Free for anyone with a valid British Music Experience ticket

The British Music Experience are showcasing four decades of iconic Rock and Roll memorabilia as part of the legendary Hard Rock Café’s 40th birthday celebrations.

The British Music Experience, the UK’s only museum of popular music, will be displaying item and rock memorabilia from legends such as;

Pete Townsend	Stevie Nicks
Bon Jovi	Taylor Swift
Slash	Oasis
The Black Eyed Peas	Eric Clapton
Johnny Cash	Mick Jones
John Lennon	Neil Young
Tina Turner	Billy Idol

The collection of 40 never before seen items will take visitors through an astounding journey of unforgettable rock and roll memories and moments.

The Hard Rock collection is free to enter to anyone with a valid British Music Experience ticket from 11:00 until 19:30 (last ticket entry 18:30).

YouTube Top 5

Over the past month we’ve been delving into the deepest, darkest reaches of YouTube to find our Top 5 Grade piece covers. There were some truly inspiring videos out there that we'd love to see more of. Here we are with our Top 5. Enjoy!

1. BBKeng: '667' Guitar Grade 8

With nearly 100,000 views this excellent piece of metal riffage has been attracting attention on the web since 2007. BBKeng has his own website over at www.bbkeng.com check it out for more videos and lessons.

2. Paul Asbridge: ‘Some You Win’ Drums Grade 8

This is an all-round solid piece of performance drumming played with flare, fantastic technique and a good sprinkling of raw energy. Paul also has a number of different clips on his channel as well as more Rockschool covers that are well worth a watch.

3. Matt Lowie: 'Bust Up' Bass Grade 5

Not necessarily one of the flashiest bass pieces in the syllabus but never the less, a fantastic demonstration of how bass should be played. Matt currently teaches bass in and around London you can find him over at www.mattlowriemusic.com

4. Dav0161: 'Alka Seltzer' Band Based Keys Grade 5

Taken from the Band Based Keys syllabus this is a rarity that we found when searching through the depths of YouTube. Again this isn’t a perfectionist’s choice but still, the energy and stylistic awareness of the track really impressed us and is well worth your attention.

5. Craig: 'Georges Best' Guitar Grade 7

'Georges Best' is a great guitar piece but rarely chosen by Rockschool students. Played with the smoothness of B.B King this is a great little cover that ticks all the boxes. Guitarists thinking about taking Grade 7 should take this piece into consideration when selecting their performance pieces. 'Georges Best' is great for developing and varying your technique as well as perfecting your timing.

Send Us Your Video

If you've got a video that you think is worth our attention please send us the link to brand@rockschool.co.uk - we'd love to hear from you!

* Please note, none of the artists, performances or websites are endorsed by Rockschool and are merely the editors choice. None of the videos should be taken as learning tools to use alongside our Graded material.

How To Play: 'All My Life' - Foo Fighters

'All My Life' - Foo Fighters: Hot Rock Drums Grade 4

Track: 'All My Life'
Tempo: 168 bpm
Album: One By One
Drummer: Taylor Hawkins

All My Life - Exam Version

Background:

Taylor begun his career as a session drummer for Alanis Morissette and later became the drummer of the Foo Fighters after his cousin, Kevin Harrell, introduced him to Dave Grohl after camping with him for several weeks in the Ozarks. A self confessed Queen fan, Taylor also had a brief stint touring as Brian May's drummer.

Today we'll be looking at the exam version of Foo Fighters hit song 'All My Life'. 'All My Life' is great piece to learn and one of our favourites to play from Hot Rock Drums Grade 4. It’s got every drum part you’d want in a classic rock track, contrasting dynamics, fast tempo, killer fills – the list goes on. Today we’ll show you how to nail two of the best parts of this thumping rock track.

First off lets get you familiar with the drum notation you'll need to know to work through the exercises.

Drum Notation Explained

Style Points

The track is best played full-on with lots of energy and power, make each snare hit count as you’ll be the driving force behind the track. Remember, accuracy, feel and dynamics will play a big part in how the sound of this track comes across – Try listening to the track at least a couple of times through before attempting it.

'Machine Gun' Snare Fill - Bar 8

This ‘machine gun’ like fill on the snare repeats throughout the track, but let’s have a look at its first instance - the lead into the verse. The fill itself is an extremely effective and punchy way of separating and distinguishing between the two sections, and played right can sound HUGE. Again take your time with this part, as the accuracy of each hit is paramount.

Take a look at the below to see where it appears in the track.

Bars 3-8

(Click to view larger image)

The Way To Play

To get this section nailed brings you back to one of the classic rudiments in drumming [1 +a2e a], a six figure pattern (shown below) that used effectively can really go along way. The figure itself [3 +a4e a ] is a slight variation of this being placed on beat 3 instead of 1. The easiest way to play the fill is to use the below sticking R L R L R - but can be played with doubles if you're feeling adventurous (RR LL R).

Snare Exercise

Tip: The fill's placement across the bar can seem daunting at first - Slow the exercise down as much as possible and break the fill in half if you have to.

Try looping the above figure until you can play it at the track tempo. Start off at say half the tempo this will give you plenty of leeway when improving your stick accuracy. If you're feeling creative try moving the fill around the kit - the possibilities really are endless. Try placing the +a on the High Tom and the 2e a on the Floor Tom and you'll have a completely different sounding fill.

Chorus Ride Pattern - Bars 27 Onwards

Throughout the chorus Taylor plays an intricate ride bell pattern that really allows the chorus to groove. This pattern again plays with syncopation (like in the intro) which we’ve simplified for you in the exam version to match the Grade requirements. The figure itself is actually quite easy to master but plays a massive part in the feel of the chorus, it goes like this 1 2 [3+(4)+1]. see exercise 2 for the full pattern.

Bars 25-32

(Click to view larger image)

The Way To Play

Practice playing Exercise 1 (below) on the bell of the ride at first, then take out the hit on beat 4 (Exercise 2) and voilà you’ve got the basis of the pattern! Loop exercise 2 to a click and slowly build the tempo keeping each hit accurate and in time. Once you've mastered this the rest of the chorus will follow.

Exercise 1

Step 1: Practice playing this exercise first to familiarise yourself with the placement of the pattern.

Exercise 2

Step 2: Once Exercise 1 is mastered take out the hit on beat 4. Remember to use the 'shoulder' of the stick when playing the bell of the ride - this will give a clear and consistent sound.

Again, Exercise 2 can also be applied to many different styles; Try moving beats 3 onwards around the kit and see what you come up with! Use the below exercise when your practising at home or with your band.

Exercise 3

Ex.3 Try moving the pattern around the kit, place the 3+ on the High Tom and the +1 on the floor tom. This really is a great chance to be creative!

Hot Rock Drums Grade 4

If you want to play the track in full you’ll have to purchase the Hot Rock Drums Grade 4 book, where you can find the full transcription & exam version of the track as well as further Hints, Tips and walkthroughs to help you on the way to achieving a great sound.

The Hot Rock Grade 4 book also features 7 more HUGE tracks:

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Fuel – Metallica.
Live And Let Die – Guns 'n' Roses
Message In A Bottle – The Police.
Paranoid – Black Sabbath.
Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon.
Whole Lotta Rosie – AC/ DC.

Find Out More

Top Tips To Ace Your Exam

Everyone gets nervous before sitting an exam; it’s all part of being a musician. The important part is learning how to deal with these nerves, and to overcome them so you can play to the best of your ability. Here are some of our Top Tips to ace your exam.

Practicing

Organise & plan: Set out exactly what you’re going to work on in each session, whether its scales, chords or rudiments give yourself ample time to polish each section of your exam.

Click: Practice playing to a metronome, this goes without saying.

Posture: Check your posture, a lot of players can develop bad posture and technique due to the way they sit at/with their instrument. Practice playing in front of a mirror or record yourself to ensure you’re not slouching or developing bad technique. We always advise you seek professional advice from a qualified music teacher if you are unsure of your playing position.

Bite size: Try to divide your chosen tunes into manageable chunks, practice each section slowly at first and work towards the required tempo. Always target the tricky bits first, the rest of the track will follow.

Diversity: Try to vary the styles you play in, this will help develop creativity and nurture good technique.

Confidence: Practice in-front of friends and family to boost your confidence, performance skills & stage presence.

The Exam

Be early: Arrive at least 10mins before your exam and you’ll feel a lot more comfortable before going into the exam room. You can also use this time to warm up, practice some simple finger or wrist exercises to get you in the right mind-set.

Get comfy: Make sure your're comfortable before you begin, change the stool/seat position if you have to – the examiner won’t mind!

Be confident: Remember the examiner's there to help, if you’ve got any questions before or during the exam, don’t be scared to ask.

Stay cool: Keep cool and hydrated, take some water with you into the exam.

Play with passion: The examiner see's hundreds of candidates every year, play with enthusiasm and love for your instrument and they're sure to take notice.

General Musicianship Questions & Ear Test

Learn your instrument inside out: The examiner wants to see you know the required amount of knowledge about your instrument and the genres specific to each grade. Taking time to research all the general musicianship questions and going that extra step will help you in achieving that top mark.

Get listening: Ask your teacher to play back specific notes and rhythms so you can get your ear used to hearing a range of melodies played in different rhythms and varying dynamics.

Take responsibility: If you're having trouble hearing the backing track don’t be afraid to ask your examiner to adjust the volume. Being able to hear each note clearly will help you with your recall.

It's OK to hum! Practice humming some of the aural test scales in your head before entering the exam room this will make it a lot easier when recalling the melody when asked. You can also hum along to the melody during the test.

If you would like more help or advice before taking any Rockschool Exam. Please contact info@rockschool.co.uk or call 0845 460 4747

Band Based Keys - FAQ's

Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions we get about the Band Based Keys syllabus. Take a quick look through them before sending us an email. If you still can't find what your after, email us: info@rockschool.co.uk

FAQ's

Q: Do I need to be in a band to enter the exam?

A: No you don't have to be in a band to enter the exam. The Grade book comes with a backing track to play along with. With the Band Based Keys syllabus however, you can play in a band at grades 3 and 5 as the syllabus is the same as Guitar, Bass & Drums. View our band exams.

Q: What kind of keyboard do I need to sit the exam?

A: All the pieces are designed for a standard 66 note keyboard. You will need the following patches: piano; electric piano, organ, strings and synth. There are usually numerous examples of each and you are free to make your own choices on which to use.

Q: Why do the BBK exams stop at Grade 5? What should I do if I want to progress further on Keys?

A: We decided to bring out the lower levels first. The other grades will be out next year. If you'd like to progress further than Grade 5 we'd suggest switching to the Pop Piano syllabus for now.

Q: How does the BBK syllabus differ from your Piano syllabus?

A: The BBK syllabus differs in the sense that playing keys is not about just playing solo melodies and left hand accompaniment. It's about learning to play chords and forming part of the texture of a band. There are solos in the pieces but with this exam you learn to be a member of a band and not always the lead player.

Q: What kind of repertoire is covered in the syllabus?

A: The main styles are rock, pop and funk but there are numerous different styles covered in the repertoire.

Q: Can I bring my own keyboard to the exam?

A: It’s always best to use your own keyboard. You will feel more confident playing on an instrument you know. Just remember to have all the parts ready and to get set up as quickly as possible. Don’t forget the sustain pedal if you are using one.

Musicians Call For Wider EBacc Subject List

Katherine Sellgren - BBC

Musicians are urging the government to include creative and cultural subjects in its English Baccalaureate measure.

The benchmark is reached by pupils in England who get at least a C in maths, English, two sciences, a language and history or geography at GCSE.The Incorporated Society of Musicians and Music Teacher magazine say it should include a "sixth pillar" for a cultural or creative option like music.The Department for Education said it ensured "core" subjects were studied.

The ISM and Music Teacher magazine are calling on the public to help with the campaign to get music included in the EBacc, as the benchmark is known, by writing to their MP.A template letter, provided by the groups, says: "I am deeply concerned at the current omission of music and other creative subjects from the English Baccalaureate."

'Enriching' subject

It refers to a report by the Commons education select committee, published in July, which urged ministers to review the EBacc subject list because it risked 'shoe-horning' pupils into inappropriate subjects.

"The EBacc is there to make sure that every single child gets a chance to study the core academic subjects which top universities demand" - Department for Education

"Will you, as my MP, support the recent education select committee's report which called on the government to review its initial subject choice for the English Baccalaureate? the letter says. It goes on: "And will you join calls for music to be included as part of a sixth 'pillar' of creative and cultural subject options, to address the omission of music and other creative subjects?

"If we do not protect music, we will put our musical heritage, industry, and the academic and social benefits of music education at risk." Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the ISM, said: "Not only is music challenging and enriching as a subject in schools, but to forget music at GCSE level is to forget the creative, social, academic, economic, emotional and intellectual benefits of an excellent music education.This is to say nothing of its own unique musical value."

Christopher Walters, editor of Music Teacher magazine, said: "Essentially a performance measure, the EBacc will inevitably have negative consequences for any subjects that are excluded from it."

'Reforming the system'

"Music Teacher is therefore delighted to be part of a campaign not only to include music but to introduce an entire sixth pillar of creative subjects, which we believe would greatly improve the impact of the EBacc in our schools."

A Department for Education spokesman said: "The EBacc is there to make sure that every single child gets a chance to study the core academic subjects which top universities demand. But the EBacc is not the be all and end all.

"The White Paper made clear that this is 'only one measure of performance and should not be the limit of schools' ambitions for their pupils'.

"We've protected £82.5m funding for music services this year and are reforming the system so money is targeted where it is needed most in the future."

Mr Jam Centre For Modern Music Graduation Ceremony 2011

With more and more Rockschool centres popping up over Europe every year, we thought we'd show everyone in the UK how its done in Spain. The Mr Jam Centre for Modern Music is the Official Rockschool exam centre in the Basque region of Northern Spain. Boasting 29 distinctions and 41 merits for this session alone it's one of Rockschool's highest performing centres in Spain.

Mr. Jam celebrated its first awards ceremony for all the Rockschool students who achieved Grade 8 in Drums, Guitar and Bass in June 2011. This ceremony was part of the centres 20th anniversary.

Ivan Bernal
Grade 8 Drums
Distinction

Xabier Lezana
Grade 8 Guitar
Merit

Jokin Bilbao
Grade 8 Drums
Merit

Unai Verela
Grade 8 Drums
Merit

The Mr. Jam centre achieved some fantastic results this session, below are all their Grade 8 results for this session. With these grades the students can put the UCAS points towards applications for a range of Universities here in the UK, such as: BIMM, IMCP, University of Sussex, University of West London, University of Westminster, Bath Spa University, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, The Northern College of Music & The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Candidate	Qualification	Result
Gonzalo Garcia Plasencia	Drums Grade 8	Merit
Andoni Narbaez Lizarralde	Guitar Grade 8	Merit
Unai Olabarri Varela	Drums Grade 8	Merit
Jairo Ubiaño Martinez	Drums Grade 8	Merit
Ivan Roman Bernal	Drums Grade 8	Distinction
Jorge Fernandez Fernandez	Drums Grade 8	Distinction
Jokin Arnal Bilbao	Bass Grade 8	Merit
Pablo Garcia Fernandez	Guitar Grade 8	Merit
Xabier Rabadan Lezana	Guitar Grade 8	Merit

Performance Diplomas – New & Updated. Now Without Quick Study Pieces

Our Performance Diplomas have been stripped down and refined to give you more musical freedom. Now without quick study pieces, the Performance Diploma focuses solely on your performance ability as a musician, so you can play your music, your way.

Performance Diplomas

Rockschool Performance Diplomas are assessed on exactly what the title suggests. A performance. This qualification is perfect for those candidates who want to carry on and development their performance skills beyond Grade 8.

There are three learning outcomes that you need to successfully complete:

A 20-30 minute performance (dependent on the level)
Evidence of promotional material
A Q & A with the examiner

These outcomes of the exam all link together and provide the fundamentals of the qualification. We offer the Performance Diploma at two levels:

Level 4 is available to candidates aged 16 and over with a minimum of Grade 8 or equivalent in an accredited instrumental exam.
Level 6 is available to candidates aged 16 and over with an accredited Performance Diploma at Level 4.

For more information contact diplomas@rockschool.co.uk

Music Practitioners Qualifications - Now With UCAS Points

We are proud to announce that our Music Practitioners Qualifications now carry UCAS points - see below for our points structure. *Find out how our points compare, visit the UCAS website.

Grade	Extended Diploma	Diploma	Subsidiary Diploma	Extended Certificate	Certificate
Distinction	240	180	120	60	30
Merit	160	120	80	40	20
Pass	80	60	40	20	10

Discount For Rockschool Students On New ATM Session Musician Course

Access to Music, has launched a new one-year Level 3 Session Musician course in Manchester accredited by a Rockschool Diploma. They are offering a 50% discount on the resources fee for Rockschool students worth £45!*

The course starts in September in Manchester and is the perfect grounding for anyone looking to become a top-flight instrumentalist. It caters for the standard instruments found in rock and pop music (guitar, bass, drums, vocals and keyboards). Students undertake intensive instrumental development coupled with musicianship skills which leads to live and recorded performance in a plethora of different genres of music. Students also gain an understanding of how to work effectively in the music industry and will gain access to lots of opportunities in the region.

Delivery is centred on music-making sessions in rehearsal rooms, studios and venues. The course is run from Access to Music Manchester based at the Abraham Moss Centre in Crumpsall, north Manchester, right on the Metro Link just 15 minutes from Piccadilly.

To apply you must be aged 16-24. You will need to be at a Grade 5 standard or above on your instrument and you will need the drive and motivation to complete the course. You will be invited to attend an interview/audition.

Progression from the course can lead onto Access to Music's Popular Music Practice (Session Musician) foundation degree at the Royal Northern College of Music.

To apply visit the Access To Music site

* Proof that you are a Rockschool student will be required.

BME: Matt Heafy Guitar Clinic - 6 August 2011

Event Date/Time: 6th August 2011
Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2, London
Tickets: Register for this event.

To celebrate the release of Trivium's new album 'In Waves' (out 8 August) - frontman Matt Heafy will be holding an exclusive guitar clinic at the British Music Experience shortly before they take to the stage at the 02 arena, London.

Every winner attending will receive a limited edition autographed Trivium 'In Waves' poster and free entry to check out the British Music Experience exhibition itself.

Register for this event

Rock, Pop & Urban Showcase: Music For Youth National Festival - July 2011

Music for Youth’s National Festival embodies the UK’s thriving youth music scene. Across the six days, over 12,000 young musicians from across the country took over the city of Birmingham, performing at some of the city’s premier venues. The festival included inspirational performances of jazz, orchestral, rock, folk and world, urban, wind and brass, pop, choral and chamber music.

On Wednesday 6 July, 19 aspiring rock, pop and urban groups from across the country took to the HMV Institute stage. The Rock, Pop and Urban day showcased some of the UK’s best up-and-coming bands, performing a range of both original material and covers. Each group received a Certificate of Participation based on their musicality, stylistic awareness and stage presence, as well as feedback from MFY’s Music Mentors, John Evans and Rob Farrer.

The following groups were presented with Certificates of Participation:

The Rebels of Rock, a four piece from Harwich, Essex (aged 8-11) received a Certificates of Participation for their stage energy, rock sound, and overall great performance.

Innovence, a four piece alternative/progressive band from Newport, Gwent (aged 17-19) received a Certificate of Participation for their anthemic rock performance and playing with complete professionalism.

Soul Patrol (right) from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, a 19 piece soul band (aged 14-19) were presented with a Certificate of Participation for "really nailing the soul genre", with an energetic and entertaining performance of original material.

Chief Executive of Rockschool, Dr Simon Pitt was on hand to award the Certificates as well as offer feedback and advice to the performers.

"There were some fantastic bands and artists on show today. It’s always great to be involved in an event like this, where students get the opportunity to perform their music on the big stage – this is something that’s been at the very core of Rockschool since day one." Dr. Simon Pitt.

Any bands aged 21 and under, looking to get involved in the 2012 MFY Festival Series can enter online from September at www.mfy.org.uk

Westside Announces Sabian Artisan Clinics - Sept 2011

Event Date/Time: 5th - 16th of Sept 2011
Location: (See below for locations)
Tickets: (N/A)

Westside Distribution has announced dates for the Sabian UK Artisan Clinic Tour.

The clinics will be hosted by two of the UK’s busiest recording and drummers, Karl Brazil (pictured) and Ralph Salmins, who will both provide an inside view on what it takes to become – and continue to be – a successful, working drummer. This is a fantastic opportunity for any Rockschool drummer studying the later Grades, Vocational Qualifications or Performance Diplomas.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Salmins is a master of various styles and settings, from live jazz, pop and rock music, to West End shows and studio sessions. He has also played in more than 100 movie soundtracks.

Check out a video of Ralf performing at the Rhythm Studio, London

Karl Brazil has become known not only for his versatility as a musician and clinician but also for his ambidextrous playing technique, using a right handed drum kit with a left handed and footed style of playing. He has recorded and toured with 'Robbie Williams', 'James Blunt', 'Take That' and many more.

Check out a video of Karl performing at the Jobeky UK custom drum festival.

The Artisan Clinic Tour will take place at the following Sabian stockists:

5th Sept. – Rattle & Drum, Derby – Tel: 01332 360657
6th Sept. – ADC Drums, Liverpool – Tel: 0151 227 3271
7th Sept. – PMT House of Drums, Birmingham – Tel: 0121 333 3220
8th Sept. – Drumnutt, Swansea – Tel: 01792 301010
9th Sept. – Poole Percussion, Poole – Tel: 01202 675111
12th Sept. – GAK Drum Cavern, Brighton – Tel: 01273 691678
13th Sept. – London Drum Company, Croydon – Tel: 020 8662 9119
14th Sept. – Anglia Drum Centre, Norwich – Tel: 01493 440112
15th Sept. – Sound Attak, Colchester – Tel: 01206 368999
16th Sept. – PMT House of Drums, Southend – Tel: 01702 332743

These events will also be a chance for visitors to check out Sabian’s Artisan range of cymbals.

Exams Team Interview

James Richards

Job Title: Exams Officer
Area(s) covered: The North & Scotland
Education: Leicester University BA in Politics
Musical Taste: The Who, The Beatles & The Doors
Instrument: Bass
Band: DeadWax

Rockschool is in one of its busiest examination periods of the year; we caught up with one of our latest editions to the Rockschool exams team, James Richards to give you a behind the scenes look at how we operate.

The Background

How long have you been playing bass and does it help when answering questions on the syllabus?

I've been playing for around 10 years now. It's great to be knowledgeable about bass when you're working at somewhere like Rockschool. I know the syllabus inside out now and can really empathise with the candidates and the process they go through when learning an instrument. It does mean however, that a lot of the bass related questions get fielded towards me!

What's your job role, what does it involve?

The role requires both great organisation and data management skills. We organise all the exam dates with the centre and examiner, we process and print all the certificates and we also source new centres. All in all we have to manage our time effectively to ensure all our candidates and examiners are happy.

How many members of the exams team are there, what areas do they cover?

There are 7 members of the exams team, covering the length and breadth of the U.K as well as Europe and International. We examine 7 days a week so as you can imagine it gets quite busy and frantic at this time but we do like to have fun in the process!

What's the most difficult part of your job?

I think the most difficult part would be trying to please everyone. We try to fit all candidates into the session they ask for but it’s just not possible to do this for everyone. Also we have lots of examiners to organise and communicate information to, sometimes unfortunately, things do go wrong.

How many different areas do you cover?

I cover one of the biggest catchment areas in the business – The North & Scotland, with well over 10 counties and 2 countries. I’m almost super human...

The Exams

How many exam entries do you get through in this exam session?

With Period B being one of our busiest, entries exceed 5 figures. It’s a crazy time of year! We ask all candidates to be very patient during this time.

How many exam periods are there in the year, why is period B the busiest?

There are 3 exam periods in the year A, B & C.

A: 1st February to 31st March – Entry Closes 1st December
B: 1st May to 31st July – Entry Closes 1st April
C: 23rd October to 15th December – Entry Closes 1st October

As to why period B is the busiest – It is our longest but who knows? Maybe it’s the rush of people who pick up an instrument in the New Year?

Which instrument receives the most exam entries and why?

Without a doubt guitar and drums are the highest of all – everyone wants to be guitarist or drummer so it would seem! They're also very well written syllabi (not that the others aren't) & are often seen as the 'traditional rock instruments'.

What advice would you give to candidates filling out their entry forms?

It pains me to say but the amount of entry forms than aren’t filled in correctly or are unreadable is astonishing! The best advice is always the simplest – read the form carefully and thoroughly (3 times if you have to) most dates are arranged when we receive your form and can’t be changed once their put in the system so please check and re-check again before sending.

Also our exam periods are not the same as school term times, if candidates dont want to be examined outside of term time they need to clearly express the dates they can not attend.

Final Thoughts

What do the exams team listen to on a busy day like today?

We get through a real mixture of different stuff, no one band stays on for very long. It tends to be a mash of The Beatles, Motown, Bowie and Beady Eye at the moment.

What's the easiest way for a parent/candidate to contact Rockschool if they need to cancel or amend an exam?

We always say email is the best way so the phone lines don’t get blocked up – however that being said if you have an urgent enquiry please feel free to ring ahead.

How are this current period’s results shaping up, when will they be sent out?

Yeah they’re looking great; we’re going through the bulk of them at the moment. We usually take about 1-2 weeks to get the results out. If you’re waiting on your results fear not – they’ll be released shortly.

Nationwide Music Competition: 'Next Brit Thing'

Young people aged 11-19 from Great Britain and Northern Ireland are being encouraged to register for Next BRIT thing – a major new nationwide music competition backed by the UK music industry and The Government.

Next BRIT thing is looking for young musicians in any genre to share their performances, compete in online charts and perform live. There are separate categories for both pop/rock & classical music, with an additional award for composition.

Next BRIT thing is open to all 11-19 year olds whether in formal education or not. It offers entrants a raft of prizes and money-can’t-buy opportunities, including the chance to perform in front of thousands and exclusive support and guidance from professional musicians and songwriters. The lucky winners – to be chosen by a team of influential artists and music industry executives – will be crowned Next BRIT thing and receive a unique award.

This is a major cross-curricular learning opportunity from The Government and industry. It will appeal to all children and young people whilst enabling them to develop their creative talents, confidence and skills. Young people entering Next BRIT thing will also have access to high-quality tutorials and resources to help them improve their skills, develop confidence and explore careers in the creative industries.

The Next BRIT thing website is already open for registration. From September 2011, entrants can submit video and audio of their performances to be assessed by their peers as a weekly chart. The best and most popular will progress to regional finals in November 2011, culminating in a national final early in 2012.

Some of the UK’s biggest stars are supporting Next BRIT thing:

Paloma Faith -“I am so excited about the Next BRIT thing. The international charts have shown that there is so much talent on our green island to tap in to. Music is so exciting and I can’t wait to hear what some of the entrants are doing….”

For further information, please contact: hello@nextbritthing.com or Tweet: @nextbritthing

Take Part In Music for Youth's National Festival

Music for Youth's National Festival takes place on the 4th-9th July, if you'd like to be involved please check out all the performance slots below.

Every Day 4-9 July 2011

Emerging Leaders - Young Presenters & Music Mentors

If any of your students, aged 18-21, have what it takes to be a National Festival presenter or Music Mentor put them forward for Emerging Leaders. We’re looking for confident individuals looking for the opportunity to work with professionals and get hands on, behind the scenes experience to develop a better understanding of these roles.

To sign up email: dnairn@mfy.org.uk

Emerging Leaders - E/Volve Studio: Media opportunities

Use the Patrick Music & Multimedia Suite at Symphony Hall. Create reviews, documentaries, interviews and photographs – we’ll even put some of the projects up on our website and social networking sites.

To sign up email: alistair@mfy.org.uk

Tuesday 5 July 2011

The Big Sing – National Youth Choir

Symphony Hall, Tuesday 5 July, 13.15-14.15

Join Greg Beardsell, Dominic Peckham and members of the National Youth Choir for a big choral mash-up of pop, jazz and gospel riffs. For singers of all ages, this is seriously good fun, energetic and dynamic. Just bring your voice and your imagination.

To sign up email: dnairn@mfy.org.uk

Friday 8 July 2011

Performance Opportunity

Centenary Square, Friday 8 July, 30 minute performance slots available

Showcase your talent on the MFY outdoor stage and perform alongside musicians from across the UK. Performances will take place between 12pm-2pm, 2.30-4pm and 5.30pm-6pm.

To sign up email: tim@mfy.org.uk

Youth Music Theatre UK Workshops

Birmingham Conservatoire, Friday 8 July, 11.30-12.50 & 13.30-14.50

How do you get an audience hanging on to your every note? How do you communicate emotions so the audience really feel it in the same way you do?

This workshop will look at a very different type of improvisation – improvising mini scenarios communicating human emotions, it will be very dynamic and great fun. Amongst the tutors leading the workshop will be New Orleans Jazz trumpeter/singer Abram Wilson, an up and coming British jazz talent.

Any instrumentalist wanting to expand their performance skills and explore the relationship between acting and playing is welcome to take part.

To sign up email: sam@mfy.org.uk or call: 020 7759 1833

Everybody Play

Symphony Hall, Friday 8 July, 12.55pm-2.00pm

Join other musicians in an extra large, celebratory performance of PLAY! the brand new composition for the MFY season by Tim Steiner, commissioned by MFY and rockschool. PLAY is very flexible with a range of parts playable by any number and combination of instruments and voices - bring your instrument or get ready to sing to take part. Come and perform alongside musicians of any style, any age and any level of ability – everyone is welcome!

Download 'PLAY' Audio & Sheet music.

To sign up email: luke@mfy.org.uk

Teaching & Performance Diplomas Results - March & April 2011

We've had some fantastic results this year for both the Teaching & Performance Diplomas, producing some truely inspiring work and candidates. A new generation of Teachers and Musicians are created each year through the Diploma programme, and not only in England. Here are the results from our March & April candidates.

Candidate	Qualification	Result
Mattia Santini	DipRSL (Perf)	Pass
Ryan Hodges	DipRSL (Perf)	Pass
Martin Thiselton	DipRSL	Pass
Keith Ramskill	LRSL	Pass
Susan Roland	DipRSL	Pass
Damian Herron	DipRSL	Pass

Roland Iberia

Roland Iberia were the first to trial a new submission format for our Teaching Diplomas which created some amazing results with four students recieving Distinction.

Candidate	Qualification	Result
Inigo Corcuera Redondo	LRSL	Pass
Blas Fernandez De La Oz	LRSL	Pass
Puche	LRSL	Distinction
Juan Saurin Cloquell	LRSL	Distinction
Oscar Martinez Escamilla	LRSL	Pass
Jaume Pla Soler	DipRSL	Pass
Rodriguez	LRSL	Distinction
Benito Cabaleiro Vazquez	DipRSL	Distinction
Timiraos	LRSL	Pass
Jose Hernandez Navarro	LRSL	Pass
Fernando Giron Camacho	LRSL	Pass

Jam Session - Barcelona

Candidate	Qualification	Result
Enric Asensio	DipRSL (Perf)	Pass
Dani Villa	DipRSL (Perf)	Pass
Cesar Tomas	DipRSL (Perf)	Pass
Emilio Nieto	DipRSL (Perf)	Pass
Pablo Posa	LRSL	Pass
Jeroni Pagan	LRSL	Pass
Moserrat Serrano	LRSL	Pass
Juan Pedro Medina	LRSL	Distinction
Emilio Nieto	DipRSL	Pass

A big congratulations goes out to all our Performance and Teaching Diploma candidates. Good luck to everyone in your future careers from everyone here at Rockschool.

Guitar Techniques July Issue (193)

Guitar Techniques July Issue - 'Big, Big, Big'

We have a monthly column in Guitar Techniques magazine. It offers advice on scale choices, soloing strategies and many other ways to expand your playing.

This month features Guitar Grade 6 piece, 'Big Big Big' - A Latin track in the style of guitar legend, Carlos Santana. The solo section of the track is ideal for students wanting to get their teeth stuck into the harmonic minor scale.

To get the other tracks and sheet music for the Guitar Grade 6 exam you will need the Guitar Grade 6 book, available from musicroom.com

Resources

The resources you need for the Rockschool Guitar Techniques feature in the July Issue can be found below:

Sheet Music - Grade 6 Guitar - 'Big Big Big'
(213KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

'Big Big Big' Audio
(10MB, .zip)

Related Products

You may find the following books useful for preparing for the Guitar Grade 6 exam:


Rockschool Guitar Grade 6 Price: £15.99 Media: Sheet Music & CD Language: English Learn more...


Rockschool Guitar Technical Companion Price: £10.00 Media: Sheet Music Language: English Learn more...

Top Tips For Beginner Keyboards: Improvisation Part 4

Improvisation Idea 4: Solo

Last week we looked at simple improvisation with rhythmic chords, this week we'll focus on solo improvisation.

Solo's are more often than not the bit you wait for. They will generally be played in the upper register as this is where the organ ‘speaks’ and is most vibrant. You need to think instrumentally and where the organ is most effective at. Grace notes to long held notes are effective as well as building chords by adding one note at a time.

Another technique is neat fast runs probably based on a chord or arpeggio. These are mostly most effective in the upper register as lower down they sound muddy and unclear. Glissandos are also highly stylistic but be careful that they are not over used. The temptation is to do lots of them as they sound great, but the best tunes use things like this sparingly. This way the audience want to hear the track again just for the moment you do it. Too many become boring!

Take a look at the following tracks for more soloing ideas:

‘Enough Said’ at Grade 4

(Click to view larger image)

‘All Funked Up’ at Grade 5

(Click to view larger image)

Music for Youth: 'PLAY' - Free Improvisation Track And Sheet Music

Music for Youth's 'PLAY' is a exciting piece of music that is an ideal starting point for students wanting to improve their own improvisation.

PLAY

PLAY is an original piece written by composer Tim Steiner, commissioned by MFY. PLAY is very flexible with a range of parts playable by any number and any combination of instruments and voices and marks the start of a new strand of work by MFY. There are three different versions of PLAY (Flexible PLAY, Instant PLAY & Starting to PLAY) that you can use in whichever way works best for you or when playing in a band.

Grab the audio below then choose from our selected pdfs to get started or, watch the video introduction

PLAY - Basic Thumb Groove
(5.90MB, 5mins, .mp3)

Make Your Own Version & Send MFY The Results.

Make your own version and send Music for Youth the results! The possibilities really are endless and the MFY team are waiting with baited breath to hear your mash-ups of the track. If you're in any kind of rock, pop or metal band, see how far you can push yourselves and really get creative with the track. We'd love to hear your take on the music - follow the links below to send them your track.

Upload Your Audio to soundcloud
Upload Your Video to YouTube

Starting to PLAY'

This is for young musicians (or teachers working with students) primarily below Grade 3 standard who are up for having a go at something new and want to challenge themselves.

Starting to PLAY - Complete Score with Instructions
(386KB, 5 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY.

This is for young musicians (or teachers working with students) primarily Grade 3 and above who are up for a bit of creative exploration.

Please choose from the following .pdfs depending on your instrument or simply download the full score if you want the whole thing! Remember, do read the instructions before diving in, these will help you to get familiar with the individual parts of the piece.

Flexible PLAY - Instructions'
(213KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY - Full Score
(490KB, 14 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY - Guitar Score
(73KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY - Guitar TAB
(79KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY - Bass Score
(66KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY - Drum Score
(63KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Flexible PLAY - Piano Score
(74KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Instant Play

This is for musicians (or teachers working with students) primarily Grade 3 and above who simply want to play the piece from beginning to the end. Choose from the following downloads:

Instant PLAY - Instructions
(216KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Instant PLAY - Complete Score
(632KB, 20 pages, .pdf)

Instant PLAY - Guitar Score
(95KB, 3 pages, .pdf)

Instant PLAY - Bass Score
(89KB, 3 pages, .pdf)

Instant PLAY - Drum Score
(101KB, 5 pages, .pdf)

Instant PLAY - Piano Score
(132KB, 5 pages, .pdf)

Top Tips For Beginner Keyboards: Improvisation Part 3

Improvisation Idea 3: Chords – Rhythmic

Last week we looked at 'atmospheric chords' - this week we'll focus around simple improvisation with rhythmic chords.

The primary use of chords is to emphasise the rhythmic nature of the piece, often on the backbeat (beats 2 and 4) with the snare. This will particularly useful in Funk when a solid groove is essential. These add a forward drive to the piece and are often short and accented to add to the drum groove.

Try to establish a simple rhythmic phrase over two bars that repeat’s. Do not try to play different rhythms in every bar. A good song is identified by the memorable ideas which are often very simple.

Take a look at the following pieces for more ideas:

'Download' at Grade 3

(Click to view larger image)

‘Enough Said’ at Grade 4

(Click to view larger image)

The Roundhouse: Unsigned Competition

30 days, 30 great tracks, 1 great opportunity

The Roundhouse and EMI dedicate September to emerging talent with 30/30

The Roundhouse has joined forces with EMI for the third year of 30/30, a groundbreaking youth music project designed to find and cultivate new and emerging talent. Every day this September, 30/30 will offer unsigned artists between the ages of 16-25, one day in the Roundhouse’s EMI Live Music Studio, along with top guest producers to professionally record and mix their track for free.

Selected tracks created throughout the month will be compiled for the 30/30 Album 2011, which is released by the Roundhouse’s in-house label Roundhouse Records and is available to buy via iTunes, with all of the proceeds going towards creating further opportunities for young people within the arts. The lucky acts chosen by the Roundhouse team will then have the opportunity to put their questions to a panel of experts from all areas of the industry from artist management and marketing, through to publishing and A&R. 30/30 is non-genre specific and aims to attract an eclectic variety of artists.

Oli Kluczewski, Music Programme Co-ordinator at the Roundhouse:

“30/30 is all about developing and nurturing a thriving musical community of emerging artists and putting them together with top flight music industry professionals. Year on year 30/30 will seek to develop this community through recording and performance opportunities with expert industry advice. Through 30/30 and Roundhouse Records, we’re presenting a brand new model for supporting and championing emerging music in the UK, pushing our artists into the digital world with cutting edge technology such as live web streaming, Roundhouse Radio and our in-house production team.”

Visit the Roundhouse site to submit your music.

Deadline: 18 July

Top Tips For Beginner Keyboards: Improvisation Part 2

Last week we looked at playing rock keyboards, and gave you an improvisation idea based around a riff.
View last weeks lesson

This week we look at chords - chords will often take up the bulk of your playing but don't necessarily have to be boring.

'Chords – Atmospheric'

These are generally rhythmically simple and often last for several bars. The most important consideration is the spacing. Do not be tempted to play block chords that have too many notes too close together. A single low note in the left hand and the right hand in the register that is not covered by the guitar will be most effective.

If the guitar is in the high register, play chords in the middle. However, space them accordingly - avoid the third of the chord. Usually the root and fifth is most stylistic.

Examples of this can be found in these Band Based Keys tracks:

'Download' at Grade 3

(Click to view larger image)

‘Enough Said’ at Grade 4

(Click to view larger image)

‘All Funked Up’ at Grade 5

(Click to view larger image)

Win a Free Scholarship For The Ministry of Guitar & IGF Summer Academies

We have teamed up with the International Guitar Foundation to offer you the chance to win a FREE scholarship to both the London & Exeter summer academies.

The two summer academies, set to take place in London and Exeter respectively, offer 11-18 year old musicians 5 days of world class tutoring and workshops whilst studying the music they love.

London Rocks kicks off at the Guitar Institute 23 to 27 July and South West Rocks takes place at the University Of Exeter 8 to 12 August. The IGF are promising "five days of music making with exceptional tutors and state of the art facilities."

Led by IGF's senior tutor Martin Goulding, the syllabus will cover a variety of techniques from rhythm playing to soloing. The set list boasts a who's who of classic rock artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath and AC/CD and alternative rock artists like Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers, which any Rockschool student studying the Hot Rock Guitar Grades will already be familiar with.

More advanced players will explore the styles of 'The Big Four' – thrash metal legends Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax.

Competition

If you'd like the chance to win a FREE scholarship to either the London or Exeter academies simply record yourself playing any Guitar Grade 3 or 4 piece from the syllabus, upload it to YouTube and send the link to liz@igf.org.uk by the 15th June.

Good Luck!

Top Tips For Beginner Keyboards: Improvisation Part 1

Playing Rock Keyboards

Keyboards provide a unique and solid sound for many popular Rock and Pop bands. Here are some Top Tips on improvisation from our Keyboards expect.

The keys are often very important to the band but if you were asked to name the player, it might not be so easy. Although keyboards have hundreds of sounds (patches) available, you are mostly using four.

Organ
Piano
Strings
Synth

Good keys players will be able to achieve a lot with these simple sounds. To be most effective you need to consider the patch that is stylistically relevant to the song. These improvisation ideas work for Keys players in a band, playing to a backing track and for solo improvisation.

Patches for Rock and Funk Music

If the song is a Rock or Funk track you will generally use an Organ/Fender Rhodes patch. The reason for this is that the sound cuts through the distorted guitar and also adds depth to the track.

Less is More

The most important thing to remember is not to play too much. The most convincing keys player is someone who considers the most appropriate points to play. Also do not be tempted to play with both hands all the time. Consider what register needs filling in with the band. It will often be just the right hand or left hand separately.

Here are some ideas:

Improvisation Idea 1: Riff

If the band is playing a solid riff you might consider doubling it. A very effective technique is playing in unison at the double octave (right hand two octaves apart from the left). This achieves the weight of the lower part and the upper part cuts through the band and adds character.

Examples of this can be found in these Keyboard tracks:

'Download' at Grade 3

(Click to view larger image)

'Let it Go' at Grade 4

(Click to view larger image)

Music For Youth: National Festival 4th-9th July 2011

Event Date/Time: 4th - 9th of July 2011
Location: HMV Institute Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham
Tickets: Town & Symphony hall Birmingham
Rock/Pop & Urban Showcase: HMV Institute Birmingham

What happens at The National Festival?
Watch on YouTube

The UK’s most vibrant youth music festival! Inspirational performances of jazz, orchestral, rock, folk and world, urban, wind and brass, pop, choral and chamber music. Plus workshops, conferences, commissions and brand new collaborative projects.

Open air and indoors, the National Festival has become one of the major highlights in the music education calendar. Packed with inspirational performances, workshops and conferences, this seven day festival brings together 12,000 of the country's most exciting performers.

Rockschool students - take advantage of the rock & pop showcase which is happening on the Wednesday (6th July) where you'll find some great up and coming rock & pop acts.

BME: Rewind The Music - 28th May to 3rd June 2011

Event Date/Time: 28th May-3rd of June 2011
Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2, London
Tickets: Adults £10, Children £6

Get hands on with the British Music Experience this half term with their weird and wonderful instruments from the Tea Chest Bass to the Theremin! Multi talented staff will be on hand to take you on a journey through popular music past and present.

English Bacc Music GCSE Warning

By Sean Coughlan
BBC News education correspondent

It could become "impossible" for young people in England to study music GCSE, if the English Baccalaureate is kept in its current form, a professional body for musicians says.

Music is not included in the proposed English Bacc list of GCSE subjects, and the Incorporated Society of Musicians is writing to the schools minister to say teachers are reporting the subject is being "squeezed out".

An education department spokesman said funding for music was being protected.A final decision on the shape of the English Bacc, for the 2012 league tables, is expected from ministers in the next few weeks. But Incorporated Society of Musicians chief executive Deborah Annetts said teachers had already reported a drop in pupils taking music GCSE and one school where it was no longer on the curriculum.

The English Bacc sets out the subjects on which league tables will be based showing how many pupils achieve at least a C grade.The subjects proposed by the government are English, maths, two sciences, an ancient or modern language and either history or geography. But critics say this will undermine the teaching of other subjects and limit the choices for GCSE.

"Without music GCSE being given the weighting it deserves, our cultural and creative economy will be put at risk, and young people who want to be involved in the music sector will have their efforts hampered," said Ms Annetts.

"The government is setting England up for an almighty shock in the future if they continue this policy - let alone the impact it is already having on young people who want to study music."

There have also been protests about the absence of religious education and economics from the list and concerns schools will prevent pupils taking both history and geography, when only one will appear in the league-table results. A Department for Education spokesman rejected the suggestion that music in school was not being supported.

"We've actually protected £82.5m funding for music services this year and are reforming the system so money is targeted where it is needed most in future. We're recruiting top music graduates and performers into the profession through Teach First and will launch a National Plan for Music Education later this year - to close the 'musical divide' between rich and poor."

And he said that it was up to schools how they responded to the English Bacc.

"The ball is in schools' court over how they structure their curriculum and best meet pupils' needs. The number of EBacc subjects has been kept deliberately small - leaving plenty of lesson time to offer other valuable academic and non-academic qualifications, like music and RE."

On Monday Schools Minister Nick Gibb told the House of Commons the English Bacc would add to the quality of information available and help ensure more children take core academic subjects.

"The English Baccalaureate is not prescriptive. It is just a measure, one of many measures, that this government are putting forward as part of the transparency agenda," he said. "It is the next stage in that school's improved performance. It is a concern to the government that children, particularly in deprived areas, are not being offered that combination of choices."

Competition: Win 2 Tickets To Download Festival With Hot Rock Drums

Hot Rock Drums Grades 4 & 5 Pre-order now!

To celebrate Hot Rock Drums Grades 4 & 5 being available for pre-order we are giving away two, three day festival tickets (Inc camping) to Download festival at Donington Park, East Midlands - 10th, 11th & 12th of June 2011. Headliners include: Def Leppard, System Of A Down and Linkin Park.

Hot Rock Drums Grades 4 & 5 are about playing the music you love. Each book contains 8 classic rock tracks with a specially edited exam piece and full transcription for each tune. Rockschool Graded Music Exams have an element of 'Free Choice' you can choose any of the 8 tracks to play in your exam or simply play them for fun!

Grades 4 & 5 follow on from Hot Rock Drums Grades 1, 2 & 3 with all the same great features including; Fact files, Walkthroughs, full transcriptions & 2 CD’s with full & backing track versions, with click. Hot Rock Drums is an essential addition to any drummer wanting to sit a Rockschool exam. View books

The Prize

Download festival is at Donington Park, East Midlands
10th – 12th June 2011. The prize is for two, three day festival tickets only (including camping). You need to be 16+ years to enter this competition; if you are under 18 years old you will need to have permission from a parent to receive the tickets. The prize is for 2 tickets to the festival only.

Enter Now

HOT ROCK DRUMS GRADE 5 - Pre-order from the 23rd May

Hot Rock Drums Grade 5 is available for pre-order from the 23rd May from Musicroom.com and is released on the 10th June. Check out all the drummers and tracks below!

8 classic rock songs. 2 versions of each track. 1 massive book.

Hot Rock Drums Grade 5 are perfect for Rockschool Free Choice Pieces, GCSE music and playing for fun! Rockschool is about playing the styles of music you enjoy.

The Hot Rock series of graded drum tracks feature 8 classic rock songs. The exam versions of these tracks can be used for Rockschool Graded Music Exams and the full transcriptions can be used in the performance units for GCSE and A Level. Hot Rock Drums Grade 5 is your essential guide to playing classic rock. Use with Rockschool Drums Grade 5 book to work towards an exam.

Hot Rock Drums Grade 5

Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins

Jimmy Chamberlin

Chop Suey! - System Of A Down

John Dolmayan

Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix

Mitch Mitchell

Late In The Evening - Paul Simon

Steve Gadd

Master Of Puppets - Metallica

Lars Ulrich

My Generation - The Who

Keith Moon

The Number Of The Beast - Iron Maiden

Clive Burr

The Zephyr Song - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Chad Smith

Pre-order from Musicroom.com

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

PLUS

Edited exam versions– play your favourite song in your Rockschool exam
Full transcriptions – original drum part in full
Fact files– band and artist background information with recommended further listening
Walkthroughs– Hints and Tips on the tricky sections of the songs
2 CDs with full mixes and backing tracks – exam versions and full transcriptions

Rockschool Graded Music Exams are unique in being the only accredited alternative to classical Graded Music Exams. Our grades have an element of free choice which means you can play your favourite song in your exam. Rockschool grades are accredited by Ofqual, with Grades 6, 7, and 8 worth UCAS points.

Pre-order from musicroom.com today and get a FREE tips book AND Rockschool bag!

HOT ROCK DRUMS GRADE 4 - Pre-order from the 23rd May

Hot Rock Drums Grade 4 is available for pre-order from the 23rd May from musicroom.com and is released on the 10th June. Check out all the drummers and tracks below!

8 classic rock songs. 2 versions of each track. 1 massive book.

Hot Rock Drums Grade 4 are perfect for Rockschool Free Choice Pieces, GCSE music and playing for fun! Rockschool is about playing the styles of music you enjoy.

The Hot Rock series of graded drum tracks feature 8 classic rock songs. The exam versions of these tracks can be used for Rockschool Graded Music Exams and the full transcriptions can be used in the performance units for GCSE and A Level. Hot Rock Drums Grade 4 is your essential guide to playing classic rock. Use with the Rockschool Drums Grade 4 book to work towards an exam.

Hot Rock Drums Grade 4

All My Life - Foo Fighters

Taylor Hawkins

Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Chad Smith

Fuel - Metallica

Lars Ulrich

Live And Let Die - Guns N' Roses

Matt Sorum

Message In A Bottle - The Police

Stewart Copeland

Paranoid - Black Sabbath

Bill Ward

Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon

Nathan Followill

Whole Lotta Rosie - AC/DC

Phil Rudd

Pre-order from musicroom now

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

PLUS

Edited exam versions – play your favourite song in your Rockschool exam
Full transcriptions – original drum part in full
Fact files – band and artist background information with recommended further listening
Walkthroughs– Hints and Tips on the tricky sections of the songs
2 CDs with full mixes and backing tracks – exam versions and full transcriptions

Rock & Roll Boot Camp May Half term - W/C 30th May 2011

Event Date/Time: May Half-term: W/C 30th May 2011
Age: 8-16 yrs
Class Times: Mon-Thurs: Morning bands 10am-1pm, afternoon bands 2pm-5pm, Friday: All bands performing at Inn On The Green, 2pm-5pm
Location: The Rhythm Studios, Substation, Saga Centre, 326 Kensal Road, London, W10 5BZ
Tickets: Course Fees: £175 - Call 0208 969 8616 to book a place.

The Rhythm studio have announced that Ben Martinez, guitarist with the likes of Jessie J, will be joining them for Rock & Roll Boot Camp w/c 30th May.

Rock & Roll Boot Camp gives guitarists, drummers, singers, bassists and pianists the chance to take their playing to the next level at The Rhythm Studio's first class music tuition studios alongside our inspirational team of teachers. Over the course of the week you will improve your instrumental technique, while forming bands and writing songs with those of similar age, ability and interests. With songs written and well-rehearsed, the next step is to get cracking in the recording studio, cutting demos of your material using our state of the art recording facilities. Once your CD has been successfully produced, it's time for final rehearsals before your new band's first gig in front of peers, family and friends.

So....not only will you get to form a band, rock out, record a CD and play a gig, but you'll also be mentored by one of the UK's most in demand guitarists Ben Martinez.

Watch a video of Ben performing with Jesse J.

Music Tourism Boosts UK Economy

With UK Music publishing its report 'Destination: Music' today we take a look into the effect that music tourism has on the UK economy.

UK Music have estimated music tourism in the UK contributes well over £864m a year to the UK economy with nearly 8 million people spending £1.4bn on festivals and visits to iconic sites such as the zebra crossing from the Beatles Abbey Road album cover (below).

Photograph: Felix Clay

In an interview with the guardian.co.uk Feargal Sharkey, the former lead singer of the Undertones and now chief executive of UK Music, said the report should be an "eye-opener for the government."

"We are talking about £1.4bn that had never been measured and no one knew was there – the scale of it is colossal," he said. "What other industry apart from music has the power to transform an utterly mundane pedestrian crossing in north London to an international tourist spot?" (referring to the zebra crossing immortalised by the Abbey Road album cover)

Music has become a central part of the UK economy and vital to the governments plans for economic re-structure. Sharkey went on to say;

"If music isn't put at the heart of this then everybody is really missing a trick," said Sharkey. "Because this extraordinary little thing called music, which we are so good at, is bringing people to this country."

Further on in the report, even less than idyllic venues such as the Salford Lads club in Manchester (that features on the sleeve of the Smiths album 'The Queen is Dead) were said to still attract music fans.

"For music fans, going to the Salford Lads Club might be just as important as a visit to Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge. We are seen as a destination for music lovers and we should be proud of that."

Also yearly events like, Radio 1's Big weekend in Carlisle have the ability to put relatively unknown towns on the map with huge headlining artists like the Foo Fighters and Lady Gaga drawing in thousands.

"It's amazing, it has made people realise where Carlisle is and has brought all sorts of business to the area," said Sheila Fisher of the city's tourist board.

The report stated that the equivalent of 19,700 full -time jobs were created by music tourism in the UK. More comically these include food distributors such David Nye of 'the sausage company' who sells around 41 miles worth of sausages at music festivals and employs 20 students who host their own sausage eating competitions to keep waiting customers entertained.

Look out for this if you're heading to any UK festivals this year!

Boris Johnson Launches New Fund For Music Education

By Robert Ashton - Music Week

Boris Johnson has launched a new music charity, which will raise £2m by March next year to boost music education for children in London.

The Mayor of London’s Fund for Young Musicians charity will provide children, aged 7-11 years old, who have significant musical talent and commitment with new opportunities to learn. Four hundred children across 33 London boroughs will be awarded music scholarships and will be selected on the basis of commitment, talent and financial need.

The four-year scholarships will provide those selected with an outstanding chance to progress their music education, with small group instrumental tuition, access to instruments and Saturday music school, individual mentoring and regular performances.

There will also be the opportunity for around 10,000 children, up to the age of 18, to enhance their music education by working alongside professional musicians. Johnson said,

"Music can transform the lives of young people. If a young Londoner has a talent for music and the commitment to progress, I want them to be able to do so regardless of their starting point."

Music For Youth: 'Upbeat' - 5th July 2011

Event Date/Time: Tuesday 5th July 2011
Location: Birmingham Conservatoire
Tickets: Visit mfy.org

Inspire - Lead - Create!

Music For Youth Singposium has evolved for 2011. Now called 'Upbeat' this one day course will focus on leadership, featuring instrumental and singing workshops.

Get new ideas on how to engage your group
Take part in a unique Upbeat performance
Strengthen existing skills with specialist workshops
Network with others working within music education

Introduced By: Suzi Digby (Lady Eatwell) OBE.

Singposium Sessions: Suzi Digby (Lady Eatwell) OBE, Adey Grummet, Greg Beardsell, Mike Brewer OBE and Dominic Peckham with members of the National Youth Choir.

Instrumental Sessions: Joe Broughton, Pete Churchill, Tim Steiner, Leaders and Young Musicians from the National Youth Orchestra.

Your Top Drum Tips

We asked you to suggest some of your Top Drum Tips – here are some of the best. If you'd like to suggest a tip for playing the drums don't be shy, make your way to our facebook notes page now.

1."Practice muscle building exercises regularly, try bass drum quavers to a click at 100bpm and gradually try faster speeds until you can confidently play them at over 150bpm. This will help with many of the faster patterns on rock songs such as Iron Maiden without needing a double bass drum pedal, and of course always get a good teacher." - P. Davies

2."Get a good teacher who will teach you how to read the music, play musically with dynamics & phrasing and not just say - copy me." - B. Yates

3."There are many grips and approaches to playing, be open to them all, some are better for certain things while others are better for different playing situations. Don't be judgmental or think there is only one way to play!" - O. Baxendale

4."Something that is just as important, PRACTICE as much as you can! Don't over-do it, but try to practice AT LEAST an hour every day." - B. Bolt

5."Count out loud when working on new material also slow things down rather than speeding them up. Slow is the new fast for a solid technique." - R. Gay

6."I'd say learn either the heel/toe or sliding bass drum technique so you can do a quick double kick with the bass drum without having to use a double bass pedal. This helped me out with the 16th note bass drum patterns in the Grade 8 book. " - A. DeAngelis

7."It's not what you play, it's knowing what not to play." - beatsdrumstudio

8."Breathe, relax, don't worry about outcomes but focus on the doing." - N. Phipp

9."When playing the crash cymbal, give a kick drum to it as well to give it a deeper, thicker sound." - Cameron Griffiths

10."Remember the music ALWAYS comes first. I love chops like most drummers but a killer groove will get you the gigs! Chops are great but use them in the correct places - to serve the music!" - O. Baxendale

A big thank you to everyone who contributed, and remember keep sharing your tips! Come back next month for your Top Guitar Tips.

Musicians' Union Child Protection Workshop - 26th May 2011

Event Date/Time: Thursday, 26th May 2011
Location: Manchester - Venue TBC
Tickets: Places are free, but limited. To register for a place at any event, please contact the Regional Office: manchester@themu.org or call 0161 236 1764

These workshops will give participants the opportunity to further their knowledge in relation to child protection issues. This is a great day for anyone wanting to become a teacher or examiner but also current teachers & examiners as well. Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the day.

BME: Industry Insider Workshops - 11th & 15th July 2011

Event Date/Time: 11th & 15th of July 2011
Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2, London
Tickets: £5.75 - Email: learning@britishmusicexperience.com or call 0208 4633415 for more info.

The BME are holding a range of career lead events on the 11th & 15th of July. They will be aimed at Key Stage 3 & Key stage 4+5 students who are interested in a career in the music industry. Students will benefit from a range of hands on workshops exploring different career paths within their chosen field, whilst also meeting industry professionals from Gibson & Sennheiser for a Q and A session.

Can’t make careers week?

Bring a group of 80 or more and the BME will arrange a bespoke session for you depending on the subjects you are interested in. Contact learning@britishmusicexperience.com for more information.

Rockschool Poland - End Of Year Concert - 5th June 2011

Event Date/Time: Sunday 6:00 pm, 5th June 2011
Event Location: Rest Club, Poznan, Poland
Tickets: Contact Adrian Mroz

To celebrate a fantastic year of student achievent and development, our friends in Poland are having an end of year concert to showcase some of the best up and coming talents of Rockschool in Poznan. Our chief executive, Simon Pitt will be on hand to show his support and take in the sights & sounds of the evening.

See below for details.

If you think learning music is just practicing laborious scales, submiting to absolute authority, and repeating the same old motifs until you can't take anymore, then so far, you have been going to the wrong places.

Rockschool's program in Poland is the absolute opposite of this stereotypical image, and we can prove it! Implementing Rockschool's program is simply put, doing what you like, as you like, while gaining a musical qualification approved all over the world.

Anyone interested in how this is put into practice is invited for an amazing evening of musical talent on Sunday the 5th June at 6:00pm - Rest Club, Pozna, Poland. Join us for a energetic roster of performers, soloists, bands and artists - all with one common goal in mind, to rock out!

For more info please contact Adrian Mroz

Rockschool Teacher Mike Dolbear & Pink Floyd Offer Prize For Charity

Rockschool Drum teacher and website founder offers Nick Mason-signed cymbal for Teenage Cancer Trust sponsors

The drummer, drum teacher and founder of the Mikedolbear.com website, Mike Dolbear, will be running in the Halstead & Essex half marathon on May 8th in an effort to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Keeping things topical, as well as combining his support of the charity and his love of fitness, Dolbear is placing all those that sponsor him in a prize draw, which will see the winner taking away a Paiste 2000 Reflections 14-inch thin crash cymbal, signed by Pink Floyd’s legendary drummer Nick Mason.

Dolbear was also involved in the recent Jordan Terris Memorial Drum Festival.

"Getting to know Jordan's parents, Kevin and Fiona, and watching the Teenage Cancer Trust film I wanted to try and do more to help a charity that can't afford TV advertising. I hope to do more of these fund raising events to raise awareness and hopefully raise lots of money."

Those wishing to sponsor Dolbear (and stand a chance of winning the prize) should go to Mikes Justgiving page and follow the instructions. Every £2.50 of sponsorship will earn one chance to win, so £25 will earn ten chances. There is no maximum donation. Once Dolbear completes the run, Nick Mason will pull a name out of the hat and the lucky winner will receive the cymbal. The winner will also receive a signed certificate of authenticity and a copy of the 1987 Momentary Lapse of Reason album, on which it was used.

Keep an eye on mikedolbear.com for details of future fund raising events. Information about the Teenage Cancer Trust and its work with young cancer sufferers can be found at the Teenage Cancer Trust website.

Music Boosts Brainpower Claims New Study

By Adam Savage, mi-pro.co.uk

Older people with musical experience possess better cognitive skills than those without. Researchers at The University of Kansas have revealed that playing a musical instrument at a young age could boost a person's cognitive ability as they get older.

The team discovered that pensioners from a group of participants who had piano, flute, clarinet or other lessons as a youngster did better on intelligence tests than those without any musical skills.

The study, published by the American Psychological Association, took on 70 healthy adults aged 60 to 83, who were then divided into groups based on their levels of musical experience.

The musicians performed better on several cognitive tests than those who had never studied an instrument or learned how to read music.

While much research has been done on the cognitive benefits of musical activity by children, this is apparently the first study to examine whether those benefits can extend across a lifetime.

"Musical activity throughout life may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making your brain fitter and more capable of accommodating the challenges of ageing," said Dr Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, lead researcher at the University of Kansas Medical Centre.

"Since studying an instrument requires years of practice and learning, it may create alternate connections in the brain that could compensate for cognitive declines as we get older."

The three groups of study participants included individuals with no musical history; with one to nine years of musical study; or with at least 10 years of musical training.

All of the musicians were amateurs who began playing an instrument at around 10 years of age. More than half played the piano, while approximately a quarter had studied woodwind instruments and a small percentage had learnt to play a stringed, percussion or brass instrument.

Those who had studied music for the longest performed the best on the cognitive tests, followed by the low-level musicians and non-musicians.

The high-level musicians had statistically significant higher scores than the non-musicians on cognitive tests relating to visuospatial memory, naming objects and cognitive flexibility, or the brain's ability to adapt to new information.

"Based on previous research and our study results, we believe that both the years of musical participation and the age of acquisition are critical," Dr Hanna-Pladdy said.

"There are crucial periods in brain plasticity that enhance learning, which may make it easier to learn a musical instrument."

Competition: Easter Treasure Hunt

This Easter we're giving you the chance to WIN a selection of Easter goodies to help you get some practice in over the holidays. There are 3 goodie bags to give away, each bag contains:

3x Rockschool Grade books of your choice
£25 musicroom.com gift voucher
PLUS an Easter egg AND chocolate piano wrapped up in your very own Rockschool bag.

Happy Easter!

BME: ‘We’re With The Band’ - 9 to 22 Apr 2011

Event Date/Time: Daily workshops: 12pm - 3pm, Saturday 9th to Friday 22nd April 2011
Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2 London
Tickets: Adults £10 Children £6

For a family day out with VIP treatment, the British Music Experience is the place to be this Easter. Step into a giant poster as part of our ‘We’re With the Band’ workshop, then explore the museum and show your kids what music used to sound like before you get the chance to become the future of music in our Gibson Interactive Studio – a fully integrated space within the museum packed with guitars, drums, keyboards and the Sennheiser vocal booth. When you’ve perfected your performance, have a band meeting in our brand new Pop Up Café to finalise your plan to storm the charts.

As part of the workshops, use our backstage wardrobe to glam up and pose in a giant poster for your very own photo shoot – a snap of which will then star on our Facebook wall of fame. Get your fans and friends to like it and those featured in the most popular image will win a year’s membership to the British Music Experience. What’s more, you get to make your own band merchandise too!

Competition: Win 2 Tickets To Sonisphere Festival With Hot Rock Guitar: WINNER

A big congratulations to our winner Amy Banfield from south Wales. She will joining the crowds of people heading to Sonisphere this July for what promises to be one of the best line-ups ever!

For everyone else out there - fear not there will be plenty of chances to win some great Rockschool goodies coming up.

Labour Launches Major Review Of Music & Creative Sectors

By Robert Ashton - Musicweek

The Labour Party has launched a creative industries policy review which the shadow culture secretary promised would help develop a strong IP culture and an alternative to Government policies he believed are threatening the sector.

Ivan Lewis told a packed policy launch that he and his team - including shadow culture minister Gloria de Piero - that the present Government risked presiding over a decline in Britain's music and creative industries because there has been no progress on the Digital Economy Bill and cuts in arts and culture.

"There is real concern our creative industries could suffer a manufacturing-like decline" said Lewis, who has kick started a major review of how his party will support the creative industries. "There are many things the Government has done in the first year that are not constructive (to the sector)" .

Lewis said he did welcome the recent proposal for a creative industries council, although he questioned whether it would be"meaningful on action or just another talking shop".

The shadow culture secretary added, "Will it (the Creative Industries Council) be chaired by powerful people? Will it measure progress and be action orientated? There needs to be a focus on three or four things."

Lewis said there is a major role for Government in enabling the growth of the creative sector and to ensure that it had the right intellectual property framework, currently being reviewed by Professor Ian Hargreaves.

"The Government has to make choices that impact on the creative industries. Government has a duty to make choices," he said. "But if we think we can transform creative industries through Government intervention that is a mistake."

Lewis and his team will take soundings from the music industry and other sectors, such as film, advertising, education and training, before producing an interim report at the end of June which will then be delivered to the party conference in the autumn.

However, Lewis expected this would only be the first stage of the major review with another stage -that would be strong on action - following later.

He added, "Our return to Government will depend on whether we can persuade people we have positive ideas and a compelling vision for the future of our country. Charting a credible and optimistic alternative for the future is essential if we are to re-gain the trust of the mainstream majority. We must be ambitious for our creative industries, not managing decline but ensuring Britain can play to our strengths in this new global digital age."

The Hargreaves Review of IP was expected to report to Government at the end of this month.

NAME Publish National Curriculum Response

Last month NAME called for support in its submission to the National Curriculum review. You can now read their response summary here.

The National Association of Music Educators developed their response in association with over 100 of their members, together with other educational organisation such as the Music Education Council and The Federation of Music Services, fighting to keep music within the National Curriculum.

The focus at this stage in the government's consultation is to establish the subjects that should be in the new National Curriculum. The purpose of NAME's submission - and those of anyone interested in music – should be to secure the place of music within the set curriculum. If you wish to make your own submission, you can access the form on the Department For Education website.

Please note that the deadline for all submissions is Thursday, 14th April 2011

'Advice & Guidance For Musicians Who Teach' & 'Making Music Work for You' - 11 Apr 2011

Event Date/Time: Monday 11th April 2011
Location: Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro TR1 2LL
Tickets: FREE to MU members / £10 for Music Leader members / £20 others

'Advice and Guidance for Musicians who Teach' and & 'Making Music Work for You' is a new joint initiative between the Musicians Union and Music Leader South West - a comprehensive two-for-one event package run over one day.

As a result of the spending cuts and the impact upon music services the aim of these latest events is to give musicians who teach – or who are thinking of doing so- the tools they need to establish a successful teaching practice, and freelance musicians in any genre of music a comprehensive overview of how to successfully market and promote themselves.

10am to 1pm - Advice and Guidance for Musicians who Teach

Morning sessions cover lesson planning, teaching methods, teaching at home and in schools, finding pupils, expanding your work possibilities, book keeping and tax issues , insurances, rates and contracts, promoting and advertising, CRB checks, the recognised Code of conduct and child protection issues.

2pm to 5pm - Making Music Work for You

The afternoon session will be delivered by David Smith, an experienced artist manager and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) coach and will cover the following areas in details:

Develop your CV, however basic, into a useful tool to help you communicate your skills and employability to others.
Learn how to identify your keys skills and qualities, and how to express these concisely.
Study your employment and education history to date, and learn new ways to express your strengths and abilities.
Understand the market place and develop a realistic view of what is out there for you, as a performer, writer, teacher or workshop leader.
Learn about music makers and how they earn their money, looking at various revenue streams including performance, songwriting, workshops, teaching etc.
Take advantage of clear and precise information about revenue streams including PPL and PRS.
Improve your knowledge of viral marketing and using the latest digital weaponry.
Strengthen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing musicians in the constantly evolving music business.

Play. Learn. Live - 2 July 2011

Event Date/Time: Saturday, 2nd July 2011
Event Location: Walsall College, Littleton Street West, Walsall, WS2 8ES
Tickets: Free (Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis).

Play. Learn. Live Brochure
(4.36MB, 2 pages .pdf)

Musical Futures, Roland UK, Rockschool and Walsall College are collaborating to bring you this exciting Continuing Professional Development event, designed for classroom music teachers and music practitioners.

Play - Learn - Live will provide a range of CPD and good-practice sharing sessions, that will focus around Musical Futures strategies for innovative music teaching; music technology; and strategies for working with young bands. There will be an exciting trade exhibition, with many opportunities for hands-on music making, and young bands from Roland Academies will perform throughout the day.

Rockschool: Riffs and Grooves

We will be there offering workshops exploring effective strategies for band rehearsals. Our Experienced tutors will work with pre-arranged young bands on all aspects of performance and rehearsal stagecraft using classic rock and pop repertoire as the source material.

If you want to meet like-minded music teachers, who are seeking to ensure innovative and forward thinking music education remains very much on the agenda, then come along. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking and for experiencing the latest products and technologies in the major trade fair.

Musical Futures

Musical Futures is an innovative and inclusive approach to secondary music education which aims to make music learning relevant and engaging for all young people. It advocates a range of teaching and learning strategies that draw on non-formal teaching and informal learning that guarantee students will stay engaged in music learning for longer.

BME Broadcast Series: On Air: Johnnie Walker - 19 May 2011

Event Date/Time: Thursday 19th May, 19:30 to 21:00
Event Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2 London
Tickets: £7.50

Join Broadcasting legend Johnnie Walker MBE for an evening looking back at his career and the history of popular music on radio in Britain. House hold name Johnnie Walker started his career in the 60’s aboard the pioneering and hugely influential Radio Caroline. His night-time Pirate radio show was essential listening for teenagers, with audiences regularly reaching over 20 million.

Coming ashore to Radio 1, Johnnie established a reputation as a real music loving DJ who gave more importance to the records he played than the chit-chat in between, as well as making front page news when he described the Bay City Rollers as 'musical garbage'. On his lunchtime show, he championed new acts like Steve Harley, Lou Reed, The Eagles, and Steely Dan.

He also hosted the Tuesday chart run down, which showcased the weeks Top Forty, and “Pop the Question” which has received a recent revamp on air. Currently Johnnie can be heard on Sunday evenings on Radio 2 with the brilliant ‘Sounds of the Seventies’.

BME Broadcast Series: Between The Lines: Mark Ellen and Allan Jones - 5 May 2011

Event Date/Time: Thursday 5th May, 19:30 to 21:00
Event Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2 London
Tickets: £7.50

As Editors of the Word and Uncut, Mark Ellen and Allan Jones are at the forefront of music journalism in the UK today. Join these trailblazers as they discuss the last 40 years of rock writing, their careers and the future of the printed word. Mark Ellen started out writing for Record Mirror, Zigzag, NME and Time Out, before editing Smash Hits, relaunching Select, and launching Q, Mojo and The Word.

His national awards have included the industry's two top gongs - the Mark Boxer and Editor's Editor awards. Mark also presented The Old Grey Whistle Test, the Live Aid broadcast, and several TV series for VH1, and even sat in for John Peel on Radio One. "It beats working," apparently. Allan Jones stormed the Melody Maker office after graduating with a job application that stated Melody Maker "needed a bullet up the arse. I am the gun pull the trigger". It was this injection of energy which eventually led to Allan becoming the Editor of the magazine, where he was an early champion of bands such as The Stone Roses and Pearl Jam.

One of his most significant early decisions was to replace Kajagoogoo on the front cover with The Smiths. As Editor of Uncut, he has led the magazine to 'International Consumer magazine of the Year' with its themed editions and in-depth interviews.

5 Top Tips To Improve Your Singing

Following on from our '5 Top Tips series' we give you some our best tips to improve your singing!

1. Always warm up

As with any muscle, it's absolutely vital to warm your voice up before singing – launching straight into a power ballad without a warm up is a sure-fire way to encourage vocal burn-out , often leading to days of voice recovery. Learn to warm up using different vowel sounds and shapes – sometimes singing a relatively easy song with a limited range can work in conjunction with a basic warm up – this can then lead on to the harder songs as the voice begins to get warmer!

2. Drink lots of fluids

It is so important to drink lots as a vocalist – there is nothing worse than singing with a dry throat. Drink plenty of room temperature water as it will keep your body hydrated and help to lubricate the larynx. Many professional vocalists also find that fruit juices such as pineapple juice work even better than water as a lubricant. Try to avoid coffee, milk or tea just before singing however!

3. Develop good singing technique

Get some training!! Most people will go on to uncover their true vocal potential with a bit of coaching. Once you get to grips with breath control, posture, placement and various other techniques you’ll be better armed to deal with the demands of singing for longer periods of time.

4. Sing in the bath/shower

It may sound a bit cliche but singing in the bath or shower is highly recommended as the natural reverb found in a bathroom can be a real confidence booster. The lack of soft furnishings to absorb the sound (such as carpet and curtains) makes for greater resonance and allows your voice to feel more powerful - you may find you don't have to try as hard to get to the top notes!!

5. Sing as often as you can

There is no substitute for singing everyday – this will strengthen your voice and build greater confidence in your ability. The voice is a muscle and needs to be used – so sing whenever you get a chance!! Remember though - no singer is a machine – if you feel your voice getting tired – give it a rest!

Hot Rock Guitar - Behind The Scenes

With Hot Rock Guitar released on the 18th March we give you a 60 second behind the scenes look into how it was made.

Hi James! Rockschool has some questions for you...

Q. What are the benefits of choosing a free choice piece from The Hot Rock Guitar books?

A. The Hot Rock books have been prepared to the existing Rockschool syllabus, so if you select our Grade 1 arrangement of ‘The Zephyr Song’ for your Grade 1 exam it’s definitely the right level and you have the audio backing already prepared.

Q. What makes Hot Rock Guitar a special edition to the Rockschool syllabus?

A. These are great tracks that have stood the test of time over the years and are still popular with guitarists everywhere. The fact that you can now play them in a graded exam is great news for guitarists.

Q. What can students expect to learn when playing through the pieces?

A. Like all of the Rockschool pieces there are opportunities to develop your technique. Powerchords and single note riffs feature heavily through the three books and there’s plenty of string bending to work on in Grades 2 and 3.

Grade 1 Samples

Q. What thought process went into choosing the 24 tracks?

A. We picked absolute classics that guitarists LOVE to play. After that it was a case of deciding which songs worked best in which grade. It was important that we stayed true to the spirit of the original.

Q. How much time went into selecting & recording the 24 tunes?

A. It was a long process. We spent a few months selecting and arranging the songs and then the whole recording process took about eight weeks altogether: it was a big task.

Q. Which was your favourite part of the Hot Rock Guitar Process?

A. The end! Seriously, I think seeing everything completed: the arrangements, the walkthroughs, the tone guides and the monstrous full transcriptions brought about a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s a great package that I’m really proud of.

Grade 2 Samples

Q. The introduction to tone addition to the Hot Rock books, how will this aid the students learning when playing the tunes?

A. Guitar tone is big part of guitar performances, but it’s also one of the most confusing. There are so many different terms for things like amp controls and pickups that we felt we needed to demystify a lot of it. The guides are very simple and, although there’s no tone requirement in Grades 1 and 2, guitarists who want to improve their tone will find this helps a lot.

Q. What research went into writing the Fact files section - Did you find out any crazy facts about some of artists?

A. Well, I pride myself on not having to resort to Wikipedia. I’ve interviewed a lot of guitarists over the years and know way too much about the histories of a lot of the classic rock bands out there. However, it did surprise me to learn that The Raconteurs are actually called The Saboteurs in Australia! True FACT!

Q. Why did you include the Vocal line in the full transcriptions?

A. Guitar transcriptions can be quite long with lots of guitar parts, so the vocals can help you navigate a challenging piece.

Grade 3 Samples

Q. Is it difficult writing the walkthroughs? What goes into them?

A. I don't find it too difficult. I taught for 17 years before I came to work for Rockschool so over the years I’ve learned which techniques students struggle with, so I target those. The tricky part is fitting everything in.

Q. What were your favourite tracks to record/play?

A. I'm a metal guy, so I'd have to say it was ‘Enter Sandman’. It has such an awesome riff, you can really get stuck into it – Especially the palm muted sections. ‘Highway To Hell’ has a great solo and the exam version is pretty close to the start of the original, so that’s a lot of fun. I also loved playing Californication. Such a great riff.

Thank you for your time Mr.Uings!

If you'd like to read more from James you can catch him every month in our Rockschool Total Guitar feature.

The IGF Festival and Summer School - 23 July - 5 Aug 2011

The International Guitar Foundation festival and summer school returns to Cheltenham this July and August for what organisers promise will be two weeks of non-stop guitar action.

The summer school features some of the best players and tutors around with backgrounds spanning a range of different styles from rock, metal and blues through to funk, jazz, fingerstyle and even classical.

All levels and ages are catered for, Co founder and festival manager Phil Castang told us "The summer school is for young players determined to be the best they can and also for mature players to rediscover their strengths. Essentially the summer school is for anyone that loves to play guitar".

Heading up the 'High Voltage Rock Academy' are rock and metal virtuosos Martin Goulding and Andy James. Blues and slide 'Yoda' Matt Smith joins Denny Ilett and acoustic blues specialist Johnny Dickinson on the blues faculty. Dario Cortese is back by popular demand to teach 'Jazz and Beyond'.

Progressive fingerstyle is hosted by modern fingerstyle exponent Rodney Branigan and features a rare teaching appearance from Andy McKee. Jason Sidwell brings the funk to funk and beyond whilst Neville Marten's famous 'Mojo' reforms for a series of unique performance based workshops.

The week also features concerts, clinics and late night jam sessions and has become one of the guitar calendars must attend social and networking events of the year.

Watch the IGF Summer School Trailer below:

BME Broadcast Series: Annie Nightingale and Miranda Sawyer - 5 Apr 2011

Event Date/Time: Tuesday 5th April, time TBC
Event Location: The Bubble Exhibition Space at The O2 London
Tickets: £7.50

Two of Britain's leading female commentators come together to discuss their careers, the future of the genre, and overturning the male dominated music industry and journalism fields.

Britain's first lady of radio, Annie Nightingale recently celebrated her 40th year in broadcast. From rubbing shoulders with the Beatles in the 1960's, to becoming Radio 1's first female presenter, and from presenting The Old Grey Whistle Test to dj'ing at clubs and festivals all over the world, Annie is one of the most respected broadcasters in the history of popular music.

Annie has won numerous awards including being the first female DJ to be inducted in the Radio Academy Hall Of Fame. Strong opinion and direct approach are Miranda Sawyers qualities as one of the UK's leading journalists. Starting out at Smash Hits, during the magazines peak, she quickly moved on to Select Magazine winning the PPA Magazine Writer of the Year Award, the youngest person ever to do so.

Whether it's writing profiles on Paul Weller, features for the Observer, appearing on Question Time or hosting the Mercury Music Awards, Miranda is one of the most versatile commentators on popular culture.

PRS For Music Looks To Encourage Female Composers

PRS for Music Foundation have launched a new campaign aimed at increasing the number of working female composers.

The body hopes that the initiative, which was launched to coincide with International Women’s Day, will raise awareness of the gender gap that currently exists in the industry.It is also hoped that the campaign will help to boost the profiles of women composers.

Recent research has highlighted the gender divide that currently exists in the industry, with just 4.1 per cent of works performed at the 2010 BBC Proms were composed by women. In addition, the PRS for Music membership is currently only 14 per cent women.

PRS for Music Foundation, who are behind the initiative, is inviting musical bodies across the UK to propose the commission of work by a female composer. Financial support of £5,000 will be made available for new compositions of any musical genre.

Sally Taylor, the chair of trustees at the body, said: "We have created this call because we want to raise awareness about the funding we offer to music creators and encourage more women to come forward for this support. By promoting role models for future generations, we hope that we will be encouraging more women to think about making a living as a music creator."

Prospective artists have been told that there are deadlines for this opportunity on May 13th and August 8th 2011.

Emily Hall, whose song Cycle written for Mara Carlyle will be premiered during the Women of the World Festival, said:

"The Women Make Music call will be a great way of drawing attention to the support that is available from PRS for Music Foundation and I hope it inspires other women to think about applying.”

UK Government Plans To Engage With Music and Creatives

By Robert Ashton - music week

A meeting between Government and the music and creative industries to discuss how ministers can engage with the sector took a step closer to creating a creative industries council – or something similar.

Yesterday's sitdown at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills saw Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and Business Secretary Vince Cable canvassing senior executives from the creative industries, including BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor and UK Music chief executive Feargal Sharkey, about what channels of communication would be most effective.

A DCMS spokesperson said, “It was a useful and productive meeting". One of the main purposes of the roundtable was to discuss how the Government can effectively engage with this important sector.

“It was agreed there was value in Government meeting with the creative industries as a whole to discuss specific issues affecting the whole sector.”

The high powered roundtable - other executives invited included BBC director general Mark Thompson and Google UK managing director Matt Brittin - was expected to meet again in three months time.

One insider said that although there was no concrete proposals made yesterday there was a consensus that the Government might be served better if – on issues where there was common ground - it engaged with the creative industries as one group.

An industry council to serve the creative sector has gathered widespread support from a range of executives and ministers, including the House of Commons BIS committee investigating how to provide assistance to the cultural sector.

Total Guitar – Rockschool Student Receives Grade One Merit

If you don't already know Rockschool have a monthly column in legendary guitar magazine Total Guitar. There you can find specific track breakdowns for some of Rockschool's best tunes as well as some great examples to help you improve your playing.

Tony Aspinal, Lancashire wrote into Total Guitar on behalf of his son to express his fondness and gratitude for the Rockschool column:

Total Guitar Letters Page
(5.57MB, 2 pages, .pdf)

Making the Grade

“I have been subscribing to TG for about three years and would encourage anyone to do the same. TG has helped me to improve my playing, build my own guitar and given me perspective when work gets hectic. Also TG has got me out of the house at the weekends as I’m now in a gigging band.

However, the real reason I’m writing is my son, aged eight, has started playing and has recently achieved a merit in his Rockschool Grade One.

Thanks to your coverage of Rockschool Grade Two he’s getting ready for his next exam in March. I know that as he gets older and things change we will always have guitar in common. Has it been worth subscribing? It’s an absolute bargain!”

Tony Aspinall, Lancashire
PS, here’s a picture of Alex (with the Tele I built in the background).

Competition: Win 2 Tickets To Sonisphere Festival With Hot Rock Guitar

Hot Rock Guitar Grades 1, 2 & 3 Out 18 March

To celebrate the release of Hot Rock Guitar Grade 1, 2 and Grade 3 we are giving away two, three day festival tickets (inc camping) to SONISPHERE at Knebworth House, Stevenage. 8th-10th July 2011. Headliners include: Metallica, Biffy Clyro and SlipKnot.

The Hot Rock Guitar series is about playing the music you love. Each book contains 8 classic rock tracks with the specially edited exam piece and the full transcription. Rockschool graded music exams have an element of 'Free Choice'.

Out of the three exam pieces the candidate has to prepare for a Rockschool grade exam, one can be a 'Free Choice' piece - a song of the candidates choosing – this is where Hot Rock comes in. Popular classic rock songs organised by grade and edited to create an exam piece, the books also contain the full transcription.

The Prize

Sonisphere festival is at Knebworth House, Stevenage 8th-10th July 2011. The prize is for two, three day festival tickets only (Inc camping). You need to be 16+ years to enter this competition; if you are under 18 years old you will need to have permission from a parent to receive the tickets.

The prize is for 2 tickets to the festival only.

Enter the competition now

UK Music Welcomes Government Support For Live Music Bill

By Robert Ashton – musicweek

UK Music has welcomed Government support for Lord Clement-Jones’ Live Music Bill following its successful second reading in the House of Lords last Friday.

Baroness Rawlings gave the Government’s blessing to the Bill during Friday’s reading - subject to certain conditions, including a full impact assessment before proposals could become law and an 11pm cut-off time for performances. UK Music CEO Feargal Sharkey, who has campaigned for small venues to be exempted from the Licensing Act for several years, said:

"I think the entire music industry will want to show its gratitude to Lord Clement-Jones for his perseverance and support. Cutting red tape around the performance of small-scale live music will have a major impact on the careers of fledgling artists and jobbing musicians.";

"With Government now openly supporting the common sense measures in this Bill, there is growing confidence that we can move quickly forward to unshackle and promote one of this country’s greatest and most identifiable assets."

The private members Bill, which seeks to exempt small venues from the need to obtain a licence for the performance of live music if there is only an audience of 200 people, and was supported by peers from across the political spectrum, including Michael Grade, Joan Bakewell and Floella Benjamin.The Bill will now advance to Committee stage in the Lords, where amendments can be made, before it can move to the House of Commons where it will need to be sponsored by an MP.

Gals With Guitars - 15 to 16 Apr 2011

Event Date/Time: Friday 15th-16th April 2011
Location: Elevator Gallery in East London
Entrants: Please email Gals with Guitars with some information about yourself, why you would like to participate and confirming your availability on these dates.
Deadline: 20th March 2011

Gals with Guitars is a collaborative, participatory large group composition for electric guitars, conceived by performer artist Sharon Gal. This durational, performance event invites participation from female players, women and girls of mix ages and playing ability. During the development stage you would explore sound making using traditional methods and extended techniques.

You would also experiment with different musical patterns, ideas and possibilities which would be put together to create a longer composition. The process concludes with the live performance of the composition in front of an audience.

Gals with Guitars would take place at the Elevator gallery in east London on the 15th and 16th April 2011. You would meet on Friday 15th 12-5pm and again on Saturday 16th from around mid day, with a live performance of the piece in the evening at 7.30pm.

This performance is for 25 players. It is not exclusive to experienced guitar players and we would like to encourage participation from less experienced players. To take part you would need to attend both days and bring your own electric guitar and (small) amp.

Easter Rock ‘n’ Roll Boot Camp @ The Rhythm Studio - 11 to 15 Apr 2011

Event Date/Time: Easter Holidays: Monday 11th April - Friday 15th April 2011
Class Times: Monday-Thursday: Morning bands 10am-1pm, afternoon bands 2pm-5pm, Friday: All bands performing at Inn On The Green, 2pm-5pm
Location: Substation, Saga Centre, 326 Kensal Road, London, W10 5BZ
Tickets: Course Fees: £175

The Rhythm Studio's ever popular Rock & Roll Boot Camps are without doubt one of the UK's most exciting out-of-school music opportunities. These week-long courses take place during school holidays and half term breaks and offer the chance to form bands, write songs, record your tracks and perform live. Boot Camp often features special guest tutors andv one-off masterclasses from world famous musicians. Previous visitors include Ralph Salmins (Madonna, Bjork, Van Morrison), Joe Clegg (Ellie Goulding), Nathan Curran (Lily Allen, Basement Jaxx) and Paul Stewart (The Feeling).

The Rhythm Studios Easter Boot Camp will be running from 11th April until 15th April, morning and afternoons. Meet even more new friends, learn classic covers, record a CD to take home and play (over and over and over) and perform a gig at the end of the week. Booking essential.

Lord Grade To Support Live Music Bill

By Robert Ashton - Music Week

Michael Grade will use his maiden speech in the House of Lords this Friday to support Tim Clement-Jones’ Live Music Bill.The private members Bill has moved up the pecking order on the list of debates and was expected to get its second reading at around 10.30am.

Alongside Lord Grade of Yarmouth, Clement-Jones was also expected to get support from former Playschool presenter Floella Benjamin – now Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham - and campaigning journalist Baroness Joan Bakewell.

Tom Kiehl, policy advisor for the Lib Dem Lords, said the former BBC chairman and ITV executive chairman Lord Grade was understood to want to use his speech to help the Live Music Bill, which has proposed an exception from the bureaucracy of the Licensing Act for music venues hosting gigs for bands with audiences of 200 people or less.

“He is going to talk about it and also dwell a bit on his career,” said Kiehl. But, the policy advisor was unsure what the Government proposed to say about the Bill, which had its first reading in the House of Lords last July. At the end of 2009 the Government conducted its own consultation about small venues with audiences of less than 100 people. But, the Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose, who has responsibility for licensing matters, has subsequently sat on the findings despite telling Parliament in June he was committed to moving fast on the matter.

Other Lords expected to contribute to Friday’s debate include Lord Redesdale, Lord Colwyn and Lord Teverson. If the Bill passes through this stage it will be moved to the committee stage in the Lords in a few weeks time, where amendments – either proposed by opponents or Clement-Jones’ himself – can be debated.

If that is successful it can pass to a third reading before moving to the Commons where it will have to be sponsored by an MP. It is likely Lib Dem MP Don Foster, who pushed the Bill under the last parliamentary session, would again support it. Kiehl added that unlike the last parliamentary session, this time around the Bill has plenty of time to be debated.

UK Government Round-table On Online Future

Culture Ministers met with key players from the music and creative industries on the 22nd Feb to discuss ways to develop new online services.

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt and Communications and Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey held the roundtable with internet service providers such as BT, Talk Talk and BSkyB alongside representatives from UK Music, PRS for Music, AIM, BPI, Universal, Warner Music, Sony and Beggars Group.

Ed Vaizey said the creative industries, ISPs and other companies such as Google and Yahoo were interlinked and need each other for sustainable future success.

"We have brought the industries together so they can discuss the issues facing the digital industries and I am delighted that progress is being made"; he said. "Consumers demand choice. It is essential that new, legal methods to access films, music and other content on-line are developed, whilst enabling creators copyright to be properly protected."

Hunt said it was a useful and encouraging meeting. "I am pleased to hear that real progress has been made by ISPs and the music industry on developing new and attractive services for consumers," he said. "The more choice consumers have, the less attractive the unlawful alternatives will be."The group will meet again in around three months.

Meanwhile, the Government has cheered the indie community today after it urged the EC to host a forum for small business ministers as part of a renewed focus on putting SMEs at the heart of European decisions. Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said he looked forward to meeting his European counterparts to discuss issues facing small companies.

He said,"Europe needs an SME-friendly business environment, enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions, without being stifled by unnecessary rules and regulations." Brussels has been pushing a big agenda for creative SMEs recently because it sees them playing a vital role as engines for growth and jobs.

Music For Youth – ‘The Sound Vault’

As part of their involvement with young musicians across the country, MFY commissions original compositions. Now they’re expanding this strand of their activities and sharing the results with you - for free!

They want to hear your performances and reinterpretations of the scores available. Send in your submission using one of the options on the Music For Youth website.

Guitar Techniques

Rockschool have a monthly column in Guitar Techniques magazine. It offers advice on scale choices, soloing strategies and many other ways to expand your playing.

To help you with your studies and to give you a taste of the Rockschool exam pieces you can download the Grade 5 piece 'Bust Up'. To get the other pieces and information on the other sections of the exams you will need Guitar Grade 5 book, available from musicroom.com.

Resources

The resources you need for the Rockschool Guitar Techniques feature in issue 190 (April Edition) are below:

Sheet Music - Grade 5 Guitar - 'Bust Up'
(260KB, 3 pages, .pdf)

'Bust Up' Audio Remixes
(4.2MB, .zip)

Related Products

You may find the following books useful for preparing for the guitar grade 5 exam:


Rockschool Guitar Grade 5 Price: £14.99 Media: Sheet Music and CD Language: English Learn more...


Rockschool Guitar Technical Companion Price: £10.00 Media: Sheet Music Language: English Learn more...

Music Education In England - The Darren Henley Review

With a total of 36 recommendations being made in Darren Henley’s review of Music Education in England this month, we thought we’d take the opportunity to express our views and thoughts on the matter as well as taking a look at the government’s response and future plans for action.

Published on the 7th February the Henley review has outlined some clear changes that need to be made in order for music education in England to progress. At a glance the review expressed the need for greater solidarity between musical education providers, a plea to provide a broad and diverse music education, as well as the need to emphasise and communicate the full breadth and depth of music-making opportunities for children.

From our perspective, there are three main aspects of the report that we would like to highlight and endorse:

Continuation of Funding for Another Year
We welcome the recommendation that funding should continue to local authority music services and are pleased that the Secretary of State has endorsed this for the next financial year. We urge Michael Gove to announce what funding plans he has after April 2012 as speedily as possible.

Music Should Remain in the National Curriculum
To us this is even more important than the continuation of funding. Having music in the curriculum as a statutory requirement up to the age of 14 creates an updraft which feeds the other musical activities in schools. Without it, the musical life of schools could wither and die very rapidly. In a similar vein we would also urge Mr Gove to allow for music to be an integral part of the English Baccalaureate and we endorse the Music Industry Association (MIA)’s campaign for music's inclusion. Anything that waters down the presence of music in the curriculum will inevitably put music making in schools at risk, we are already seeing the negative impact of the English Bacc on numbers of candidates registering for Music GCSE..

Grade Exams and League Table.
We fully endorse the recommendation that schools should be made fully aware of the value of graded exams and the contribution they can make to their league tables. Rockschool’s graded exams are taken by a great many school students who otherwise would not be interested in a music exam and their achievements should be properly recognised.

“We are delighted that our Graded Music Exams have been recognised in the Music Education In England Review. We agree that Music Education opportunities need to be communicated in a clear and open manner. Rockschool works hard to make music qualifications available to students of all ages and backgrounds and are proud to provide recognised music teaching diplomas in conjunction with the Musicians Union to maintain music teaching standards. We look forward to the next stage of this review.” Norton York – Rockschool Chairman.

We would also like to offer our complete support towards the call for greater cohesion between the music education sector as a whole. In the aim of achieving solidarity, Rockschool will continue to develop and expand upon its collaboration with government bodies & other music education providers and looks forward to providing an even better service to music education in England.

5 Top Tips To Improve Your Playing For Drummers

We take you through our Top 5 tips to help you become a better drummer.

1. Always practice with a metronome

Being a drummer is all about timing, yes playing fast with dramatic chops and accents always sounds great but if you can’t stick to the beat these lavish tricks become worthless. iphone users can download free metronome apps as well as being widely available online, so there’s no excuses! Check out musicroom.com for the physical alternative.

2. Listen to a variety of different styles of music

Listening to a number of different styles of music will help develop your creativity and will give you numerous ideas from which to base your own fills and chops on. Rockschool tunes already provide you with an awesome variety of different styles of music to pull from, however for further listening on the web head to last.fm & purevolume.com

3. Always warm up before a gig

Like in any physical sport or exercise warming up before you start is vital for engaging your muscles. Practice a number of different rudiments for at least 10mins before you go on stage, try doing this along to music to help you get pumped before you go on. The technical exercises provided in our Grade Books are a perfect starting point.

4. Slow Down

Speed always features quite prominently in a drummers top 10 list of things they want to improve on. The best tip we can offer to improve your speed is to slow down. Speed is all about building muscle memory, start practicing slower to a metronome to give your muscles the chance to adapt to faster sticking. Be patient and you will notice the difference!

5. Aim to learn something new every day

If you can get into the habit of learning a new fill, pattern, stroke or technique every day you will notice a dramatic improvement in your playing. Engaging your brain in daily learning with help your practice become more focused & organised. All the HOT ROCK Books have great fills, tips and techniques to work through.

Express Your Musical Notion - Win FREE Music Writing Software

We have teamed up again with our friends at Notion Music to give away 5 copies of NOTION3 music software WORTH £180 EACH!!

NOTION3 is the latest in music creation software. This incredibly diverse and easy to use music writing software comes with over 10GB of improved and enhanced sounds exclusively featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and some of the best Rock & Pop musicians around.

NOTION3 features:

Intuitive user interface that’s easy to look at and easy to use
Over 10GB of sounds exclusively featuring the London Symphony Orchestra
Advanced real-time tempo control allowing it to be used like a musical instrument
Expanded sound library that includes all of the Guitar, Bass, and Drum samples from PROGRESSION
Real Time MIDI Input
Windows & Mac Compatible

NOTION3 has hundreds of great features for both students and teachers. Students can create their own improvised licks & riffs and play them back with virtually limitless instruments and sounds. Teachers can effectively demonstrate notation, dynamics, tempo & timbre with ease, creating engaging lessons plans that are not only fun, but also sound great too.

Enter the competition now

Un-Convention Factory at The Roundhouse - 26 Feb 2011

Event Date/Time: 26th Febuary 10.00am
Location: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH
Tickets: Passes from £8.00

Un-Convention Factory is back and bigger than ever, this time at The Roundhouse in London as part of Roundhouse Rising.

Featuring 6 special music collaborations with musicians including Jon McClure (Reverend Soundsystem), Viv Albertine (The Slits), Charli XCX, Lupa (Colombian MC) plus many more, top producer Jagz Kooner along with 80 invited music industry experts and 200 participants all involved in creating, recording and producing an album in one day.

The 6 bands involved will cover, or collaborate, on tracks from London Calling by The Clash. Accompanying the recording will be a selection of panels, workshops and showcases. The highlight panels feature Music As A Tool For Social Change - featuring people working on music projects in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Colombia and the UK; The Politicisation of Music; New Music Strategies; an Event and Festival Session with Huw Stephens (Radio One). A range of new digital platforms will also be showcased including SoundCloud and Song Kick.

There will be one-to-one consultancies for bands, hands on workshops and live music performance throughout the day. More details of artists involved will be announced shortly.

The Newcastle Guitar Show - 6 Mar 2011

Event Date/Time: Sunday 6th March, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Location: The Lancastrian Suite, Federation Brewery, Lancaster Road, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9JR
Tickets: £5 on the door (Enquiries: 01925 813185)

This Year's show looks set to be the biggest yet with more dealers and exhibitors with products to sell and sensational live music.

The show is a unique opportunity to buy, sell and trade new, vintage and second hand guitars, amps, effects and accessories. There will be bargains and special show deals. Free appraisals of instruments and amps will be available.

The Live stage will feature the UK's top Texas boogie tribute, The ZZ Tops, plus local 60's/70's inspired psychedelic blues rock trio, Victims of the fury, rock virtuosity from Gavin Coulson demonstrating Fret-King and vintage guitars and fusion specialist Ashley Hutchings with the latest Roland Boss products. In addition, rising local blues guitar sensation, Mitch Laddie, will be playing in the English Valve Amps demo room.

UK guitar manufacturers Patrick Eggle, JJ Guitars and MD Guitars are exhibiting along with local retailers such as Music Gallery, J G Windows and Market Music. Guitar parts are available from CH Guitars while Crinson & Gohlman will be one of the independent luthiers displaying their products.

MIA Supports Live Music Venue Amendments

The Music Industries Association (MIA) has leant its support to a campaign designed to back the UK’s live music sector and is calling upon the government to do the same.

Currently, under the terms of the Licensing Act, venues in England that wish to host live music performances must apply for and purchase a special licence.

However, campaigners (including the Klaxons) are backing the new proposals contained within the Clement-Jones Live Music Bill, which recommends that venues with a capacity of under 200 people should be exempt from the rules and regulations contained within the Act.

The House of Lords has set aside March 4th for the second reading of the Bill. It presents an opportunity for the government to get on board to support an exception in the Licensing Act to allow pubs and clubs to host small scale gigs without having to apply for a licence.

The MIA claims that the issues delve right to the heart of the government’s much-hyped Big Society initiative.The organisations explained that live music is a key community function that brings people together.

As such, smaller venues, with a capacity of under 200, can play an important role within communities and helping them put on live music is a great demonstration of the Big Society in action.

Paul McManus, chief executive officer of the MIA, explained: “While it is encouraging that the Bill will be debated, the fact that it remains unclear whether the government will provide the necessary support is of concern.

“Clear data has been presented that shows nearly 75 per cent of stakeholders, including councils, licensees and venue owners in favour of a change in the law to allow an exemption for small venues.”

He continued: “Many of these venues both want and need to provide live music, both to generate revenue and to provide diversity in entertainment for their customers.”

Music 'Can Help Improve Literacy and Numeracy'

Posted by Jamie Franklin - Roland.co.uk

Music education needs to be a part of a successful and balanced curriculum, one expert had claimed.

Paul McManus, chief executive officer of the Music Industries Association, noted the pastime helps children to improve their numeracy and literacy.

He was speaking after education minister Michael Gove revealed £82.5 million will be given towards music education by the government.

"It is extremely encouraging to read the continuing supportive comments ... concerning the importance of music education for a child and the wide-ranging benefits it brings to a child's development," Mr McManus observed.

He added the requirement to maintain the statutory entitlement for a child to learn a musical instrument as set out in the Henley Review is good news.

"Secondary benefits of a quality music education are those of increased self esteem and aspirations; improved behaviour and social skills; and improved academic attainment in areas such as numeracy, literacy and language" - Henley

The specialist observed his organisation is ready to help students get access to quality products.

Mr Gove noted he is hoping to attract more top music graduates into the profession by using Teach First, a scheme that sees exceptional candidates placed in challenging schools.

School Music Funding Aims To Reach Less Well-off

The government says funding for music in England's schools will increasingly be targeted at the less well-off in a bid to close a "musical divide between rich and poor".

Responding to a review of school music, the government announced plans to bring more music graduates into teaching. A National Plan for Music Education has also been promised for later this year.

School music funding will remain at £82.5m for next year - the same amount as funded through councils this year. Following this transitional year, the education department says it will work with music services "to manage future budget pressures".

The review was led by Darren Henley, managing director of Classic FM. He was asked to look at how public funding could be used to give every child the opportunity to learn an instrument and to sing.

He was also looking at how to improve classroom teachers' skills and confidence in giving music lessons. The Education Secretary Michael Gove had said it was a "sad fact" that many state school children did not have the chance to learn an instrument.

The government says it will keep its school music budget for 2011-2012 at the present level of £82.5m next year. The shape of music education after this will be determined by a forthcoming National Plan for Music Education. There have been fears about public spending cuts damaging music education.

Many schools arrange music lessons and instrument hire for children through local bodies called "music services" run by councils and some of those have said they fear cuts or even closure.

The music services are funded through local authorities, central government grants and parental contributions. Councils in England are facing a budget cut of about 25% over the next four years.

The musicians' professional body, the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), recently accused some councils of going "too far, too soon" by cutting budgets for children's music lessons, before details of national funding had been revealed. That was echoed by the the Federation of Music Services (FMS), which said a handful of councils were publicly proposing "pre-emptive cuts" as part of wider cost savings, which could "irreparably undermine" services. On future funding, the government has said it will work with local authorities and schools inspectors Ofsted to "ensure the most disadvantaged children are targeted".

Also, it is to launch a scheme called "Music Teach First", through which it aims to recruit musicians from leading music schools to go to teach in "the nations most challenging schools".And it says it wants to make it easier for leading orchestras and musicians to help improve music education in schools.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "Music has the power to touch the soul. It is a universal language understood by people of every culture. And it gives us all the chance to be transported by beauty".

"But access to the best musical education is not universal and the opportunity to benefit from great instrumental tuition is not shared equally.

"Many disadvantaged children are denied the music education they deserve. And that's why we need to bridge this musical divide."

Half Term at the BME - 19 to 26 Feb 2011

Event Date/time: Sat 19th to Sat 26th February
Location: British Music Experience The O2 bubble, The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Tickets: Adults £10, Children £6 (contact susanne.buck@britishmusicexperience.com for group discounts)

Want to be a Music TV presenter?

The British Music Experience is running a Music TV Presentation skills workshop from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday 24th February.

Budding presenters will be able to work with an industry professional to improve their presentation and interview skills and even create their own show reel.

Suitable for children and young people aged 8 and above the workshop is included in museum admission price but booking is essential. For availability and more information please email events@britishmusicexperience.com.

And the winner is...

Rock up and collect your customised British Music Experience Award, film an award winning acceptance speech and then upload it to the British Music Experience’s YouTube channel for all your friends to see.

The activity will take place for visitors between 12pm and 3pm between Saturday 19th and Saturday 26th February (excluding Monday 21st and Thursday 24th). The session is suitable for all the family and is included in museum admission price.

Music Teaching and Dyslexia - 24 Feb 2011

Event Date/Time: 24th February 2011, 9.30 a.m – 4.45 p.m
Location: Westminster, London
Tickets: Standard rate £129, Student £69, Member of the BDA £116 (MU member 10% discount)

Music teaching and dyslexia – Practical insights

The British Dyslexia Association is holding a music event in London to disseminate the latest research and best practice for teaching music to individuals with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

It features eminent speakers looking particularly at the practical aspects of teaching music. There will also be hosted table top discussions to ensure exchange of tips and good practices. It is relevant for teachers in primary, secondary education and those who teach individuals.

To Book...

To book telephone: 0845 251 9004, fax: 0845 251 9005, email: conferencebdadyslexia.org.uk

Teachers Worried Over Music Education Provision

Posted by blog.musicroom.com

Music opportunities for pupils in schools in England are gradually being eroded as a result of the introduction of the new English Baccalaureate.

Responding to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Music Educators (NAME), the vast majority of secondary school music teachers said that their departments and students have been impacted by the qualification.

Indeed, of those questioned in the survey, NAME found that 60 per cent of educators feared that their schools would reduce the level of music opportunities which it afforded to its pupils.

Respondents said that this would be a result of headteachers looking to increase the number of pupils taking and passing the English Baccalaureate.

“The arts have long been recognised as an essential part of a broad and balanced education,” Sarah Kekus, the chair of NAME, said.

“Excluding the arts from the English Baccalaureate makes them invisible in school, not only leading to cuts in provision, but also reducing opportunities for young people to gain recognition for what they excel in.”

Education secretary Michael Gove introduced the Baccalaureate to help measure the performance of schools in England. It takes in performance in five core subject areas including maths, English, science, a foreign language and either history or geography.

However, not everyone has welcomed the move and both NAME and the Incorporated Society of Musicians have called for Mr Gove to reconsider the omission of music from the core subject areas.

Deborah Annetts, chief executive Incorporated Society of Musicians, told the BBC that she was concerned that music will be squeezed out of the curriculum altogether.

“Not only are there challenges for music education in terms of funding and structure, but also music’s place in the curriculum is under threat,” she warns. “The government must stop, look and listen before it takes a seriously wrong step, jeopardising music education for generations to come.”

Rock Photography with Paul Slattery - 17 Feb 2011

Event date/time: 7:30 - 9:00pm, 17th February 2011
Event location: British Music Experience The O2 bubble, The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Tickets: £7.50

For the second in its Visual Identity Series the British Music Experience is excited to be welcoming Paul Slattery. Paul took his first picture it 1975 at the Lyceum when he should've been studying for exams. It was a chance encounter 'with Lemmy from Motorhead that meant that the life of a Rock and Roll photographer became a reality and he subsequently went on to photograph The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Ramones.

Going on to photograph such bands as U2, Joy Division, The Fall and The Specials he has flirted with Heavy Metal and survived drinking sessions with the likes of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and of course motörhead and counts Lemmy as a true gent and a number one rock god. In complete contrast he made some of the most iconic photographs of the Smiths in the mid eighties, and in the late eighties and early nineties he photographed the Stones Roses and a young Manic Street Preachers, bands that captured the spirit of the times.

In February 1994 he was introduced to a then unknown band called Oasis with whom he eventually spent a year on the road. In between times he hitch hiked 2500 km over snowbound mountain passes across Tibet and spent several months in the Three Gorges area of the Yangzi River documenting life before the building of the Yangzi High Dam. Thousands of settlements and whole towns have been completely inundated by the rising waters, and over three million people have lost their homes. He is putting this book together at the moment. These days he is likely to be found photographing the English landscape, downtown Cairo, or at a gig photographing England's No.1 band The Len Price Three.

Paul's photographs have appeared in thousands of magazines worldwide, over 100 books on rock and roll bands, and on numerous CD's.

The Birmingham Guitar Show - 26/27 Feb 2011

The Birmingham Guitar Show has announced an extended range of exhibitors, including Yamaha, Line 6, Korg and Bass Centre.

Event date: 26 and 27 February 2011
Event location: New Bingley Hall, Birmingham
Tickets: £8.50 in advance and £10 on the door.

The event, due to take place on 26 and 27 February at New Bingley Hall, Birmingham, has already confirmed appearances from Marshall Amplification, Laney, Paul Reed Smith, Ibanez, Gibson, Orange, Peavey, BC Rich, Rotosound and Tokai, to name a selection.

Among the usual stands and exhibitors, Birmingham Guitar Show organisers are promising a range of seminars on "useful tips and tricks" and a live demo stage. Show manager Jason Hunt said, "We're obviously delighted to have secured four big new brands for the Birmingham show.

It means that the majority of the world's best loved guitar and amp gear will be at the show - and we hear whispers that the event will see some brand new offerings unveiled in the UK, all of which adds to the excitement of the weekend."

The Joanna Langston Interview

Jo was born in 1984 with no sight at all and with quite severe learning difficulties but the one thing that has shone through the years is her love of music, listening and performing.

With Jo recently achieving a distinction in her Rockschool Grade 8 Drum exam we thought we'd catch up with Jo's dad Mike and find out her tips for success and the challenges faced by her disability.

Q. What inspired Jo to start playing the drums?

A. Jo's always been very musical since birth; she's always had a great sense of rhythm using an old briefcase, and believe it or not a radiator to tap on as a toddler. When she was old enough we decided to buy her her own kit and we've never looked back.

Q. Has Jo got a favourite Drummer or favourite band?

A. Jo was brought up on a lot of 50's and 60's bands such as the Beatles, and slowly grew to love drumming greats like Ringo Starr, Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Their playing styles had a tremendous influence on her own drumming and mentality towards the instrument.

Q. How instrumental has Steve (her teacher) been in her development and progression as a musician?

A. We tried a number of different drum tutors before we arrived at Steve, but none of them offered the same structure. Steve was great with Jo, they just seemed to click from the start. He really developed her technical side of drumming, getting her to practice rudiments and chops regularly.

Q. How did she find Rockschool & her Grade 8 exam? Why did she decide to switch to Rockschool?

A. Jo took Trinity Guildhall up to Grade 6 - it was actually Steve (her current teacher) who advised Jo to consider Rockschool as he thought it might fit her playing style better. Rockschool offered Jo more freedom to play and develop the styles of music she loves. The exam was a lot more relaxed and a great deal of praise has to go out to Noam Lederman, (chief examiner at Rockschool) who was fantastic with her.

Q. Did Jo have a favourite piece to play?

A. Definitely 'Whatever Happened To Jazz', she loves playing Jazz and swing parts on the drums - I must've heard her play that one a million times!

Q. How does Jo practice and what practice did she undergo before her exam?

A. It's extremely hard to get Jo to practice as she also has a learning disability, Steve got her to practice an hour or so every day focusing solely on the fundamentals. Each day she'd practice something different, Pieces, Rudiments, Technical Exercises and so on.

Q. What advice do you think she'd give to other drummers out there?

A. I think what helped Jo the most was breaking down each segment of the Grade into easily manageable chunks. Any Grade exam can be quite daunting (especially Grade 8) and I think (for her) taking the time to tackle each section separately made the exam process a lot more relaxed and fun.

Q. What does the future hold for Jo? Other qualifications? Teaching/ Performance?

A. Jo wants to continue drumming in the future; she's going to maintain her close working relationship with her tutor Steve Saunders and work through some more technical stuff by Dave Hassle. After this she hopes to take a Rockschool Performance Diploma and develop her playing further.

We'd like to thank Mike, Jo's dad for his time and wish Jo all the best in the future; she is a true inspiration to us all.

The Joanna Langston Story
(222KB, 1 page, .pdf)

Music Teaching Services to Be Cut

Posted by Jamie Franklin - roland.co.uk

There is concern that local authorities in the UK may introduce cuts to their music services and teaching provisions.

According to the Music Industries Association (MIA), pre-emptive action seems to be occurring, despite a government pledge in December that there would be no scaling back, Mi-Pro reports.

Some 34% of music services departments surveyed have been issued with an 'at risk' notice, which means funding is likely to be reduced.

This is not good news for the next wave of aspiring musicians, who are looking to get expert advice from a young age.

Paul McManus, chief executive officer of the MIA, said: "We are extremely concerned about these actions that are clearly being taken even before we know the recommendations to be made following the review of music education."

The Incorporated Society of Musicians added local authorities are going too far with their cuts to children's lessons.

How to Find a Music Teacher

Posted by Martyn Hopkins - Roland.co.uk

Aspiring musicians need to make sure they have a good teacher if they want to progress.

This is according to the Music Industries Association, which noted there are a number of organisations that can help people find who or what they are looking for.

The first one is gigjamonline.com, which offers web-based tutorials on a range of different instruments, while tutors are there to give support through forums.

Another option is the Incorporated Society of Musicians, a site that houses a register of professionally qualified teachers.

Students have the option to pick someone based on price and experience and there is a stringent vetting process to ensure only the best are listed.

If you want to be the next Jimi Hendrix or Slash, then this could be the place for you to find someone who will help you hone your skills.

Rockschool In Hong Kong

The first ever Rockschool pop music competition was held in Hong Kong in November and was met with fantastic support. The competition was split into three categories, Drums, Guitar & Piano boasting nearly 100 competitors split into two categories.

Two days were given (14, 21 Nov 2010) to the Open Group (screening) and Teen Group competition; with both group finals being held on the 28th Nov at the Kowloon Park Piazza in Hong Kong.

All Participants of the Teenager group were given a selection of Rockschool pieces to play; with the Open Group being given the tough decision of choosing either their own composition or a Rockschool performance piece.

Rockschool examiners Ms. Jane Clarke, Ms. Claire Wakeman, and Mr. Steve Agnew, Mr. Ritty Van Straalen-Director of International Sales/Product Development at US Music Corp, and Mr. John Maul – Roland Digital Piano Artist were all on hand as official adjudicators.

All judges commented on the remarkable quality and musicianship of all the contestants with impressive performances throughout.

Performance

(Click to view a larger image)

Winners

Group	Winner		Pieces
Teenager Drum	Li Wan Ho	李泓浩	Garden Wall	rockschool Pieces
Teenager Piano	Li Wa Hei	李樺熹	The Entertainer	rockschool Pieces
Open Drum	Yan Chin Wing	甄展榮	What Happen to Jazz	rockschool Pieces
Open Piano	Ku Chi	古馳	Over the Rainbow	own choice piece
Open Guitar	Leung Ka Lok	梁家樂	Viking Kong	own choice piece

Through the competitions success, Rockschool Hong Kong hopes to spread popular music in youth culture in the aim of helping people play the music they love.

Rockschool Hong Kong would like to say a big thank you to everyone that attended and to all the support shown.

Progress with PROGRESSION - Win FREE music writing software!

Rockschool have teamed up with our friends at Notion Music to give away 5 copies of PROGRESSION software.

PROGRESSION is for anyone who plays the Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys or Vocals and comes with 1000's of amazing samples from top class global artists. It also comes with real-time tempo control so you can slow that tricky track down and learn it correctly.

PROGRESSION Features

Write music and hear it instantly!
Built in Amp Simulations and Effects
Interactive fretboard with drum AND chord library!
Write in TAB or standard notation, both update automatically
Real time tempo control - lets you slow those tricky tracks down
Mac, PC and MIDI compatible

Follow this link to enter the competition

Labour Elects Music Champion

By Robert Ashton

Shadow culture secretary Ivan Lewis has issued a scathing assessment of the Government's custody of the music and creative sector and its lack of progress with delivering a workable Digital Economy Act.

In a speech to the Oxford media convention yesterday, Lewis criticized his opposite number the culture secretary Jeremy Hunt and his DCMS team for showing a "lack of leadership" with the creative industries.

Lewis said the creative industries are a great British success story, but he also claimed they are in "peril of falling behind without Government leadership and industry cohesion." He then lambasted the Conservative-led coalition for praising the sector while providing it with little support.

He said, "Not only has there been no growth strategy but there has also been a total lack of leadership". Lewis then issued a roll call of what he sees as Government failures, including a delay on the roll out of broadband, confusion over IP with new Hargreaves review and no progress on the Digital Economy Act.

Lewis also asked the Government to revisit his recently-suggested, and UK Music endorsed - plan to set up a cross Government creative group, which would be chaired at Cabinet level and work with music and other creative industry executives.

This plan would deal with issues such as access to finance for small music companies. Lewis added, "I intend to be a champion for the creative industries - we got it in Government and we get it in opposition.";

Lewis' comments follow a speech to the same conference by Hunt, who warned the creative industries that their business models could not be preserved in aspic.

Hunt pledged that his Government will help the music and creative industries develop further through high speed broadband investment and also by developing "an innovation-friendly environment for intellectual property that protects the rights of creators without preserving current business models in aspic."

Rock Music 'Will Always Be Important'

Posted by Jamie Franklin

Rock music will always be a popular genre of music, one expert has claimed.

James McMahon, writing for the Guardian, made the comments after research by Music Week found only three rocks songs featured in a list of the top 100-selling singles of 2010.

However, he noted there are a number of artists - such as Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine - that are regularly playing to 5,000-plus people in live gigs.

Mr McMahon added music magazines are still bought by rock fans and titles like Classic Rock and Kerrang! still have very healthy circulations.

The specialist added those who like this genre of music are very "internet savvy", which means they are less likely to buy singles as they are "consuming music in ways that, legal or not, don't register on Music Week statistics".

So it seems aspiring musicians should not be put off by reports of the decline of rock, because this debate has been raging since the 60s.

5 Top Tips To Improve Your Playing

by James Uings

1. Use a Metronome

While it's not the most glamorous item a musician owns, a metronome is an essential piece of equipment for every player. Using one regularly will improve your timing, and sense of rhythm. Don't be discouraged if you find playing with a metronome difficult at first, if you persevere you will quickly improve and playing with a metronome will start to feel like second nature.

2. Practice Vs Playing

There's a big difference between practice and playing. When you practice you are working on specific techniques and exercises that will help take your playing to the next level. However it's easy to drift into playing your favourite songs and licks. Of course, there's nothing wrong with playing what you love, but invariably you can already play this material so there is little value in replacing disciplined practice with things you are already familiar with. Try to keep your playing separate from your practice otherwise you will find yourself stuck at the same level.

3. Play With Other People

Another great way to progress is to play with other people. Sharing ideas with other players is an excellent way to build your musical vocabulary. Playing with a friend is also the first step towards forming your own band.

4. Critical Listening

It's all very well saying, I like this or I don't like this, it's important to be able to describe why you do or don't like something. Is it the flowing melody, the catchy chorus, or is it highly technical playing that works for you? Understanding the elements that make up the music you like, or don't like, will help you compose music that you're very happy with.

5. Perform Regularly

Headlining at Wembley stadium is a dream for any musician, it takes lots of less glamorous performances to build your skills to help you achieve this lofty goal. It's important that you perform as often as possible as performances improve your playing more than even the most intense practice sessions. Even if you're not in a band yet, or don't feel ready to play in a public venue, there are plenty of potential audiences you can play to. Open mic nights are an excellent, welcoming environment to start playing in. Friends and family make ideal audiences and it's surprising how much pressure performing in front of these people can add. This will raise your playing level more that you might imagine.

WeGotTickets Commits to Youth Music’s Pioneer Campaign

by Gordon Masson

WeGotTickets has signed up to support Youth Music's Pioneers project, having raised thousands of pounds for the charity through its December advent initiative.WeGotTickets' Christmas campaign for Youth Music raised more than £2,000 as the Oxford-based ticketing agent pledged 100% of all booking fees from Christmas Day sales, as well as facilitating optional donations throughout December to be made by customers.

Awareness of Youth Music's work and their support from musicians via an online advent calendar gave WGT customers the chance to see how the charity's various teams up and down the country transform the lives of disadvantaged children through music.

The calendar presented photos and videos to see their work in action, a competition to win a Rankin print of indie band Cornershop, information on how to become a Youth Music Pioneer with the support of WeGotTickets, as well as the chance to hear about celebrity musicians who back the cause, such as Ian Brown and the Scissor Sisters.

As the new year kicks into gear, WeGotTickets has pledged its continuing support for the charity through the Youth Music Pioneers project - an ongoing scheme to encourage and support young people to open themselves up to even more performance spaces and opportunities.

WeGotTickets will sell tickets for all the fundraising events the project puts on through a Youth Music Pioneers branded ticketing portal, which will also carry the optional customer donation option. The ticketing company will donate 20% of the booking fee on all Youth Music Pioneers tickets sold back to the charity.

Graeme Murray, who led the Youth Music Christmas activity at WeGotTickets, says,

"The advent calendar was a great way to really show the work Youth Music do throughout the year, around the country and with so many different young people and musical styles. It has been great to assist a charity focussed on youth arts in the light of funding cuts so many organisations are facing in 2011".

Education Secretary Michael Gove has hit out at the Musicians' Union

by Hannah Richardson BBC News education reporter

A union training video says touching pupils could expose music tutors, who often teach in one-to-one sessions, to charges of inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Gove said the advice played to a "culture of fear among adults and children". But the Musicians' Union says careers have been ruined by false allegations.

It says instrumental music teachers are particularly vulnerable as they are often alone with pupils when they give lessons.

In his letter to the union's general secretary John Smith, and other youth and music bodies, Mr Gove said: "By telling your music teachers that they should avoid any physical contact with children, it sends out completely the wrong message".

"It plays to a culture of fear among both adults and children, reinforcing the message that any adult who touches a child is somehow guilty of inappropriate contact".

"We must move away from this presumption and the Department for Education is taking steps to restore common sense to this whole area."

He said there were many occasions when it was "totally appropriate" and "positively right" for teaches or tutors to be in physical contact with a pupil. He said it was "proper and necessary" for adults to touch children when they demonstrated how to play a musical instrument. It was particularly important that those teaching instruments should feel confident that they could demonstrate how to master and improve pupils' techniques.

"Teachers should be trusted to touch children"
Michael Gove Education Secretary

"Whether it's adjusting the position of a violin or demonstrating how to handle drumsticks, showing how a trombone slide should work or introducing new subtleties in oboe playing, teachers should be trusted to touch children without feeling they are somehow transgressing the rules of appropriate conduct."

He added that the government was publishing shorter, clearer guidance on the subject and changing the way allegations of abuse against teachers are dealt with. But Diane Widdison, national organiser for teaching at the Musicians' Union, said it existed to protect its members' careers and the children they teach.

"When allegations are made against music teachers they are suspended immediately while an investigation is carried out and their careers are damaged or ruined even if they are declared innocent."In one recent case the parents of a child learning the guitar complained that the teacher had touched their child's finger to pluck a guitar string."

Diane Widdison, from the Musicians Union, explained why they had issued the advice to their members. She added that it should not be necessary to touch children to teach them how to play an instrument.

"In many cases having to be more creative and find alternatives to touching reinforces the learning process because it ensures that children are thinking for themselves.

"This is a more effective way of teaching and means that children remember the correct posture and positions when they are practising alone," she said.

Cleaning a Guitar 'Can Improve Its Tone'

Posted by Martyn Hopkins

Professional guitarists looking to improve the tone they get from their instrument should make sure they regularly clean it.

This piece of advice was given in the 'Gibson Lifestyle blog', which noted smoke, dirt, perspiration and grease can all contribute to reducing the sound quality.

According to the news provider, failure to keep the device in tip-top shape can have a long-lasting detrimental effect on it. And everybody knows there is nothing worse than a guitar that isn't achieving the kinds of sounds and riffs it is capable of.

"Ideally, you should clean your guitar each time you change the strings. With your strings off, you have much better access to your fretboard," the posting stated.

For those who take a lot of pride in how their guitars look, taking a bit of polish to it four of five times a year will ensure that it always looks its best.

MIA Welcomes Government Commitment

A government pledge which has implied that funding for music education will continue has been welcomed by the Music Industries Association (MIA).The body was reacting to news that the coalition expects that it will "continue to provide funding" for the subject, despite implementing a host of other cuts within education.

Education secretary Michael Gove recently explained that, although current grants are coming to an end, he is committed to helping improve the standard of music provision in schools in England and drew attention to the Henley Review of Music Education. Added to this, the government has announced that it has made an additional £625 million available for disadvantaged children, some of which MIA believes can be used to support music education.

Chief executive of the industry body Paul McManus said he welcomes the recent government comments. He explained that it was recognition for the contribution which is made to the UK economy by music as a whole.

"The UK economy, through its creative industries, benefits significantly from music, with over 130,000 people employed actively in the making, performing, recording and distributing of music contributing nearly £5 billion to the economy annually," he added.

"Just as importantly, music develops creativity and contributes uniquely to raising attainment in literacy and numeracy and should therefore be a key part of a broad and balanced school curriculum."

A recent poll conducted by YouGov and the Incorporated Society of Musicians found that the majority of the public are in favour of giving children the opportunity to learn a musical instrument while they are at school.

Of those questioned, 91 per cent of the public were supportive of free tuition in schools, while more than 75 per cent backed maintaining the current level of government funding.

The Live Music Debate Continues

PRS for Music has received 31 official responses to its long running consultation on live music royalty rates

The Concert Promoters Association, Festival Republic and the Glastonbury Festival are among the respondents to the consultation, which opened last June and looked at a number of associated issues from secondary ticketing to kickbacks on booking fees.

PRS for Music director of public performance sales Keith Gilbert says he is pleased with the level of response and engagement the organization has had from the live sector.However, some sections of that sector have already gone on record to say they are unsympathetic about any moves PRS might make to raise the tariff live music has to pay composers, publishers and songwriters (the tariff rate for popular live music is currently set at 3% of ticket receipts and was last reviewed in 1988).

At the end of last year Live Nation chief operating officer Paul Latham called PRS "bounty hunters" if it was looking for a bigger slice of the live pie.For his part Gilbert says, "We all want to see the continued success of live music in this country, and we will be taking all comments on board in this review process".

"We need to spend time now reviewing all responses and understanding all of the issues raised by those who have responded. (I) feel it has been a very crucial exercise to undertake."

PRS is planning to reveal the findings of the consultation sometime in the spring.

Sleeve Design with Art Vinyl - 13 Jan 2011

Event date/time: Thursday 13th January, 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Venue: The bubble Exhibition space at The O2, Peninsula Square, The O2, London SE10 0DX

The British music experience will be holding a series of intimate events focusing on the use of imagery in popular music. Read on to find out more.

Following on from the winners announced for the Best Art Vinyl 2010, the British Music Experience shall be speaking to the judges about the favourites, the winners and their own careers designing iconic sleeves.

Our Judging Panel

Mathew Cooper - designer at Debut Art and has designed stylistic covers for Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys as well as many others. Matthew's illustrations utilise a variety of techniques and media; from collage and found imagery to painting and drawing, from photography to computer based work. He is particularly interested in the use of typographic and strong graphic elements within his work.

Gerard Saint - the creative Director for Big Active the D&AD award winning team specialising in art direction and design for music, books, brand identity and editorial. Gerard and his team brought us Beck's sticker album cover "The Information" as well as the Newly released "Record Collection" by Mark Ronson and the Business Intl.

Darren Wall - with three fantastic Hot Chip covers to his name Darren has recently launched independent studio, Wallzo, which is by all accounts the culmination of countless evenings and weekends satisfying his own creative desires on freelance projects.

Andrew Heeps - Managing Director of art Vinyl and inventor of the Play and Display flip frame. With best Art Vinyl in its fifth year, Andrew’s hard work and passion for sleeves has shone the spotlight on the covers as well as the artists.

Tickets

£7.50 or FREE for Rockschool students, email events@britishmusicexperience.com to register stating how many tickets you would like and quoting 'ROCKSCHOOL' in the subject line. Time 7:30pm - 9.00pm

CLICSargent Practice-a-thon

Clicksargent are holding fundraising events for young performers. Practice-a-thon is a national fundraising campaign for young singers, dancers and musicians, of all abilities. Young people are sponsored to practise their performing art and raise money to help support children and their families with cancer.

Musicians Should Enjoy Not Working With a Record Label

Posted by Martyn Hopkins on Roland.co.uk

Musicians who have the opportunity to work without a record label should take full advantage of it, one expert has claimed.

Trent Reznor, lead singer of the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, told Music Mix working without the bureaucracy that executives can bring has been "magnificent".

He added it is hard to beat the feeling a performer can get from the "luxury of being able to work on something and put it out exactly the way you want it to".

While there are certain pitfalls with going independent, such as the fact making new fans may not be as easy as expected, Reznor is still happy with the decision he has made.

For aspiring musicians looking to make it in the industry he has some advice - ensure they are skilled and proficient players of their instruments and make use of media formats such as YouTube.

Justin Bieber shot to fame after videos specifically shot for this website made him a household name.

Playing Music 'Good for the Mind'

Posted by Helen Whitten

Learning to play music offers a number of benefits, regardless of whether the favoured instrument is a beginner's piano,guitar or synthesizer.

In a column for the Daily Mail, Dr Martin Scurr paid tribute to the "superb" musicians who performed on the latest series of BBC One talent show Strictly Come Dancing, pointing out they were required to perfect several numbers and play them to the "highest standard".

Memorising a piece of music in the manner has a similar impact on the brain as meditation, Dr Scurr claimed, stating it improves the memory and concentration.

His comments follow research from Brandon Ally of Boston University that suggested playing music could help Alzheimer's sufferers to retain new information.

Patients involved in the study were found to be better at recalling lyrics when they were set to a backing track.

Commenting further on the benefits offered by learning how to play different pieces of music, Dr Scurr added: "Vocabulary and possibly even IQ are enhanced with musical training."

Who is Developing Our Artists?

By Jim Mawdsley

Generator chief executive Jim Mawdsley has published the second in a series of papers asking questions about the future of the UK music industry. The campaign paper, 'Who Develops Our Artists?' looks at the current challenges facing the industry as funders and Government look to the creative industries to support economic growth. In order to plan for future growth, Mawdsley feels that the industry must put in place new models to reflect falling levels of investment in developing new musical talent.

The full paper follows below:

The businesses that make up the UK recording industry have traditionally been, by and large, the sole investors in developing UK music talent. To a great extent they still are, however it is widely accepted that the recent shrinkage of revenues for the UK's Recording companies has lead to a decrease in the amount of finance they can invest and indeed speculate in the area of new talent. This has by no means stifled the desire for young people to form bands, write songs and play live wherever they can. The recent rise in the popularity of live music is not only witnessed in the festival scene, stadium gigs or at our arenas but in smaller venues throughout the UK. This is where some of these newly formed bands and artists maybe taking their first tentative steps on a potentially exciting and possibly lucrative career as a global artist. In achieving this goal they will be helping UK Music's ambition to ensure that the UK is 'the primary source of repertoire and number one music producing country in the World'. However, if the record companies are no longer in a position to develop and nurture the talent it needs for such growth, who is or who should be?

This is an area that is frequently discussed but seldom seems resolved and despite this protracted debate, it still puzzles me, amongst many others in the music industry, that a UK Government can still be discussing a future for Screen Agencies (which there should be) while underpinning plans for the development of commercial creative industries, without recognising that music (which is not only one of our biggest exports it also accounts, according the PRS report 'Adding Up The Music Industry For 2009' for an input to the UK economy of £3.9 Billion) still doesn't have a recognised, regulated or funded hub and spoke structure that ensures UK wide development of artists and the businesses that they work with. Owing to the massive contribution to the economy should music not be out there on its own? Not as a bit part of a wider creative industries development agency but, with a dedicated service that ensures future growth at all stages? The level at which this could be delivered, is a question that needs debate and constructive suggestions, but I'm sure we would find few doubters for this to take place, if in the new climate we live in, we need to unearth and develop the rich seem of talent the UK undoubtedly has.

In a similar vein to a previous offering 'Levelling The playing Field' this brief paper seeks to stimulate further discussion and debate by asking a number of questions around potential roles, investment choices and possible solutions as to where the responsibility lies in developing talent to the point of music industry readiness.

Some would argue at this point that this is clearly the role of the manager. Yes, traditionally you might agree. A simplistic view of a manager's initial role would be find the talent, nurture it, devise a 'plot' for their artists and then use their contacts to secure a recording contract. While things would become a lot more complicated from there on, it is true to say that it is much easier for a record company to sign an act with management (and therefore one point of contact) but in a world where the job of the manager to secure a contract for their artist and receive an advance to invest in recording etc is increasingly harder. In addition to this, are we also witnessing a dwindling number of managers? Some of us working in the Music Industry development sector are certainly seeing this and we are either looking for managers to offer support to or providing opportunities for training as managers because our artists need them.

Even if the managers are there, they are less likely to engage with artists at an early stage and will continue to be more selective over which artists they work with as the opportunities to progress with them are currently clearly limited. Moreover, as the pessimistic argument that music start-ups have no chance gathers support and misunderstanding, is it enough to merely manage a band or should a management start up be looking to be multi faceted to include recording their artists to license, make available for synchronization deals and seek out other revenue streams around the live market rather than performing one single element of the supply chain? This is a whole debate in itself.

Artist development begins as soon as the band is formed and the songs are written. This is self development based on influences and a desire to reproduce or build upon the artistic content and success of the artists that shape a new bands life. However, as has been largely identified and agreed, programmes such as the Department of Culture Media and Sport sponsored Live Music Forum's Rehearsal Space scheme, piloted with the Welsh Music Foundation in Wrexham, that provides affordable, publicly subsidised and well equipped spaces for artists to experiment with, are vital to the life blood of the UK's musical economy. It is at rehearsal rooms and indeed small local venues up and down the country, where initial development takes place. It is here where the raw songs are fine tuned and the stage craft is tried out. But with the recording industry talent budget shrinking and the potential lack of managers (particularly in the regions), who makes sure that artists are playing the right gigs, working with the right promoters (ones who do it professionally rather than merely to fill a pub and sell beer), ensures the band are building a fan base, recording the right songs to be made available through web platforms or for sale at gigs? And the final question, who is available to advise the artists on when they are ready for management and whether a particular manager will help or hinder their career? In short, who makes sure an artist is industry-ready and in a really strong position to take the next steps?

While it is obvious that the rehearsal rooms should be linked to particular live venues and as such the powers of natural selection will mean the promoters at this level will book the more accomplished and crowd pulling artists, it also goes largely unrecognised that they are both developing the artist as the talent naturally gains increasing attention. UK Music is right to argue that the rehearsal space scheme should not only be rolled out, but should also be governed by the collective of industry associations. This must also take into consideration the locations that already have adequate but underutilised space and recording facilities, as well as how local authorities engage with and subsidise existing businesses providing these services, rather than needlessly replacing them. However, if this is the case, it must also consider that the rehearsal space and linked venue are part of a whole that is completed, not only by the progression the music industry can provide (through music businesses) but also by ensuring that information, advice and guidance, is on hand for at least the most promising talent from experienced music industry professionals. This model should also apply to those working in Urban Music Development, production training academies and indeed any organisation that claims it 'professionally develops artists'. This can either be done by dedicated agencies that already exist in given regions or by ensuring the service is offered as part of Local Authority funding, that forms part of a music industry approved package. Either way, it is essential.

The main drawback to the Local Authorities position is that they are duty bound to supplying a service and therefore provide access for all. This means that apart from recommendations, it is unlikely that special attention would be given to the most promising artists. Because of this it is extremely difficult to evaluate and monitor success other than record the numbers that come through the doors. This, for the music industry is not a strong enough performance indicator. There needs to be a system of guidance and proven models of good practise for progressive Local Authorities to tap into, that ensures they are providing the best development opportunities possible. Further to this robust monitoring and evaluation methodology, has to be in place to guarantee that their money is being spent in the most constructive way. Finally to ensure equality of opportunity for our developing artists a service like this needs to be accessible either through every local authority, Local enterprise partnership or at least region.

This is where it could be argued that the gap needs to be plugged. We need schemes that while initially are open for all, receive the support to be able to concentrate on the most talented. We know that, in this arena there are examples of good practise that have proven track records and an evidence base to justify the varying amounts of public investment they receive. The Bristol Music Foundation (BMF) run the 'Teenage Rampage' scheme which identifies, supports and networks talented young under-19 artists in the South West and ensures that they can access professional platforms that will support their development and give them a genuine and practical understanding of the music industry. This scheme provides the opportunity for BMF to notice the bands that stand out and have a better chance of progression. The BMF will advise them on career paths and push them to outlets such as BBC Introducing and mentor their progression roots including, improving their use of retail and marketing opportunities to build audiences. Higher Rhythm in Doncaster offer a similar scheme but go further by providing opportunities for digital releases on their Circuit Records imprint.

Generator4 provides multi layered development and support opportunities for artists, music producers and businesses throughout the North East of England and Yorkshire and is increasingly devoting time on building intensive support programmes for artists who have a real chance of success. This is being done for relatively modest amounts of money, is already showing positive results and could quite easily be rolled out nationally.

These schemes work mainly because there are already teams of people in many regions who are producing solid projects that assist emerging artists. In the North West, Liverpool Sound City embraces this important element by firstly producing Sound City Creative, a seminar series aimed at building music industry awareness for artist while secondly providing a showcase platform for music industry executives from all over the world, to see the best talent the North West has to offer. There are platforms in Sheffield such as Sensoria and the Tramlines festival that have similar resonance and in a small way, this is being pioneered in the East of England with Norwich Sound and Vision. However, it is also very sporadic, lacks the investment needed to make an impact right across the country and relies on the dedication and indeed belligerence, of a select band of determined professionals who truly wish to provide the lifeblood to the UK music Industry. Ensuring that we harness this willingness and underpin the structured development of talent is a big challenge but one that could be done correctly without the need for huge budgets.

Adding weight to the argument of structured intervention is the whole radio debate and how much increased programming is given over to emerging talent. Recently Radio One announced that their playlist will include an act each week that has come through the BBCs 'Introducing' website. 'Introducing' is an extremely important asset that will assist in the unearthing and developing of UK talent. However, while this latest move can only be applauded and will no doubt lead to increased exposure of emerging talent, the BBC need to do more to ensure that the whole Introducing package is universal. By that it should be BBC policy to ensure that all of its local radio stations have at least one Introducing show each week. Currently this decision remains with the director of each individual station and again leads to a patchy picture. This an area that would benefit from a structured and coordinated approach across the UK that should be lead by the BBC (and most importantly by Radio One, 1 Extra and 6 Music) but be supported by key operators in the nations and regions to ensure the right talent was not only fed through but had equal opportunity to be aired in their own region.

So what can be done? The first big step needs to happen soon while the UK's Department for Business Innovation and Skills and Department of Communities and Local Government decide and present their plans for new systems of support and funding post Regional Development Agencies7. The Arts Council recognises that they have a role in developing the artist through all art forms including all areas of music and indeed this is where they can play an important role in bridging gaps with the music industry. It should not be solely left to them to provide both solutions and funding for development schemes but they should certainly play a part and again at a time when they are resetting priorities the case should be made. UK Music argue quite correctly that we need to see funds made available to stimulate investment in talent as well as enterprise but should all of this funding go into businesses or should some be set aside for purely artist development through approved development agencies? In addition, Local Authority investment in music should, wherever possible be highlighting and nurturing the best talent we have throughout the UK. Furthermore systems of robust monitoring need to be in place so we can track development and where money has been spent. Do we need something of what we have seen much of recently, a cross party approach where senior figures from UK Music, Government, Arts Council and those who work and have success in the field of music development get together to produce a strategy for the future? A hub and spoke approach for artist and business development for the music industry perhaps?

Whatever happens we need to act now to harness the growing amount of talent so we can guarantee it pushes all of us towards the goal of being the World's biggest producer of music and fully able to dominate the global market place.

Win a Full Set of Grade Books - Winners

We'd like to thank everyone who entered the competition, there were some fantastic entries that made us feel proud to be part of Rockschool. With the standards being so high and the sheer amount of entrants we received, we thought we'd get into the Christmas spirit and have not one but two winners, (that's 18 books in total!)

So, firstly congratulations to Jarryd West who we've named as our first winner of the 2010 grade book competition. We felt Jarryd's entry conveyed everything we aim to achieve at Rockschool, so a big well done from everyone here!

"Rockschool was the first syllabus that actually gave me hope for a career in music. Until I was introduced to Rockschool all the music teachers I had, had tried to force me into a classical syllabus that didn't suit my personality or taste in music. Rockschool is a structured syllabus that includes everything from sight-reading to improvisation, to technical ability. A wide variety of styles are also covered, which means I don't feel like I'm trying to squeeze into somebody else's mold!"

J.West (Drummer)

Congratulations to our second winner, Carina Brown (Principal) of West Coast Music Academy. We hope a set Guitar books will help Carina develop her students learning further.

"Since our Music Academy incorporated Rockschool into our teaching and exam options, we've had a 50% growth in students and applications. Our students are so motivated, they form their own ensemble groups, even adding electric violin to instrumental parts and have endless fun playing and improvising on the music."

C.Brown (Principal) West Coast Music Academy

Again, a big thank you to everyone who entered and check back here soon for more information on how our winners are getting on with their prizes.

Live Music Forum Letter to Licensing Minister

Life Music Forum moderator Phil Little has responded to licensing minister John Penrose to express concerns that the government is leaning away from promises to improve the landscape for live music because of pressure from the Local Government Association.

Little points out that despite promises by both the Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties in their election manifestos to cut the red tape surrounding live music, the coalition government has yet to make good on those pledges.

The Live Music Forum’s letter to Penrose reads:

Dear Minister

Thank you for your email of 5th November 2010.

Whilst it was good to hear your re-assurances about "cutting red tape" around live music, we are concerned that you are re-introducing public safety concerns in connection with live music, since it has already been established that there is no association between live music and disorder, and public safety is covered by other legislation, irrespective of licensing. If you know of any public safety risk arising from a live performance within a workplace that is not covered by public safety legislation, please let me know immediately and I will raise it with the Health & Safety Executive.

We are aware that there is a very strong lobby from the LGA against reducing licensing requirements on live music, yet they have never produced evidence to support their claims.

The proposed tightening of regulations on Temporary Event Notices is also causing us great concern because they cover such a variety of events, and not necessarily including the sale of alcohol. Many of them will be adversely affected by the lengthening of application dates, for example. Making it more difficult to apply for a license obviously makes it harder to organise and set up small events for entrepreneurs and local community groups alike. Increases in license fees will not help the situation either.

According to the DCMS Select Committee, PTA fund-raising events account for up to half of TENs. And despite the previous Governement's denials, there are a sizeable number of school events (not to be confused with PTA events) that are using TENs. Most publically available licensing registers can substantiate this. Every segment of Society will be adversely affected by making TENs more difficult to obtain.

Even after all this time the majority of the public and larger group of musicians remain unaware of the extent of the damage done by the Licensing Act and we are obliged to remain committed to bring this to their attention.

If the music industry is to flourish, attracting the desperately sought after investment highlighted by the Prime Minister, then it is essential that the national live music 'scene' is radically changed by the Small Gigs Exemption. No amount of PR by departments or corporations will have the desired effect.

With respect to your own experience of the leisure industry, I know these things because I have been doing it all my life, from every angle, as a musician, composer, sound-engineer, producer, rehearsal and recording studio owner, promoter, publicist, agent, indie record company owner, Live Music Forum founder, journalist and publisher etc.

Life in music has consistently got harder and harder over the last forty years but you now have the chance to change that, because a small gigs exemption would generate a completely new era for British music, resulting in new work for thousands of musicians, support and catering staff and the £ multi-billion music industry that enjoys the benefits.

Kind Regards

Phil Little

Live Music Forum

Publishing Giant Pearson Looks Set To Offer Degrees

By Hannah Richardson BBC News education reporter

One of the world's largest publishers, Pearson, looks set to be given degree-awarding powers, as the government seeks to open up the university sector to more private providers.

Pearson, which owns exam board Edexcel, plans to start by offering four vocational degrees with a further education college.

But it wants to award degrees itself, which would require a law change.

The government says it is considering this.

Universities Minister David Willetts has made no secret of his plans to open up the university sector to private providers.

'Competitive'

A white paper is expected to set out plans to do this in the new year, with legislation likely to follow.

Mr Willetts is said to be encouraged that firms like Pearson are interested in taking a bigger role in higher education.

He is expected to mention the firm by name in a speech to an education conference in central London later.

If Pearson, which publishes a wide range of text books, succeeds in gaining degree-awarding powers it will be the second for-profit company involved in England's higher education system.

The development comes less than a week after MPs voted to allow universities to raise tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 a year.

This sparked fears that many youngsters from deprived backgrounds would not be prepared to take on the accompanying higher level of debt, although ministers insist a revamped repayment system is fairer.

We want to take the next natural step to award full degrees

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK

Pearson anticipates it will be able to offer degree courses in business, engineering, IT and health and social care to begin with at "very competitive" prices.

It is also considering offering degrees in nursing, education and hospitality and tourism.

A Pearson spokesman said the courses would be highly flexible, available part-time and might suit those already working or those with children.

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said his firm had a strong track record of providing high quality vocational education in the UK through BTECs and HNDs.

"Now we want to take the next natural step to award full degrees."

He said the firm would create a vocational degree, based on the vocational BTEC qualification, and that it would demand students met rigorous standards.

Mr Bristow added: "Part of our commitment to this is to ensure that the BTEC degree is offered at a price which falls well within the current funding ceilings.

"This combined with local access, will keep the cost of high quality higher education to a level acceptable to the majority."

Private Providers

Mr Willetts said: "There will be a new rung on the ladder of opportunity. Further education colleges, universities and other training providers will be able to offer this tried-and-tested qualification at a higher level for the first time.

"Students, employers and the economy all stand to benefit.

"In the forthcoming higher education white paper, we want to make it easier to award new high-quality and affordable degrees like BTECs. This is the key to extending opportunity, improving social mobility and raising skills."

Currently only universities and colleges applying for degree-awarding powers can offer degrees.

'Pursuit of profit'

But 262 colleges in England work with validating partners, usually universities, to offer higher education courses including BA degrees and foundation degrees.

It is expected that new legislation will relax the rules on who can take up that validating role. This may be where firms like Pearson come in.

The Association of Colleges chief executive Martin Doel said: "We are interested in proposals, from Pearson or others, that may help more colleges deliver more high quality, affordable and flexible higher education to more students."

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU lecturers' union, said further encouraging the growth of for-profit companies would damage the UK's academic reputation and raise questions over standards.

"These companies are clearly seeing an opportunity for growth following the disastrous decision to treble tuition fees and the government has said that it wants to encourage this.

"We believe that the pursuit of profit is incompatible with the maintenance of high standards in higher education and we think this is confirmed by the situation in the US, where private providers are being investigated by Congress following a series of high-profile scandals," she added.

Music Education Conference - 9 Dec 2010

Event date: 9th December 2010

Venue: Institute of Education, Jeffery Hall, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL (open in Google Maps)

On the 9th of December The Institute of Education will hold a conference to discuss the policy changes in musical education.

The conference provides an opportunity for music educators and those influencing policy from all the sectors contributing to music education to come together to discuss how this might be possible. This is particularly relevant at the moment in the light of the review of music education to be led by Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM announced by Education Secretary Michael Gove on 24th September 2010.

Speakers

Susan Hallam (Chair) - Dean, Faculty of Policy and Society, Institute of Education, University of Londo
Deborah Annetts - Chair, Music Education Council and Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians
Christina Coker - Chief Executive Youth Music
Philip Flood - Director, Sound Connections, Richard Hallam – National Music Participation Director
Virginia Haworth-Galt - Chief Executive, Federation of Music Services
Sarah Kekus - Chair, National Association of Music Educators Professor
Colin Lawson - Director, Royal College of Music
Peter Garden - Executive Director, Learning and Engagement, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Rob Nash - Past Chair, National Association of Music Educators
Mark Trewin - Plymouth College
Gilly Love - Creative Director Silver Programme, The Sage Gateshead
James Hearn - Music teacher, St Matthew’s CE Primary School, Westminster
Emily Segal - Head of Music, Harrogate Grammar School
Parents from the In Harmony Lambeth project

Delegate Fees

Registrations received after 22nd October - £180

This conference is being organised by the Faculty of Policy and Society at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Extreme Weather Conditions and UK Exam Dates

Rockschool are aware that many areas of the UK are suffering difficulties with the current extreme weather conditions. If you cannot make your exam due to the severe weather in your area then please contact the Rockschool office as soon as possible on 0845 460 4747.

Additionally it may be necessary in order to retain safety standards, for Rockschool to cancel exam days at the last minute. Candidates on the day will of course be offered a new exam date as soon as possible.

rockschool

Fears For Future of School Music Lessons

By Hannah Richardson, BBC News education reporter

There are concerns about the loss of music lessons as budgets are cut.

School music lessons could be hit as local councils make savings and school budgets are redrawn, it is feared.

One in five music services, which support schools, expect councils will completely axe their grants and half fear cuts of up to 50%, a survey suggests.

The Federation of Music Services warned that some services which help provide subsidised lessons could collapse.

The government said all pupils should be able to learn an instrument or sing.

It has commissioned a review of music provision in schools, being carried out by Classic FM head Darren Henley, but this is not due to report until January.

However, local authorities in England which face cuts of about a third, get their funding allocations in early December.

"This is a music lesson that should not be repeated"

Virginia Haworth-Galt, Federation of Music Services

It is clear from the federation's survey of 158 music services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, that many are already planning cuts with some preparing to axe the funding completely.

Local authorities provide just one strand of funding for school music services, with the rest coming from central government grants and parental contributions.

But the expected cuts come as schools face a huge shake-up of their budgets. A number of schemes dedicated to supporting school music face cuts or being channelled into a general schools budget for redistribution.

The Department for Education later said it had not yet taken a decision on the main £82.5m Music Standards Grant and would not do so until the Henley review had reported.

But it would not guarantee that the money would be ring-fenced within schools.

'Steep decline'

Federation of Music Services (FMS) chief executive Virginia Haworth-Galt said: "We recognise the pressure many local authorities are under but would urge them to them to hold back their plans until we know the results of the Henley Review.

"Music and our children's education are too important to be jettisoned like this particularly when we know that 91% of the public back music education in schools."

"Music lessons will become the sole preserve of the middle classes"

Michael Rose OBE, Conductor

She added that the FMS would be very disappointed if the music grant went directly into schools' budgets without any ring-fencing for music education.

"This situation occurred in the early 1990s with disastrous results; music went into a steep decline as the monies were spent elsewhere in schools. This is a music lesson that should not be repeated," she added.

Conductor of the Bedforshire Youth Orchestra Michael Rose says music services in his area, Central Bedfordshire, are set to have budgets and teaching staff cut to zero.

He said as music services were non-statutory they were particularly vulnerable in the present climate of cuts.

He said: "If funding is lost in this way music lessons will become the sole preserve of the middle classes."

He added: "Instrumental teaching in the county's schools is provided by a central staff of highly qualified instrumental teachers. It has resulted in literally many thousands of children having the experience of learning an instrument."

Ministers say they want all pupils to be able to learn a musical instrument.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said too many children in state schools were denied the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument.

This was why he had launched a major review of how music is taught and enjoyed in schools to help make sure all pupils get an opportunity to learn to play an instrument and to sing.

Its recommendations would determine how future funding could be best used in the future, he added.

'Shocking'

"Evidence tells us that learning an instrument can improve young people's numeracy and literacy skills and their behaviour.

"It is also simply unfair that the pleasure of musical discovery should be the preserve of those whose parents can afford it.

"As part of that review recommendations will be made to determine how future funding can best be used," he said.

He added that decisions on central funding for music would not be made until after the review had reported.

General secretary of the National Union of Teachers Christine Blower said the cuts to music in schools were even more shocking in light of Michael Gove's announcement that he would be holding a review into music education in schools, claiming that it was a "sad fact" that too few state school children learnt an instrument.

She added: "Music in schools makes a contribution way beyond the straightforward exercise of learning an instrument. "

"Children and young people can experience coming together in a creative environment which benefits them in other aspects of their school life."

Portishead to Curate New ATP Event

I'll Be Your Mirror, which launches in 2011, will be the first in a new series of festivals to be held in cities instead of holiday camps

All Tomorrow's Parties is to launch its new festival series early next year. Like the original ATP, I'll Be Your Mirror will have guest curators, but will be based in city centres instead of holiday camps. After the festival makes its debut in Japan in February, the UK's inaugural I'll Be Your Mirror, curated by Portishead, will take place on 23-24 July 2011, in London.

For more than 10 years, ATP has hosted holiday-camp festivals and one-off gigs everywhere from upstate New York to the Somerset coast. ATP has become synonymous with great shows, intimate parties, cosy pubs and real beds; it's as if organisers suddenly realised that cities have these things too. While there is no replacing Butlins, the opportunity to take the Tube home will be much welcome.

Named after the B-side of the Velvet Underground's All Tomorrow's Parties single, I'll be Your Mirror will debut in Tokyo on 27 February. It is a one-day event curated by festival organisers, with appearances by Dirty Three, Boris and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Much more interesting is the July weekend, announced yesterday, which will be held at London's Alexandra Palace."[We have] been given the horrendous task of joining up with our favourite festival in the world and choosing a dream list of bands we would like to play with – at least the ones that aren't dead or in jail," explained Portishead's Geoff Barrow.

The trip-hop group will headline both nights, featuring performances by Liars, Swans, the Books, DOOM and Beach House, as well as American hip-hop crew Company Flow, who are making their first UK appearance in a decade. The bill also includes The Passion of Joan of Arc, presumably a reference to the film-score collaboration by Portishead's Adrian Utley and Goldfrapp's Will Gregory. Tickets to I'll Be Your Mirror are on sale now, at £59 per day or £100 for the weekend.

Video Competition Winner: John Crawford

Here is our winner for the site launch video competition, John Crawford playing Guitar Grade 2 piece: "Fake Tortoise". John has been playing the Rockschool syllabus for over 18 months now and has progressed immensely over this period. Congratulations John!

John's video can be seen below:

Competition: WIN A FULL SET OF GRADE BOOKS

To celebrate the launch of our new site we are giving away a full set of grade books (in the instrument of your choice) to one lucky winner. All you have to do to be in with a chance to win is email us a paragraph between 3 and 5 lines saying why you like/take Rockschool grades. The closing date is 11/12/10 and the winner will be contacted by email. Include your name, address, which instrument you want books for and email address so we can send you your prize. Good luck!

Terms and Conditions apply.

Terms and Conditions:

Closing date for the competition is 11/12/10 the winner will be contacted within 7 days of the closing date

Rockschool's decision is final

The prize is for a full set of grade books, a full set is determined as:
Debut to Grade 8 for Guitar, Bass and Drums
For Piano it is Grade 1 - 8 with no grade 7
For BBK it is Debut - 5 with the BBK companion guide
For Vocals it is Levels 1, 2 and 3 for female or male

The winning paragraph will be used by Rockschool for promotional purposes and accredited to the writer with initial and surname

This prize is not exchangeable for cash

Rockschool accepts no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the prize in transit

Guitar Nation - 13th and 14th November at Olympia, London

Guitar Nation 2010 is the ultimate guitar show, 2 days of great guitar playing, loads of gear, master classes, debates, gigs, seminars and much, much more. This Year Guitar Nation is being held at London, Olympia and tickets are on sale now. All rockschool students can get an exclusive 50% discount as well as a free set of guitar strings; just enter the code “guitarshow” into the voucher box when ordering. Rockschool is going to be there, so come and see us and say hello.

Read the rest of this article in events.

Research Points to Importance of Listening

Chris Cadwell from musicedmagic.com takes us through the importance of listening.

A new research paper in the September 22nd, 2010 Journal of Neuroscience titled Enhancing Perceptual Learning by Combining Practice with Periods of Additional Sensory Stimulation points to something that many music educators have believed for a long time yet few actually push as a part of their student’s practice routines. The main point of the study appears to be that exposing a learner to additional auditory stimulation while attempting to learn an auditory task has a compounding effect on how much and how quickly the learner improves in completing the task. In other words, if a student practices their trombone for twenty minutes and then listens to twenty minutes of a good trombone performance he or she will reap the benefits of the equivalent of forty minutes of pure practice time.

This article touches not only on what this research means for us as music educators but also provides several useful options for teachers to incorporate these listening activities back into the curriculum.

So What Does This Mean To Teachers?

It means that those forward thinking teachers who have been buying iPods and loading them with music then loaning them out to students as a required part of their instrumental or vocal classes have had the right idea all these years. In fact, it appears to me that this idea should probably be expanded and made even more pervasive, being used in every performing music classroom, and that adding a listening component to regular practice assignments should become part of the routine.

We have always known that in order to be a good player a student has to know what good players should sound like yet how many of us have pushed students to do active listening assignments outside of a large group ensemble rehearsal? At the same time we constantly beg and plead with our students to practice every night yet very few students do anywhere close to the amount of practice that we ask for. Maybe it is time to break the mold of what it means to practice as a beginner and add some flavour to the routine?

Consider a situation where a beginning flutist goes home with an assignment to practice for two hours during the coming week. The student goes home, practices once or twice, usually has no way to tell if they are doing good or not, and stops well short of the weekly practice requirement. Now instead imagine a student being asked to practice at least an hour plus listen to an equal amount of flute recordings on a loaned CD. The research suggests that having her do so will provide the equivalent of two hours of progress and will likely also be more received more positively by the student as well (perhaps encouraging even more practice down the road). By listening to a good player she will be more likely to know what a good flute sound is and in turn be better able to self-critique her practice sessions. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Now we should obviously be realistic about this research. As Jonah Lehrer mentions in his critique of the study on Wired:

"This doesn’t mean, of course, that we can just play Yo Yo Ma in the background and expect to master the cello, or put the textbook underneath the pillow and expect to ace the algebra test. We still need to practice. We just might not need to practice as much as we think".

Still, I am willing to do just about anything to help my students grow as musicians and to improve in their performance abilities. If listening is as important as the research says it is then why the heck don’t we do more of it?

Why Don’t Teachers Require More Listening?

No one can deny the benefits of using listening projects in our instrumental and vocal education classes but the big question is, why the heck are teachers not doing it? Perhaps the answer is that even in our era of constant information access many teachers feel that they still do not have an easy and quick way to allow students access to the music that they need to listen to. Finding and compiling the desired listening tracks is one obstacle but beyond that also lies the legalities of making copies of the songs, burning them to CD or MP3 player, distributing them, and getting them back. Simply claiming fair educational use is no longer an acceptable excuse. To do things legally and ethically a teacher often has to jump through a number of technical and monetary hurdles, but there are easier ways to accomplish the same final goal. Read on to find out some suggested ideas of how to make listening work in your classroom.

rockschool's coming to Scotland

Rockschool is awaiting accreditation from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The application is in progress and we hope to be offering our qualifications in Scotland very soon.

Teaching new talent a lesson

With the Government announcing a major review of music education, qualifications are vital for gaining a foothold in the industry. But does the industry value education and how will it deal with spending cuts?

Teaching New Talent a Lesson - Music Week
(1.5MB, 3 pages, .pdf)

Total Guitar

Rockschool guitar expert James writes a monthly column for Total Guitar. You can find the articles and supporting materials for these columns here.

Vocal Masterclass with Mica Paris - 11 Nov 2010

Event date:11th November 2010, 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Mica Paris is presenting the first vocal masterclass at the British Music Experience on 11th November 7:30pm – 9:00pm. This event is FREE to attend.

Following in the footsteps of previous artist lead sessions with the likes of Jeff Beck, TY and Chris Difford, Mica will be talking about her career and influences and her own amazing musical instrument - her voice.

British Music Experience - Event Poster Autumn 2010
(493KB, 2 pages, .pdf)

ATM National Open Day - 20 Nov 2010

Event date: 20th November 2010, 11:00 AM

Find out more about Access to Music's Further and Higher Education courses and apprenticeships. Meet students and chat to teachers to find out if a vocational qualification is right for you. Access to Music will be running open days at:

Birmingham
Brighton
Bristol
Lincoln
London
Manchester
Norwich
York

Find out more at accesstomusic.co.uk

Your Videos

If you have a video of you performing a Rockschool track with your band/on your own OR want to share with people any tips you have for the exam pieces, then we want to hear from you. All videos will be considered as long as they hit the below criteria. We look forward to hearing from you.

Video criteria:

Each video must be between 2-3 minutes long.
You must be performing Rockschool repertoire or giving tips on how to play a Rockschool song.
Upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube

Email us the link to your video, your full name and grade and put in the subject header: my rockschool video.

Guitar Nation at Olympia, London - 13th/14th Nov 2010

Event date: 13th - 14th November 2010
Event location: Olympia, London

Guitar Nation 2010 is the ultimate guitar show, 2 days of great guitar playing, loads of gear, master classes, debates, gigs, seminars and much, much more. This Year Guitar Nation is being held at London, Olympia and tickets are on sale now. All Rockschool students can get an exclusive 50% discount as well as a free set of guitar strings; just enter the code "guitarshow" into the voucher box when ordering. Rockschool is going to be there, so come and see us and say hello.

For more information visit guitarnation.com.

Confirmed to play at Guitar nation:

Steve Vai

Steve Vai guitar masterclass and Flex-Able/Passion and Warfare recording session. Steve will be re-creating some of his most iconic guitar tracks with you and you could be chosen to play with Steve! Get closer to the music than you ever dreamed, sitting-in on a studio session with the master. Steve will also be recording 'live' a new take on a famous song with mega producer 'Youth' which will be available to download on 'Vai Tunes' following the masterclass recording session.
Here is your chance to sit with the great man himself and see exactly how he records guitar tracks for his iconic albums. This masterclass is only available to 100 people per day and lasts for 2 hours.
Francis Dunnery (It-Bites, Robert Plant)
Christian Saggese (classical solioist)
Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake)
Pino Paladino/Simon Phillips (The Who/Toto)
Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd)
Neil Murray (Whitesnake)
Elliot Randall (Steely Dan)

Plus many more.

Guitar Nation Floor Plan

(Click to view a larger image)

See the full line up at guitarnation.com.

Success in the Isle of Man, First Time Around

THERE were good results all round for young musicians who took part in popular music exams on the Isle of Man.

Guitarists and drummers sat exams under the Rockschool syllabus via the Department of Education and Children's Music Service.

John Kinley, from the Music Service, said the exams allowed musicians to gain qualifications in popular music that are on a par with those taken by peers on orchestral or band instruments.

Students performed three contrasting pieces from Rockschool's repertoire and demonstrated their technical skills through scales or drum rudiments and their ability to sight read music and/or improvise.

John said: "Those who took the exams did fantastically well. There were 20 entrants from our schools and they achieved 12 distinctions, 5 merits and 3 passes. There was a good uptake from candidates taught by private teachers too."

Rockschool is the only music exam board in the British Isles that specialises in rock and pop exams.

Exams, which are also open to keyboard players, start at grade one, or, for some instruments, a debut grade - and go up to grade eight.

The next exams in the Island will take place at the Music Centre in Douglas on 7th and 8th July 2011.

Michael Gove Orders a Review of Music Teaching

Learning an instrument can improve children's concentration and behaviour.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has launched a review of music education, saying all children should have the chance to learn an instrument.

The education department said quality music education helps improve concentration, behaviour, numeracy and language.

Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM, is to head the review.

Mr Gove said it was a "sad fact" that many state school children do not get the opportunity to learn an instrument.

In a letter to Mr Henley, Mr Gove said the review should prioritise the use of public funding to give every child the opportunity to learn an instrument and to sing.

He said it should look at ways to improve classroom teachers' skills and confidence in giving music lessons - something the education watchdog Ofsted has criticised.

Pupil premium

The letter also said music and cultural activity could further "aspirations for the Big Society" - Prime Minister David Cameron's vision for a society with increased citizen involvement and responsibility.

And it asked Mr Henley to examine whether the "pupil premium" - a plan to give extra funding to schools for every pupil they take from a deprived background - could be harnessed to use music to driver wider improvements in schools and communities.

"It's a sad fact that too many children in state schools are denied the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument," said Mr Gove.

"Evidence suggests that learning an instrument can improve numeracy, literacy and behaviour. But more than that, it is simply unfair that the joy of musical discovery should be the preserve of those whose parents can afford it," he said.

The Federation of Music Services, which represents local authority music services across the UK, welcomed the review.

Chief Executive Virginia Haworth-Galt said the FMS was "enthusiastic about exploring new ways to improve the planning and the cost efficient delivery of music in schools and the community".

Diploma Graduation and Special Recognition Awards

To celebrate the achievements of our diploma graduates and to recognise the exceptional standards we were seeing in the grade exams, we held our first graduation at London's Roundhouse in 2009.