RSL Level 3 Diploma for Music Practitioners
Pathways: Performance, Technology, Business and Composition
Course duration: Full time 1 year
Start dates full-time: April, Sept
Assessment Criteria: Pass/Merit/Distinction
Progression: BA (Hons) Degree in most of universities
Awarding Organisation: Rockschool
Regulated by: OFQUAL (600/6609/X)
UCAS Tariff: Up to 112 points.
Mode of Study: Distance Learning/Online
About the course
The RSL Level 3 Diploma for Music Practitioner provides music industry qualifications that will equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding for entry to employment in the music industry or progression to higher education. The qualification aims to offer practical structured learning with the flexibility to specialise in different disciplines directly relevant to employment within the music industry. You will choose one of two pathways we offer performance or technology. You will study modules tailored to your chosen pathway, preparing for further study or a career in the music industry.
Course Modules
This course is an opportunity for you to develop practical and theoretical skills that are required in the ever-changing music industry. If you have considered working as a performer, sound engineer, events manager, music producer, remix artist or DJ this course could be for you. You have a choice of taking either the technology, composition business or performance pathway. Depending on your pathway you will cover subjects such as:
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359 Live Music Performance
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366 Music Sequencing and Production
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365 Auditioning for Music
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369 Digital Recording & Production
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371 Studio Sound Mixing
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304 Composing Music (Styles)
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340 Copyright in the Music Industry
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385 Improving Instrumental Performance
Entry Requirements
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16 years or over, minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English.
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For International students, equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered along with an IELTS score of 5.0 (with a minimum of 4.5 in each skill), or equivalent.
Assessment
Assessment will be ongoing through assignments set throughout the year. You will be creating assignment evidence in written work, presentations etc. You will also be assessed in rehearsal and development, recording and performing. Your creative and investigative work throughout will be assessed.
Progression Opportunities
Students who successfully complete this course can progress on to higher education at university level.
Teaching Faculty
Dr. Vasiliki Zlatkou,
Vasiliki Zlatkou studied her PhD in Music from University of Aristotle. Master Degree in Musicology from University of Edinburgh. She hold over 14 years teaching experience in various aspects of music education, specializing in music performance, coaching and instrument practice .
As an experienced music educator, she has enhanced her teaching skills with innovative methods and techniques (improvisation, free-style composition, musical-score arrangements, connection with potential audience.
Marco Piccioni
Professional Music
Berklee College of Music,
Boston, U.S.A
Enthusiastic Guitar Tutor and Course leader, using exceptional communication, mindfulness, and relationship-building abilities to grow the learners Music and Creative skills. Using extensive industry experience to offer expert knowledge on Composition, Songwriting, Performance, Artist Development and Brand Development. Resourceful and able to creatively solve problems creatively, with exceptional time management skills, and deep awareness of young artists challenges.
Ashley Smith
MA Popular Music / Goldsmiths University, London
BA (Hons) Commercial Music / Canterbury Christchurch University, Canterbury
With over a decade of experience working as a professional musician and in music education roles An experienced and versatile music and audio specialist, with key industry experience as an artist producer, professional audio engineer, live sound technician, and teacher of music. Highly developed and specialised skills in creative music, music production and audio engineering. In addition, an extended background in music composition, arrangement, production, and live performance as a working musician, creative lead and ensemble member.
Boying Liu
Master's Degrees in Chamber Music for Two Pianos from Düsseldorf Conservatory and Piano Performance from La Spezia Conservatory.
He is a Music-Teaching Manager at Ambosco and an auditor in the National Classics Department. With international performance experience in cities like Rostock, Düsseldorf, Milan, and La Spezia, he uses bilingual teaching in Chinese and German to expose students to foreign teaching methods. His approach helps students master technical skills and musical styles while developing precise, rigorous portfolios.
Yuan Liu
Master of Music
Berklee College of Music USA.
She graduated from Berklee College of Music, specialising in Songwriting and Music Production, where she studied under renowned professors Julie Kathryn and Jason Petrin. She also pursued studies in folk vocal music at the China Conservatory of Music, Xi’an Conservatory of Music, and Zhejiang University of Media and Communications.
Yuan Zheng
Professional Music
Berklee College of Music USA
She graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Professional Music. During her time there, she participated in various concerts and served as a piano accompanist. She has also taken part in numerous international music festivals. Proficient in a variety of musical styles, including pop, jazz, and classical, she has over 15 years of piano-playing experience. Her expertise lies in jazz performance, improvisation, and classical piano teaching.
Yinging Huang
Master of Vocal Performance/Music
Business, Berklee College of Music, USA
She served as the Vocal Director for the Boston region in the 2023 Voice of China American auditions. She has also participated in numerous large-scale performances organised by Berklee College of Music and won the 2022 Berklee Original Song Contest.
She specialises in assisting students with preparing portfolios tailored to the admission requirements of modern music colleges abroad, ensuring these align with their unique personal characteristics. Her guidance helps students master technical skills while enhancing their musical expression.
Yinghan Ma
MA in Popular Singing
Leeds College of Music.
He specialises in Jazz fusion, Funk, and Soul. He has extensive experience in music education and performance, using the IVA Vocal Music Teaching System to tailor lessons to individual needs. His expertise covers a range of music styles, including pop, rock, and jazz. His students have succeeded at prestigious institutions and competitions, with notable performances and awards in global music competitions. Ma encourages personal style development and artistic expression.
Yanan Hua
Master of Popular Singing
Berklee College of Music, USA
She graduated from Berklee College of Music, where she studied modern pop singing, big band arrangement, music production, songwriting, and performance. A versatile performer, she excels in both singing and dance. She has recorded and produced songs such as "Christmas Song" and "New Year Song," co-released the single "Sadness Is Harmful to Health," and contributed to the recording of "A Small Tuantuan" for the opera tour AFK Is Great. She also worked on projects like Shen Yulun’s It Is Not Lotus and Heavy.
Xinlu Chen
Master of Music in Jazz Studies
Queens College,
City University of New York
She has extensive bilingual teaching and performance experience, having taught English solfeggio and music theory at the Amadeus Stein School of Music in New York. Recognized as a leading young jazz saxophonist in China, she released her debut album Xin Lu's Journey in 2017, produced by David in New York. She has performed widely across New York and the southern U.S., collaborating with prominent artists like Shunzi, Yuan Yawei, Cui Jian, and Grammy performers Antonio Hart and John Daversa.
Xin Zhou
Master of Music Production
University of Bristol
He is skilled in bilingual teaching and has extensive experience in diverse music styles, including music production and soundtracks. With nearly a decade of expertise, he has worked as a producer, sound engineer, and post-production specialist, covering the full production process. He excels at identifying students' strengths and creating personalized portfolios to showcase their talents. His approach highlights each student's unique abilities, ensuring they thrive in their musical careers.
Shuyang Liu
Double Bachelor of Music in Music Business, Film, and Television
Berklee College of Music USA.
He studied music production, film scoring, and music theory under Grammy-winning composer Claudio Ragazzi. As a composer, keyboardist, and music producer, Mr. Liu has collaborated on various projects, including music for films like How to Train Your Dragon and The Hunger Games. He was a top-three finalist in Disney Animation's The Little Mermaid scoring competition and frequently earned Dean’s List honours. His work spans film, television, and student productions.
Rui Zhang
M.A. in Musical Theatre from NYU and graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
She specialises in musical and pop singing, acting, basic music theory, and audition coaching. With extensive performance experience, she has starred in major productions like Cinderella (2019), I, Don Quixote (2018), and The Sound of Music (2017) in China. She also has a strong music recording background, collaborating with notable artists and TV dramas. Miss Zhang has successfully guided students to top universities worldwide.
Shiyu Zhang
Master’s in Popular Singing Kingston University
Ms. Zhang excels in teaching various genres, including pop, R&B, and jazz, tailoring lessons to individual voices. Her teaching combines Western vocal methods with modern trends, focusing on vocal technique, stage presence, and personalised, flexible instruction. A university lecturer with extensive stage experience, she is known for her commanding presence and has performed at high-profile luxury brand events like Dior and De Beers.
Junming Li
Master of Music Production from
Birmingham Conservatoire.
She specialises in electronic music, acoustic design, recording, and sound engineering. She has collaborated with artist Alexander Kaniewski and volunteered as a sound engineer for the Conservatoire’s orchestra. Notable achievements include winning the Excellence Award in the Hackathon Interactive Design Competition and composing for the 2019 Berklee College of Music China Tour. Proficient in tools like Logic Pro and Pro Tools, she teaches music production, blending traditional principles with electronic innovation to inspire new sonic possibilities.
Zijun Wang
Master of Computer Music.
Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University
He, is a versatile musician skilled in piano, pop improvisation, and music composition across various genres. Proficient in DAWs and music programming tools, he has organised and premiered large-scale performances, collaborated with renowned musicians, and produced albums such as Small Courage and Twisted World. He has composed soundtracks for video games and films, including the finalist work WeChat and I. His teaching integrates technology with traditional music to inspire creativity and innovation.
Danting Huang
Master of Piano Performance
Royal College of Music.
She specialises in composers such as Beethoven, Rachmanin off, Chopin, and Liszt. She has achieved top placements in competitions like the Lithuanian International Piano Competition and the Hong Kong Liszt International Piano Open. Ms. Huang has performed internationally and studied under renowned pianists. Her teaching focuses on uncovering the unique qualities of each piano piece, helping students master advanced techniques while appreciating the charm of classical music.
Jiangcheng Guan
Master of Modern Improvisation
New England Conservatory of Music
He is a versatile drummer, percussionist, composer, and music producer known for blending contemporary, jazz, and traditional genres. He has collaborated with renowned musicians and performed internationally at festivals. Highlights include performances at Berklee College of Music, Boston University, and the World Music Festival, along with releasing innovative works like "1260" and "Cloud Palace." His music seamlessly integrates modernity with tradition through improvisation and genre fusion.
Jingzhe Wang
Master of Computer Music Composition
Johns Hopkins University.
He is a skilled musician specializing in film, game, and independent music. Trained by Geoffrey Wright, he has worked as a music director for a prominent video company, with projects broadcast nationally and internationally. His notable achievements include winning the Gold Award for the commercial soundtrack "Ocean Oriental Mirror-Wuhan" and composing the successful game soundtrack for "Meta-Cosmos." His work blends cutting-edge technology with creativity to enhance storytelling across media.