Rock and Pop digital exams

Introduction to the Digital Exam

The Digital Rock & Pop Grades were developed to allow graded examinations to continue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The examinations are available for all the Trinity College London Rock & Pop instruments. They enable the candidate to record their exam pieces with one of our trained exam facilitators. We then submit the video recording and any additional relevant materials and submit the exam via our online platform to be assessed by the examiners.

New Performance Criteria

In order to cater for the new format of the digital exams, senior examiners have taken to YouTube to take you through their expectations when awarding qualifications.

Exam Requirements

To understand how the digital exams differ from face-to-face exams, please see the table below. For the full information, please see the syllabuses.

    Rock & Pop Graded Exams

    Current Syllabuses

     

    To understand exam requirements, you will also need the syllabus for your instrument: 

     

    Face-to-Face Graded Exams

    Digital Graded Exams

    Song 1 – selection from the Rock & Pop book for the grade.

    Song 1 – selection from the Rock & Pop book for the grade.

    Song 2 – selection from the Rock & Pop book for the grade; own-choice song; own composition.

    Song 2 – selection from the Rock & Pop book for the grade; own-choice song; own composition.

    Song 3 – Technical Focus song from the Rock & Pop book for the grade.

    Song 3 – Technical Focus song from the Rock & Pop book for the grade.

    Sessions Skills – choice of either Improvising or Playback.

    Candidates will be assessed on how well the musical skills and knowledge that underpin the session skills tests are demonstrated within the context of their entire performance (i.e. all three songs). Full explanation and criteria for this is available in the syllabus.

    TALK TO US ABOUT SITTING YOUR EXAM!

    Let us do the work for you. Leave your contact details below and we will give you a call within 24 hours about booking in your exam session!


    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Rachael has been incredible for my daughter’s confidence and enthusiasm; she had never played an instrument or read music before. We are on lesson 4 (piano) and she is absolute flying under Rachael’s teaching and guidance. We couldn’t be happier.
    Posted on Google Google
    Samantha Maskell profile picture
    Samantha Maskell
    September 2, 2026
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    I am enjoying working with Rachael. She is encouraging and patient as a teacher. It’s still early days but I feel I am making progress. I would also like to thank Andrew for the early teaching and guidance he provided to me before transferring to Rachael.
    Posted on Google Google
    Rose D'Silva profile picture
    Rose D'Silva
    August 30, 2026
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    My son has been taking lessons with Rab for quite a few months now and it’s been great. Rab keeps lessons fun and upbeat, which helps a lot with staying engaged. He’s also good at breaking down things that seem complicated at first (songs, chord changes) into steps that actually make sense to the student. What really stands out is that Rab pays attention to what my son actually wants to play. Also, he asks about the music the kid likes and picks songs around that, so practicing feels less like homework. And as the cherry on top, Rab lets my son borrow one of his electric guitars to try out, which is a nice, generous touch and got the boy even more excited about playing. Would recommend for any kid starting out on guitar.
    Posted on Google Google
    Sisa profile picture
    Sisa
    July 18, 2026
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Rab Letham is my amazing music teacher and he has taught me guitar and piano and I’ve been coming for 1 year and a half and have already learnt loads! He has taken me out to perform in places which boosted my confidence and made me realise my dreams of wanting to be in a band can come true. He teaches you the songs you like and you can also share what music you like and learn new music. He’s very fun to talk to about music and has the best techniques to help you learn and memorise.
    Posted on Google Google
    Alice Shillinglaw profile picture
    Alice Shillinglaw
    June 4, 2026
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    I have been having piano lessons with Andrew for the last 4 months. He is a great teacher- knowledgable, kind and patient. I am enjoying myself so much and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who is thinking of learning to play the piano.
    Posted on Google Google
    Myra Kidd profile picture
    Myra Kidd
    January 8, 2026
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    In November 2024, after a quarter life crisis, I decided to follow my dreams and learn the drums. I am very thankful to have started my drum journey with Rab, through Andrew Jay’s school of music. Sarah was super helpful in setting up my lesson and answering any questions. Rab is very patient, listens to what you want to learn, the music you like and what you want to get out of your lessons. It’s also great being able to learn and play on his state of the art acoustic drum set! After 6 months I already had a few songs under my belt and Rab encouraged me to play at a local open mic jam with him and his wife Mel. Being quite shy, I’ve only ever dreamed of being on stage playing drums and didn’t think it would ever happen. That’s all thanks to Rab, he’s great at making you feel comfortable and confident - with a what’s the worse that can happen attitude! Him and Mel also put in the time to practice to prepare for the gig so I was very grateful for that. Rab’s a very talented musician and I’d encourage anyone looking to start an instrument to give it a go - whatever age you are!
    Posted on Google Google
    Alex profile picture
    Alex
    July 15, 2025
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Andrew is a brilliant singing teacher, incredibly knowledgable and talented and I have really enjoyed my lessons with him - who knew I'd ever be able to hit some of those top notes! I highly recommend him to anyone who's ever thought, 'I've always wished I had singing lessons...'
    Posted on Google Google
    Elizabeth Fritz profile picture
    Elizabeth Fritz
    December 9, 2024
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    After many years of putting up with my own passion of music my daughter expressed an interest in learning to play the drums. Whilst this made me immensely proud I found it insanely difficult to find a tutor who we could visit and learn from scratch as many teachers only offered online learning...not the most practical for those not wishing to invest in a kit for fear it could merely be a teenage whim. I found Andrew Jay's music school online and arranged her first lessons, within his own studio with practice kit and I'm so glad we did! The lessons themselves have gently eased her in as someone who had never held a pair of sticks before, teaching her to read whilst slowly building up her knowledge of various skills and rythms. Lessons are paced on the individual and Andrew (who happens to teach the drums himself) is an extremely patient and down to earth tutor. We look forward to many more lessons and the knowledge that when I do get her a kit, I will not be wasting money nor suffering endless migraines!
    Posted on Google Google
    Lee Davidson profile picture
    Lee Davidson
    May 14, 2024
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    I have been with Andrew Jay school of music for around 2 years now, and have had the delightful experience of being taught by a few of the different members of staff now. They are all very friendly and knowledgeable and have made me feel comfortable and more confident every lesson. I can honestly say it was one of the best choices I’ve made. A very warm and relaxing environment, Would 100% recommend.
    Posted on Google Google
    Penelope Brown profile picture
    Penelope Brown
    April 13, 2024
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    My daughter loved her 1st lesson with Emma. She came out with a big smile afterwards.
    Posted on Google Google
    Alison Chisholm profile picture
    Alison Chisholm
    February 1, 2024
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Andrew has been giving drum lessons to my teenage son for a number of months now and we have been really happy with his communication with us and how much my son is learning from the lessons I hope to get my son to give a review also as he is the one experiencing the lessons but he has really enjoyed them and is much improved Thanks Andrew
    Posted on Google Google
    Abi profile picture
    Abi
    December 5, 2023
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Having decided after many years muddling through music I came to the conclusion to take the plunge and educate myself a little further. I am very fortunate to have found a gem of a teacher in Andrew. Andrew has a rare quality to understand where you are on your musical journey, he teaches at a pace that is tailored to your requirements and employs many different techniques. Lessons are engaging and fun! Real world tips and tricks based upon an incredibly solid musical foundation! Don't be afraid! go for it! It doesn't matter what age or ability! Andrew has it covered!
    Posted on Google Google
    Robert Perkins profile picture
    Robert Perkins
    August 2, 2023
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    I was nervous and excited to start learning a musical instrument in my late 20s but Andrew is so patient, fun and I look forward to my lessons every week. I felt comfortable asking questions (or making mistakes!) and learned so much more than I expected in a short period of time. I would highly recommend to anyone deciding the learn an instrument to go here, it’s never too late and he will guide you through!
    Posted on Google Google
    Nadine Torrilla profile picture
    Nadine Torrilla
    January 8, 2023
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Thank you so very much Andrew for making our Vow Renewal day so special. Andrew was simply wonderful from beginning to end, he really understood our requirements and his audience. He was highly professional and his vocals were absolutely brilliant. He captivated our guests with his outstanding showmanship and excellent repertoire. We could not have asked for anything more. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
    Posted on Google Google
    Karen Lonergan profile picture
    Karen Lonergan
    October 18, 2022
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
    Andrew gave some singing lessons to my daughter to prepare her for a school performance. My daughter said that he was very patient and encouraging, and very knowledgeable about singing techniques and how to improve her voice. Even though she could only have a few lessons (because there was not much time before the performance), she felt that it really helped her to improve and boosted her confidence. Thank you, Andrew!
    Posted on Google Google
    Emma M profile picture
    Emma M
    July 18, 2022