Level 6
This section provides a summary of information about the Level 6 Diploma in Music Teaching. For full details of the requirements of this qualification, please see the
Music Teaching Level 6 Diplomas Syllabus Guide.
The Licentiate in Music Teaching is aimed at candidates over the age of 18 who have either achieved the Diploma (DipRSL) or equivalent or have been teaching for at least three years and who would like to formalise their teaching practice within the framework of an accredited qualification.
It is expected that candidates will have well-developed, and/or well-structured, musical skills which will form the basis of their expertise and so the basis of their teaching. The candidate's musical talents/music technology abilities will be supplemented by a clear and objective vision of how the candidate's skill-set can be used to pass on learning to others. The motivation to teach and to be innovative in their teaching, are core expectations at this level.
Qualification Structure
The Licentiate in Music Teaching consists of two mandatory units:
- Unit One: Lesson Planning and Delivery
- Unit Two: Assessing and Observing Teaching Practice
An outline of the exam structure and content is provided below.
Unit One: Lesson Planning and Delivery
This unit consists of evidence of teaching and lesson planning across a range of music teaching contexts. Candidates will be expected to communicate effectively on all of the following submissions to the examiners in Unit Two.
| Content |
Description |
| A DVD/video submission of lessons in action |
Here the candidate submits a DVD/video of two contrasting lessons , each lasting not less than 20 minutes, for learners of different levels (up to Grade 8). One must be of a group/ensemble lesson. Before the lesson the candidate will state the aim and objective to camera and at the end they will evaluate the lesson, explaining how it achieved, or failed to achieve the aims and suggestions of ways of resolving issues that arise. Candidates must clearly demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas and suggestions to enable the learner to progress, as well as addressing relevant technical and/or musical problems in comprehensive detail. They should focus on maintaining and developing the interest of the learner/s with appropriate materials/activities and clearly show structure and objectives. The candidate will be expected to communicate and demonstrate to the examiners their reasoning and approach.
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| A DVD/video submission of the candidate"s instrumental/music technology ability |
The candidate submits a 15-18 minute performance of a piece from a different grade/level to the submitted lessons (up to grade 8/level 3). The candidate will be expected to highlight areas of technical/musical problems (to camera) that have not been covered in the lessons submitted and be able to communicate and demonstrate fully their ideas on how these should be dealt with. They should also address musical, stylistic and interpretive issues where appropriate.
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| Lesson plans and other supporting materials |
The candidate must submit a portolio of lesson plans, practice logs and supplementary materials. The lesson plans must cover 20 lessons given over two terms for the two DVD/video submissions and an outline with projections for a third set of ten lessons. The detailed practice logs (two terms of 10 lessons) for the learner/s should clearly show the structure of the lesson, what has been achieved, what is needed for improvement, ways of achieving these and the setting of goals. The candidate should also submit evidence of suggested supplementary material along with possible audio/visual examples that would aid the learner.
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Unit Two: Assessing and Observing Teaching Practice
Unit Two takes the form of a practical examination undertaken by the candidate. The content of this unit is made up of two principal forms of evidence as shown below:
| Content |
Description |
| Assessment of generic teaching techniques shown on DVD |
In groups of no more than five, candidates are shown a series of short extracts from lessons showing learners being taught both one-on-one and in groups up to grade 8 level. The sample DVDs will outline a range of contexts in which different teaching approaches are used and candidates will assess the advantages and disadvantages of the teaching strategies and their contexts, then communicate their conclusions clearly and concisely in a practical discussion. Candidates will also be shown performances up to grade 8, and will be expected to assess the performance of each learner within each grade.
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| Practical examination/ discussion of teaching strategies and outcomes, small business practice and special educational needs |
In this session, the examiners will have a discussion with the candidate based on the submitted DVD/video lessons from Unit 1 and their own performance. Using a degree of practical demonstration, candidates must be prepared to communicate their thoughts and methods in dealing with the possible teaching scenarios outlined by the examiner, including showing various solutions to the same problem in order to accommodate learners" particular needs and various approaches to engage learners. Candidates will be expected to bring their portfolio from Unit One and substantial supporting materials to the discussion. They should be prepared to show, with examples, the reason for their choices and how they benefit their learners, with reference to particular areas. Candidates will also be expected to have a detailed awareness of small business practice with a view on how to set themselves up as a self employed music teacher. This will include the current position concerning issues of Health & Safety and Child Protection and issues concerning the teaching of learners with Special Educational Needs. Candidates are required to be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and show their ability to adapt and improve.
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Assessment Information
This section provides information about what will be assessed, and how you will be graded and certificated.
Unit Specification
All accredited qualifications must outline what a candidate will learn (learning outcomes) and the standard they must achieve (assessment criteria) in a "Unit Specification". Follow this link to view the Rockschool Unit Specifications for Teaching Diplomas.
Grading Criteria
Grading criteria are descriptions of the level expected at each band of attainment - unclassified, pass and distinction. The grade awarded to each candidate will depend in practice upon the extent to which the candidate has met the grading criteria overall. Candidates will need to fulfil all of the learning outcomes contained within the unit in order to be eligible for grading at pass level or above. Not all of the tasks will have to be completed to an equal standard in order to qualify for a specific grading. The examiners will weigh the balance of achievement produced by each candidate taking into account the number of tasks within each unit and the balance of significance of the tasks within each unit. See the Music Teaching Level 6 Diplomas Syllabus Guide for more detailed grading criteria for each individual submission.
The performance expected for each band of attainment can be broadly described as follows:
| Grade |
Details |
| Distinction |
A distinction grade will be awarded where a candidate has produced work to a high standard in all or most of the tasks contained within a unit. They will be a highly skilled and engaging music teacher who is able to produce high class work that is fit for the teaching context in which they operate. They will be capable of producing highly original material for schemes of work and have a thorough grasp of acceptable methods of delivery. Within the Licentiate in Music Teaching they may need to identify which skills they need to develop to work effectively at a higher level.
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| Pass |
A pass grade will be awarded where a candidate has produced work to the required standard in all of the tasks contained within a unit. They will be a competent music teacher who is able to produce high class work that is fit for the teaching context in which they operate. They will be capable of producing original material for schemes of work and have a thorough grasp of acceptable methods of delivery. Within the DipRSL they may need to develop certain skills to work effectively at a higher level.
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| Unclassified |
An unclassified grade will be awarded where the candidate has produced work which does not meet the tasks contained within the unit at either level. They will usually be a music teacher who needs to develop their skill base at the set level. They may not have the skills needed to develop their work at a higher level.
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To achieve a pass, candidates must secure a pass in each part of each unit. To achieve a distinction, candidates must achieve distinctions in two out of the four learning outcomes in Unit One and also a distinction for Unit Two.
Results and Certification
Candidates will be informed of their provisional results within four weeks of the completion of the performance. All certificates will be issued after the formal completion of all quality assurance processes. Candidates will receive their certificates and a transcript of the practical unit.
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