How you’d get it
How you’d get this certificate
- Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
- You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer RSL Awards Ltd has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
- The centre assesses, and RSL Awards Ltd awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from RSL Awards Ltd.
01What it is
RSL Awards have a complete portfolio of Vocational Qualifications, covering Music, Performing Arts and Creative Digital Media from Levels 1-5.
These are the units RSL Awards Ltd registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work.
Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with RSL Awards Ltd. It does the teaching and the mapping. RSL Awards Ltd sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.
02The units
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Analogue Synthesis Software Based Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of subtractive synthesis principles and virtual analogue synthesiser operation. You'll create sound patches using software synthesisers and evaluate their sonic characteristics and effectiveness.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of subtractive synthesis and how it operates within virtual analogue synthesizers.
- Demonstrate the skills required to create sound patches using virtual analogue synthesizers.
- Evaluate the sonic characteristics and effectiveness of created patches in relation to the intended sound design.
Arranging Music - Applications Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to arrange music for various applications according to specific briefs. You'll demonstrate appropriate instrumentation and voicing, adapt arrangements to different styles, and evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills to arrange a piece of music for different applications, according to specific briefs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the musical arrangement in relation to the brief
- Assess personal skill development in music arrangement throughout the process
Auditioning For Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to audition effectively for music roles, demonstrating appropriate posture, technical proficiency, and communication. You'll respond to feedback and identify strengths and areas for development from the audition experience.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to audition effectively for a specific music role
- Identify personal strengths demonstrated during the audition process
- Recognise areas for personal development based on the audition experience
Careers In Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit supports learners in planning for a career within the music profession by developing relevant knowledge and skills. You'll set professional goals and identify networking, training, and mentorship opportunities to aid career progression.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan effectively to develop a range of knowledge and skills relevant to a chosen area within the music profession
- Identify resources and opportunities to support future engagement with the music profession, such as networking, training and mentorship
Choreographing Popular Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop choreographic skills related to popular music, creating and directing dance sequences using choreographic devices and appropriate styles. The unit also covers effective communication with dancers and recognition of personal potential in choreography.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate choreographic skills in relation to dance within a popular music idiom.
- Demonstrate the ability to direct a choreographed dance piece.
- Recognise their own potential to create choreography for popular music.
Composing Lyrics Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills in composing lyrics tailored to specific outcomes and audiences. You'll apply rhyme, rhythm, and metre, adapt content to musical styles, and assess their strengths and areas for improvement as lyric writers.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills to write lyrics for specific outcomes, considering target audience and musical style
- Assess own skill development as a lyric writer, identifying areas for improvement and future learning
Composing Music - Collaboration Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit focuses on collabourative composition, enabling learners to work with a co-writer to produce original music for performance or recording. You'll contribute ideas, communicate effectively, and critically evaluate the collabourative process and their skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Collaborate with a second writer to compose a set of original music
- Ensure the composed music is suitable for performance or recording
- Evaluate the results of the collaborative composition process
- Evaluate own skill development in collaborative music composition
Composing Music - Solo Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' ability to compose original music for a solo instrument or voice, demonstrating technical proficiency and creative use of melody, harmony, and rhythm. You'll present a finished score or recording and evaluate their compositions and skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Compose a set of finished, original music demonstrating creativity and technical skill.
- Evaluate the results of the composed music, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the composition.
- Evaluate their own skill development throughout the composition process, recognising areas for improvement and future learning.
Composing Music - Styles Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll compose original musical works in defined styles, demonstrating technical proficiency and appropriate instrumentation and arrangement. They will evaluate the effectiveness, creativity, and technical quality of their compositions and reflect on their development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate skills to create finished musical works in defined styles
- Evaluate the results of the created musical works
- Evaluate own skill development in composing music in defined styles
Composing for Adverts and TV Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' technical and creative skills in composing music for advertising and television. You'll use music software and hardware to create compositions in various styles and formats, evaluating their effectiveness and reflecting on their skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the technical skills required to compose music suitable for advertising and TV.
- Demonstrate the creative skills required to compose music suitable for advertising and TV.
- Create original musical compositions for specific advertising or TV briefs.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their musical compositions in relation to the given advertising or TV brief.
- Evaluate their own skill development throughout the composing process, identifying areas for improvement.
Composing for Film and Documentary Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to compose original music for film and documentary projects, working to briefs and integrating music with visual elements. They will evaluate the effectiveness of their compositions and reflect on their creative and technical development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills to create music for a film or documentary application
- Evaluate the success of the music created for the film or documentary
- Evaluate their own skill development in composing for film and documentary
Composing for Interactive Media Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to compose original music for interactive media, applying musical elements and sound design techniques. The unit includes evaluation of the effectiveness of compositions and reflection on personal skill development in this specialised area.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to create music for interactive media projects.
- Evaluate the results of music created for interactive media.
- Evaluate their own skill development in composing for interactive media.
Contextualising Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to demonstrate contextual knowledge of music by identifying key historical, cultural, social, and economic influences on a selected musical style. You'll analyse the evolution of the style and explain how this knowledge informs performance or creation.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate contextual knowledge in relation to different styles of music
Contracts In The Music Industry Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll study the role and application of contracts in the UK music industry, including their purpose, types, and key elements. The unit also covers how contracts protect intellectual property rights and define the responsibilities of parties involved.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the role of contracts within the UK music industry
- Understand the application of contracts within the UK music industry
- Analyse the use of contracts in a range of contexts within the UK music industry
Copyright In The Music Industry Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers the principles of music copyright law in the UK, including its purpose, key elements, and duration of protection. You'll develop an understanding of how copyright applies to their own musical works and associated creative outputs.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of music copyright law in the UK.
- Explain how music copyright applies to their own original musical works.
- Explain how music copyright applies to their associated creative output, such as recordings and performances.
- Identify the rights held by copyright owners in the music industry.
- Understand the implications of copyright infringement and the importance of obtaining necessary licences.
Creating a Sample Library Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of copyright and legal issues related to sample libraries. You'll demonstrate skills in creating an original sample library, understanding permission processes, and evaluating their work and skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand copyright considerations in relation to sample libraries
- Understand legal considerations in relation to sample libraries
- Demonstrate the skills required to create an original sample library
- Evaluate the results of creating an original sample library
- Evaluate own skill development in creating an original sample library
Dance for Musicians Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit focuses on the importance of fitness and technical development for dancers within popular music. You'll understand relevant fitness components and demonstrate dance skills, including posture, alignment, and movement techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the importance of fitness for a dancer
- Understand the importance of technical development for a dancer
- Demonstrate dance skills in popular music
Development of Music Recording Technology Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll research the historical development of recording media from acoustic to digital formats and evaluate key technological advancements. They will analyse and compare digital and analogue recording mediums, assessing their characteristics and current usage.
What you'll be able to do
- Research and evaluate the historical development of recording media
- Analyse, evaluate and compare digital and analogue recording mediums
- Assess current usage of digital and analogue recording mediums
Development of Sound Sources Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll study the technological advancements behind sampling and synthesis evolution in music production. The unit includes evaluation of samplers and synthesisers in popular music and recognition of key contributors to these technologies.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the main technological developments underpinning the evolution of sampling
- Understand the main technological developments underpinning the evolution of synthesis
- Evaluate the use of samplers in popular music
- Evaluate the use of synthesisers in popular music
Digital Recording and Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan, prepare, and conduct digital recording sessions using digital audio workstations or recorders. The unit includes editing recorded material and evaluating the success of the final audio productions.
What you'll be able to do
- Propose a plan for a digital recording session
- Plan the activities required for a digital recording session
- Prepare the resources needed for a digital recording session
- Use a digital audio workstation to record musical sound sources
- Use an audio recorder to record musical sound sources
- Demonstrate skills to edit recorded works to create audio recordings
- Consider the success of the created audio recordings
Digital Synthesis Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit introduces learners to the principles of digital synthesis, including digital signal processing and synthesis techniques such as FM and wavetable. You'll create and manipulate patches using digital synthesis tools and evaluate the resulting sounds.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of digital synthesis
- Demonstrate the skills to create patches using digital synthesis techniques
- Evaluate the results of creating patches using digital synthesis
Evolution of the Record Industry Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of the historical development of the UK recording industry. You'll study key periods, major record labels, technological advancements, and the influence of social, economic, and cultural factors on the industry.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the development of the UK recording industry.
Getting Work In Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll establish strategies for generating sustainable income in the UK music industry. They will identify potential income streams, research and evaluate various approaches, and develop a practical plan to support ongoing financial sustainability within the industry.
What you'll be able to do
- Establish strategies for generating sustainable income in the UK music industry
Improving Instrumental Performance Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to critique their instrument and associated equipment regarding condition, suitability, and safe operation. You'll develop instrument-specific techniques appropriate to Level 3 performance and review their progress to support ongoing personal development.
What you'll be able to do
- Critique own instrument and associated equipment with regard to effective and safe operation
- Evaluate the current selection of own instrument and associated equipment in relation to future personal development
- Understand how to develop instrument-specific technique appropriate to performance at Level 3
- Review progress in instrumental techniques and identify strengths and areas for development
Lead Performer Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll demonstrate stagecraft skills as lead performers, including stage presence, vocal or instrumental technique, audience engagement, and musical interpretation. They will also evaluate their suitability for the role and identify areas for personal development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate stagecraft skills in the role of a lead performer in a specific musical performance
- Evaluate their own suitability to the role of a lead performer
Leading a Music-Making Activity Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to lead music-making activities effectively, demonstrating communication and musical knowledge. The unit includes managing sessions safely and inclusively, adapting to participant needs, and evaluating leadership performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to lead a music-making activity effectively
- Evaluate the success of a led music-making activity, identifying strengths and areas for improvement
- Assess own skills in leading music-making activities, identifying areas requiring further development
Lighting for Music Events Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' ability to plan and programme lighting designs for music events, considering venue characteristics and music style. You'll operate lighting fixtures and control systems, evaluate design effectiveness, and reflect on skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to plan a lighting design for a specified music event, considering factors such as venue, music style, and desired atmosphere.
- Demonstrate the ability to programme lighting fixtures and control systems to execute the planned lighting design.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the lighting design in enhancing the music event experience.
- Reflect on personal skill development in lighting design and programming, identifying areas for further improvement.
Listening to Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to recognise key musical elements and their interactions in creating musical structure and meaning. You'll explore how these elements elicit personal emotional responses and analyse the relationship between musical components and listener experience.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise the relationship between key elements in music
- Recognise the personal responses elicited by key elements in music
Live Music Performance Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to perform a live music set, demonstrating musicality, stage presence, and technical accuracy. You'll identify strengths and areas for improvement to enhance their live performance skills.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to perform a set of music in a specific live environment, showcasing musicality and stage presence.
- Identify strengths in their live music performance, recognising aspects of their performance that were particularly effective.
- Identify areas requiring development in their live music performance, outlining specific skills or techniques that need improvement.
Live Sound Engineering: FOH Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll demonstrate the safe setup and operation of a professional Front of House PA system for live events, including gain structure, equalisation, effects processing, and fault-finding. They will evaluate system performance and reflect on their skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the correct and safe use of a professional, performance-level Front of House PA system for a specified event
- Evaluate the results of using a Front of House PA system for a specified event
- Evaluate own skill development in the use of a Front of House PA system
Live Sound Engineering: Monitors Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll demonstrate the safe setup and operation of a professional monitor system for live events, including gain structure and equalisation for individual mixes. They will communicate effectively with performers and evaluate the clarity and balance of monitor mixes.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the correct and safe use of a professional, performance-level monitor system for a specified event
- Evaluate the results of using a monitor system for a specified event
- Evaluate own skill development in the use of a monitor system
Live Sound Recording Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan and execute live sound recording sessions effectively. This includes identifying necessary equipment, setting up microphones and interfaces, optimising recording levels, operating audio recorders, and evaluating the recording process to ensure quality capture of live performances.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate how to effectively plan a live sound recording session.
- Demonstrate how to use an audio recorder to capture a live music performance.
- Evaluate the live recording process, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Analyse the recorded audio, identifying areas for improvement.
Music Arrangement - Orchestration Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills in arranging and orchestrating music for ensembles. You'll apply arrangement and orchestration techniques to adapt musical pieces for varying ensemble sizes, create effective musical textures, and evaluate their arrangements and personal progress.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to arrange music for ensembles
- Demonstrate the skills required to orchestrate music for ensembles
- Evaluate the results of music arrangement and orchestration
- Evaluate their own skill development in music arrangement and orchestration
Music Artist and The Media Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll evaluate the role of various media platforms in promoting music artists and producers. The unit includes analysis of social and traditional media reach, effectiveness, and the impact of media coverage on public perception and careers.
What you'll be able to do
- Evaluate the role of different media platforms in the promotion of a music artist or producer, considering their reach and effectiveness
- Analyse the impact of media coverage on the public perception and career trajectory of a music artist or producer
Music Dissertation Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll produce a music dissertation addressing a chosen research question. The unit covers defining the question, research methodology, evidence analysis, argument presentation, and evaluation of findings in an objective and structured manner.
What you'll be able to do
- Produce a dissertation project which objectively answers a chosen music-related question.
Music Event Health & Safety Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers health and safety policies and procedures relevant to music event management. You'll identify applicable legislation, explain the responsibilities of organisers and attendees, recognise potential hazards, and describe procedures to manage risks and ensure event safety.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand relevant health and safety policies applicable to music events.
- Understand health and safety procedures in relation to the management of a safe music event.
Music Event Management Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners to contribute to the planning and management of musical events within a team. You'll assist in event planning, risk management, and marketing activities, demonstrating effective collabouration and organisational skills in a managerial context.
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute effectively to the planning of a musical event or series of events
- Work collaboratively as part of a team in a managerial capacity to run a musical event or series of events
Music Improvisation Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' improvisational skills within specified musical styles, focusing on melodic and rhythmic variation and responsiveness to musical cues. You'll demonstrate the ability to develop musical ideas and understand the context of their improvisations.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to improvise in music
- Display awareness of the context of the improvisation when improvising in music
Music Instrument Development Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to analyse the historical development and cultural significance of a chosen musical instrument in popular music. You'll examine its origins, factors influencing popularity, and role within specific musical genres.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse the development of a musical instrument in popular music
- Analyse the cultural significance of a musical instrument in popular music
Music Management Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of roles and responsibilities in managing music projects and artists. You'll identify key roles, explain their duties, describe project management stages, and apply this understanding to manage a music project of their choice.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the roles and responsibilities involved in managing a music project
- Understand the roles and responsibilities involved in managing a music artist
- Apply the findings of music management roles and responsibilities to a project of their choice
Music Marketing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of marketing roles and processes within the UK music industry. The unit covers the importance of marketing, key functions within record labels, marketing channels, and the development and implementation of marketing plans.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the role of marketing in the UK music industry
- Understand the processes of marketing in the UK music industry.
Music Performance to Camera Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills to perform effectively in music video productions. You'll demonstrate appropriate posture, movement, facial expressions, and adapt performance styles to suit different genres and video concepts.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the required skills to perform effectively in a music video production
- Identify personal strengths in music video performance
- Recognise areas requiring further development to improve music video performance skills
Music Press And Journalism Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' journalistic skills by analysing various music-related journalistic outputs and producing their own work. You'll create music reviews, press releases, and feature articles, evaluating different journalistic styles and approaches.
What you'll be able to do
- Develop journalistic skills by reviewing a range of journalistic output
- Develop journalistic skills by creating a range of journalistic output.
Music Promotion Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of product promotion within the UK music industry, including its importance and various techniques. They will apply promotional strategies across different contexts, evaluating their effectiveness in supporting music products and artists.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the concept of product promotion within the UK music industry
- Apply product promotion techniques in a variety of contexts within the UK music industry
Music Publishing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of music publishing agreements, the role of Performing Rights Organisations, and required licences. You'll also explore how royalties are generated and distributed within the music publishing sector.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the various means by which music can be published
- Understand the associated ways in which revenue might be generated from music publishing
Music Rehearsal Skills Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to rehearse effectively for music performances, demonstrating communication, musicianship, and the ability to follow musical direction. The unit also involves identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement during rehearsals.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to rehearse effectively for a specific music performance
- Identify personal strengths and areas for development in music rehearsal skills
Music Sequencing and Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to use digital audio workstation software to create music sequencing and production projects. You'll import, arrange, mix, and master audio and MIDI data, then evaluate the sound quality and identify strengths and areas for development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the use of digital audio workstation software to create a project file
- Evaluate the results of using digital audio workstation software, identifying strengths and areas for development
Music Sequencing and Production - Media Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll prepare media project files within a Digital Audio Workstation, organising audio and video elements for film or video production. They will synchronise audio with visual content, apply appropriate project settings, and evaluate the final audio integration.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to correctly prepare a media project file within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for audio post-production.
- Demonstrate the ability to use digital audio workstation software to create and integrate audio elements for a film or video project.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the created audio in enhancing the overall impact and narrative of the film/video project.
Music Stage Management Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain practical skills to stage manage a music event, including effective communication, stage setup, safety management, and technical coordination. They will evaluate the event's success and reflect on their own performance and skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to stage manage a specified music event
- Evaluate the results of the stage management of the music event
- Evaluate their own skill development in music stage management
Music Video Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan and produce a music video to a given brief. The unit covers production planning stages, team roles, concept and storyboard development, budgeting, scheduling, camera operation, sound recording, lighting, and video editing.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills to plan effectively for video production
- Demonstrate the skills to produce a music video to a brief.
Musical Director Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the responsibilities and skills required of a musical director across performance contexts, including legal and ethical considerations. They will demonstrate directing skills such as rehearsing musicians and conducting ensembles.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the requirements of the role of a musical director
- Demonstrate the skills required to direct a musical performance
- Understand personal suitability for the role of musical director
Practical Harmony Application - Pedals Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers the harmonic principles and functions of pedal tones in music. You'll identify different types of pedal tones, apply them to musical pieces, and evaluate their harmonic effects and personal skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the harmonic principles and functions of pedal tones
- Apply the harmonic principles and functions of pedal tones in a practical context
- Evaluate the results of applying pedal tones
- Evaluate their own skill development in applying pedal tones
Practical Harmony Application Chord Substitution Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore the principles of chord substitution within music theory, including diatonic and non-diatonic techniques such as tritone substitution and secondary dominants. They will apply these techniques to compositional ideas and evaluate the resulting harmonic variations and their own skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of chord substitution in music theory.
- Apply chord substitution techniques to compositional ideas.
- Evaluate the results of chord substitutions in terms of their musical effect.
- Evaluate own skill development in applying chord substitution techniques.
Practical Harmony Application Chords and Progressions Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll study the construction, function, and application of extended and altered chords derived from major and harmonic minor scales. The unit also covers modal chord progressions and their use within musical contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand aspects of harmony using extended chords built from the major and harmonic minor scales
- Understand aspects of altered chords built from the major and harmonic minor scales
- Understand aspects of modal chord progressions and their usage
Practical Musicianship Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll enhance practical musicianship by listening to, internalising, and reproducing musical elements and ideas. They will analyse musical structure, dynamics, and phrasing, memorise passages accurately, and communicate musical concepts effectively to others.
What you'll be able to do
- Listen attentively to musical elements and ideas
- Internalise musical elements and ideas effectively
- Reproduce musical elements and ideas accurately
- Communicate musical elements and ideas to others clearly
- Present musical elements and ideas in an appropriate format
Radio/Podcast Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan, record, and produce radio programmes or podcasts. The unit covers audience identification, content structuring, use of recording equipment and microphone techniques, and evaluation of the final production's success.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to plan and prepare for the creation of a radio programme or podcast.
- Demonstrate the skills required to record audio content for a radio programme or podcast.
- Demonstrate the skills required to edit audio content for a radio programme or podcast.
- Evaluate the success of a radio programme or podcast based on pre-defined criteria.
Recorded Music Performance Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to perform music effectively in a recording studio environment. This includes microphone techniques, accurate and expressive performance, collabouration with studio personnel, and self-evaluation to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to perform music effectively in a recording studio environment
- Identify personal strengths in recorded music performance
- Identify areas requiring further development in recorded music performance
Remixing & Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to create remixes of existing songs using audio production techniques. You'll select and manipulate audio samples, arrange elements cohesively, apply mixing and mastering, and evaluate their work and skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills to create remixes of a given song using audio production processes.
- Evaluate the results of the remixing process.
- Evaluate their own skill development in remixing and audio production.
Revenue Flow In The Music Industry Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore the various revenue streams within the UK music industry, including income sources for artists, publishers, and record labels. The unit also examines the impact of digital platforms and streaming services on revenue flow and the learner's position within this system.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the various sources of revenue within the UK music industry.
- Describe the flow of revenue from consumers to artists and other stakeholders in the music industry.
- Identify their own potential place and role within the revenue flow of the UK music industry.
- Analyse the impact of digital platforms and streaming services on revenue generation in the music industry.
Royalties And Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers the roles of collection societies, record labels, and publishers in collecting and distributing royalties in the UK music industry. You'll understand different royalty types and how these entities operate within the royalty system.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the role of collection societies in the collation and distribution of royalties in the UK music industry
- Understand the role of record labels in the collation and distribution of royalties in the UK music industry
- Understand the role of music publishers in the collation and distribution of royalties in the UK music industry
Selling Recorded Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore various methods of releasing recorded music to the public, analysing the advantages and disadvantages of each. The unit also covers revenue streams and promotional strategies associated with music releases.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the various means by which recorded music can be released to the public
- Understand the associated ways in which revenue might be generated by releasing music
- Understand the associated ways in which promotion might be generated by releasing music
Session Musician Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills to operate as session musicians across various styles and genres. You'll demonstrate sight-reading, improvisation, collabouration, and communication abilities, alongside evaluating their suitability for the session musician role.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to operate effectively as a session musician
- Evaluate personal suitability for the role of a session musician
Setting Up a Music Business Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll assess their entrepreneurial skills and qualities relevant to running a music business. They will generate a viable business idea, define the target market, and develop a supporting rationale, reflecting on personal strengths and areas for development to improve entrepreneurial potential.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify their own abilities as entrepreneurs
- Create a music business idea
- Develop a supporting rationale for the business idea
Sound Reinforcement Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to set up and configure performance-level sound reinforcement systems, including speaker placement and signal processing. You'll understand personal development needs and reflect on skills related to sound reinforcement installation.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the correct procedures for setting up a performance-level PA system, ensuring optimal sound quality and coverage.
- Understand the importance of personal development in relation to the installation and maintenance of sound reinforcement equipment.
- Reflect on personal skills and identify areas for improvement in the context of sound reinforcement installation.
Studio Audio Mastering Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to master music mixes using equalisation, compression, stereo imaging, and limiting techniques. The unit emphasises achieving industry-standard loudness targets and producing final products that translate well across playback systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills required to master music mixes using appropriate techniques
- Apply mastering techniques to create a final music product that meets industry standards
Studio Sound Mixing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' ability to manage a studio mixing session, including preparation, equipment setup, and communication with musicians. You'll apply audio mixing techniques and reflect on their personal development in mixing skills.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate how to manage a studio mixing session
- Apply audio mixing skills during a studio session
- Recognise areas for personal development in studio sound mixing
Studio Sound Recording Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to plan, prepare, and produce a studio sound recording. You'll identify and set up appropriate equipment, optimise the recording environment, operate digital audio workstations, and evaluate the quality of their recordings alongside their own skill development.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan and prepare for a studio sound recording session, considering all necessary equipment and resources.
- Produce a studio recording, utilising appropriate recording techniques and equipment.
- Evaluate the quality of the studio recording, identifying areas for improvement.
- Evaluate own skill development in studio sound recording techniques.
Understanding Live Sound Design Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll analyse live sound design principles by examining acoustic properties of event environments and their impact on sound reinforcement. They will determine technical requirements, consider environmental factors, and evaluate appropriate equipment to deliver effective live sound.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse the relationship between variations in live event environments and sound reinforcement application
- Analyse the technical requirements of sound reinforcement application
- Consider the wider implications of providing sound reinforcement
Understanding Musical Influences Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to understand the concept and significance of musical influence in creating new music. You'll identify contributing factors, examine examples across genres, and evaluate how influences shape musical development.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the significance of musical influence in shaping the creation of new musical works.
- Recognise examples of musical influence across different genres and historical periods.
- Analyse how specific musical influences have impacted the development of particular artists or musical styles.
Understanding Musical Styles Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of the development and interaction of musical styles and sub-styles, alongside their historical and social contexts. The unit includes study of key characteristics, figures, and influences shaping different musical styles.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the development of different musical styles
- Understand the interaction of musical styles and associated sub-styles
- Understand the wider historical contexts relating to different styles of music
- Understand the wider social contexts relating to different styles of music
Understanding Recording Studio Design Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of recording studio design principles, including acoustics, room dimensions, and equipment requirements. The unit also covers technical and business aspects of studio operation such as marketing and financial management.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the basic principles of recording studio design, including acoustics and layout
- Understand the technical requirements of current recording studios, including equipment and software
- Understand the business aspects of recording studio operation, including marketing and finance
Understanding Recording Techniques Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers fundamental acoustic principles, microphone operation, and the effects of compression, gating, and equalisation on recorded audio. You'll apply this knowledge to identify and address common acoustic and technical issues in recording environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand basic acoustic principles related to sound recording.
- Understand the technical operation of different types of microphones.
- Understand how compression can affect a recorded signal.
- Understand how gating can affect a recorded signal.
- Understand how EQ (equalisation) can affect a recorded signal.
Using Dynamic Processors Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of dynamic processors such as compressors, limiters, gates, and expanders. The unit covers their functions, parametres, and practical application to process recorded sounds for desired audio effects.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the function and operation of different types of dynamic processors, including compressors, limiters, gates and expanders
- Demonstrate the skills required to use dynamic processors effectively to process recorded sounds, achieving desired sonic results
Using Equalisation & Filters Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of equalisation and filtering principles in sound engineering. They will explain frequency spectrum concepts, types of equalisation and filters, and apply corrective equalisation and filtering techniques to enhance recorded sounds.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of sound in relation to equalisation
- Understand the principles of sound in relation to filtering
- Demonstrate the skills to apply corrective equalisation to recorded sounds
- Demonstrate the skills to apply filtering to recorded sounds
Using Multi-Effects Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit introduces learners to the function, purpose, and key parametres of audio effects units commonly used in music production. You'll identify different types of effects, describe their functions, and demonstrate practical skills in using multi-effects units to shape sound and create atmospheres.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the function of various audio effects units.
- Understand the purpose of different audio effects in music production and performance.
- Identify the key parameters of common audio effects.
- Demonstrate the skills required to effectively use multi-effects units in a practical context.
Using a DAW - Research Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll evaluate the features and functionalities of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) in music production. They will analyse strengths and weaknesses of various DAWs and assess compatibility with audio interfaces, plugins, and controllers.
What you'll be able to do
- Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in the context of music production.
- Analyse the impact of DAW features and functionalities on the creative process and final product of a musical piece.
- Assess the overall effectiveness of using a DAW for the production of a specific piece of music, considering factors such as workflow, sound quality, and creative possibilities.
Using a DAW Analysis Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with comprehensive knowledge of digital audio workstation (DAW) hardware and software. You'll identify key components, understand signal flow, and describe DAW functions to analyse and utilise DAW systems effectively in music production.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the operation of digital audio workstation hardware
- Understand the operation of digital audio workstation software
Using a Keyboard with a DAW Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand how to configure keyboard controllers with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and use them to input music in real time. The unit develops practical skills in recording, editing MIDI data, controlling virtual instruments, and evaluating performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to configure a keyboard controller with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
- Use a keyboard to input music in real time into a DAW.
- Evaluate the results of using a keyboard with a DAW.
- Evaluate their own skill development in using a keyboard with a DAW.
Working as a Freelance Music Practitioner Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to manage a freelance music career, including time management, financial administration, and client communication. You'll also assess their suitability for freelance work and identify areas for professional growth.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the skills to manage a music-related portfolio career, including financial and administrative aspects
- Understand personal suitability for working as a freelance music practitioner, considering strengths, weaknesses and career goals
By email
Free, by email
Is this the right qualification for you?
One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.
Juliette Denny, Zavmo's founder, writes about learning and work on LinkedIn. Follow Juliette's Learning Tribe
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03The standards
The national standards these units are built against
What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
- Standard
Compose music collaboratively
- Standard
Create music for games and interactive media projects
- Standard
Deal with overseas Collecting Societies
- Standard
Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions
- Standard
Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions, programming and projects
- Standard
Use Digital Production Technology in Arranging Music
04Where it leads
The jobs these credits are mapped to
A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.
- 1 record
- 1 record
- 2 records
- 1 record
- 1 record
Showing 5 roles, drawn from 6 job records mapped to this qualification. Near-identical records are folded together, and each row says how many it stands for.
Where this can lead
Music Rights Lawyer
This work can lead to senior legal roles managing complex catalogue deals, or into leadership positions overseeing an entire music legal practice.
See the whole journeyStill deciding?
One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.
05The credits
The credits, and who awards them
Level 3 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by RSL Awards Ltd rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.
What you would be collecting
Analogue Synthesis Software BasedArranging Music - ApplicationsAuditioning For MusicCareers In MusicChoreographing Popular MusicComposing LyricsComposing Music - CollaborationComposing Music - Solo
Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.
How you’d practise it
You don’t watch this. You do it.
You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.
The Coach · your practice partner Illustration The Coach Make the case from “Music Marketing” to me in thirty seconds. I am the person who signs it off and I am already late.
You It would improve engagement and bring us in line with best practice.
The Coach Neither of those costs me anything to say no to. Open with the number that changes if I do nothing.
- Pitch it Evaluate
“Music Marketing” gets practised as a pitch. You make the case out loud, Zavmo asks the question the room would ask, and you make it again.
- Draft the real one Create
You do “Auditioning For Music” on a real document of your own. Zavmo works on the draft you have to send anyway, so the coursework and the job are the same piece of work.
- Map a live decision Analyse
“Live Sound Engineering: Monitors” runs on a decision you are facing now. Zavmo maps it with you and shows what the second-order effect looks like before you find out the slow way.
- Lead it Apply
“Lead Performer” is practised on the team you actually have. You talk through the call you are about to make, and Zavmo makes you say it the way you would say it to them.
What you leave holding
The standards this credential builds, in the shape the product keeps them
Nothing here is marked learned. There is no learner on a public page, so the map shows what the qualification covers rather than what anybody has done.
RSL Level 3 Diploma For Music Practitioners
- Compose music collaboratively
- Create music for games and interactive media projects
- Deal with overseas Collecting Societies
- Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions
- Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions, programming and projects
- Use Digital Production Technology in Arranging Music
How you would learn this
One to one, on the work you already do
A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.
A lesson from Analogue Synthesis Software Based, one of this qualification's own units.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
This unit provides learners with knowledge of subtractive synthesis principles and virtual analogue synthesiser operation. Learners will create sound patches using software synthesisers and evaluate their sonic characteristics and effectiveness.
How the thinking builds
- 1 Remember
- 2 Understand
- 3 Apply
- 4 Analyse
- 5 Evaluate
- 6 Create
It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.
Built for RSL Level 3 Diploma For Music Practitioners
79 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by RSL Awards Ltd.
- Analogue Synthesis Software Based
- Arranging Music - Applications
- Auditioning For Music
- Careers In Music
- Choreographing Popular Music
- Composing Lyrics
and 73 more in the full unit list below.
Free tools
Want a read on where you stand?
Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.
Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.
Start my free AI Fluency moduleNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.
The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.