RSL Awards Ltd · RQF Level 3
RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 3
- Total credits90
- Guided learning540 hours
- Units in this qualification83
Awarded by RSL Awards Ltd · on the Ofqual register
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What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
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, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Analogue Synthesis Software BasedReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the principles of subtractive synthesis and how virtual analogue synthesizers emulate analogue circuits. They will create and evaluate sound patches, demonstrating control over key synthesiser parametres.
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 - ApplicationsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to arrange music for different applications according to specific briefs. The unit includes adapting arrangements to various styles, selecting appropriate instrumentation and voicings, and evaluating the effectiveness of arrangements and personal skill development.
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 MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to audition effectively for specific music roles, demonstrating appropriate posture, technical proficiency, and communication. The unit includes responding to feedback and identifying strengths and areas for development.
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
Choreographing Popular MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop choreographic skills specific to popular music, creating and directing dance sequences using choreographic devices and appropriate styles. The unit also covers communication with dancers, rehearsal management, and self-assessment of choreographic potential.
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 LyricsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills in writing lyrics tailored to specific outcomes, focusing on rhyme, rhythm, metre, and adaptation to various musical styles. You'll create storytelling or message-driven lyrics and assess their own progress 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 - CollaborationReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll collabourate with a co-writer to compose original music for performance or recording. The unit focuses on effective participation, idea development, communication, arrangement, and critical evaluation of the collabourative process and individual skill growth.
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 - SoloReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll compose original music for a solo instrument or voice, demonstrating technical proficiency and creative use of melody, harmony, and rhythm. They will present a finished score or recording and evaluate their compositions alongside their own 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 - StylesReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll compose original musical works in defined styles, demonstrating technical proficiency and appropriate instrumentation and arrangement techniques. They will evaluate the effectiveness and creativity of their compositions and reflect on their skill 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 Styles and Music SequencingReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' abilities to compose music within a defined style using digital audio workstation software. You'll research stylistic conventions, compose original pieces adhering to genre characteristics, and create project files for sequencing.
What you'll be able to do
- Compose one complete musical piece in a defined style, demonstrating understanding of the genre's conventions and techniques
- Use digital audio workstation software to create a project file, demonstrating proficiency in recording, editing, and mixing audio
Composing for Adverts and TVReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop technical and creative skills to compose music for advertising and television, utilising music software and hardware. The unit covers creating music in various styles and formats, with evaluation of the compositions and reflection on 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 DocumentaryReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to compose original music for film or documentary, working to briefs and deadlines while integrating music with visual elements. You'll evaluate the effectiveness of their compositions and reflect on their skill 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 MediaReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to compose original music for interactive media, applying musical elements and sound design techniques suited to the medium. You'll evaluate the effectiveness of their compositions and reflect on their skill development.
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 MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll demonstrate contextual knowledge of music by identifying historical, cultural, social, and economic influences on selected musical styles. They will analyse the evolution of these styles and apply this understanding to inform musical performance or creation.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate contextual knowledge in relation to different styles of music
Contracts In The Music IndustryReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of contracts used in the UK music industry, their purposes, types, and key elements. You'll explore how contracts protect intellectual property rights and define roles and responsibilities within various industry contexts.
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 IndustryReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of UK music copyright law. It covers copyright definitions, key legal elements, duration of protection, and application to original works, recordings, performances, 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 LibraryReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers copyright and legal considerations relevant to sample libraries, including rights of copyright holders and permissions required. You'll demonstrate skills in creating an original sample library and critically evaluate their work and 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 MusiciansReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit focuses on the importance of fitness and technical development for dancers in popular music. You'll understand fitness components, training methods, nutrition, posture, and alignment, and demonstrate dance skills relevant to popular music genres.
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 TechnologyReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to research and evaluate the historical development of music recording technology from acoustic to digital media. You'll analyse and compare digital and analogue recording methods, 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 SourcesReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the technological developments behind sampling and synthesis in music production. The unit covers historical advancements, key figures and companies, and evaluates the use of samplers and synthesisers in popular music contexts.
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 ProductionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop skills in digital recording and production, including planning and preparing recording sessions. The unit covers using digital audio workstations or recorders to capture and edit musical sound sources, and evaluating the success of the recordings.
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 SynthesisReal 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, demonstrating understanding of synthesis parametres and evaluating sonic outcomes.
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 IndustryReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore the historical development of the UK recording industry, including key periods, major record labels, and technological advancements. The unit also examines the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing the industry's evolution.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the development of the UK recording industry.
Getting Work In MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll identify and evaluate potential income streams within the UK music industry. The unit supports research into sustainable income strategies and the development of a practical plan to generate ongoing revenue.
What you'll be able to do
- Establish strategies for generating sustainable income in the UK music industry
Improving Instrumental PerformanceReal 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 advanced performance and review progress in instrumental skills.
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 PerformerReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll demonstrate stagecraft skills as lead performers, including stage presence, vocal or instrumental technique, audience engagement, and musical interpretation. The unit also involves self-evaluation of performance suitability and technique.
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 ActivityReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' ability to lead music-making activities effectively. It includes communication, musical skills, safe and inclusive management, adapting activities to participant needs, and evaluating the success of the activity and personal leadership skills.
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 EventsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' ability to plan and programme lighting for music events, considering venue characteristics and music style. You'll operate lighting fixtures and control systems, evaluate design effectiveness, and reflect on their 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 MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore key musical elements and their interaction to create structure and meaning. The unit facilitates recognition of how these elements elicit personal emotional responses and supports analysis of individual listening experiences.
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 PerformanceReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll perform a set of music in a live environment, demonstrating musicality, stage presence, and technical accuracy. They will 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: FOHReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit teaches learners to safely set up and operate a professional Front of House PA system for live events, including gain structure, EQ, effects processing, and fault-finding. You'll 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: MonitorsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners to safely set up and operate a professional monitor system for live events, managing gain structure and EQ for individual mixes. You'll 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 RecordingReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to plan and execute live sound recording sessions effectively. You'll set up appropriate equipment, operate audio recorders to capture live performances, monitor recording levels, and evaluate the recording process.
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.
Live Sound Recording and Sound ReinforcementReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to plan and execute live sound recording and sound reinforcement for musical performances. You'll select appropriate equipment, assess acoustic environments, set up PA systems, produce live recordings, and evaluate the overall sound quality and installation success.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan a live recording of a piece of music, considering equipment, acoustics, and artistic requirements
- Set up a performance-level PA system for a live music event, ensuring optimal sound quality and coverage
- Create a live recording of a piece of music, capturing a high-quality audio performance
- Evaluate the success of the installation of sound reinforcement equipment and the finished recording, identifying areas for improvement in both technical setup and audio quality
Music Arrangement - OrchestrationReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills in arranging and orchestrating music for ensembles. You'll apply arrangement and orchestration techniques, adapt music for various ensemble sizes, create effective textures, and evaluate their skill development.
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 MediaReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll evaluate the role of various media platforms in promoting music artists and producers. The unit covers the reach and effectiveness of social and traditional media, comparing advantages and disadvantages, and analysing media impact 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 DissertationReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit guides learners through producing a music dissertation that addresses a chosen research question. You'll define the question, apply appropriate methodologies, analyse evidence, present reasoned arguments, and evaluate their findings objectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Produce a dissertation project which objectively answers a chosen music-related question.
Music Event Health & SafetyReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand health and safety legislation, responsibilities, hazards, and risk management related to music events. The unit covers policy and procedure implementation to ensure safe event management for organisers, staff, and attendees.
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 ManagementReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll contribute to the planning and management of musical events within a team. The unit covers event planning, risk management, resource allocation, and marketing, emphasising effective collabouration in a managerial capacity.
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 ImprovisationReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop improvisational skills within a given musical style, creating melodic and rhythmic variations and responding to musical cues. The unit emphasises awareness of the harmonic, rhythmic, and stylistic context of improvisation.
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 DevelopmentReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to analyse the development and cultural significance of a musical instrument in popular music. It covers the instrument's historical evolution, cultural origins, factors influencing popularity, and its 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 ManagementReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the roles and responsibilities involved in managing music projects and artists. The unit covers key management roles, project stages, and teaches you to apply this knowledge to a chosen music project.
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 MarketingReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the role and processes of marketing within the UK music industry, including the importance of marketing for musicians and businesses. The unit covers marketing department functions, channels such as social media, and the development 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 CameraReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills to perform effectively in music video productions. It covers posture, movement, facial expression, body language, accurate musical performance, and adapting style to suit different genres and video concepts, alongside self-evaluation.
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 JournalismReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' journalistic skills through analysis and creation of music-related content. You'll identify different journalistic outputs, evaluate styles and approaches, and produce reviews, press releases, and feature articles.
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 PromotionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of product promotion in the UK music industry. You'll define promotion concepts, identify techniques used, and apply these methods across various promotional contexts.
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 Promotion and Event ManagementReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers the planning, management, and promotion of musical events. You'll develop event management plans, implement promotional strategies across various marketing channels, manage events effectively, and evaluate their success against defined objectives.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan the management and promotion of a musical event, considering all relevant factors
- Manage a musical event effectively, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to the plan
- Evaluate the success of the musical event against pre-defined objectives and identify areas for improvement
Music PublishingReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of music publishing agreements, the role of Performing Rights Organisations, and required licences. The unit also covers how royalties are generated and distributed, providing an understanding of revenue streams in music publishing.
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 SkillsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop effective rehearsal skills for music performance, including communication, following musical direction, constructive contribution, and musicianship. The unit also involves self-assessment to identify strengths and areas for development in rehearsal practice.
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 ProductionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll use digital audio workstation software to create music sequencing and production projects. The unit includes importing, arranging, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI data, alongside evaluating the sound quality and identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
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 - MediaReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll prepare media project files within a Digital Audio Workstation, organising audio and video elements for film or video projects. The unit covers synchronisation, project settings, and evaluation of audio production effectiveness.
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 ManagementReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills in stage managing a music event, including communication with performers and crew, managing stage setup and changeovers, ensuring safety, and coordinating technical aspects. You'll evaluate the event's success and reflect on their own 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 ProductionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan and produce a music video to a brief, covering key production stages, team roles, concept and storyboard development, budgeting, scheduling, camera operation, sound recording, lighting, and editing techniques.
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 DirectorReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a musical director, including legal and ethical considerations. You'll demonstrate skills in directing musical performances and assess their suitability for the role.
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
Planning for a Career In MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to plan for a career in music by identifying required knowledge and skills, evaluating their current abilities, and developing a plan to address gaps. You'll set realistic goals and review their progress towards professional engagement.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan effectively to develop a range of knowledge and skills to support future engagement with the music profession
Practical Harmony Application - PedalsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore the harmonic principles and functions of pedal tones in music. They will apply pedal tones practically to musical pieces, create specific harmonic effects, and evaluate their results alongside their own 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 SubstitutionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of chord substitution principles, including diatonic and non-diatonic techniques such as tritone substitution. You'll apply these techniques to compositional ideas and evaluate the harmonic effects and their own 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 ProgressionsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll study harmony through extended and altered chords derived from major and harmonic minor scales. The unit covers chord construction, function, modal chord progressions, and their application within various 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 MusicianshipReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop practical musicianship skills by listening to, internalising, and reproducing musical elements accurately. The unit also focuses on analysing musical structure and effectively communicating musical ideas 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 ProductionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan, prepare, record, and edit radio programmes or podcasts. The unit includes identifying target audiences, using recording equipment and microphone techniques, and evaluating the success of the final audio production.
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 PerformanceReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to perform music accurately and expressively in a recording studio environment. The unit covers microphone techniques, communication with studio personnel, dynamic control, and self-evaluation of performance 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
Rehearsal Skills and Live Music PerformanceReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan and conduct effective rehearsals for live music performances, including scheduling, role definition, and set list selection. They will present a live performance and critically reflect on strengths and areas for improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan rehearsals for a live music performance, considering set lists, individual roles, and rehearsal schedules
- Rehearse effectively for a live music performance, refining musical arrangements and stage presence
- Present a live music performance and identify strengths and areas requiring development, reflecting on individual and group performance
Remixing & ProductionReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills in creating remixes by selecting and manipulating audio samples and loops. You'll arrange audio elements cohesively and apply mixing and mastering techniques to enhance sound quality, while evaluating their creative process 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 IndustryReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of revenue streams within the UK music industry, including income sources for artists, publishers, and record labels. You'll analyse the impact of digital platforms on revenue flow and recognise their own position within the industry.
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 MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the roles of collection societies, record labels, and publishers in collecting and distributing royalties within the UK music industry. The unit covers different royalty types and how these entities operate in royalty management.
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 MusicReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides an understanding of the methods for releasing recorded music to the public. You'll analyse different release methods, associated revenue streams, distribution channels, and promotional strategies within the music industry.
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 MusicianReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' skills to operate as session musicians, including sight-reading, performing across various styles, improvising, and collabourating effectively with other musicians and producers. You'll also evaluate 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 BusinessReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit supports learners in identifying their entrepreneurial skills and qualities relevant to running a music business. You'll assess strengths and weaknesses, generate a viable business idea, define target markets, and develop a supporting rationale.
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 ReinforcementReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit teaches learners to set up performance-level PA systems, including speaker placement, equipment connection, and use of signal processing. You'll understand personal development needs and reflect on their skills in 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 MasteringReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with skills to master music mixes using industry-standard techniques. It covers equalisation, compression, stereo imaging, limiting, and meeting loudness targets to produce final music products suitable for various 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 MixingReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to manage and execute studio sound mixing sessions. It includes preparing the studio environment, applying audio mixing techniques such as equalisation and compression, and effective communication with musicians and personnel.
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 RecordingReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners with the skills to plan, prepare, and produce studio sound recordings. You'll set up recording equipment, optimise acoustic conditions, operate digital audio workstations, and evaluate the quality of their recordings and personal 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 DesignReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll study live sound design principles, analysing acoustic properties of event environments and their impact on sound reinforcement. The unit considers technical requirements and wider implications such as environmental factors affecting sound design.
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 InfluencesReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to understand the role of musical influence in creating new music. You'll explore factors contributing to influence, evaluate its importance in musical development, and identify examples across different genres and historical periods.
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 StylesReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to understand the development and interaction of musical styles and sub-styles, including their historical and social contexts. You'll identify key characteristics, figures, and innovations associated with various 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 DesignReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of recording studio design principles, including acoustics, sound isolation, room dimensions, and acoustic treatment. The unit also covers essential studio equipment, software, and business aspects such as marketing and finance.
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 TechniquesReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of basic acoustic principles, microphone operation, and the effects of compression, gating, and equalisation on recorded audio. The unit supports application of this understanding to identify and address 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 ProcessorsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of dynamic processors including compressors, limiters, gates, and expanders. The unit covers their principles, functions, parametres, and practical application to process recorded sounds and achieve 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 & FiltersReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of equalisation and filtering principles in sound engineering. You'll understand frequency spectrum concepts and develop practical skills to apply corrective equalisation and filtering 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-EffectsReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers the functions, purposes, and key parametres of audio effects units used in music production. You'll identify different effects, understand their role in shaping sound, and demonstrate practical skills in using multi-effects units to create desired 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 - ResearchReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll evaluate the features and functionalities of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), analysing strengths and weaknesses for music production tasks. The unit covers compatibility with audio interfaces, plugins, and hardware 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 AnalysisReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of digital audio workstation (DAW) hardware and software components. You'll identify key hardware elements, describe their functions, and explain signal flow within typical DAW configurations.
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 DAWReal 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 covers MIDI protocol, driver installation, recording, editing MIDI data, and evaluating performance and skill development.
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 PractitionerReal unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to manage a freelance music career, including time management, financial administration, record keeping, client communication, and legal compliance. The unit also encourages evaluation of personal suitability for freelance work within the music industry.
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
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 3 credits are regulated. 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’ve earned and what’s next.
Analogue Synthesis Software BasedArranging Music - ApplicationsAuditioning For MusicChoreographing Popular MusicComposing LyricsComposing Music - CollaborationComposing Music - SoloComposing Music - Styles
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
- Compose music collaboratively
- Create music for games and interactive media projects
- Develop your awareness of copyright and how copyright can be used to generate income in a music business environment
- Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions
- Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions, programming and projects
- Issue licences for protected copyright works for use in products, for broadcasting and for public performance
- Maintain copyright data in a music publishing organisation
- Select and direct performing musicians for radio and audio productions
Where this can lead
Music Rights Lawyer
Your journey with us isn't just about this one role; it's about building a fulfilling and impactful career in music law. We're committed to supporting your growth every step of the way, whether that's through formal training, mentorship, or simply giving you the challenging work that helps you learn and excel. We want you to be here for the long haul.
See the whole journey →Opens the roleMusic Rights LawyerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Music Rights CoordinatorOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleSenior Music Rights LawyerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route into · 1 near-identical record folded inSee the role →Opens the roleMusic Rights Lawyer ManagerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleChief Legal OfficerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route into · 1 near-identical record folded inSee the role →Opens the roleChief Legal Officer (Music)One of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Future FluencyAll ten future skillsSee how every unit is contextualised by the tenExplore →
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 10 job records mapped to this qualification.
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
Compose music collaborativelyCreate music for games and interactive media projectsDevelop your awareness of copyright and how copyright can be used to generate income in a music business environmentEvaluate the success of radio and audio productionsEvaluate the success of radio and audio productions, programming and projectsIssue licences for protected copyright works for use in products, for broadcasting and for public performanceMaintain copyright data in a music publishing organisationSelect and direct performing musicians for radio and audio productionsSelect and direct radio and audio presenters, performers and voice over artistsTrack royalties and produce invoices within a music business context
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
Learners will understand the principles of subtractive synthesis and how virtual analogue synthesizers emulate analogue circuits. They will create and evaluate sound patches, demonstrating control over key synthesiser parametres.
How the thinking builds
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
83 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
- Choreographing Popular Music
- Composing Lyrics
- Composing Music - Collaboration
and 77 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is
take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying
for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with
you, on your real work, is for.
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo 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.