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, and work done here is recognised as prior learning under the agreements we hold.
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.
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02The units
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Analogue Synthesis Software Based Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the principles of subtractive synthesis and virtual analogue synthesiser operation. They will create and evaluate sound patches using software-based analogue synthesis, demonstrating control over key parametres to achieve intended sonic results.
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
You'll learn to arrange music for various applications according to specific briefs, adapting arrangements to different styles and ensembles. The unit includes evaluation of arrangement effectiveness and reflection on 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 Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to audition effectively for specific music roles, demonstrating technical proficiency, stage presence, and communication. They will respond to feedback and identify strengths and areas for personal development throughout the audition process.
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 Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop choreographic skills related to popular music, creating and directing dance sequences using devices such as motif, repetition, and contrast. The unit includes application of relevant dance styles, communication with dancers, and rehearsal management.
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 Collaboration and Recorded Performance Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to compose original music collabouratively with another writer and perform in a recording studio environment. The unit focuses on effective communication, integration of ideas, musical creativity, and technical proficiency.
What you'll be able to do
- Compose a set of finished, original music for performance or recording in collaboration with a second writer, demonstrating effective collaborative skills.
- Perform music in a recording studio environment, demonstrating appropriate performance techniques and studio etiquette.
Composing Lyrics Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop skills in writing lyrics tailored to specific audiences and musical styles. The unit covers the use of rhyme, rhythm, and metre, as well as adapting content to convey stories or messages, alongside self-assessment of lyrical skill development.
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
You'll learn to collabourate in composing original music for performance or recording. The unit emphasises effective communication, contribution of musical ideas, arrangement, and critical evaluation of the collabourative process and personal 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
It teaches you to compose original music for solo instruments or voice, demonstrating creativity and technical proficiency. You'll present finished compositions and evaluate their work and personal 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 use of instrumentation and arrangement techniques. They will evaluate the effectiveness, creativity, and quality 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 Music Solo and Remixing & Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to compose original music pieces demonstrating diverse styles and technical proficiency, and to create remixes using audio production techniques. You'll produce finished compositions and transform existing works creatively.
What you'll be able to do
- Compose a set of finished, original music pieces demonstrating musical creativity and technical proficiency.
- Create a remix of an existing musical work using appropriate audio production processes and techniques.
Composing Styles and Music Sequencing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners’ abilities to compose a complete musical piece in a defined style and use digital audio workstation software for sequencing. You'll research stylistic conventions, demonstrate creativity, and produce a DAW project file.
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 TV Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll develop technical and creative skills to compose music for advertising and television. The unit covers proficiency with music software and hardware, composing in various styles and formats, and evaluating the effectiveness of compositions.
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 tailored for film and documentary contexts, working to briefs and deadlines. They will integrate music with visual elements using appropriate instrumentation and evaluate the effectiveness of their compositions.
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
It teaches you to create original music for interactive media, applying musical elements and sound design techniques to enhance user experience. You'll critically evaluate their compositions and reflect on their skill development in this specialised field.
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 historical, cultural, social, and economic influences on a selected musical style. You'll explain its evolution and show 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
This unit develops learners' understanding of the role and application of contracts in the UK music industry. You'll explore different contract types, key elements, and their use in protecting intellectual property and defining responsibilities.
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 provides learners with knowledge of UK music copyright law, including its purpose, key legal elements, and duration of protection. You'll apply this understanding to their own musical works and creative outputs, recognising rights and responsibilities of copyright holders.
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
You'll gain understanding of copyright and legal issues related to sample libraries, including rights of copyright holders and permissions required. The unit also develops skills to create original sample libraries and evaluate their outcomes and personal progress.
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
You'll understand the importance of fitness, nutrition, and technical development for dancers in popular music. The unit includes demonstration of dance skills, exploration of training methods, and the role of posture and alignment in performance.
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
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 and assess their current usage and characteristics.
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 explore technological developments in sampling and synthesis, including historical evolution and key contributors. The unit enables evaluation of samplers and synthesisers in popular music production and their impact on musical styles.
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
It teaches you to plan and prepare for digital recording sessions, use digital audio workstations or recorders to capture musical sounds, and edit recordings. You'll evaluate the effectiveness of their audio productions against planned objectives.
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 provides learners with knowledge of digital synthesis principles and techniques, including digital signal processing and synthesis types. You'll create and manipulate patches using synthesis parametres and evaluate the sonic results achieved.
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 an understanding of the historical development of the UK recording industry, major record labels, technological advancements, and the influence of social, economic, and cultural factors on the industry’s evolution.
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 within the UK music industry by identifying potential income streams, researching various approaches, evaluating their feasibility, and developing a practical income generation plan.
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 own instrument and equipment regarding condition, suitability, and safe operation. You'll develop instrument-specific techniques appropriate to Level 3 performance and review progress in their 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 Performer Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to demonstrate stagecraft skills as a lead performer in a musical performance, including stage presence, vocal or instrumental technique, audience engagement, and musical interpretation. You'll also evaluate their own suitability for the role through self-analysis.
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, musical knowledge, and inclusive management. The unit includes evaluation of activity success and self-assessment of leadership skills and areas for development.
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 for music events, considering venue characteristics and lighting design elements such as colour, intensity, and movement. You'll evaluate their lighting designs 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 Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll explore key musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and dynamics, understanding how these interact to create musical structure and meaning. The unit also encourages reflection on personal emotional responses to different musical elements.
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
You'll learn to perform a set of music in a live environment, demonstrating musicality, stage presence, and technical accuracy. They will critically assess their performance to identify strengths and areas requiring further development.
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
It teaches you to safely set up and operate a professional Front of House PA system for live events. You'll demonstrate gain structure, equalisation, effects processing, and fault-finding techniques, evaluating system performance and personal skills.
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
This unit equips learners with the skills to safely operate a professional monitor system for live sound engineering. You'll create appropriate monitor mixes through effective communication with performers and evaluate the clarity and balance of the 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
It teaches you to plan and execute live sound recording sessions, including equipment selection, microphone setup, audio level optimisation, and operation of audio recorders. You'll evaluate and analyse the recording process and outcomes.
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 Reinforcement Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll plan and execute live sound recording and sound reinforcement for musical performances. The unit covers equipment selection, acoustic analysis, PA system setup, live recording, and evaluation of sound reinforcement and recording quality.
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 - 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, adapt pieces for different ensemble sizes, create musical textures, and evaluate their work and skill progression.
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 media platforms in promoting music artists, analysing social and traditional media effectiveness, reach, and impact on public perception. The unit includes comparison of media advantages and disadvantages.
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 be guided through producing a music dissertation by defining a research question, selecting appropriate methodologies, analysing evidence, constructing reasoned arguments, and evaluating findings. The unit develops research and academic writing skills within a music context.
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
You'll gain knowledge of health and safety legislation, responsibilities of event organisers and attendees, and potential hazards associated with music events. The unit emphasises risk management and the implementation of safety procedures to ensure secure event environments.
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 management of musical events by participating in event planning, risk management, and marketing activities. You'll develop teamwork skills within a managerial context to support successful event delivery.
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
You'll develop improvisation skills within specified musical styles, creating melodic and rhythmic variations and responding to musical cues. They will demonstrate awareness of the harmonic, rhythmic, and stylistic 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
This unit focuses on analysing the historical development and cultural significance of a chosen musical instrument within popular music. You'll examine its origins, popularity factors, and role in shaping 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
You'll understand the roles and responsibilities involved in managing music projects and artists. The unit covers key roles, project stages such as planning and budgeting, and teaches you to apply this knowledge to a chosen 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 Marketing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit introduces learners to the role and processes of marketing within the UK music industry. You'll explore marketing functions, channels, and the development of marketing plans, including the use of market research and social media strategies.
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 for music video productions, focusing on posture, movement, facial expression, and adaptation to different musical genres. You'll identify strengths and areas for improvement in their camera performance.
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
You'll develop journalistic skills by analysing different types of music-related journalistic output and producing their own work, including reviews, press releases, and feature articles. The unit focuses on evaluating journalistic styles and applying effective approaches to music journalism.
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 and apply various promotion techniques across different contexts. The unit covers defining product promotion, its importance, and evaluation of promotional strategies.
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 Management Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to plan, manage, and promote musical events, including setting objectives, identifying target audiences, resource allocation, and marketing strategies. You'll implement event plans and evaluate event success against defined criteria.
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 Publishing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of music publishing, covering publishing agreements, the role of Performing Rights Organisations, and licensing. You'll understand how royalties are generated and distributed within the music industry.
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
This unit equips learners with skills to rehearse effectively for music performances, demonstrating communication, musicianship, and responsiveness to direction. You'll also identify personal 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 Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to use digital audio workstation software to create, arrange, mix, and master music projects. You'll evaluate the overall sound quality of their work, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in music sequencing and production.
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 DAW, organising audio and video elements, setting project parametres, and synchronising audio with video. The unit emphasises audio post-production skills and evaluation of audio-visual integration 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 Management Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll gain practical skills to stage manage music events, including communication, stage setup, safety, and technical coordination. They will evaluate the effectiveness of their management and reflect on their 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
This unit equips learners with the skills to plan and produce a music video to a given brief. You'll explore key production stages, team roles, concept development, budgeting, scheduling, camera operation, sound recording, lighting, and video 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 Director Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of the responsibilities, skills, and legal and ethical considerations of a musical director. You'll demonstrate directing skills by rehearsing and conducting musical performances, reflecting on 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 Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
It teaches you to plan effectively for a career in music by identifying necessary knowledge and skills, evaluating their current competencies, and developing a structured plan to address gaps. You'll set achievable goals and review their progress.
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 - Pedals Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll understand the harmonic principles and functions of pedal tones, identify different types, and apply them in musical contexts. The unit includes evaluation of harmonic effects and self-assessment of skill development in practical harmony application.
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 study the principles of chord substitution, including diatonic and non-diatonic techniques such as tritone substitution and secondary dominants. The unit enables application of these techniques to compositional ideas and evaluation of harmonic variation and personal 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
This unit provides comprehensive understanding of harmony through extended and altered chords derived from major and harmonic minor scales. You'll also explore modal chord progressions and their application in 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 Musicianship Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit develops learners' practical musicianship skills by focusing on listening, internalising, and reproducing musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. You'll analyse musical structure and communicate musical ideas effectively in appropriate formats.
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
This unit develops learners' abilities to plan, record, and produce radio programmes or podcasts. You'll demonstrate use of recording equipment and microphone techniques, develop content plans, and evaluate the success of their audio productions.
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
This unit develops learners' skills to perform music accurately and expressively in a recording studio environment, including microphone techniques and collabouration with studio personnel. You'll identify personal strengths and areas for further development in recorded music performance.
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 Performance Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan and conduct effective rehearsals for live music performances, including scheduling, role allocation, and set list selection. They will present a live performance and reflect on individual and group 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 & Production Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to create remixes of existing songs using audio production techniques such as sample selection, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, filtering, arrangement, mixing, and mastering. The unit also includes evaluation of the remix outcomes and personal 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 gain an understanding of revenue streams within the UK music industry, including income sources for artists, publishers, and record labels. The unit examines the impact of digital platforms and streaming services on revenue flow and learners' roles 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 offers learners an understanding of the roles of collection societies, record labels, and publishers in the collection and distribution of royalties within the UK music industry. You'll explore how royalties are generated and allocated.
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
This unit provides knowledge of methods for releasing recorded music to the public, examining distribution channels, revenue streams, and promotional strategies. You'll analyse advantages and disadvantages of release methods and explain royalty systems.
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
It teaches you to develop the skills required to operate as a session musician, including sight-reading, performing in various styles, improvisation, and collabouration. 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 Business Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll identify their entrepreneurial skills and assess their strengths and weaknesses in relation to running a music business. They will generate a viable business idea, define the target market, and develop a supporting rationale to improve their 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
Setting Up a Music Business & Selling Music Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll evaluate their entrepreneurial skills and understand methods of releasing recorded music to the public. They will develop and pitch a music-related business idea, assessing its viability and potential for revenue and promotion.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand their own ability as entrepreneurs, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential business opportunities
- Understand the means by which recorded music can be released to the public and the associated ways in which revenue and promotion might be generated by releasing music, considering various distribution channels and marketing strategies
- Develop and pitch a business idea related to the music industry, presenting a clear and compelling business plan
- Evaluate the business idea and pitch, identifying potential challenges and opportunities for improvement
Sound Reinforcement Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit covers the setup and configuration of performance-level PA systems, including loudspeaker placement, audio equipment connection, and signal processing. You'll also explore personal development related to sound reinforcement installation and reflect on their skills for improvement.
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
This unit develops learners' skills in mastering music mixes using techniques such as equalisation, compression, stereo imaging, and limiting. You'll apply these methods to enhance audio quality, control dynamic range, and achieve industry-standard loudness targets for final music products.
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
You'll learn to manage studio mixing sessions, including preparation, equipment setup, and application of audio mixing techniques such as equalisation and compression. The unit emphasises 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 Recording Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
This unit provides learners with the skills to plan, prepare, and produce studio sound recordings. You'll identify necessary equipment, set up recording devices, optimise acoustic environments, operate digital audio workstations, and evaluate their recordings and 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.
Studio Sound Recording and Mixing Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll learn to plan, prepare, and conduct studio recording sessions, capturing high-quality audio and producing professional mixes of multi-track recordings. The unit includes contingency planning, studio preparation, and evaluation of recordings and mixes.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan and prepare effectively for a studio recording session, considering all necessary equipment, personnel, and logistical requirements.
- Produce a studio recording, capturing high-quality audio using appropriate recording techniques and equipment.
- Create mixes of multi-track recordings, demonstrating proficiency in balancing, EQing, and processing audio signals.
- Evaluate recordings and mixes critically, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary adjustments.
Understanding Live Sound Design Real unit · RSL Awards Ltd
You'll analyse live event acoustic properties and their impact on sound reinforcement requirements. The unit covers technical considerations, environmental factors affecting sound design, and the selection of appropriate equipment for live sound applications.
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
You'll explore the concept and significance of musical influence in creating new music. The unit includes analysis of contributing factors and examples across genres, enabling learners to 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
This unit provides learners with knowledge of the development and interaction of musical styles and sub-styles, including their historical and social contexts. You'll identify key characteristics and influential figures associated with various 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
This unit provides understanding of recording studio design principles, including acoustics, room dimensions, and technical requirements. You'll explore essential equipment, software, and business aspects such as marketing and finance in studio operation.
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, the technical operation of various microphone types, and the effects of compression, gating, and equalisation on recorded signals. You'll develop an understanding of sound propagation, acoustic environments, and signal processing techniques relevant to recording.
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 understanding of dynamic processors such as compressors, limiters, gates, and expanders, including their principles, parametres, and applications. The unit develops practical skills in using these processors to achieve desired audio effects on recorded sounds.
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 understand the principles of equalisation and filtering in sound engineering, including frequency spectrum, types of equalisation and filters, and related concepts such as gain and bandwidth. They will apply corrective equalisation and filtering techniques to 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 provides learners with knowledge of audio effects units commonly used in music production and performance. You'll understand the functions and parametres of effects 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 Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) by analysing core features, strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with audio interfaces, plugins, and controllers. This unit develops understanding of DAW capabilities and limitations in music production contexts.
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
You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of digital audio workstation (DAW) hardware and software, including key components, signal flow, software functions, plugins, and file formats. This knowledge enables effective analysis and utilisation of DAW systems.
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 covers MIDI protocol, driver installation, and recording and editing MIDI data, alongside self-evaluation of skills.
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 develops skills for managing a freelance music career, including time management, financial administration, client communication, and legal compliance. You'll assess their 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
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
Develop your awareness of copyright and how copyright can be used to generate income in a music business environment
- Standard
Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions
- Standard
Evaluate the success of radio and audio productions, programming and projects
- Standard
Issue licences for protected copyright works for use in products, for broadcasting and for public performance
- Standard
Maintain copyright data in a music publishing organisation
- Standard
Select and direct performing musicians for radio and audio productions
- Standard
Track royalties and produce invoices within a music publishing context
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
- 1 record
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 8 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 journey05The 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 MusicChoreographing Popular MusicComposing Collaboration and Recorded PerformanceComposing 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.
- Bring your own plan Create
For “Planning for a Career In Music” you bring the plan you are actually working on, not a case study. Zavmo pulls on the assumptions in it until the weak one shows.
- 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.
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 Extended 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
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?
Learners will understand the principles of subtractive synthesis and virtual analogue synthesiser operation. They will create and evaluate sound patches using software-based analogue synthesis, demonstrating control over key parametres to achieve intended sonic results.
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 Extended Diploma For Music Practitioners
87 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 Collaboration and Recorded Performance
- Composing Lyrics
and 81 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.
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.
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.