News
World’s first qualifications for acoustic guitar
Rob Hughes Jan 30 2008, 1:45pm
Groundbreaking exams receive support from top UK acoustic guitarists.
The Registry of Guitar Tutors, RGT, today announced the launch of a pioneering range of exams devised specifically for acoustic guitarists.
Although exams for classical and electric guitar have been available for some years, until now there have been no specialist qualifications available for acoustic guitar players.
Giving acoustic guitarists of all levels the chance to develop and display their talents, whilst working towards a recognised qualification at the same time, the exams – devised by RGT, the UK’s only specialist guitar education examination body – benefit from the advice of some of the country’s leading acoustic guitarists, including Gordon Giltrap, John Renbourn, Clive Carroll and Stuart Ryan.
Focusing on practical music-making and reflecting the range of skills needed by gigging acoustic guitarists, the exams cover strumming, fingerpicking, accompaniment and solos.
Comprehensive course handbooks are provided, but there is also the opportunity for the student to perform pieces of their own choice.
The exams are certificated by London College of Music Exams and Thames Valley University and have been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and placed on the National Qualifications Framework. This gives specific grades direct equivalence to GCSEs and A levels and enables them to accumulate the UCAS points necessary for admission to higher education. Two entry-level exams have also been designed for children and novice players.
The exams will be available from April 2008. Students can enter online at the RGT website, where a free, downloadable exam information booklet detailing requirements for every grade is available.
