RSL Awards Company Profile

Background

Overview

RSL Awards, established in 1991, is a leading international awarding body specializing in contemporary arts education. The company offers a diverse range of qualifications, including graded music exams, vocational qualifications, and diplomas in performance and teaching. With a global presence, RSL Awards collaborates with partners in over 50 countries and operates offices in London, Madrid, Delhi, and Beijing.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To create a wide range of innovative, contemporary arts qualifications and resources across the world that are engaging and inspiring to learn and teach.

Vision: To be a global leader in contemporary arts education, enabling everyone everywhere to develop and fulfill their own individual talent and potential.

Industry Significance

RSL Awards has been instrumental in transforming formal music education by introducing the world's first graded exam syllabus for popular music in 1991. The company's qualifications are recognized for their academic rigor and industry relevance, supporting aspiring musicians, performers, educators, and teaching establishments worldwide.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Develop and deliver innovative qualifications that meet the evolving needs of contemporary arts education.

Expand global reach by partnering with educational institutions and organizations worldwide.

Maintain high standards of academic excellence and industry relevance in all qualifications.

Areas of Specialization

Graded Music Exams in Rock & Pop

Vocational Qualifications in Performance, Music Technology, Composition, and Business

Diplomas in Performance and Teaching

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital learning platforms powered by MatchMySound, offering interactive e-books and resources.

Online assessment and certification systems to streamline qualification processes.

Primary Markets Targeted

Music and performing arts education institutions

Independent music teachers and private tutors

Aspiring musicians and performers globally

Financials and Funding

Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed. RSL Awards is a privately held company, and such information is typically confidential.

Pipeline Development

RSL Awards continually updates and expands its qualifications to meet the needs of contemporary arts education. Recent developments include:

RSL Academy: Launched in December 2023, this initiative offers teacher training courses to enhance teaching skillsets.

Digital E-books: Introduction of interactive e-books utilizing RSL Learning Platform technology, providing musicians with the ability to digitally slow down, loop, and jam along to an array of Rockschool and RSL Classical pieces.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

RSL Learning Platform: An interactive digital platform offering e-books and resources for music education.

Significant Scientific Methods

Digital Learning Tools: Utilization of digital tools to enhance learning experiences, including interactive e-books and online assessments.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Norton York: Chairman and Founder. Norton established RSL Awards with a vision to revolutionize music education.

Tim Bennett-Hart: CEO. Tim believes in the transformative power of arts education and has been instrumental in expanding RSL's global presence.

Dr. Fern-Chantèle Carter: Director of Awarding (Responsible and Accountable Officer). Dr. Carter ensures the compliance and effectiveness of RSL's qualifications and assessments.

Nathan Theodoulou: Director of Product and Marketing. Nathan leads the development of RSL's educational products and marketing strategies.

Patrick Healy: Director of Business Development. Patrick focuses on expanding RSL's reach and partnerships globally.

Johan Droskie: Director of IT. Johan oversees RSL's technological infrastructure and platforms.

Patricia Moon: Chief Examiner (Classical). Patricia leads the examining panel for RSL Classical and is a member of the examining panel for Graded Music Exams, Performance Arts Awards, and Popular Music Theory.

Rhys Matthews: Chief Examiner (Drums). Rhys has extensive experience in performance and teaching and has been with RSL since 2012.

Brian Ashworth: Chief Examiner (Bass, Ukulele). Brian is a presenter, performer, and educator with a focus on guitar, bass guitar, and drum kit content from RSL syllabi.

Bührmann Steenkamp: Chief Examiner (Acoustic Guitar). Bührmann has a background in electric, acoustic, and classical guitar and has been involved with RSL since 2015.

Kirstie Smith: Chief Examiner (Piano & Vocals). Kirstie is a professional musician and educator with over 40 years of experience.

Rob Clark: Chief Examiner (Drums). Rob has worked extensively as a drummer and percussionist and has been with RSL since 2012.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global market for music and performing arts education is expanding, driven by increasing interest in contemporary music and the need for structured qualifications. RSL Awards faces competition from other awarding bodies and educational institutions offering similar qualifications.

Competitor Analysis

Trinity College London: Offers graded music exams and diplomas in various instruments and music theory.

ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music): Provides graded music exams and diplomas, focusing on classical music education.

Rockschool: A competitor offering contemporary music qualifications, similar to RSL's offerings.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

RSL Awards collaborates with various educational institutions and organizations worldwide to deliver its qualifications. Notably, RSL has partnered with MusicTeacher.com to create a Teacher Registry, providing independent music teachers with recognition, tools, and support to build long-term careers.

Operational Insights

RSL Awards differentiates itself through its focus on contemporary arts education, offering qualifications that are both academically rigorous and industry-relevant. The company's global presence and commitment to innovation in educational resources position it as a leader in the sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

RSL Awards aims to continue expanding its global reach by developing new qualifications and resources that meet the evolving needs of contemporary arts education. The company plans to enhance its digital offerings and strengthen partnerships with educational institutions worldwide.