In April 2024, RSL Awards and Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) announced the launch of new qualifications in gospel music. The new Ofqual regulated examinations will be available for Grade 6 and upwards, giving gospel musicians and lovers of the style, the ability to gain qualifications in this storied Black American artform.
To celebrate this partnership, RSL hosted an event to celebrate some of the musicians who have helped to create the current thriving gospel scene. People such as Bazil Meade MBE, Nicky Brown, Karen Gibson MBE, Ken Burton, Tyndale Thomas MBE, Anu Omideyi and many others gathered together to celebrate this historic moment.
But what makes these exams important?
Many gospel musicians learn their craft by ear. This process begins from birth, absorbing the sounds and sensibilities of gospel music well before being able to play a chord or hold a drumstick. Through years of hard work and experience, many of these same musicians not only become incredible gospel musicians but have branched out to play across many different styles, adding an unmistakable flair to pop, funk, rock or jazz music in the UK. Unfortunately, unlike their classical or jazz counterparts, there has never been any way to formally recognise these musicians for their skills. While these grades have been created for the voice, we will wait with anticipation to see if other instruments such as piano, drums or bass guitars will be added.
Because many of these musicians identify as Black, the absence of gospel music grades has excluded many Black musicians from being able to gain UCAS points or be able to be compared with other musicians who may have gained certification in any grade exam.
By passing, folks will have the chance to earn anywhere from 8 (Grade 6 pass) to 30 (Grade 8 distinction) UCAS points. Considering that gaining one AS Level qualification at grade A will earn 20 UCAS points, practically this could make the difference between getting into a university/school of choice, or not.
Exams are usually a good measure of what is valued within any form of education. Reading western notation is a tacit requirement for many music education courses (although this is slowly changing). Understanding specific cadences, composing techniques and demonstrating an ability to perform are seen throughout music education. By creating these exams, RSL Awards are demonstrating that gospel music has value in this space, outside of being a fun style of music to sing. Gospel music has long been a source of strength and inspiration for many folks, but for Black folks in particular. Many moved to the UK in the aftermath of WWII, many with little money, but with songs and prayers that they would turn to in the middle of difficult social and economic situations. While these exams provide little insight into this aspect of gospel music, the hope is that folks who take these exams are also encouraged to learn about the history and relevance of this style.
While this is a significant step, questions still remain. While singing five pieces will clearly demonstrate an ability to understand, process and perform a piece, will other aspects of gospel music be incorporated? If one of the aspects of gospel music is to convey a spiritual ‘message’, to what extent will that be considered? To what extent does the music and intent change when taken out of the worship context? What are the aspects of gospel music ‘performance’ (understanding singing in this context as an act of worship/leading others in worship) that won’t be assessed? Who will be assessing (very important)? How will improvisation factor in?
All that being said, congratulations to all involved in making this a reality. Talking about diversity is one thing, but creating opportunities for formal recognition for aural traditions such as gospel, will not only benefit Christians, but anyone interested in wanting to learn gospel music for themselves. It marks a significant step in helping to further increase access, social mobility and equity in music education and industry.