Professional Diplomas in Music & Performing Arts
Turn Grade 8 into a professional-level performance or teaching diploma in Singapore
RSL Professional Diplomas give candidates a clear step beyond graded exams into higher-level performance and teaching qualifications in music and performing arts.
Benchmarked to the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (Levels 3, 4 and 6), these awards recognise real professional practice—concerts, gigs, CCAs, studio lessons and productions, so candidates can build their career profile without leaving their existing work or studies in Singapore.
Why RSL Diplomas
Built on real work, not just one exam recital
Diplomas draw on what candidates already do: live and recorded performances, teaching, rehearsals and projects. Evidence is taken from real activity, then shaped into a structured submission, so preparation strengthens existing work instead of creating a one-off exam programme from scratch.
Contemporary and classical, across music and performing arts
Diploma routes support instrumentalists, vocalists, band musicians, dancers and musical-theatre performers. They provide a natural progression from RSL Classical, Rockschool and Stageschool syllabuses, whether candidates focus on core classical repertoire, contemporary styles, or a blend of both across recital, ensemble, studio and stage work.
University-level benchmarks and post-nominal letters
Level 4 diplomas sit broadly at first-year university level, and Level 6 at final-year level. Successful candidates earn post-nominal letters such as AssocRSL or LRSL, adding a professional title to CVs, websites and audition profiles alongside other global music diplomas.
Flexible, digital-friendly assessment for busy candidates
Assessment is designed to fit around teaching timetables, CCAs, gigs and family life. Most diplomas use digital or portfolio-style submissions, with options for recorded or live performance assessment at higher levels, making advanced music diplomas in Singapore more accessible to working musicians and teachers.
Diploma routes
Performance Showcase Certificate (Level 3)
For advanced performers who want to design and present an extended solo or lead-artist programme built around a personal theme or artistic identity. Ideal as a bridge between Grade 8 and Level 4, or to strengthen pre-university, scholarship and audition applications.
Certificate in Supporting Music & Performing Arts Learning (Level 3)
For emerging assistants and young tutors who help in lessons, rehearsals or CCAs. Candidates develop safe, effective support skills and gain a first teaching-related qualification that prepares them for higher-level teaching diplomas and entry-level roles in schools and studios.
For musicians, dancers and performing artists who want their performance career formally recognised. Candidates plan and deliver an advanced performance programme, submit high-quality recordings or live assessments, and reflect on their artistic choices. Level 4 awards AssocRSL (Performing); Level 6 awards LRSL (Performing), signalling university-level achievement to venues, employers and higher-education providers.
For instrumental, vocal and performing-arts teachers who want a structured, internationally recognised teaching diploma. Candidates evidence real lessons and classes, show how they plan, deliver and review learning, and build a professional teaching portfolio. Level 4 awards AssocRSL (Teaching); Level 6 awards LRSL (Teaching), supporting progression in studios, schools, CCAs and international settings.
How RSL Diplomas are structured
Each diploma is assessed through a single, integrated submission at the chosen level: candidates plan their programme, present performance or teaching evidence, and provide concise written reflection. All work is externally assessed by RSL examiners and awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. Full requirements are set out in the individual diploma syllabus specifications.
Downloads
Download the Professional Diploma syllabuses and relevant documentation to get started.
- Level 3 Performance Showcase Certificate Syllabus Specification
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Music & Performing Arts Learning Syllabus Specification
- RSL Professional Teaching Diploma Syllabus Specification - Level 4
- RSL Professional Teaching Diploma Syllabus Specification - Level 6
- RSL Professional Performance Diploma Syllabus Specification - Level 4
Ready to plan your diploma pathway?
For candidates in Singapore who have reached Grade 8 and want to go further, whether as performers, educators or both, RSL Professional Diplomas offer a practice-based, internationally benchmarked alternative to traditional recital-only routes. They turn everyday teaching, gigs and productions into recognised qualifications that carry real weight with schools, universities, employers and audiences.