The syllabi we tend to follow are either the Trinity or Rockschool. There are generally three ways these exams can be taken, with the most popular with students by far being the online digital submission.
This is really straightforward, and requires minimal technical skills or equipment. The main advantage of this exam format is that you can record them at home in your own time, and also record a few different times and submit the best one. You cannot edit a recording though and you do have to play through all parts in just one take in the video you do choose to submit.
Trinity Rock and Pop - Drums
You need to be able to play three pieces to the backing tracks. These are generally the three you'll have been learning with your tutor, although we do sometimes teach more than this and then choose the best three for the exam.
One of these must be a 'technical focus'. If you look in the book, you will see that some of the songs are marked as such or simply 'TF', and you must play one of these.
When recording, you will need to make sure of a couple of basic things:
Is there a good balance between the drums and the backing tracks? - are both clearly audible?
Can you see all parts of the kit, and both hands and feet in your video?
A good way to record is to have your phone, or whatever you are recording the video with, filming in line with and behind the hi-hat pointing towards the snare. This way you should be able to see everything clearly.
You should have a read of the syllabus guidance here: https://www.trinitycollege.com/resource/?id=7898
RSL Awards Rockschool Exams - Guitar
Just like the Trinity Exams above, you need to play three pieces along to the backing tracks. As well as these, you will need to play the Technical Exercises.
These are generally -
1 - Scales
2 - Chords
3 - Acoustic Riff
As you move up the grades, the amount of scales, chords etc increase, so this section becomes longer.
As mentioned, you need to play the songs along to the backing tracks, but the scales and some other sections e.g. the Powerchords in Grade 1 need to be played to a click.
You must make sure the click is set at the correct speed, and all of this information is in the book. For example, Debut grade is at 65 bpm, grade 1 is at 70 bpm and so on.
When recording, make sure the the person playing is fully visible. ie you can see all the upper body including the face and hands. Also make sure all of the instrument is visible. It's fine if just the very bottom of the guitar is out of the picture, but the examiner will need to be able to see both hands clearly.
Tips for Both Exams:
Ask these questions and be honest in your answers - Are You Ready for the Exam? Can you play everything you need to first go? If the answer is yes, read on:) If it's No, go and practise:)
A phone is easily good enough to record with.
Make sure the guitar / drums are easily audible along with the backing track.
Make sure all parts of the instrument are visible.
Any spoken parts should be stated simply and clearly e.g. the name of the scale or chord.
If you don't have a metronome for the click, simply 'Google' metronome and use the one that is top of the search results - see video below.
Practise the exam plenty of times before recording. Play through the entire thing and record it so you get used to this. Nerves always play a part, so be sure to give yourself the best chance of success and get used to the format by practising it.