THERE were good results all round for young musicians who took part in popular music exams which were offered locally for the first time.

Guitarists and drummers sat exams under the Rockschool syllabus via the Department of Education and Children's Music Service.

John Kinley, from the Music Service, said the exams allowed musicians to gain qualifications in popular music that are on a par with those taken by peers on orchestral or band instruments.

Students performed three contrasting pieces from Rockschool’s repertoire and demonstrated their technical skills through scales or drum rudiments and their ability to sight read music and/or improvise.

John said: "Those who took the exams did fantastically well. There were 20 entrants from our schools and they achieved 12 distinctions, five merits and three passes.

"There was a good uptake from candidates taught by private teachers too."

Rockschool is the only music exam board in the British Isles that specialises in rock and pop exams.

Exams, which are also open to keyboard players, start at grade one, - or, for some instruments, a debut grade - and go up to grade eight.

The next exams in the Island will take place at the Music Centre in Douglas on July 7 and 8 2011.

Candidates who are at school can enter via their teachers. Private candidates should register with Rockschool direct – http://www.rockschool.co.uk