Revere Arts and RSL Awards develop steel pan assessment framework
A new learning and assessment framework aims to give steel pan ensemble musicians clearer routes to recognition and further study, with a launch planned for August 2027.
Arts consultancy Revere Arts and awarding body RSL Awards, known for its Rockschool music exams, have announced plans for what they describe as the UK’s first structured learning, assessment and progression framework for steel pan ensembles.
Scheduled to launch in August 2027, the Arts Council England-funded project aims to address a longstanding gap in formal music education, giving steel pan musicians opportunities to gain recognition for their achievements and progress to further study and professional work.
The framework is being developed with academic Dr Dawn K Batson and steel pan performer and educator Leon Thomas. New Generation Steel Orchestra, a London youth ensemble for musicians aged eight to 21, will pilot it in 2027.
Norton York, founder of RSL Awards, said the initiative fulfilled an ambition dating back to the organisation’s early years.
‘RSL Awards is proud to partner with Revere Arts on this groundbreaking structured assessment pathway for steel pan, it’s something I’ve wanted to do since the ’90s when we first established as an awarding organisation,’ he said.
‘As one of the most vibrant and culturally significant instruments in the UK, steel pan deserves recognition within music education and higher-level study.’
Plans include graded performance examples, pass, merit and distinction guidance, and examiner support materials, with progression opportunities towards higher-level RSL Awards qualifications at Levels 3, 4 and 6. The framework itself will be an unregulated programme of learning and assessment, rather than a regulated qualification.
Elise Brown, co-founder and co-director of Revere Arts, said, ‘Our work with New Generation Steel Orchestra has shown us how transformative access to steel pan can be for young people – especially those from low-income and Caribbean backgrounds who have historically been overlooked by formal music education.’
According to figures supplied by Revere Arts, 88% of the orchestra’s members come from low-income families. The partners hope that assessment rooted in the instrument’s history, technique and performance practice will help musicians translate their achievements into educational and career opportunities.
Thomas highlighted the limited provision for students wishing to pursue steel pan as their principal instrument in higher education. He said greater recognition could support the development of more steel pan performers, educators, composers and arrangers.
For the young musicians taking part in the pilot, the significance also extends beyond formal progression. Joelle Gardiner, director of New Generation Steel Orchestra, said, ‘For our young people, steel pan is heritage, identity and community. Being able to gain structured recognition of achievement for our musicians will be life-changing.’