New Gospel Music Qualification..
Gospel Roots 🎶. . .
During my 16-year career in the Gospel Music industry, supporting projects in various roles has been customary. I have always included passing on industry education and upskilling opportunities as a natural part of my identity.
I believe that you cannot work unhindered in underrepresented areas without simultaneously contributing to their development. This has been the situation with Gospel Music for too long: it is either unrecognised or forcefully rebranded as ‘urban’ to hide the genre’s roots.
Education goals 🤓. . .
In my role as CEO of Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA), I knew from the first discussion with the RSL team that this would be a core project for the organisation for the next three years (and beyond) and a crucial development pillar for the UK gospel community. I am sure I looked like the biggest education geek when I presented it to the Board of Directors because of how this resonated with me and the short- and long-term vision. This new education offering encapsulates GMIA’s core mission: to Represent, Resource, Promote, Unite, and push the organisation and community to the forefront of Academia and the Music Community.
The launch 🥁. . .
After nearly a year and a half of meetings, in-depth discussions, and educational development workshops, the launch came on 16th April 2024, at the Gospel Excellence Honours Night, hosted by RSL Awards and GMIA. This landmark partnership is not just important, it was the legacy moment that set the tone for the revolutionary gospel qualifications. The Gospel Excellence Honours Night celebrated the first selection of recently appointed RSL & GMIA Fellows, denoting their contributions to the UK gospel and wider music industry.
The first released music grades are in vocals and keys discipline at level 6. They provide Ofqual-regulated qualifications formally produced and assessed by gospel practitioners. These qualifications carry UCAS points, making them ideal for entering University and Higher Education. Ultimately, employment opportunities will be opened as higher grades, diplomas, and degreequalifications are created.
Landmark adventure 🥹. . .
Hailed as ‘the world's first Gospel Graded music examinations,’ this is a significant event, and the added value of it happening in the UK is EPIC!!.
Being right in the middle of this project speaks to my passion and advocacy for an industry and genre that has not always been seen as important, relevant or rewarded. I’ve lived to see this landmark by partnering with the right visionaries and teaming up with passionate goals; the results transcend personal, business, and community expectations.
Thanks & Awardees
#TeamRSL
Norton York - Founder
Tim Bennett-Hart - CEO,
Naomi Morris - Marketing
Alex Forryan - Education Consultant
RSL & GMIA Honorary Fellows were awarded to: Bazil Meade MBE, Karen Gibson MBE, Audrey Lawrence-Mattis, Ayo Oyerinde, Clinton Jordan, David Copeland, Jerome Brown, John Fisher BEM, Ken Burton, Lawrence Johnson, Nicky Brown, Noel Robinson, Priscilla Jones-Campbell, Ray Prince, Tyndale Thomas MBE, Anu Omideyi and Roger Moore.