Sir Paul McCartney Is New Patron of Music Exam Board As Learning to Play the Guitar Now Helps Students on Their Way to University

Sir Paul McCartney joins David Gilmour and Ronnie Wood as new Patrons of the RGT, as the organisation's graded examinations receive QCA accreditation

The Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT), a UK organisation that administers graded music exams for guitar and publishes a directory of registered guitar teachers, has announced today that Sir Paul McCartney joins legendary musicians, David Gilmour (of Pink Floyd) and Ronnie Wood (of The Rolling Stones), in becoming Honorary Patrons of its organisation. Existing patrons include Hank Marvin, Mick Green and Suzi Quatro.

Tony Skinner, RGT Director said, "We're delighted that such distinguished musicians have chosen to give their support to the RGT. It's a great boost to everyone teaching or studying with the RGT and will undoubtedly help us in our aims to positively promote guitar education."

The support from the international artists comes at the same time as the RGT's practical examinations in electric & classical guitar, bass guitar and music theory have been accredited by the QCA along with its partner organisations in Wales (ACCAC) and Northern Ireland (CEA). Thames Valley University has also been approved as the awarding body. Students who now attain passes in RGT exams at grades six, seven and eight will be awarded UCAS tariff points.

Mr Skinner said, "Everyone in the organisation has been working hard for this to happen. Now, any student who meets the standards required to pass one of the higher RGT exams will be able to use that achievement when applying to study for any subject at university. It takes consistent levels of self-discipline, organisational skills and dedicated time for today's young people to reach high skill levels on a musical instrument such as a guitar and that deserves to be recognised in the wider educational environment. There's now real academic value in learning to play the guitar."

Mr Skinner added, "These are significant developments for us and mark the launch of an extensive and proactive new phase for our organisation that will see the RGT leading the way in setting international standards for guitar education."

About the RGT

The Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT) was founded in 1992 with the aims of improving standards in guitar education and helping the guitar teaching profession to achieve recognition within the mainstream of music education by the establishment of an accredited range of comprehensive and well-structured teaching programmes. The RGT publishes a Directory of registered guitar tutors, and organises regular music education conferences and training seminars. In association with Thames Valley University and the London College of Music, the RGT administers a full range of graded examinations in popular music theory, electric guitar, classical guitar and bass guitar. Graded examinations take place in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

For more information about the RGT examinations and syllabuses please visit our website: www.rtg.org.uk. Tel: 01424 222222 Email: office@RegistryOfGuitarTutors.com