On 15 October 2025, music educators from Cristofori Music School gathered at Bechstein Music World, Singapore Conference Hall, for a special professional development event — Celebrating RSL Mentors: Inspiring Growth & Advancing Music Education in the AI Era.

The session, led by Mike Stylianou, Head of International Strategy at RSL Awards (Rockschool), brought together teachers across all instruments for an engaging morning of learning, sharing, and musical exploration. It highlighted how the teaching profession continues to evolve — not only in response to new syllabuses, but also in adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape of music education today.

A New Era of Piano Learning

One of the main focuses of the session was the new Rockschool Piano 2025 syllabus, which seamlessly blends classical and contemporary repertoire to meet the needs of modern students. The syllabus expands the stylistic and expressive range available to learners, while maintaining the structured technical foundation that has made Rockschool one of the most accessible and engaging music education systems worldwide.

Teachers were treated to live demonstrations of selected pieces from the new edition, performed by fellow educators. The performances — ranging from early-grade favourites like Minuet in F to pop-inspired selections such as Bad Habits, Don’t Start Now, and All I Ask — illustrated the syllabus’s dynamic versatility. Each performance underscored how the Rockschool framework encourages creativity and expression while aligning with rigorous learning outcomes.

The program also featured short showcases from the RSL Classical Guitar and RSL Classical Violin syllabuses, with performances of David Cottam’s Amontillado (Guitar Grade 4) and Rather Be (Violin Grade 8). These pieces reflected RSL’s growing commitment to connecting traditional repertoire with contemporary musical sensibilities, equipping students to perform confidently in both acoustic and modern contexts.

Teaching in the AI Era: Introducing RiFF

Another key highlight of the morning was the introduction of RiFF, RSL’s brand-new interactive sheet music and learning platform. Replacing the former RSL Learning Platform, RiFF represents a significant step forward for music education in the digital age.

Designed specifically for teachers and students, RiFF integrates advanced tools such as multi-angle video playback, adjustable tempo, looping, and real-time instrument visuals. Its “exam mode” simulates authentic test conditions — offering a practical, immersive way to prepare for performance assessments.

But beyond its impressive technology, RiFF also embodies a larger vision for music education in the age of AI. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in learning environments, tools like RiFF allow teachers to reclaim what makes human instruction irreplaceable — empathy, inspiration, and artistry. By handling repetitive tasks such as demonstration playback and practice tracking, RiFF frees teachers to focus on developing musicianship, creativity, and emotional communication — the very qualities that define music as a human art.

The tool’s combination of interactivity and accessibility shows just how digital platforms can serve as partners in advancing education rather than replacing it.

Honouring Educators and Mentorship

The morning concluded with a heartfelt Awards Presentation, celebrating the dedication, perseverance, and passion of Cristofori’s RSL educators. Categories such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Teacher Awards recognised outstanding teaching achievements, while special honours acknowledged teachers who demonstrated exceptional mentorship and impact on their students’ growth.

Teachers are at the heart of every student’s journey. Their ability to inspire, to nurture confidence, and to instill a lifelong love for music is what sustains the spirit of education — even as technology evolves.

As the session closed with warm applause and conversations over lunch, one message stood out clearly: the future of music education lies not in replacing human connection, but in empowering it. With new tools, updated syllabuses, and a shared commitment to continual growth, Cristofori’s teachers continue to lead the way — keeping music, mentorship, and creativity alive for generations to come.

 

Looking for a new instrument? Browse through our myriad of options for all your music instrument needs at our E-Shop!