A music syllabus that is largely based on working with Rock and Pop music can be highly effective in motivating our students. They find it stimulating, relevant and enjoyable. We can use such resources to raise standards and achievement and increase motivation. David Ashworth looks at how we might achieve this by mapping a range of Rock and Pop-based activities on to the Level 5 and 6 Descriptors for music. A highly practical course, making use of simple, affordable hardware and software - which can easily be adapted to each individual teacher's requirements.