Types of exams

Music exams

Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Qld offers graded practical and written examinations in Music. The AMEB Syllabus is one of the most widely used Music curricula in Australia.

In Queensland, candidates can enrol in a number of exams types from the following instrument groups:

• Piano
  
• Strings—including violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar and harp
• Woodwind—including recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone
• Orchestral Brass—including horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba and euphonium
• Percussion
• Band—including Concert Band and Brass Band—Bb, Eb and C instruments
• Voice—including singing, singing for leisure and musical theatre.

Candidates can also undertake ensemble performance examinations, available for string, woodwind, brass, percussion or other mixed ensembles.

The current AMEB Manual of Syllabuses (MoS) provides guidance for all music and Speech and Drama syllabi. The MoS should be read in conjunction with the AMEB Qld Enrollers Handbook (PDF, 5.1MB)​ for your complete guide to undertaking practical and theory exams in Queensland.

The current AMEB MoS is available to purchase in-store from our Ashgrove State Office or online through the AMEB Qld Shop.

Comprehensive examinations

A comprehensive exam consists of technical work (scales and exercises), studies and pieces and, depending on the level and syllabus requirements, aural tests, sight-reading and general knowledge.

Within the Piano Syllabus (only), candidates can undertake a comprehensive 'collaborative' examination. The collaborative option allows candidates to demonstrate ensemble skills by presenting works with an associate artist as part of the repertoire requirements for the grade.

For Leisure examinations

AMEB's 'For Leisure' syllabuses is available in piano, saxophone and singing and caters to a variety of musical tastes and interests.

These syllabuses are designed for all ages and explore popular repertoire including well-loved standards from the classics, jazz standards, arrangements of movie themes, popular songs and concert arrangements. The singing for leisure syllabus includes folk songs, songs from musical theatre and film, and popular contemporary songs.

For Leisure syllabuses differ from the comprehensive syllabuses in the technical work requirements, and candidates are given the choice between aural tests and sight reading. Further, no additional theory is required to pass any grade or the Certificate of Performance.

Repertoire examinations

AMEB offers repertoire examinations for all syllabuses excluding band and ensemble performance.

In repertoire exams, only pieces are heard:

• 4 pieces (3 list and 1 own choice) for Level 1 examinations
• 5 pieces (3 list and 2 own choice) for Level 2 examinations.

While technical work is still important and relevant for exam preparation, repertoire exams allow candidates to focus on their technique through repertoire and have the flexibility to choose a range of repertoire styles, including own choice works.

Similar to comprehensive exams, repertoire exam candidates must still achieve a pass grade in particular grades of musicianship, theory of music or music craft (or equivalents) in order to complete the requirements for practical examinations at Grade 6, 7 and 8 to receive their certificate.

For Leisure Repertoire examinations

AMEB's 'For Leisure' Repertoire syllabuses is only available in piano, saxophone and singing.

In a For Leisure Repertoire exam, a candidate is required to perform a total of 4 works, 2 list pieces and 2 own choice.

While technical work is still important and relevant for exam preparation, repertoire exams allow candidates to focus on their technique through repertoire and have the flexibility to choose a range of repertoire styles, including own choice works.

No additional theory is required to pass any grade or the Certificate of Performance.

Ensemble Performance examinations

The Ensemble Performance Syllabuses enable ensembles to be examined and focus on works for instruments in the specified family; however, works presented under each subject may include other instruments, for example, Piano, Guitar, Harp and Percussion.

Similar to other syllabuses, these syllabuses are broken down into 3 levels of Grades 1–Diploma.

Speech and Drama exams

Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Qld offers graded practical and online theory examinations in Speech and Drama, with the AMEB Syllabus being one of the most widely used Speech and Drama curricula in Australia.

Assessing students from Preliminary to Diploma levels, candidates can study Voice and Communication, Speech and Performance, Drama and Communication, and Speech and Performance Theory.

Voice and Communication

Voice and Communication exams are designed to develop voice and communication skills both for everyday life and the professional sector, and exams are offered from Preliminary grade to associate. The exams are designed to develop confidence in communications:

• the skills to read effectively
• speak with clarity
• make presentations to a variety of audiences.

Speech pre-exam

'Pre-exams' are also offered in speech and communication. Often, a young, inexperienced or enthusiastic student wants to do an exam but does not have the requisite maturity and skills. The pre-exam offers candidates—individually or in a small group (2–3 people)—the opportunity to experience the examination situation in an enjoyable and non-graded environment.

Speech and Performance

Speech and Performance exams are designed to develop interpretative and performance skills across a broad spectrum of styles, genres and eras, and are offered from Preliminary to Licentiate Diploma level. Candidates will achieve secure vocal technique, integrated physical response and imaginative and insightful presentation of texts. They will develop the skills required for interpreting to audiences in a variety of performance spaces.

Drama and Communication

The Drama and Communication Syllabus offers a series of examinations in the area of performing arts. The exams are especially designed for a wide range of drama and speech learning environments and provide for creative flexibility within these contexts. The syllabus should appeal to both classroom Drama teachers and Speech and Drama teachers working in a private studio.

It is a multi-optional syllabus and candidates may present for examination:

• in one large class group in which sub groups could work together to flesh out the focus and performance for the chosen grade—these students would present one examination lasting 30 minutes (or more according to level)
• in pairs (duo)
• as individual candidates.

Speech and Performance Theory

Speech and Performance Theory exams are an opportunity for candidates to show their understanding of the functional framework of speech and performance, and are offered from 1st grade to 7th grade. The exams are designed to have relevance for a wide range of candidates, focusing on progressive consolidation of knowledge relating to dramatic performance, oral interpretation and spoken interaction in a variety of communication situations.

For more information on any of the Speech and Drama Syllabuses, please refer to the current 2020 Speech and Drama Manual of Syllabuses or contact the AMEB Qld state office on (07) 3634 0933.

The current AMEB Speech and Drama Manual of Syllabuses are available to purchase online from the AMEB website.

Online theory examinations

Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) offers graded online and written examinations covering the theoretical aspects of music.

Online examinations and courses for all theory syllabuses are available from the AMEB Online Learning and Exam Centre.

When an online theory examination is purchased, the candidate will be issued with an Exam Key and Exam PIN, unique codes which, together, give access to practice and official exams. Please note, the Exam Key expires 12 months after purchase. Extensions of 30 days may be purchased through the Online Learning and Exams website.

Student workbooks are available to assist candidates in preparing for their examinations from the AMEB Qld Shop. Teacher guides for Music Craft are also available.

A summary of online theory offered is outlined as follows:

Theory of Music – Grade 1 to Grade 6

• Focuses on the creative aspects of Music Theory and has no aural component.

Music Craft – Preliminary to Grade 6

• Includes both written and aural components throughout the syllabus.
• Grade 5 and 6 available in paper-based format on application through AMEB Ltd.
  
• Provides an alternative way of teaching theoretical and aural aspects of music in each grade.
  

Musicianship – Grade 1 to Grade 6

• Examinations introduce an aural component from Grade 4.
• The syllabuses for Theory of Music and Musicianship are similar from Preliminary to Grade 4.
  

For more information on online theory, visit the AMEB frequently asked questions page.

Diploma theory examinations

Teaching, Musicianship and Theory of Music Diploma written exams are available on application. Contact the AMEB Qld office at enquiries.ameb@qed.qld.gov.au to enrol.

A summary of diploma theory offered is outlined below.

Theory of Music

Associate and Licentiate Diploma (diplomas are available in musicology, harmony and counterpoint, and orchestration and arrangement).

Musicianship

Associate and Licentiate Diploma.

Rockschool exams

Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) is proud to continue its partnership with RSL, UK, Rockschool to deliver AMEB Rockschool examinations in Australia.

Rockschool is a contemporary music program of examinations and globally recognised qualifications for electric guitar, bass, drums, vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, ukulele and bands. Rockschool specialises in music of the most popular genres in a range of contemporary styles (rock, pop, metal and funk).

The program offers comprehensive syllabuses and a range of examination support materials including grade books, companion guides, technical handbooks and backing tracks (recordings). For all available resources, visit the Rockschool Australia website.

Ranging from introductory grades all the way to diploma level—a candidate’s work is rewarded by a valuable qualification regardless of their age. Each Rockschool grade gives the options of sitting either a Grade Exam or a Performance Certificate.

Rockschool Grade Exam

The Rockschool Grade Exam syllabus provides a framework for the progressive development of a wide range of musical and technical skills, over a series of grades from beginner to expert level.

Technical, aural and sight-reading skills are acquired in a sequential way. Performance pieces focus on the most popular contemporary genres which are selected by experts to suit the needs of students at their particular stage of development.

A Rockschool Grade Exam, from Debut to Grade 5, includes:

• 3 Performance pieces—2 of which may be Free Choice
• Technical exercises
• Sight-reading, Improvisation
• Ear tests
• General Musicianship questions.

Rockschool Performance Certificates

For a Performance Certificate Exam, the candidate plays 5 pieces; there are no Technical Exercises, Ear Tests, Sight-reading or General Musicianship requirements in a Performance Certificate Exam.

A performance Certificate Exam includes:

• 5 Performance Pieces (Premier to Grade 8)—3 of which may be Free Choice pieces

Rockschool diplomas

Candidates have the choice of 2 types of diploma exams.

1. New Professional Diplomas (Level 4 and Level 6): The Professional Diplomas recognise the expertise in people who are already working in the creative industries, and are designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes and pathways.
2. Current Performance Diplomas (Level 4 and Level 6): Performance Diplomas allow a candidate to master a range of professional-level skills that are tailored to the needs of a performer (gigging musician). These Diplomas are available until the end of 2022.

Syllabuses for Level 4 New Professional Diploma (PDF, 2.2MB) and Level 6 New Professional Diploma (PDF, 5.4MB) are available for download through the links provided, or by visiting the Rockschool Australia website. All recourses for current Performance Diploma’s including syllabuses, Candidate Handbooks & Assessment Criteria for Level 4 and Level 6 can be found on the Rockschool Australia website.

Rockschool video exams

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockschool has introduced 2 Graded Exams that are submitted via video.

1. Graded Certificate (Debut to Grade 5): Graded Certificates cover grades Debut to 5 and require the candidate to play 3 pieces (up to 2 free choice pieces) and all of the technical exercises published in the Rockschool Grade books. There are no Ear Tests, Sight-reading, Improvisation or General Music questions requirements in a Graded Certificate video exam.
2. Performance Certificate (Premiere to Grade 8): Candidates will be marked by a Rockschool examiner in the same way they would be for an in-situ examination. Candidates can choose to play all 5 pieces from the Rockschool Graded Book repertoire, or choose to record up to 3 Free Choice pieces from the following:

• Songs in the public domain, including hits from the charts e.g. a song by their favourite band or artist
• Pieces from other examination boards
• A piece from our Rockschool Classics series
• Their own composition.

Candidate’s can enrol in both examination types in Session 90 online through AMEB Qld Shop. AMEB Qld will forward your candidate’s enrolment details onto RSL Rockschool UK, who will then email you a link to upload the video to MASV (file sharing software) within approximately 4 weeks.

For the complete guide to Rockschool exams submitted through video, visit Guide to taking a Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate examination via video (PDF, 4.2MB) and view the FAQs (PDF, 423KB).

Support Materials

A range of publications to support Rockschool teaching and learning are listed on the Rockschool Australia website including examination tips and FAQs.

Results

Ofqual, Rockschool’s certification body in the UK, require all Rockschool reports to be moderated in the UK before being released. Consequently, Rockschool results and certificates will take approximately 7 weeks to be dispatched to you.

Enrolling for examinations

Enrolments for Rockschool examinations are online through the AMEB Qld Shop.

Popular Music Theory and Music Production Exams are administered by the AMEB Federal Office. For further information on these examinations, visit the Rockschool website.