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.
Assessing students from Preliminary to Diploma levels (and from P Plate Piano to Diploma level for piano), candidates can enrol in exams on a vast array instruments from the following families:
- Keyboard—including piano, organ and accordion
- 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 and musical theatre.
Candidates can also undertake ensemble performance examinations, available for string, woodwind, brass, percussion or other mixed ensembles.
AMEB Qld offers Theory examinations in Music Craft, Theory of Music and Musicianship as well.
The current AMEB Manual of Syllabuses for all music syllabuses and the Speech and Drama Syllabuses will be your complete guide to taking AMEB practical or written exams in music, speech or drama in 2021.
The detailed collection of music syllabuses outlines the requirements for taking exams at all grade and diploma levels including the syllabus objectives, repertoire options, technical work and additional requirements.
The 2021 AMEB Manual of Syllabuses are available to purchase in-store from our State Office in Ashgrove or through the
AMEB Qld Shop.
Comprehensive examinations
Since 2019, the traditional exam that will be familiar to most teachers and candidates will become known as the 'comprehensive' exam.
A comprehensive exam consists of technical work, studies and pieces and, depending on the level and syllabus requirements, aural tests, sight-reading and general knowledge.
Within the new 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. Please refer to the full 2021 Manual of Syllabuses for more information and full syllabus requirements.
For Leisure examinations
AMEB's 'For Leisure' syllabuses—available in piano, saxophone and singing—cater 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.
The 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 of Music, Musicianship or Music Craft examination is required to pass any grade or the Certificate of Performance.
Please refer to the full 2021 Manual of Syllabuses for more information and full syllabus requirements.
Repertoire examinations
AMEB is now offering repertoire examinations for all syllabuses excluding For Leisure, 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.
Please refer to the full 2021 Manual of Syllabuses for more information and full syllabus requirements.
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.
Please refer to the full 2021 Manual of Syllabuses for more information and full syllabus requirements.
Speech and Drama exams
Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Qld offers graded practical and written 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 (formerly Drama 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 (formerly Drama 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 2020 AMEB Speech and Drama Manual of Syllabuses are available to purchase in-store from our State Office in Ashgrove or through the
AMEB Qld Shop.
If you are looking to enrol in a Speech and Drama exam, or are a current candidate, the following documents are available for download:
Theory exams
Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Qld offers graded online and written examinations in Theory.
Three syllabuses are available for examination in the theoretical aspects of music, namely:
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Music Craft: Preliminary to Grade 6, with examinations including both written and aural components throughout the syllabus
-
Theory of Music: Grade 1 to Grade 6, associate and licentiate diploma (diplomas are available in musicology, harmony and counterpoint, and orchestration and arrangement)
-
Musicianship: Grade 1 to Grade 6, associate and licentiate diploma, with exams including aural components from Grade 4 onwards.
Candidates may complete certain theory courses and examinations online through the
AMEB online learning and exams centre. The online examinations use the same syllabus as the written examination papers. The aural components, if applicable, are administered through the computer's speakers within the examination.
To receive their certificate, practical music examination candidates undertaking Grade 6 or higher will need to attain certain music craft or theory of music or musicianship qualifications.
Further, both the associate and licentiate theory of music and musicianship diplomas require certain practical music examination levels to have been reached.
For the full syllabus requirements, please refer to the Manual of Syllabuses or visit the
AMEB online learning and exams centre.
More information about speech and performance theory can be found on the 'Speech and Drama exams' tab.
Useful resources
Video exams
In 2020, AMEB Qld fast-tracked the development of video examinations for candidates wishing to pursue their musical journey through the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, AMEB Repertoire examinations will continue to be offered as video and face-to-face examinations. During 2021, a candidate who chooses to undertake a video examination will be able to complete a Repertoire or For Leisure (Repertoire) examination by video in Sessions 74 and 78. View the
2021 examination calendar (PDF, 390KB) for session close and submission dates.
Teachers should prepare the candidate for the particular Repertoire or For Leisure (Repertoire) examination (for piano, saxophone and singing only) in accordance with AMEB’s syllabus requirements. The 'For Leisure' Repertoire examination requirements can be accessed from the 2021 Manual of Syllabuses.
The Repertoire Examination via video syllabus requirements are the same as an in-situ Repertoire examination's syllabus requirements. Please refer to the relevant syllabus for the candidate's particular level and grade in the relevant Manual of Syllabuses.
Please note that these video examination requirements may be updated in response to trial feedback and any other advice and directives from state departments’ and other relevant bodies.
To submit a video examination candidates will need to:
- record the performance in one take (no breaks) with a good quality recording device
- upload the performance video to YouTube (see guide to recording and uploading video examinations instructions (PDF, 805KB))
- complete the video submission web form.
A submission form will be issued to the enroller to forward to the candidate. AMEB Qld will schedule an examiner to assess the video recording and provide a result in the report, in the same way they would in an in-situ examination in accordance with the objectives and grading descriptors listed in the Manual of Syllabuses. An AMEB Repertoire or For Leisure (Repertoire) certificate will be issued to each candidate who has successfully completed all the requirements.
The documents below contain resources for enrollers, parents and candidates for setting up and submitting a candidate's video examination. The Guide to recording and uploading video examinations and instructions is intended as compulsory reading prior to undertaking the video examination.
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
In 2020 and 2021, candidates will have the choice of
2 types of Diploma exams.
-
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.
-
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 2021.
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 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockschool has introduced
2 Graded Exams that are submitted via video.
- 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.
- 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
http://www.rockschool.ameb.edu.au/