Exam types

The Australian Music Examinations Board offers graded practical and online theory examinations in Music. Internationally recognised, the AMEB Syllabus is the most widely used Music curricula in Australia. In Western Australia, 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
• Rockschool - including drums, vocals, piano, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, ukulele, keys and band exams.

The current AMEB Manual of Syllabuses provides guidance for all music and Speech and Drama syllabuses. In addition to the syllabus, the AMEB WA Enrollers Handbook (link to be provided) provides a complete guide to undertaking practical and theory exams in Western Australia. The current AMEB syllabus is available to purchase in-store from our State Office, selected music stores or online through the AMEB Federal Office website, www.ameb.edu.au/shop where you can purchase the entire syllabus or a pdf of the instrument or exam type you are interested in.

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.

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.

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.

First Steps provides a comprehensive introductory non-graded examination experience for piano, violin, viola and guitar prior to AMEB graded exams. No books are required to be purchased and booklets are provided to teachers as a free resource, supporting a smooth first exam experience. First Steps accustoms beginners to presenting technical work and pieces, aural tests and general knowledge, setting them up for success as they approach AMEB graded examinations.

• First steps flute [PDF, 1.44MB]
• First steps guitar [PDF, 1.50MB]
• First steps keyboard [PDF, 1.37MB]
• First steps recorder combined [PDF, 1.88MB]
• First steps viola [PDF, 1.49MB]
• First steps violin [PDF, 1.44MB]

P Plate Piano offers a non-graded assessment experience that focuses on encouragement, performance, participation and preparation for AMEB Preliminary level piano. Engagement occurs with classical to contemporary repertoire across a three-book series. Candidates can complete one, two or three exams, whereupon completion of all three a P Plate licence is awarded. With almost 20 pieces in each book, P Plate Piano introduces students to a range of performance styles and technical challenges, carefully graded for musical development. Find out more.

Australian Music Examinations Board 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 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:

• the skills to read effectively
• speaking with clarity
• making presentations to a variety of audiences

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 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 Speech and Drama Manual of Syllabuses or contact the AMEB WA state office.

The current AMEB Speech and Drama Manual of Syllabuses are available to purchase online from the AMEB website, www.ameb.edu.au/shop

Australian Music Examinations Board 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 website, www.ameb.edu.au

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. Unlimited practice tests are available with each exam purchase. Please note, the Exam Key expires 12 months after purchase. Extensions of 30 days may be purchased through Federal Office.

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.
• For class groups only Grade 5 and 6 examinations are available in paper-based format on application to [email protected]
• 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 website, www.ameb.edu.au

Teaching, Musicianship and Theory of Music Diploma written exams are available on application. Contact the AMEB WA office at [email protected] to enrol.

A summary of diploma theory offered is outlined below.

Teaching, Musicianship and Theory of Music Diploma written exams are available on application. Contact the AMEB Federal Office to enrol.

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

You can find sample exam papers online