What are AMEB Exams and Who Should Take Them?
AMEB exams are a valuable way for students to set goals, track progress, and develop well-rounded musicianship.
What is AMEB?
The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) is a national organisation that provides music, speech, and drama exams. AMEB exams offer structured grading from beginner to diploma level.
AMEB exams are available across Australia (each state has its own branch). AMEB is recognised by schools, universities, and music teachers nationwide
Why Sit an AMEB Exam?
Working towards sitting an AMEB exam can give students a clear goal to work toward while building discipline and confidence in performance.
It provides candidates with recognised qualifications that can be valuable for school applications or music scholarships and encourages long-term musical growth.
Additionally, some levels can contribute to HSC (NSW Year 12) credentials. The focus is not on being perfect, but on progressing.
Types of Exams
AMEB offers flexible exam formats to suit different needs. The Comprehensive Exam includes pieces, technical work, sight reading, and general knowledge, providing a thorough assessment. For select instruments, there is the Repertoire Only Exam, which focuses solely on performance pieces.
The “For Leisure” Exam option presents a more relaxed option, featuring fun, modern repertoire. Additionally, Theory Exams are available as separate written or online assessments that explore how music works.
It is important to note that theory is often required for achieving higher performance grades.
What AMEB Grades or Levels are there?
AMEB exams are structured in levels to allow students to progress step by step. The stages begin with the Preliminary (Introductory) level, followed by Grades 1 through 8, which are the main levels for most students.
Beyond these, there is the Certificate of Performance for advanced learners. The highest qualifications are diploma levels, including the AMusA (Associate) and the LMusA (Licentiate), which represent very advanced proficiency.
How Do I Prepare for my AMEB Exam?
There are many ways you can prepare to sit an AMEB exam. Collaborating with your teacher is a very important part of the process.
You can learn your exam pieces and prepare your technical work with your teacher, using official AMEB books and following the current syllabus.
You can also practice sight reading and aural (listening) skills regularly whilst studying the general knowledge related to your pieces (including information about the composer and style).
Another very beneficial preparation tip is to do mock exams to practice under exam conditions .
Remember, preparation leads to confidence.
How to Enrol in an AMEB Exam
At Music on Purpose, we ask parents or students to enrol for their exam. This is important as the person who enrols will receive all the information regarding the exam date, time and venue.
The first step is to enrol in your exam is to head to AMEB Connect. After creating an account or logging in, you will be able to manage your enrolment directly through your personal dashboard.
You can then choose your preferred subject, exam type, and desired grade level. Please note that enrolment periods open and close at specific times. Make sure to check the calendar carefully for these important dates.
Keep in mind that late enrolments are not accepted under any circumstances, so it’s crucial to plan and register well in advance!
Tips for Success…
Practise a little every day, rather than just cramming right before the exam. Record yourself regularly so you can listen critically and identify areas for improvement.
Try practising performing in front of friends or family to build your confidence and gain experience. Read your syllabus carefully and make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you in the exam.
Don’t panic if you make mistakes and identify areas for improvement. At the end of the day, progress is more important than perfection. You’ve got this!
If you’ve been thinking about learning an instrument, we’d love to connect with you.
Music on Purpose is a music studio based in Maroubra and the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, NSW. We offer piano lessons, guitar lessons and vocal / singing lessons for students of all ages. Adults included! We’ve got incredible piano, singing and guitar teachers who genuinely care for their students and tailor their lessons to meet each of their students’ learning needs and desires.
Click below if you’re looking for music lessons in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney! We’d love to hear more about you, and how we can best help you