Following the recital examination trial (2017–18), AMEB has launched
repertoire examinations for all syllabuses excluding for leisure, band, ensemble performance and contemporary popular music (CPM).
From 2019, the traditional exam familiar to most teachers and candidates will be known as the comprehensive exam, and candidates will be able to enrol in either the comprehensive or the repertoire exam for their chosen syllabus.
The primary difference between the examinations is that only pieces are heard for repertoire exams:
- 4 pieces (3 list and 1 own choice) for level 1
- 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
- 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.
Objectives and requirements
The requirements for repertoire examinations are outlined in the
2019 Manual of Syllabuses on the last page of each instrument section. Candidates will be assessed according to the objectives, regulations and grading descriptors contained in this year's syllabus.
The objectives and requirements may differ to those originally included in the trial recital syllabuses publications, so teachers must ensure they are following the requirements set out in the 2019 Manual of Syllabuses.
In the event that a candidate presents with the incorrect number of pieces in their exam, i.e. not enough pieces, the examiner will indicate this to the candidate and they will be given the opportunity to present another.
In the event that a candidate presents a work which is not prescribed for the grade or diploma within the syllabus for which they have entered, the examiner will indicate this to the candidate and will advise that the work cannot be heard. The candidate will be given the opportunity to substitute another work from that grade, but if no substitute is offered, the candidate will be asked to proceed directly to the next item of the examination. On the examination report, the examiner will note that the omitted work cannot be assessed.
In grade examinations, the absence of 1 work reduces the overall result by one grading. If 2 or more works are not assessed because the works presented are not prescribed for the grade within the syllabus, the overall result will be noted as 'not able to assess' with an explanation given in the general remarks.
Please visit the
AMEB Federal Office website for more information.