Keyboard
Piano
AMEB Victoria offers a variety of piano assessments, suitable for beginner to expert performers, in a variety of formats.
Peformance evaluations are available for students who may want to be independently assessed, but without the formality of an exam. They choose a program of pieces with either a 15- or 30-minute duration and receive a written report, but no grade or result.
P Plate Piano is a series of three bright, colourful piano books designed to prepare beginner pianists for AMEB Preliminary exams. The books feature stunning artwork, fun activities and informative text, written by respected music educator, Elissa Milne.
Non-graded assessments are available at the end of each book. Click here for P Plate Piano assessment guidelines. Candidates completing the Book 3 assessment are awarded their P Plate Piano ‘licence’.
Grade exams can be taken from Preliminary to Certificate of Performance, in either Piano or Piano for Leisure. Piano exams focus more on classical repertoire, while Piano for Leisure offers a more varied choice of pieces, including movie themes, music theatre and pop songs.
Comprehensive exams include a variety of elements, including Technical Work and other tests, while Repertoire exam candidates are only required to perform a selection of pieces.
Piano (Collaborative) exams are available for Comprehensive candidates between Grades 5 and 8 as an alternative to Piano (Solo).
Grade 5 and 6 Collaborative Piano candidates choose one piece from the syllabus List for piano duet.
Grade 7 and 8 Collaborative Piano candidates choose two pieces from the syllabus Lists for one of the following: Piano duet; Clarinet and Piano; Flute and Piano; Violin and Piano. Both collaborative pieces must be for the same combination of instruments.
All other elements of the Collaborative Piano exam will be the same as for the Comprehensive Piano syllabus. Teachers and candidates should check the precise requirements in the current Manual of Syllabuses (Music Syllabuses) before enrolling.
Only the candidate is assessed in this exam. However, the associate artist must be musically and technically proficient, so the candidate is able to perform to their full potential.
Diploma exams are available for the advanced performer. AMEB offers Associate and Licentiate Diploma exams. Diploma exams are not available in Piano for Leisure.
| Type of exam | Piano | Piano for Leisure | Repertoire (either Piano or Piano for Leisure) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P-Plate Piano | Y | N | N |
| Graded exams (Preliminary to Grade 8) | Y | Y | Y |
| Certificate of Performance exams | Y | Y | N |
| Diploma exams | Y | N | N |
Some assessments can only be taken face-to-face, while some also allow for assessment by pre-recorded video. Click here for information on how to record and submit a video performance.
| Type of assessment | Face-to-face assessment | Pre-recorded video assessment |
|---|---|---|
| P-Plate Piano | Y | Y |
| Performance Evaluations | Y | Y |
| Graded exams, Comprehensive (including Collaborative) | Y | N |
| Graded exams, Repertoire | Y | Y |
| Certificate of Performance / Diploma exams | Y | N |
Support Materials
AMEB produces a range of publications to support teaching and learning and these are listed in the current Manual of Syllabuses (Music Syllabuses). Supplementary materials are also available to support the development of aural skills, theoretical knowledge, etc. Visit the AMEB shop here.
Exam requirements
It is essential that teachers and candidates consult the current syllabus for details of specific exam requirements and regulations. The Manual of Syllabuses (Music Syllabuses) is available to buy as a hard copy or digital download through AMEB Connect.
Enrolling for exams
Face-to-face Piano exams are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical Sessions.
Diploma exams are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn. Associate exams are held in each of the Metropolitan Practical Sessions. Licentiate exams take place in July and September. Click here for enrolment dates >
P Plate Piano, Repertoire and Certificate of Performance exams are also available by pre-recorded video.
Other instruments
In addition to the range of Piano exams, AMEB also offers Performance Evaluations and Comprehensive and Repertoire exams for Organ (Grade 3 to Diploma) and Accordion (Preliminary to Diploma) as a Repertoire exam by pre-recorded video. For further details please see the Manual of Syllabuses.
| Keyboard Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| P Plate Piano Book 1 & 2 | $ | 55.00 |
| P Plate Piano Book 3 | $ | 65.00 |
| Preliminary | $ | 106.00 |
| Grade 1 | $ | 114.00 |
| Grade 2 | $ | 121.00 |
| Grade 3 | $ | 135.00 |
| Grade 4 | $ | 143.00 |
| Grade 5 | $ | 152.00 |
| Grade 6 | $ | 172.00 |
| Grade 7 | $ | 204.00 |
| Grade 8 | $ | 235.00 |
| Certificate of Performance | $ | 262.00 |
| Associate in Music | $ | 415.00 |
| Licentiate in Music | $ | 535.00 |
All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.