Video exams

A pre-recorded video exam can be a convenient alternative to a face-to-face exam.

Videos can be recorded in any suitable location, at any time. Video submissions are open between April and November.

A pre-recorded video exam may be submitted for the following:

Candidates must carefully check the syllabus to confirm the exam requirements for their instrument and grade, including the number of pieces and maximum performance times.

Videos for P Plate Piano and Repertoire exams are uploaded via AMEB Connect.
Videos for Rockschool exams are uploaded to a sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo etc) then the exam details and the video link (URL) are submitted via the Rockschool submission form.

Recording tips

• Most late-model smartphones are suitable for recording exams.
• Choose a quiet location.
• Use a tripod or position the camera on a music stand or table.
• The video must clearly show the candidate’s face, most of their body, both hands and the complete instrument.
• It is not necessary to show the accompanist.
• If using a backing track or recorded accompaniment, ensure the sound is loud enough and balanced with the instrument.
• Imagine the examiner is seated in the room at the camera location.
• Video resolution of 720p is recommended (minimum 480p, maximum 1080p).
• You may want to use an external microphone and an app that allows for manual audio control.

AMEB video exams

Recording

• The video must start with a spoken introduction by the candidate: name, date, instrument and grade and title of the first piece. Announce each piece before it is played.
• The exam must be recorded in one continuous take.
• The recording must be supervised by an adult.

Submitting

• Videos must be recorded no earlier than three weeks prior to enrolment.
• We recommend uploading from a laptop or desktop computer as mobile devices can break the upload if the screen locks.
• Please remove any special characters (_underscores, – dashes) from the filename (just use letters/numbers) before uploading.
• Longer exams, or exams filmed in high resolution may need to be compressed before uploading as the file size must be 1.5GB or smaller.
• AMEB Connect will accept any of the following video file format types: MP4, MOV, WMB, AVI, FLV

Once a video performance has been assessed and a result issued, the recording cannot be accepted for re-assessment.

Piano

• Capture the whole keyboard and both hands.
• Do not position the camera at the same height as the keyboard.
• Level 2 exams (Grades 5 to 8) must also include the pedals in the frame.
• Piano candidates may use a digital piano for Level 1 (Preliminary to Grade 4) exams only.
• Piano for Leisure candidates may use a digital piano for Level 1 and Level 2 (up to Grade 8) exams.
• Digital pianos must meet the following specifications: keyboard size – 88 notes; action – weighted and touch sensitive; pedals – fixed and functioning as for acoustic pianos.

Strings

• The f-holes should face the camera.
• Position the music stand so the examiner can clearly see the candidate’s body and both hands.

Woodwind

• The candidate should face the camera.
• Position the music stand so the examiner can clearly see the candidate’s body and both hands.

Brass

• The candidate should stand so the bell is not pointing at the camera.
• Position the music stand so the examiner can clearly see the candidate’s body and both hands.

Rockschool video exams

ID can be shown on camera (except for YouTube submissions) or emailed to ameb-vic@unimelb.edu.au

Important: Do not include photo ID in YouTube videos, as the platform will automatically remove any videos containing personal identification.

YouTube and Vimeo visibility settings should be set to unlisted.

Drums candidates must ensure that their backing tracks can be heard alongside their drum sound. For more information, please check the video exam guide.

Candidates are permitted to have a person turn pages in their recording. The Video Exam Resubmissions guide includes more information about reasons why your video may be rejected.

Rockschool offers 2 video exam options, Graded Certificate and Performance Certificate. Click here to download the exam options guide.

Download the Rockschool video recording tips.

• • The video must start with a spoken introduction by the candidate: name, age, date, instrument and grade and title of the first piece. Continue to announce each piece or technical exercise.
• • The exam must be recorded in one continuous take.
• • The recording must be supervised by an adult.
• • Videos must be recorded no earlier than three weeks prior to enrolment.