> Associate in Music, Practical examinations
> Diploma examination rehearsals
> Arrival time
> Photo ID
> Warm up
> Copies of music
> Page turning
> Additional requirement
> General Knowledge
> Written and Aural diploma exams
> Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony

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AMEB diplomas are awarded annually by examination to outstanding candidates in the following fields:

• Practice of Music
• Speech & Drama Performance
• Music Theory
• Speech & Drama Theory
• Teaching

It is essential that teachers and candidates consult the current year’s syllabus for details of AMEB examination requirements and note the applicable regulations, which are amended from time to time. The current Manual of Syllabuses is available for purchase in the traditional hard copy format or as a digital file (PDF); and digital syllabuses are available for individual instruments and families. Click here to purchase a syllabus via AMEB Connect.

Associate of Music, Australia (AMusA) Practical examinations

The Associate Diploma is highly respected in the international music community and recognises a sophistication of musical understanding and performance abilities that are well above the requirements for Grade 8.

The success rate for AMusA is much lower than for Grade examinations. To avoid disappointment, it is therefore suggested that teachers with limited experience in presenting candidates at Diploma level obtain advice from an experienced teacher before entering candidates for AMusA.

Enrolments for AMusA Diploma examinations can be made during any of the Melbourne Metropolitan sessions, while LMusA Diploma exams are scheduled in two special Licentiate sessions in June and September. All Diploma exams are scheduled in accordance with the availability of two or more specialist examiners, which can make it difficult to accommodate requests for special dates.

Diploma examination rehearsals

Associate and Licentiate Practical examinations are held only in Studio 1 at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn, which is equipped with a Steinway Model B grand piano. Candidates wishing to rehearse in the Studio may do so when it is not being used for exams. Availability is limited so candidates are advised to book rehearsal times well in advance. Hire fees are payable and the Studio can be booked by contacting AMEB Victoria. Please note that examinations would normally be conducted with the piano lid opened on the short stick.

Arrival time

Candidates should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled examination time (earlier, if a warm-up is required).  Due to scheduling constraints, candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled time cannot be examined (they will be marked ‘Absent’).

Photo ID

Associate and Licentiate candidates are required to present photographic identification to the Venue Supervisor, together with the completed Notice of Examination, on arrival.

Warm up

A studio containing an upright piano will be provided for warm-up; it will be available 30 minutes prior to the scheduled examination time.

Copies of music

Diploma candidates are required to provide a copy of each work for the use of the examiners. If performing from memory, candidates must provide a published edition of the music. If performing from print music controlled by an AMCOS Publisher, a photocopy of the music can be provided to the examiners, provided that: (a) a ‘Copyright Declaration Form’ is completed and attached; (b) the photocopy is marked with the words “Examination Copy Only”; and (c) the photocopy is retained by AMEB Victoria and destroyed following the examination. The Guide to Music Copyright for Australian Educators may be downloaded from www.apraamcos.com.au; copies of the Copyright Declaration Form may be downloaded by clicking here.

Page turning

Candidates should not expect examiners to turn pages and adequate steps must be taken to ensure continuity of the music in performance. A page-turner may be used by the candidate and/or accompanist. The page-turner may only remain in the examination room when actually required.

Additional requirement

An additional examination is required to complete the Associate or Licentiate examination and qualify for the award of the diploma. For details, please refer to Regulation 19 in the Manual of Syllabuses.  Note that there is no time limit for the completion of an additional requirement.  It is the responsibility of the candidate to notify AMEB Victoria of the date of meeting the additional requirement. 

General Knowledge

New guidelines for Level 3 practical examinations

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a mature understanding of the structure, style and historical background of the repertoire that is performed and to use this as a basis for discussing the interpretive choices that they make.

Questions, which will be asked from the full piano score, will focus on the following areas:

• Terminology, including the significance of titles and the meaning of all markings contained in the score.
• Composers: relevant biographical information, sources of influence, impact upon later generations of composers and reper-toire output (both in the discipline being examined and more broadly).
• Historical and stylistic context: how each work relates to the period from which it arises, considering both its compositional style and the performance conventions of the time.
• Structure: formal layout, keys, melodic/harmonic language and the identification of climax points.
• For instrumentalists, the construction and development of the instrument, with special consideration given to any implications this may have upon the repertoire that is performed.

Candidates must provide the examiners with clear, unmarked copies of all scores, including the piano part.

In addition to the guidelines above, Level 3 candidates in Woodwind, Percussion, Band, Musical Theatre and Singing must consult the General Knowledge requirements in these syllabuses as they contain certain requirements specific to these syllabuses.

Written and Aural Diploma exams on application

Teaching, Musicianship and Theory of Music Diploma exams are available on application. Candidates will be responsible for arranging the venue and suitable supervision. Please contact us more than six weeks prior to the proposed examination date to confirm the application process.

Associate Musicianship Aural
Licentiate Musicianship Aural
Associate Musicianship Written Paper
Licentiate Musicianship Written Paper
CTMusA Written Paper
ATMusA Written Paper
LTMusA Written Paper
Associate Musicology
Associate Harmony & Counterpoint
Associate Orchestration & Arrangement
Licentiate Musicology
Licentiate Harmony & Counterpoint
Licentiate Orchestration & Arrangement

Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony

Successful Associate and Licentiate candidates, who have provided AMEB with evidence of their completion of any Additional Requirements, will be invited to attend the annual Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony which is usually held in March each year.  A successful candidate who is not able to be present to receive his/her award in person will be admitted ‘in absentia’ to the diploma and the certificate will be mailed following the ceremony.