The AMEB Performance Evaluation Program aims to encourage and motivate learners of any age or level of attainment by providing achievable goals, feedback on progress, and recognition of their efforts.

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> About the program
> How to enrol
> How to submit a Performance Evaluation by video
> Guide to recording a performance for video evaluation

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About the program

An AMEB Performance Evaluation offers each student:

•  • a goal to work towards
•  • an individually-selected program of work for evaluation
•  • constructive feedback through a written report
•  • recognition of achievement via a Certificate of Participation

Performance Evaluation is useful for developing musicians whose study programs do not align with the requirements of AMEB Practical Exams, as the content of the evaluation is established by the teacher and customised to the needs of the individual student.

Whilst Performance Evaluations are usually ungraded, a school’s assessment objectives and marking schema could be applied, on request.

A 20-minute or 30-minute Performance Evaluation might be suitable for students who:

•  • are preparing for a VCE examination
•  • would value feedback prior to an AMEB examination (e.g. an Associate or Licentiate Diploma exam)
•  • are learning in a Suzuki or Yamaha program
•  • are learning in a group
•  • are progressing through a development program that does not align with AMEB exam requirements.

A 10-minute Performance Evaluation might be suitable for students who are in their early stages of learning and who would benefit from having a performance opportunity to work towards, some encouraging feedback, and a certificate to recognise their progress. Material from the former Induction Test could be presented in the 10-minute Performance Evaluation.

Face-to-face Performance Evaluations

The student has an opportunity to perform an individually-selected program of work for an AMEB Examiner and receive constructive feedback. Face-to-face Performance Evaluations are available in durations of 10, 20 and 30 minutes; and group or concert-style evaluations might be possible by special arrangement.

Video Performance Evaluations

Students also have the option to record their performance and submit a video for evaluation at any time between 1 April and 28 November. Enrolments are made via AMEB Connect (Victoria). Select Series 60 Video Examinations and enter for a 10-minute, 20-minute or 30-minute Video Performance Evaluation in the chosen instrument. When the video recording has been finalised, it is uploaded to AMEB Connect via the My Candidates screen. The performance will be evaluated by an AMEB Examiner and a written report and certificate of completion issued within 30 days.

Instruments

Performance Evaluation is currently offered for the following instruments:

Performance Evaluation for other instruments might be available; please contact AMEB Victoria before enrolling.

Accompaniment

Collaborative music-making with an accompanist or performing with a suitable backing track is encouraged, however accompaniment is optional in a Performance Evaluation.

Program of work and performance time

The program of work would normally be selected by the teacher and may include repertoire, band/orchestral excerpts and/or technical work, as required. The total performance time should be less than the duration of the evaluation (to allow time for the Examiner to finalise comments):

7 minutes performance time in a 10-minute evaluation
15 minutes performance time in a 20-minute evaluation
25 minutes performance time on a 30-minute evaluation

How to enrol

Enrol for an AMEB Performance Evaluation via AMEB Connect (Victoria)

1. 1. Register for AMEB Connect (Victoria) or Log in if registered
2. 2. Select a previously enrolled candidate or add a new candidate.
3. 3. Enter enrolment details

Face-to-face Evaluation – choose one of Practical examination sessions.
Video Evaluation – choose Series 60 – Video Exams

Search for the available subjects by typing the first few letters of the name of the instrument, such as clar for clarinet then select the Performance Evaluation option for the relevant instrument.

Select the subject and duration – e.g. Clarinet Performance Evaluation 30mins OR Clarinet Perf. Evaluation (video) 30mins

Select the Preferred Venue. The default venue for Melbourne is Hawthorn Studios, unless an alternative venue has been pre-approved. (The venue for a video evaluation should be video.)

How to submit a Performance Evaluation by video

Record the evaluation performance in one take with a good-quality recording device (see Guide to recording a performance for video Evaluation, below)

Upload the performance video to AMEB Connect. The enrolling person clicks ‘submit video’ for the chosen candidate in the My Candidates section of AMEB Connect and provides performance details. (Submission must be by 28 November.)

The video will be reviewed by an AMEB Examiner and a written report will be emailed to the enrolling person.

Guide to recording a performance for video evaluation

Camera and microphone

A high-quality recording device should be used; a recent-model smart phone or tablet might be suitable (test both audio and vision). Video resolution of 720p is recommended (minimum 480p). The camera must be positioned to capture the performer’s face, both hands and the instrument. It is important that the sound is appropriately balanced between the solo part and the live or recorded accompaniment (if any). A quiet location with good lighting and minimal ambient noise should be selected.

At the beginning of the recording, the candidate should introduce him/herself and the title of the first item e.g.: “My name is John Smith. My first piece is XXXXX.” Each subsequent work should also be announced, e.g.: “I will now play XXXX.”