Strings
Cello, Classical Guitar, Double Bass, Harp, Viola, Violin
AMEB Victoria offers a variety of assessments for Strings (including Classical Guitar and Harp), suitable for beginner to expert performers, in a variety of formats. Harp exams from Grade 5 to Certificate of Performance are offered as either Lever or Pedal subjects.
Performance 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 / result.
Grade exams can be taken from Preliminary to Certificate of Performance. Comprehensive exams include a variety of elements, including Technical Work, Aural and Sight-Reading Tests and a General Knowledge section, while Repertoire exam candidates are only required to perform a selection of pieces.
Diploma exams are available for the advanced performer. AMEB offers Associate and Licentiate Diploma exams.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Evaluations | Y | Y |
| Graded exams, Comprehensive | 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 in hard copy or as a digital download, and digital syllabuses are available for individual instruments and instrument families. Read more about purchasing syllabuses >
A new Viola syllabus was released in 2024 and is supported by new publications, including: Viola Technical work (2023), Viola Series 2 repertoire books (Preliminary to Grade 6) and Viola Sight-reading (2023).
Users of the new syllabus will be able to source repertoire from Viola Series 1, Viola Series 2, and/or the new Manual Lists. Viola Technical work (2007) may not be used with the new syllabus. This book may only be used with the Viola syllabus that last appeared in the 2023 Manual of Syllabuses.The old syllabus will continue to be examined in 2025, but candidates cannot take an exam using a mix of new and old syllabuses. From the start of 2026 the previous Viola syllabus will no longer be examined. To enter for an exam using the old (2023) syllabus please select the Viola (2023) syllabus when enrolling through AMEB Connect.
Enrolling for exams
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Classical Guitar exams are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical Sessions. Exams for Harp are available in two Special Subject Sessions.
Diploma exams are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn: Associate exams are available in each of the five Metropolitan Practical Sessions; Licentiate exams are offered in July and September. Click here for enrolment dates >
AMEB String exams are conducted by examiners who are specialists in their field: Violin-Viola, Cello-Double Bass, Classical Guitar or Harp.
| String Fees 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Performance Evaluation 15min | $ | 72.00 |
| Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 142.00 |
| 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.