Strings
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> Viola
> Cello
> Double Bass
> Classical Guitar
> Harp
The Comprehensive Exam
The traditional Comprehensive syllabus provides a framework for the progressive development of a wide range of musical and technical skills, over a series of grades and diplomas from beginner to expert level. Technical, aural and sight-reading skills are acquired in a sequential way; and students gain a theoretical understanding of the works being studied and their historical context. Repertoire is carefully selected by experts to suit the needs of students at their particular stage of development; and to promote growth in musical understanding and artistry in performance.
The Repertoire Exam
The Repertoire exam might suit students whose program for developing technical, aural or sight-reading skills does not align with the requirements of a particular Grade in the AMEB Comprehensive syllabus. Candidates can present for an AMEB assessment with only repertoire performance requirements, using works selected from the AMEB Lists for the Grade along with an Own Choice option. There are no Technical Work, Aural Test, Sight-reading or General Knowledge requirements for a Repertoire exam.
In 2023, students have the option of recording their Repertoire exam performance and submitting a video for assessment at any time between 1 April and 30 November (enrolments close 15 September).
To enrol for a Video Repertoire examination on AMEB Connect: 1) select Series 60 Video Examinations; 2) Select the Syllabus and Grade. Each Video Repertoire exam subject code is prefixed by the letter ‘V’ to indicate an examination via video submission.
The requirements of a video Repertoire exam are the same as the requirements for a face-to-face Repertoire exam, as published in the current year’s syllabus.
Read more about recording a video exam performance, video exam enrolment and video submission.
Associate and Licentiate practical examinations
New guidelines regarding General Knowledge and Repeats for Level 3 (Associate and Licentiate) diploma exams were introduced in 2019. Refer to General Requirements and Level 3, Associate and Licentiate descriptions in the syllabus for further details. <Read important information for Associate and Licentiate candidates>
Examination requirements
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 Manual of Syllabuses (Music 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 instrument families. <Read more about purchasing syllabuses>
Performance Evaluation (in-person and by video)
For students whose learning program does not suit an AMEB Comprehensive or Repertoire examination, AMEB Victoria offers a Performance Evaluation Program. The content of the Evaluation is customised to the needs of the student at the time. In-person Performance Evaluations are available in durations of 10, 20 and 30 minutes and are usually scheduled alongside AMEB Comprehensive and Repertoire examinations.
Students now have the option of recording their performance and submitting a video for evaluation at any time between 1 March and 30 November. Enrollers select Series 60 – Video Exams and enter the candidate for a 10-minute, 20-minute or 30-minute Performance Evaluation (Video), as required. <Read more about Performance Evaluation>
Teacher Consultation
A teacher may register for a 30-minute personal consultation with an AMEB Examiner. <Find out more about Teacher Consultation>
Support Materials
AMEB produces a range of publications to support teaching and learning in most instruments (as listed below). Supplementary materials are available to support the development of aural skills, theoretical knowledge, etc. <Click to read more about general publications>
Enrolling for face-to-face examinations, evaluations and consultations
Examinations, evaluations and teacher consultations for Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Classical Guitar are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical Sessions. Examinations for Harp are available in two Special Subject Sessions.
Diploma examinations are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn: Associate examinations are available in each of the five Metropolitan Practical Sessions; Licentiate examinations are offered in late-June and late-September. <Click here for enrolment dates>
AMEB examinations and evaluations in Strings are conducted by examiners who are specialists in their field: Violin-Viola, Cello-Double Bass, Classical Guitar or Harp.
New (2023) Violin
A new Violin syllabus was introduced in 2022
Following a review of the Violin Manual Lists, the syllabus now features new repertoire in addition to existing favourite works. The Technical Work requirements have also been reviewed, culminating in the release of Violin Technical work (2021). A new series of Violin grade books and handbooks (Violin Series 10) have been produced for Preliminary to Grade 7, and Recorded accompaniments have been produced for the accompanied works in Series 10, Preliminary to Grade 3. Finally, Violin Sight-reading (2021) presents a selection of sight-reading exercises tailored to the parameters of the revised syllabus.
New (2023) Violin syllabus resources
Violin Series 10 grade books (Preliminary to Grade 7) (2021)
Violin Series 10 handbooks (digital and hardcopy versions) (Preliminary to Grade 7) (2021)
Violin Series 10 Recorded accompaniments (Preliminary to Grade 3) (2021)
Violin Technical work (2021)
Violin Sight-reading (2021)
Violin Series 9 Grade Books (Preliminary – Seventh Grade)
Violin Series 9 CDs and Handbooks (Preliminary – Seventh Grade)
Violin Series 9 Recorded Accompaniments (Preliminary – Grade 3) (2015)
| New (2023) Violin Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Teacher Consultation | $ | 70.00 |
| 11510 | Performance Evaluation 10min | $ | 42.00 |
| 11520 | Performance Evaluation 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| 11530 | Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 11545 | Performance Evaluation (Video) 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| 11550 | Performance Evaluation (Video) 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 5210 | Comprehensive Preliminary (2023) | $ | 94.00 |
| 5211 | Comprehensive Grade 1 (2023) | $ | 102.00 |
| 5212 | Comprehensive Grade 2 (2023) | $ | 108.00 |
| 5213 | Comprehensive Grade 3 (2023) | $ | 120.00 |
| 5214 | Comprehensive Grade 4 (2023) | $ | 128.00 |
| 5215 | Comprehensive Grade 5 (2023) | $ | 136.00 |
| 5216 | Comprehensive Grade 6 (2023) | $ | 154.00 |
| 5217 | Comprehensive Grade 7 (2023) | $ | 182.00 |
| 5218 | Comprehensive Grade 8 (2023) | $ | 210.00 |
| 6310 | Repertoire Preliminary (2023) | $ | 94.00 |
| 6311 | Repertoire Grade 1 (2023) | $ | 102.00 |
| 6312 | Repertoire Grade 2 (2023) | $ | 108.00 |
| 6313 | Repertoire Grade 3 (2023) | $ | 120.00 |
| 6314 | Repertoire Grade 4 (2023) | $ | 128.00 |
| 6315 | Repertoire Grade 5 (2023) | $ | 136.00 |
| 6316 | Repertoire Grade 6 (2023) | $ | 154.00 |
| 6317 | Repertoire Grade 7 (2023) | $ | 182.00 |
| 6318 | Repertoire Grade 8 (2023) | $ | 210.00 |
| 5219 | Certificate of Performance (2023) | $ | 234.00 |
| 5220 | Associate in Music (2023) | $ | 370.00 |
| 5221 | Licentiate in Music (2023) | $ | 477.00 |
Old (2021) Violin
Notice of withdrawal
The new (2023) Violin syllabus will be examined concurrently with the version of the Violin syllabus that last appeared in the 2021 Manual of syllabuses for two years after the release of the new syllabus. From the start of 2024 the previous Violin syllabus will no longer be available for examination.
Examination entries: To enter for examination in the old syllabus last published in the 2021 Manual of syllabuses, select the Violin (2021) syllabus in AMEB Connect.
Old Violin syllabus resources
Violin Series 9 Grade Books (Preliminary – Seventh Grade)
Violin Series 9 CDs and Handbooks (Preliminary – Seventh Grade)
Violin Series 8 Grade Books (Preliminary – Grade 7)
Violin Series 8 CDs and Handbooks (Preliminary – Grade 7)
Violin Technical Work (2011)
Violin Sight-Reading (2011)
Violin Series 9 Recorded Accompaniments (Preliminary – Grade 3) (2015)
| Old (2021) Violin Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4030 | Comprehensive Preliminary (2021) | $ | 94.00 |
| 4031 | Comprehensive Grade 1 (2021) | $ | 102.00 |
| 4032 | Comprehensive Grade 2 (2021) | $ | 108.00 |
| 4033 | Comprehensive Grade 3 (2021) | $ | 120.00 |
| 4034 | Comprehensive Grade 4 (2021) | $ | 128.00 |
| 4035 | Comprehensive Grade 5 (2021) | $ | 136.00 |
| 4036 | Comprehensive Grade 6 (2021) | $ | 154.00 |
| 4037 | Comprehensive Grade 7 (2021) | $ | 182.00 |
| 4038 | Comprehensive Grade 8 (2021) | $ | 210.00 |
| 6020 | Repertoire Preliminary (2021) | $ | 94.00 |
| 6021 | Repertoire Grade 1 (2021) | $ | 102.00 |
| 6022 | Repertoire Grade 2 (2021) | $ | 108.00 |
| 6023 | Repertoire Grade 3 (2021) | $ | 120.00 |
| 6024 | Repertoire Grade 4 (2021) | $ | 128.00 |
| 6025 | Repertoire Grade 5 (2021) | $ | 136.00 |
| 6026 | Repertoire Grade 6 (2021) | $ | 154.00 |
| 6027 | Repertoire Grade 7 (2021) | $ | 182.00 |
| 6028 | Repertoire Grade 8 (2021) | $ | 210.00 |
| 4039 | Certificate of Performance (2021) | $ | 234.00 |
| 4040 | Associate in Music (2021) | $ | 370.00 |
| 4041 | Licentiate in Music (2021) | $ | 477.00 |
Viola
Resources
Viola Series 1 Grade Books (Preliminary – Sixth Grade)
Viola Technical Work Book (2007)
| Viola Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| *** | Teacher Consultation | $ | 70.00 |
| *** | Performance Evaluation 10min | $ | 42.00 |
| *** | Performance Evaluation 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| *** | Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| *** | Perf. Evaluation (Video) 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| *** | Perf. Evaluation (Video) 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 1860 | Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 1861 | Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 1862 | Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 1863 | Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 1864 | Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 1865 | Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 1866 | Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 1867 | Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 1868 | Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 6030 | Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 6031 | Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 6032 | Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 6033 | Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 6034 | Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 6035 | Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 6036 | Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 6037 | Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 6038 | Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 1869 | Associate in Music | $ | 370.00 |
| 1870 | Licentiate in Music | $ | 477.00 |
| *** Contact AMEB Victoria to obtain a subject number before enrolling. | |||
Cello
Resources
Cello Series 2 Grade Books (Preliminary – Grade 6)
Cello Technical Work Book (2009)
Cello Series 2 Recorded Accompaniments (Preliminary – Grade 3)
| Cello Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Teacher Consultation | $ | 70.00 |
| 11610 | Performance Evaluation 10min | $ | 42.00 |
| 11620 | Performance Evaluation 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| 11630 | Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 11645 | Performance Evaluation (Video) 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| 11650 | Performance Evaluation (Video) 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 1980 | Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 1981 | Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 1982 | Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 1983 | Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 1984 | Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 1985 | Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 1986 | Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 1987 | Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 1988 | Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 6040 | Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 6041 | Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 6042 | Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 6043 | Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 6044 | Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 6045 | Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 6046 | Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 6047 | Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 6048 | Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 1989 | Certificate of Performance | $ | 234.00 |
| 1990 | Associate in Music | $ | 370.00 |
| 1991 | Licentiate in Music | $ | 477.00 |
| *** Contact AMEB Victoria to obtain a subject number before enrolling. | |||
Double Bass
Resources
Double Bass Series 1 Grade Books (Preliminary – Grade 4)
Double Bass Technical Work (2013)
| Double Bass Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| *** | Teacher Consultation | $ | 70.00 |
| *** | Performance Evaluation 10min | $ | 42.00 |
| *** | Performance Evaluation 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| *** | Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| *** | Perf. Evaluation (Video) 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| *** | Perf. Evaluation (Video) 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 4050 | Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 4051 | Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 4052 | Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 4053 | Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 4054 | Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 4055 | Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 4056 | Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 4057 | Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 4058 | Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 6050 | Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 6051 | Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 6052 | Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 6053 | Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 6054 | Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 6055 | Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 6056 | Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 6057 | Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 6058 | Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 4059 | Certificate of Performance | $ | 234.00 |
| 4060 | Associate in Music | $ | 370.00 |
| 4061 | Licentiate in Music | $ | 477.00 |
| *** Contact AMEB Victoria to obtain a subject number before enrolling. | |||
Classical Guitar
Resources
Classical Guitar Series 2 Grade Books (Preliminary – Sixth Grade)
Guitar Series 1 Grade Books (Preliminary – Fourth Grade)
Classical Guitar Technical Work (2011)
Classical Guitar Sight-Reading (2011)
| Classical Guitar Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Teacher Consultation | $ | 70.00 |
| 11810 | Performance Evaluation 10min | $ | 42.00 |
| 11820 | Performance Evaluation 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| 11830 | Performance Evaluation 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 11845 | Perf. Evaluation (Video) 20min | $ | 85.00 |
| 11850 | Perf. Evaluation (Video) 30min | $ | 127.00 |
| 4070 | Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 4071 | Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 4072 | Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 4073 | Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 4074 | Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 4075 | Comprehensive Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 4076 | Comprehensive Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 4077 | Comprehensive Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 4078 | Comprehensive Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 6060 | Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 6061 | Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 6062 | Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 6063 | Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 6064 | Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 6065 | Repertoire Grade 5 | $ | 136.00 |
| 6066 | Repertoire Grade 6 | $ | 154.00 |
| 6067 | Repertoire Grade 7 | $ | 182.00 |
| 6068 | Repertoire Grade 8 | $ | 210.00 |
| 4079 | Certificate of Performance | $ | 234.00 |
| 4080 | Associate in Music | $ | 370.00 |
| 4081 | Licentiate in Music | $ | 477.00 |
Harp
The old Harp syllabus was withdrawn at the start of 2023 and is no longer available for examination.
Resources
Harp Series 1 Grade books (Preliminary to Grade 4) (2020)
Harp Technical work Level 1 (Preliminary to Grade 4) (2020)
Harp Technical work Level 2 (Grade 5 to Grade 8) (2020)
Harp Sight-reading (2020)
| Harp Subject Numbers and Fees 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5100 | Comprehensive Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 5101 | Comprehensive Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 5102 | Comprehensive Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 5103 | Comprehensive Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 5104 | Comprehensive Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 5105 | Comprehensive Grade 5 (Pedal) | $ | 136.00 |
| 5115 | Comprehensive Grade 5 (Lever) | $ | 136.00 |
| 5106 | Comprehensive Grade 6 (Pedal) | $ | 154.00 |
| 5116 | Comprehensive Grade 6 (Lever) | $ | 154.00 |
| 5107 | Comprehensive Grade 7 (Pedal) | $ | 182.00 |
| 5117 | Comprehensive Grade 7 (Lever) | $ | 182.00 |
| 5108 | Comprehensive Grade 8 (Pedal) | $ | 210.00 |
| 5118 | Comprehensive Grade 8 (Lever) | $ | 210.00 |
| 5109 | Certificate of Performance (Pedal) | $ | 234.00 |
| 5119 | Certificate of Performance (Lever) | $ | 234.00 |
| 6290 | Repertoire Preliminary | $ | 94.00 |
| 6291 | Repertoire Grade 1 | $ | 102.00 |
| 6292 | Repertoire Grade 2 | $ | 108.00 |
| 6293 | Repertoire Grade 3 | $ | 120.00 |
| 6294 | Repertoire Grade 4 | $ | 128.00 |
| 6295 | Repertoire Grade 5 (Pedal) | $ | 136.00 |
| 6305 | Harp Repertoire Grade 5 (Lever) | $ | 136.00 |
| 6296 | Repertoire Grade 6 (Pedal) | $ | 154.00 |
| 6306 | Harp Repertoire Grade 6 (Lever) | $ | 154.00 |
| 6297 | Repertoire Grade 7 (Pedal) | $ | 182.00 |
| 6307 | Harp Repertoire Grade 7 (Lever) | $ | 182.00 |
| 6298 | Repertoire Grade 8 (Pedal) | $ | 210.00 |
| 6308 | Harp Repertoire Grade 8 (Lever) | $ | 210.00 |
| 5110 | Associate in Music (2021) | $ | 370.00 |
| 5111 | Licentiate in Music (2021) | $ | 477.00 |
All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.