Woodwind
AMEB Victoria offers a variety of assessments for Woodwind suitable for beginner to expert performers, in a variety of formats, including Saxophone for Leisure.
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.
Saxophone exams focus more on classical repertoire, while Saxophone for Leisure offers a more varied choice of pieces, including movie themes, musical theatre and pop songs.
Diploma exams are available for the advanced performer. AMEB offers Associate and Licentiate Diploma exams.
| Type of exam | All instruments | Saxophone for Leisure | Repertoire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graded exams (Preliminary to Grade 8) | Y | Y | Y |
| Certificate of Performance exams | Y | Y | N |
| Diploma exams | Y | N | N |
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 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 year’s 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 >
Enrolling for exams
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Saxophone / Saxophone for Leisure exams are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical Sessions. Exams for Recorder 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 woodwind exams are conducted by examiners who are specialists in their field: Recorder, Flute, Clarinet-Saxophone, Oboe-Bassoon.
| Woodwind 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 |
† Preliminary and Certificate exams are not available for Recorder
^ Preliminary exams are not available for Saxophone
* Diploma exams are not available for Saxophone for Leisure
All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.