Keyboard
Piano, Organ,
Accordion
AMEB Victoria offers a variety of keyboard assessments, suitable for beginner to expert performers, in a variety of formats.
P Plate Piano
P Plate Piano is a series of three bright, colourful piano books designed to prepare beginner pianists for AMEB Preliminary exams. The books feature stunning artwork, fun activities and informative text, written by respected music educator, Elissa Milne.
Non-graded assessments are available at the end of each book. Click here for P Plate Piano assessment guidelines. Candidates completing the Book 3 assessment are awarded their P Plate Piano ‘licence’.
Grade exams
Keyboard Comprehensive exams include a variety of elements, including Technical Work and other tests, while Repertoire exam candidates are only required to perform a selection of pieces.
Piano grade exams can be taken from Preliminary to Certificate of Performance, in either Piano or Piano for Leisure. Piano exams focus more on classical repertoire, while Piano for Leisure offers a more varied choice of pieces, including movie themes, musical theatre and pop songs.
Diploma exams
Diploma exams are available for the advanced performer. AMEB offers Associate and Licentiate Diploma exams. Diploma exams are not available in Piano for Leisure.
Piano (Collaborative)
Piano (Collaborative) exams are available for Comprehensive candidates between Grades 5 and 8 as an alternative to Piano (Solo).
Grade 5 and 6 Collaborative Piano candidates choose one piece from the syllabus List for piano duet, while Grade 7 and 8 candidates choose two pieces from the syllabus for either Piano duet, or Piano with Violin, Flute or Clarinet. Both pieces must be for the same combination of instruments.
Teachers and candidates should check the precise requirements in the current Piano Syllabus before enrolling.
Peformance evaluations
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.
Exams and Assessments
| 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 |
Some assessments can only be taken face-to-face, while some allow for assessment by pre-recorded video.
Fees - 2026
Preliminary
$110.00
Grade 1
$119.00
Grade 2
$126.00
Grade 3
$140.00
Grade 4
$149.00
Grade 5
$158.00
Grade 6
$179.00
Grade 7
$212.00
Grade 8
$245.00
Certificate of Performance
$273.00
Associate in Music
$425.00
Licentiate in Music
$560.00
P Plate Piano Books 1 & 2
$57.00
P Plate Piano Book 3
$68.00
Note: Organ exams are not available at Grades 1, 2, 3 and Certificate of Performance. Diploma exams are not available for Piano for Leisure
All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Instruments
Syllabuses are available for the following keyboard instruments:
| Instrument list | ||
| P Plate Piano | Piano | Piano for Leisure |
| Organ | Accordion (video Repertoire only) |
AMEB exams are conducted by examiners who are specialists in their field.
Enrolling for exams
Face-to-face Piano exams are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and three Regional Practical Sessions.
Diploma exams are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn. Associate exams are held in each of the Metropolitan Practical Sessions, and Licentiate exams take place dedicated sessions in July and September.
Accordion exams are only available in the Repertoire format by pre-recorded video.
P Plate Piano and Piano and Organ Repertoire exams are also available by pre-recorded video.
Exam Requirements
It is essential that teachers and candidates consult the current syllabus for details of specific exam requirements and regulations. AMEB syllabuses are now available as free digital downloads. Choose from a single instrument syllabus, syllabuses grouped by instrument family or the complete Manual of Syllabuses.
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.
Stay in touch
AMEB Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
