Woodwind
Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Recorder
AMEB Victoria offers a variety of assessments for Woodwind, suitable for beginner to expert performers, in a variety of formats.
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.
Grade exams
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
Diploma exams are available for the advanced performer. AMEB offers Associate and Licentiate Diploma exams. Diploma exams are not available in Saxophone for Leisure.
Exam types
| Type of exam | All other Woodwind subjects | Saxophone for Leisure | Repertoire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 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 allow for assessment by pre-recorded video.
Video Exam Availability
| 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 |
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
Note: 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.
Syllabuses
The following Woodwind syllabuses are available:
| Woodwind syllabuses | |
| Bassoon | Recorder |
| Clarinet | Oboe |
| Flute | Saxophone |
| Piccolo (An option within the Flute syllabus) |
Saxophone for Leisure |
AMEB Woodwind exams are conducted by examiners who are specialists in their field.
Enrolling for exams
Woodwind exams are offered in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions and two Regional Practical 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.
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.
