Diplomas
Practice of Music, Speech & Drama, Music Theory, Teaching
AMEB diplomas are awarded annually by examination to outstanding candidates.
Diploma Practical Exams
Associate (AMusA) Practical exams
The Associate of Music, Australia (AMusA) diploma is highly respected in the international music community and recognises a sophistication of musical understanding and performance abilities that are well above the requirements for Grade 8.
The success rate for AMusA is much lower than for Grade examinations. To avoid disappointment, it is therefore suggested that teachers with limited experience in presenting candidates at Diploma level obtain advice from an experienced teacher before entering candidates for AMusA.
Diploma exam rehearsals
Associate and Licentiate Practical exams are held only in Studio 1 at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn, equipped with a Steinway Model B grand piano. Hire of Studio 1 is available prior to or during an exam session only when there is availability. Studio hire may only be booked after the official Notice of Examination has been received by the candidate and exam times have been confirmed. Find out more about studio hire.
On the exam day
Arrival time
Candidates should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time (earlier, if a warm-up is required, see below). Due to scheduling constraints, candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled time cannot be examined (they will be marked ‘Absent’).
Photo ID
Associate and Licentiate candidates are required to present phot ID to the Venue Supervisor, together with the completed Notice of Examination, on arrival.
Warm up
A studio containing an upright piano will be provided for warm-up; it will be available 30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time.
Page turning
Examiners will not turn pages but a page-turner may be used by the candidate and/or accompanist. The page-turner may only remain in the exam room when actually required.
Copies of music
Diploma candidates are required to provide a copy of each work for the use of the examiners. If performing from memory, candidates must provide a published edition of the music. If performing from print music controlled by an AMCOS Publisher, a photocopy of the music can be provided to the examiners, provided that: (a) a ‘Copyright Declaration Form’ is completed and attached; (b) the photocopy is marked with the words “Examination Copy Only”; and (c) the photocopy is retained by AMEB Victoria and destroyed following the exam. Copies of the Copyright Declaration Form may be downloaded by clicking here.
Corequisite Requirement
An additional theory exam (formerly known as the Additional Requirement) is required to complete the Associate or Licentiate exam and qualify for the award of the diploma. For details, please refer to Regulation 8 in the Manual of Syllabuses. Note that there is no time limit for the completion of an corequisite requirement. It is the responsibility of the candidate to notify AMEB Victoria after the requirement is complete.
General Knowledge
New guidelines for Level 3 practical examinations
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a mature understanding of the structure, style and historical background of the repertoire that is performed and to use this as a basis for discussing the interpretive choices that they make.
Questions, which will be asked from the full piano score, will focus on the following areas:
- Terminology, including the significance of titles and the meaning of all markings contained in the score.
- Composers: relevant biographical information, sources of influence, impact upon later generations of composers and reper-toire output (both in the discipline being examined and more broadly).
- Historical and stylistic context: how each work relates to the period from which it arises, considering both its compositional style and the performance conventions of the time.
- Structure: formal layout, keys, melodic/harmonic language and the identification of climax points.
- For instrumentalists, the construction and development of the instrument, with special consideration given to any implications this may have upon the repertoire that is performed.
Candidates must provide the examiners with clear, unmarked copies of all scores, including the piano part.
In addition to the guidelines above, Level 3 candidates in Woodwind, Percussion, Band, Musical Theatre and Singing must consult the General Knowledge requirements in these syllabuses as they contain certain requirements specific to these syllabuses.
Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony
Successful Associate and Licentiate candidates, who have provided AMEB with evidence of their completion of any Corequisite Requirements, will be invited to attend the annual Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony which is usually held in March each year. A successful candidate who is not able to be present to receive their award in person will be admitted ‘in absentia’ to the diploma and the certificate will be mailed following the ceremony.
Written Diplomas
Written and Aural Diploma exams on application
Teaching, Musicianship and Theory of Music Diploma exams are available on application. Candidates will be responsible for arranging the venue and suitable supervision. Please contact us more than six weeks prior to the proposed examination date to confirm the application process.
Associate Musicianship Aural
Licentiate Musicianship Aural
Associate Musicianship Written Paper
Licentiate Musicianship Written Paper
CTMusA Written Paper
ATMusA Written Paper
LTMusA Written Paper
Associate Musicology
Associate Harmony & Counterpoint
Associate Orchestration & Arrangement
Licentiate Musicology
Licentiate Harmony & Counterpoint
Licentiate Orchestration & ArrangementTheory diploma exams at Hawthorn
In 2026, a theory diploma exam day will be offered at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn in September, date to be confirmed. Please contact us for more information.
Enrolling for exams
Practical Associate diploma exams are held in five Metropolitan Practical Sessions. Licentiate exams take place in two dedicated sessions in July and September. Diploma exams are held at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn. Written diploma exams are by application.
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.
