For a Repertoire exam, you'll need to prepare:
- Only repertoire pieces (no technical work).
- 4 pieces for Level 1 (Preliminary to Grade 4) and 5 pieces for Level 2 (Grades 5 to 8).
Repertoire exams allow you to:
- Focus on your technique through repertoire
- Have the flexibility to choose a range of repertoire styles, including one Own Choice work (Level 1) and two Own Choice works (Level 2).
For Level 1, you should prepare one piece from each of Lists A, B and C, plus one Own Choice work. For Level 2, you'll need three list pieces, and two Own Choice works. The list pieces should be drawn from three out of the four lists (A, B, C, and D).
Please check the current syllabus for your instrument, as some requirements for Repertoire exams do vary. The Repertoire exam section is found at on the last page of your syllabus.
Own Choice works can include any work listed on the syllabus for that grade. They can also include any work not listed on the syllabus, as long as it's a similar length and educational value to the other pieces featured on the syllabus lists. It's the responsibility of the candidate and their teacher to ensure that the Own Choice work chosen is appropriate for the grade. Please note that we're is unable to provide prior approval for Own Choice works.
With the introduction of Repertoire exams, the standard version of each exam (where candidates prepare Technical work, repertoire and Section III requirements) has been updated to a Comprehensive exam.
In 2020 and 2021, Repertoire exams are being offered as Video Exams to provide extra flexibilty for candidates, particularly during COVID lockdowns. Visit the Video exam page to find out more, or enrol through your State Office.
Enrol in a Repertoire exam through your AMEB State Office. For the full Repertoire exam requirements for your instrument, please see the relevant syllabus in the current Manual of Syllabuses.
FAQs
So, does this mean the end of scales and arpeggios?
We strongly recommend that technical work forms part of your practice routine. Just because we’re not examining that component in this exam doesn’t mean that it's not essential to building your technical skills. Just like a dentist knows if you’ve been brushing your teeth or not an examiner will know whether you’ve been practising your scales or not! The examiner will still be assessing your technique in your performance, even though Technical work isn’t being examined separately.
Will I be examined on Aural tests, Sight reading or General knowledge in a Repertoire exam?
No. But keep in mind, the development of sight-reading ability, aural skills and general knowledge is essential for a well-rounded musician, and students will need to continue to work on these areas to reach their full potential, even if they are only being formally assessed on the performance of repertoire.
Can I do a Repertoire exam in a For Leisure syllabus?
Yes! For Leisure syllabuses are available as repertoire exams. See the relevant page in the syllabus for more info, and enrol through your State Office.
Can I do a Repertoire exam in Rockschool?
Rockschool already has a Performance Certificate Exam that is effectively the same as a Repertoire exam – go to the AMEB Rockschool website for more information.
How do I know if the Own Choice selections I have made are the right standard for the grade?
It's the responsibility of the teacher and the candidate to ensure Own Choice selections are the right standard for the grade. We're unable to provide prior approval for Own Choice works.
To get my certificate, do I still need to do a music theory exam?
Yes. The same Additional Requirements that apply to Comprehensive exams will apply to the Repertoire exams. So from Grade 6 onwards you'll need to achieve the corresponding theory requirement to receive your Repertoire exam certificate.
Do I need to present a balanced program?
As this is a Repertoire exam, you should present a well-constructed program, just as you would in a recital or concert program. The syllabus lists are there to help guide you in this, but you'll still need to consider your choices carefully to ensure you've selected a balanced and interesting program.
Are Repertoire exams easier than Comprehensive exams?
No, the standard remains the same for each equivalent grade. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll receive an official AMEB certificate with the grade showcasing your achievement.
Who will this be relevant to?
- Anyone who wants to learn a musical instrument.
- A student preparing for a Year 11 or 12 music exam wanting to prepare and get feedback on their performance in advance of their school exam.
- Students learning in a school environment where there is less one-on-one lesson time and it's difficult to prepare a student with all the requirements of a Comprehensive grade exam to be ready at the same time.
- Students doing music as an additional extra-curricular activity who have less time to commit to these activities.
- Students who love performing and want a goal to aim for as well as external feedback on their progress.
