what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

what to expect

The Fellowship is the highest and most prestigious award offered by AMEB. It can be undertaken in any instrument available for examination in the current edition of the AMEB Manual of syllabuses (Music syllabuses) including Voice.

The Fellowship examination takes the form of a public recital. The candidate will be expected to choose a full recital programme, of approximately 80 minutes? music content (60 minutes? music content in the case of Brass, Woodwind and Singing).

A performance at this level should reveal excellence in all areas, an ability to engage an audience over the entire programme, mastery and command of techniques and stylistic elements, and other characteristics displayed to an outstanding level.

Candidates should refer to the relevant pages in the Manual of Syllabuses (downloadable here) for further information about the Fellowship in Music Australia award. Candidates should note that there are Regulations and Requirements detailed in other areas of the Manual which are also relevant.

what to expect

Rockschool Drums Premiere is the ideal starting point if you've just picked up the sticks for the first time. Learn the fundamentals of drumming in our easy-to-use Rockschool Drums Method, then perform five of them in a quick 10 minute exam.

Key Features at Premiere:

• The basics of music notation and your instrument
• Rock, pop, metal, country, indie and hip hop
• Simple phrases, beats and fills

what to expect

The Debut Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning for a short time and have learnt the basic skills.

At Drums Debut, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Coldplay, Eminem, and Public Enemy.

Key Features at Debut:

• Backbeat, 1/4 hi-hat, unison bass and snare work
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles
• Playback Skills

what to expect

The Grade 1 Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning for a relatively short period and have mastered the key basic skills.

At Drums Grade 1, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Queen, Usher, and Wretch 32.

Key Features at Grade 1:

• Moving between cymbals, open hi-hats, syncopated accents
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles
• Playback skills

what to expect

The Grade 2 Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately one year to eighteen months and have established the key basic skills along with solid basic techniques.

At Drums Grade 2, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as R.E.M., Ray Charles, and Drake.

Key Features at Grade 2:

• 8th note triplets, four¬≠way coordination, syncopation
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles, flams, triplets
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Grade 3 Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately eighteen months to two years and have established the basic skills and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through controlled balance, technique and coordination of the kit and the introduction of solo and development work.

At Drums Grade 3, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as The Kinks, Santana, and The Sugarhill Gang.

Key Features at Grade 3:

• Introduction of solo and improvisation passages, reggae one drop feel, syncopated pushes
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles, flams, triplets
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Grade 4 Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately two - two and half years and have mastered the basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work and more complex groove patterns.

At Drums Grade 4, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, and The Fugees.

Key Features at Grade 4:

• Solo and Improvisation passages, Ghost snare, rim shot, riding on the toms
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles, Flams and ruffs, hands and feet patterns
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Grade 5 Drums exam is for candidates who have intermediate skills and techniques and have developed an increasing sense of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumental techniques, rhythmic complexity, coordination and balance of the kit and maturing solo and improvisation work.

At Drums Grade 5 you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Jay-Z, Rickie Lee Jones, and Toto.

Key Features at Grade 5:

• Snare drum techniques: cross stick, rim shot, Texas shuffle, four-way coordination
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles, Flams and ruffs, rolls, hands and feet patterns
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Grade 6 Drums exam is for candidates who have begun to develop advanced technical control and have a competent grasp of stylistic techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, creative and stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a secure sense of communication and performance.

At Drums Grade 6, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Scream, LL Cool J, and Herbie Hancock.

Key Features at Grade 6:

• Time signature changes, bass drum doubles, polyrhythms, 6/8 trip hop groove
• Single and double strokes, paradiddles, ratamacues, rolls, Stylistic Studies
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Grade 7 Drums exam is for candidates who have developed advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 7 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance.

At Drums Grade 7, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Mary J. Blige, Chase & Status, and John Schofield.

Key Features at Grade 7:

• Broken 16th-note rolls, 32nd-note rolls, 'Amen Break'
• Single strokes developed, paradiddle-diddles, Pataflafla, single and double ratamacues, 7- and 9-stroke rolls, Stylistic Studies
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Grade 8 Drums exam is for candidates who have mastered advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance.

At Drums Grade 8, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as BIlly Cobham, Cole Porter, and The Brecker Brothers.

Key Features at Grade 8:

• Double bass drum, advanced stylistic grooves, complex time signature changes and syncopation
• Single strokes developed, alternative paradiddle-diddles, Swiss Army triplet, pataflafla, single and double triple ratamacue, rolls, Stylistic Studies
• Playback and performance skills

what to expect

The Professional Diplomas recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide acknowledgement for high level achievement in either performance, teaching, or creative enterprise. Level 4 is generally for new professionals looking for recognition in their practice as they enter the creative industries.

This qualification can be completed at your own pace and no specific form of training is required. However, it is recommended that you contact a suitable trainer or mentor who will be able to provide you with opportunities for learning and the practical application of skills.

Designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes through the choice of optional units, the pathways can be tailored to meet your own specific needs. Whether that's working within the creative industries or for progression to further training or education.

what to expect

The Professional Diplomas recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide acknowledgement for high level achievement in either performance, teaching, or creative enterprise. Level 6 is typically for experienced professionals looking to enhance their career through the recognition of their current professional practice.

This qualification can be completed at your own pace and no specific form of training is required. However, it is recommended that you contact a suitable trainer or mentor who will be able to provide you with opportunities for learning and the practical application of skills.

Designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes through the choice of optional units, the pathways can be tailored to meet your own specific needs. Whether that's working within the creative industries or for progression to further training or education.