General Requirements - Practical Examinations
In general, practical examinations comprise the presentation of work in the following areas: technical work; studies and pieces (including extra lists); aural tests; sight reading and general knowledge. Unless specified otherwise, all technical work is to be presented from memory. Pieces to be presented must be drawn from the lists appropriate for the grade, as included in the current Manual of Syllabuses and/or the Board’s published grade books (where applicable). The syllabus lists may be revised from year to year and new grade books may be issued. Teachers and candidates should refer to the appropriate syllabus in the current Manual for up to date information. From Second to Seventh grades inclusive, candidates in Singing and all Instrumental subjects must submit a list of extra pieces studied, other than those presented for examination. The Extra List should have an educational value similar to that already prescribed in the syllabus. For example, candidates might wish to present another work from the syllabus, the current grade book, or earlier editions of grade books. The candidate may present a work of educational value similar to those listed in the syllabus from a source other than those listed above. Candidates will be required to demonstrate familiarity with these pieces by performing the whole or any part of them at the discretion of the examiner. The music must be brought to the examination room. Accompaniment of Extra List pieces is not required, even if the work is written with accompaniment. The following minimum requirements apply:
Except where actually prescribed, candidates are not required to play or sing from memory. However, candidates should be encouraged even at the earliest stages to make a habit of memorising. Candidates playing from memory must still bring their music to the examination for the General Knowledge section. For diploma examinations the memorisation requirement is as follows. Associate candidates are encouraged to present a portion of the program from memory; at Licentiate one work must be presented from memory, except in Organ; and at Fellowship level the following requirements apply: Woodwind, Brass, Organ and all other instruments except Piano and Strings are encouraged to perform the whole program from memory. Piano candidates are required to present the whole program, except contemporary pieces, from memory. Strings candidates must present the whole program, except contemporary pieces and sonatas, from memory. For Singing, presentation by memory is required except in Opera and Oratorio. Teachers and candidates should note carefully all regulations. In those cases where examinations are conducted in premises not provided by the AMEB, the local authority or teacher must assume responsibility for the provision of a pianoforte of adequate quality and ensure that it is tuned and regulated (pitch C522 recommended). Where necessary a music stand must also be provided. Accompaniment is essential wherever the pieces presented are provided with piano accompaniments, with the exception of Extra List pieces. Refer to Regulation 24. This should be checked with the retailer at the time of purchase of the solo part. Singing and all instrumental subjects other than Pianoforte, Accordion, Organ, Electronic Organ, Harp and Guitar, are to be accompanied. Candidates must provide their own accompanist (who may be the teacher), but the accompanist may remain in the examination room only when actually required. While it is desirable in all grades for candidates to be competently accompanied, in the higher grades (particularly in those pieces where interpretative success depends upon a musical partnership as in a sonata etc.) candidates are advised to seek the services of an experienced accompanist in order to do themselves full justice and be assessed accordingly. Extra Lists do not have to be accompanied, even if written with accompaniment. Candidates are required to be familiar with repeats, but these need not be performed during the course of the examination unless specifically requested by the examiner. However, da capo directions should be observed. Before entering the examination room candidates should see that all pencil marks which may have been made on their music to indicate general knowledge information are carefully erased. Marks indicating fingering, bowing or other teaching aids need not be erased. Editions are mentioned solely as a means of identification. Original editions are recommended but any standard edition will be accepted. The Board does not prescribe any specific edition. In the case of arrangements however, it is necessary to use the specified volume as other editions may be of unsuitable levels of difficulty. Metronome marks should be regarded as an approximate indication of required tempo. Teachers and candidates are advised that candidates should not expect examiners to turn pages and adequate steps must be taken to ensure continuity of the music in performance. A page-turner may be used by the candidate and/or accompanist. The page-turner may only remain in the examination room when actually required. At the beginning of each syllabus the General Notes outline any details specific to that syllabus. Teachers and candidates are advised that pieces must be presented in the key that is specified in the syllabus.
These can be found in the first section of the Manual. Consult the Contents or Index page for the correct page number. The AMEB regrets that due to circumstances beyond its control it is unable to be responsible for the availability of listed syllabus material. Teachers are advised to consult their retailer in this regard or to choose an alternative work from the list. Teachers who are uncertain which retailers in their State stock AMEB syllabus material, are advised to apply to the State Office for a list of such retailers. Teachers and candidates are advised to check all printed examination material issued by authorities other than the Board in order to ensure that it conforms to the standards and requirements of AMEB examinations. Candidates requiring facsimile scores from the Australian Music Centre can write direct to the centre at the following address: Post Office Box N690 Grosvenor Place, Sydney 1220; Phone: (02) 9247 4677; Fax: (02) 9241 2873. In general, the Copyright Act prohibits the use of photocopied music. Photocopies should not be used by candidates in AMEB examinations, unless an exception to copyright applies, or the relevant music publisher has granted permission for the candidate to make a copy. In some circumstances, a copy of music may be required for use by the examiner. In these cases, if performing from memory, candidates must provide a published edition of the music to the examiner. If performing from the published music, a photocopy of the music can be provided to the examiner and a ‘Form 3’ from the Practical Copyright Guide to the Use of Print Music in Australia should be completed and attached. From 2002, it is a new requirement that diploma candidates supply a copy of their music to the examiner. If unsure of the provisions of the Copyright Act please contact the Print Music Manager at AMCOS (02) 9935 7700. The Practical Copyright Guide to the Use of Print Music in Australia is available from music retailers, AMCOS, or may be downloaded from www.apra.com.au In some situations the AMEB requires a copy of music to be provided for approval purposes prior to an examination — for example FMusA programs and some Own Choice works. In such cases, candidates should consult the AMCOS publication A Practical Copyright Guide to the Use of Print Music in Australia in order to ensure authorised copies are submitted. Each syllabus contains a set of objectives which provide guidance on examiners’ expectations of achievement at each level. |
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