Happy to Help- AMEB Exams
Over the course of this year, I have had a giant increase in the amount of students I teach wanting to sit AMEB exams, and of course I encourage these students in wanting to achieve their goals. So the students and I work toward this goal, we put in the hard yards; the practice, the rehearsals, finding the right accompanist- but in all our preparation we forgot to include the parent within the process. It is difficult, especially when you were playing sports for your childhood and then your child becomes interested in music, to understand the whole process of examinations, what they are and why we even suggest doing them in amongst the ten thousand other things most children do within a week. So, I thought I would come and give a quick little summary as to the five main questions I get asked about AMEB exams as a way to help parents understand and include them in the process.
What is an AMEB exam?
An AMEB exam (short for Australian Music Examinations Board) is an external music education body that gives students the opportunity to sit practical music exams, examining both performance and technical abilities, as well as general knowledge of music, abilities to sight read and aural skills as well. Basically, AMEB provide a way of students being able to learn their chosen instrument according to a graded system as opposed to a level of book. Each student receives a grade for each examination, as well as a Certificate and marked paper. Students have the opportunity to reach a Diploma of Music as the highest level of achievement, which is internationally recognised. AMEB exams are also recognised under the current secondary school QCE, which also provide 'bonus points' toward their final secondary grades.
Who can enter an AMEB exam?
Any student can enter an AMEB exam. AMEB do provide a guideline of the minimum age a student must be to sit the appropriate exams, however there are no limits as to the maximum age. Sitting for an AMEB is based mainly on ability of each individual student.
How much do AMEB exams cost?
AMEB exams, depending on the instrument the exam is for and the level the student is sitting, begin at $79 and cost as much at $400 for the highest level of exams. In all honesty, exams are quite expensive, and in personal opinion it is strongly recommended that because of the price alone, students must be dedicated to their at home practice, with a clear desire to sit and pass examinations.
When are AMEB exams held? AMEB hold sessions throughout the year for students to enrol in. Usually the Board will update their calendar at the beginning of the New Year (January 2018), and will then provide specific time periods throughout the year. However, students must be enrolled in exams approximately two months prior to ensure that the Board's offices have time to schedule all exams accordingly.
Where are AMEB exams held?
For Ipswich candidates, there are two places that examinations are held. If you or your child are wanting to sit for an exam within the Board's July session or November-December session, examinations are usually held within the Ipswich CBD. For any examinations outside these two periods of time, candidates will have to travel to AMEB Head Office, located in Ashgrove, Brisbane.
Why should I or my child sit for an AMEB exam?
Here is the question I get asked all too often; why? They are a lot of money, and there is a high chance that my child won't even want a career in music- so why even bother? Well, according to the AMEB website:
'Having a clearly defined goal can be a powerful motivating force. AMEB syllabuses set educationally appropriate goals and examinations are an opportunity for students to measure themselves against these goals. Performing in front of others also helps to develop poise and confidence. Each candidate who completes an AMEB exam receives a personal written report from their examiner. This independent feedback encourages the student to progress. Each successful AMEB candidate receives an official certificate recognising their achievement. An AMEB certificate is a tangible reminder of a milestone achieved and a source of great pride.'
I completely agree with this- it is about setting goals and improving confidence. Some students will never perform outside their home or outside my little studio, but, if we work toward the goal of sitting an AMEB exam for the purpose of performing in front of just one person, I think that is so helpful for that student's level of confidence rather than anything else. The reason for students sitting AMEB exams changes for everyone; for me, it was getting toward the final examination, improving my technique enough so that I could earn a Diploma, and with AMEB I am still working toward that goal. Without goals, students struggle- and AMEB is a great way of introducing students to not only goal setting, but also the motivation and improvement within their music development, and overall life development as well.
How do I enrol myself or my child in an AMEB exam?
AMEB recently went to having a predominantly online enrolment system- which is great as we are saving less paper and less stress with the postal service, but at the same time gained a whole new level of confusion on how to use the AMEB website. So, I have created a short tutorial for everyone to understand how to enrol a student online, whether it is their first exam or the fifth. Click the video below to watch.
Well, that's all I have about AMEB exams. As a student who has gone through many AMEB exams, I truly think that they really worthwhile and a great experience for any student to have- even if it is just once. If you would like more information, jump onto the AMEB website (www.ameb.edu.au/) or write me an email through the Contact tab of the website. Have a great day, and don't stress- happy to help!
Yours in Music,
Miss Beck
