Learning a "standard" orchestral instrument and want to take it to the next level? Or perhaps you need an alternative to help you get started before attempting a full-sized instrument. Check out these syllabuses that include exams on related, alternative instruments!
What other instruments can I do exams on?
- Piccolo, Alto Flute, Bass Flute (Flute syllabus)
- Cor Anglais, Oboe d'amore (Oboe syllabus)
- Bass Clarinet, Eb Soprano Clarinet, Eb Alto Clarinet, C Clarinet (Clarinet syllabus)
- Fagottino (Bassoon syllabus)
- Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone (Saxophone and Saxophone for Leisure syllabuses)
- Treble and Descant Recorder (Recorder syllabus)
- Cornet, Flugelhorn, Trumpet in C or D, Piccolo Trumpet, Natural Trumpet (Trumpet syllabus)
- F Tuba, EEb Tuba, CC Tuba, BBb Tuba (Tuba syllabus) or C Tuba (Band syllabus)
- Three- and four- valve Euphonium (Euphonium syllabus)
- Eb Soprano and Bb Cornet, Bb Flugelhorn, Eb Tenor Horn, Bb Baritone, Bb Tenor Trombone, Bb and F Trombone, Bb Euphonium, Eb and Bb Bass Tuba, C Tuba (Band syllabus)
- And don't forget that the Trombone syllabus splits at Level 2 so you can specialise in Bass Trombone. Or you could use the Band syllabus.
Our syllabuses support you to develop the skills necessary to either specialise on your second instrument, or simply keep working on it alongside your primary specialty.
We've outlined your options for each of these instruments below and, in most cases, you'll find a section in the relevant syllabus titled "Alternative Instruments" with more details. Please note that the full Syllabus should always be consulted when preparing for your exam to ensure all requirements are met.
How can I do an exam on alternative flutes?
The Flute syllabus has a few options for you, despite the main focus remaining on the principal instrument of the standard concert flute.
Level 1: If you're unable to play the full-sized instrument, you can do your entire exam on the piccolo.
Certificate of Performance and Level 3: You can select out one of your List pieces to perform on pic, alto flute, or bass flute.
How can I do an exam on cor anglais?
The Oboe syllabus ensures that foundations are well set before introducing an alternative instrument but the cor anglais can absolutely be part of your exams.
Grade 5: You can choose to play either your List B or List C piece on cor anglais.
Grade 6-8: You can choose to play either your List B or List C piece on cor, as well as your List D orchestral excerpts.
Certificate of Performance: You can choose to play one of your List A, List B or List C piece on cor, as well as your List D orchestral excerpts.
Extra List pieces can also be done on cor if you wish.
AMusA: You can choose to play either your List B or List C piece on cor.
LMusA: You can choose to play your List B piece on oboe d'amore or your List C piece on cor anglais.
How can I do an exam on alternative clarinets?
Within the Clarinet syllabus, you can get started right away on your favourite liquorice stick.
Level 1: Apart from the orchestral Bb clarinet, you could also do your whole exam on bass clarinet, Eb soprano clarinet, Eb alto clarinet, or C clarinet.
Level 2: Your exam program can be a combination of Bb clarinet and bass clarinet.
Level 3: You can choose any combination of clarinets for your program.
How can I do an exam on a fagottino?
The Bassoon syllabus recognises the challenges that may face smaller learners in navigating the full-sized instrument. As such, you're able to do your Level 1 exams on a fagottino.
How can I do an exam on alternative saxophones?
The Saxophone syllabus recognises that you might be learning on any one of soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone saxophone so you can choose whichever suits your learning goals.
Level 1 and 2: Your choice of saxophone but it must be for the whole program.
Level 3: You can perform any combination of saxes in your program.
The Saxophone for Leisure syllabus is equally flexible in that you can choose which sax you do your exam on. For both of these syllabuses, it's also completely fine to pick a different instrument for your next exam - you don't have to have passed previous Grades on the same instrument.
How can I do an exam on different recorders?
The Recorder syllabus allows for you to perform on either descant or treble Recorder as you begin learning. As the exams progress, a wider range of instruments are available (and expected):
Level 1: Choose either treble or descant, or a combination. Your Extra List pieces can be performed on any recorder.
Level 2: Both treble and descant are required in the exam program, and you can choose any recorder to perform your Extra List pieces.
Level 3: The choice of instruments is up to you! The only requirement is that you perform on at least two recorders.
How can I do an exam on an alternative to trumpet?
While the Trumpet syllabus aims to support the development of performance on Bb trumpet, there is some flexibility available.
Level 1: you could perform your exam on a Bb cornet or flugelhorn.
List C Pieces: Some works are published in both Bb and C parts so you can choose whether you play them on a Bb or C trumpet.
Orchestral Excerpts: Due to the nature of the keys used throughout history, excerpts can be performed on Bb trumpet (either as is or transposed), or your choice of appropriate instrument. That could include trumpet in D, C, or Bb, piccolo trumpet in A or Bb, natural trumpet in D, or cornet.
How can I do an exam on various tubas?
Ok, so these aren't really alternative instruments but it does make sense to highlight the flexibility of the Tuba syllabus here. You can choose to perform your exam on any (or any combination of) tuba. And, if you're looking for something different, check out the Band syllabus. We've included some more detail on that a little further down.
How many valves does my Euphonium need for an exam?
Depending on which Grade you're working towards, there are some recommendations and requirements for the instrument you're working on within the Euphonium syllabus.
Level 1: You can use either a three- or four-valved instrument.
Level 2: While a four-valved instrument is strongly suggested, you can still use a three-valved eupho. And that comes with the adjustment to range where a low B natural below the staff is optional.
Level 3: At this level, a four-valved instrument is required.
How does the Band syllabus work?
Of all our syllabuses, this is probably one with the widest scope to accommodate a variety of instruments. The Band Syllabus aims to support concert and brass band instruments and is therefore split into Bb, Eb, and C versions. At Level 3, only Bb and Eb are available but, if you're playing a non-transposing instrument, you could consider a relevant orchestral brass syllabus for your Diploma.
What other resources are available?
Each syllabus outlines the objectives and requirements for each exam so that's always the best place to start. We also have books available for cheaper access to sets of List pieces (the Grade books), recorded accompaniment (up to Grade 3 in most syllabuses), Technical Work books, and even practice books to help you with your aural and sight-reading skills. Head to your favourite local music retailer or the AMEB Online Shop for these and more.
Can I get TCE Points for any of these exams?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB syllabus. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as well as Theory Grade 2+.
I have more questions.
That's great! We'd love to help with those. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
