Chosen the cello? Make another great choice to learn with the Cello Syllabus.
The Cello syllabus can help develop quality tone and sound production to support technical fluency and rhythmic awareness.
The syllabus seeks to enhance and inspire cello teachers and learners' growth and development and is underpinned by a close link between technical work and repertoire.
Through introducing and integrating right and left hand skills, the syllabus helps you to expand and diversify your techniques toward mastery of each performance element (eg bowing). There is close alignment between technical work and repertoire, which helps you to focus on your development, then apply it directly, enabling you to bring the music to life.
What sort of pieces are in the Syllabus?
A broad range of genres, styles, and periods have been included and there's a diversity of composers where musical merit allowed. The pieces align to the technical work, which progressively develops key concepts, such as the integration of right-hand and left-hand skills and mastery of the fingerboard.
Can I perform my own cadenza?
Yes you can! Performance of cadenzas is always encouraged, and becomes a requirement from Grade 7 onwards. Performing original or the composer's cadenza is encouraged but you can absolutely write your own as you explore this skill. We recommend having a read of the syllabus about this and all exam elements.
What is the Certificate of Performance exam?
It's an exam that's designed to partially bridge the gap between Grade 8 and AMusA, and provide a capstone to Level 2. The CoP is a recital-style exam, like the Diplomas, but is a natural continuation of skills from Grade 8. We have a Spotlight article dedicated to Certificate of Performance exams here, if you're keen to find out more.
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 Grade books (Preliminary to Grade 6) which are a compilation of selected List pieces, making an accessible and affordable resource as you prepare for your exam. Other resources also include recorded accompaniment (up to Grade 3 for most syllabuses), the Technical Work book, and even practice books to help you with your aural and sight-reading skills.
To level up your playing, you can learn about music theory. We have a range of options to help you learn and gain accreditation for your theory skills - have a read of our Spotlight article here.
Head to your favourite local music retailer or the AMEB Online Shop for these and more.
Can I get TCE bonus points for a Cello exam?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB exam, including all Rockschool and PAA syllabuses. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as well as Theory Grade 2+.
When can I do a Cello exam?
Our face-to-face exams are available in the June/July and October/November sessions. Alternatively, you can do a Video exam absolutely any time that suits you. To find out more about exam dates, head to our Exam information page.
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.
