Whether it's smooth and soulful, jaunty and joyful, pointed, or playful, the sound of the clarinet is unmistakable. This syllabus exists to help you achieve all of the colours and characters you need to realise the amazing virtuosic music and orchestral repertoire available to the Clarinet.
What sort of pieces are in the Syllabus?
We aim to include pieces by a diversity of composers where musical merit allowed, so you'll find a broad range of genres, styles, and periods are included. Each Grade has a set of studies and works from various eras from pre twentieth century to today. And finally, there's a set of orchestral excerpts that can be selected to support you in your career development and help to prepare you for life as an orchestral musician.
What's involved in a Clarinet exam?
There are two types of exams you can do: Comprehensive and Repertoire. Just as it suggests, a Comprehensive exam assesses a comprehensive set of learnings. You'll prepare your program of music and technical work (eg scales), answer questions on general knowledge, and be tested on aural and sight-reading. Alternatively, you could do a Repertoire exam, where you perform only your pieces, demonstrating your technique and knowledge through the repertoire. Flexibility exists to choose music from a range of periods through the set lists, and the option of Own Choice works broadens your choices even further. As long as the piece is the same standard as your Grade, you can choose pretty much anything!
From Grade 6, you can also choose from a List of Orchestral Excerpts to help put your skills into the ensemble context.
Repertoire Exams are a great way to get a practice run at your TCE or UTAS exams. In addition to the AMEB qualification, you'll receive constructive feedback and guidance to help in guiding your final preparations for your future performance goals.
Repertoire exams are available across all syllabuses except Band.
What is the Certificate of Performance exam?
It's an exam that's designed to 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.
Are there any other syllabus options available?
Yes! If you love your clarinet but still want to branch out or try something new, you can do your exam from Preliminary to Grade 4 on Bass clarinet, Eb Soprano Clarinet, Eb Alto Clarinet, or C Clarinet. From Level 2, you can do your exam on Bb Clarinet, or a combination of Bb and Bass. At the Diploma level, you can play whichever instruments make sense for your program.
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 a Bass Trombone exam?
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.
