Are you at the very top of your field and keen to challenge yourself and gain accreditation and accolades? If so, then the FMusA could be just what you're looking for!
The Fellowship in Music Australia (FMusA) is the most prestigious award we offer here at AMEB.
What can I do my FMusA in?
Any instrument/specialty that is available for an exam in the current AMEB Manual of Syllabus. That includes keyboard, orchestral and band instruments, and voice.
Is there a prerequisite for the FMusA?
No there isn't but there is an approval process before you can enrol in the exam. And keep in mind that this is not a linear step up from an LMusA - there's quite an increase in expectation of FMusA Candidates and an outstanding level of musicality and technical mastery are expected.
What does the approval process involve?
To ensure you're set up for success, there are a couple of stages that must be completed prior to being approved to enrol for your FMusA. This approval process can take up to around 12 months, but that's largely driven by you. If you do happen to be unsuccessful at any stage of the approval process, you'll receive some constructive feedback and a chance to resubmit.
Step 1: Submit your proposed program, complete with indicative timings. That gets reviewed and approved before you move onto...
Step 2: Record and submit your video audition. You can take your time here - there's no expiry date on your program approval. This video is basically a practice run at your recital and can be filmed with an audience. It gets reviewed and approved before you can...
Enrol!
What are the recital requirements?
You'll need to select and prepare a recital program demonstrating balance and cohesion. The works should be consistent with the prestigious level of the qualification and demonstrate your proficiency in a variety of musical styles, or in any style you prefer to specialise in (eg Lieder, contemporary repertoire, etc). Remember to choose whole works and not just a particular movement or two. The program duration depends on your area of specialty, and you should plan to schedule a 20 minute interval (in addition to your music content timing). Depending on your specialty, you may be required to perform some or all works from memory.
What do I get for my exam fee?
Most of the costs related to the exam go toward the Examiners and staff to support the recital. We'll also organise printing of your concert program, including a copy for yourself to keep as a memento. In addition to the expenses covered by the exam fee, we also provide in-kind contributions of a concert usher, concert program design, and marketing and promotion of your recital. We'll work with you to help you organise and promote your recital so please get in touch as early as possible so we can begin making arrangements. Please note that, if you would prefer a venue that we don't already have access to, any additional costs will be your responsibility.
Wasn't the FMusA cancelled a while back?
Yes it was. But we revamped it, made it more current and relevant to today, and relaunched it back in 2023. Most of those changes were around introducing the approval process, largely because we wanted to see a higher success rate and ensure that the expectations of the exam were fully understood with regards to the prestige of the qualification.
When can I do an FMusA exam?
Given the gravitas and commitment involved, there are a few steps involved before you can do your exam (see approval process information above). Once you're cleared for your recital, get in touch with your friendly team at AMEB Tasmania and we'll be happy to work with you to find a time that suits you for your public recital. 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.
