Spotlight on: Piano for Leisure

If you're looking for a veritable smorgasbord of genres and repertoire to choose from, the Piano for Leisure Syllabus is absolutely what you want! As with all of our "... for Leisure" syllabuses, the music selected covers a wide range of genres and styles and is crafted to support any musical interest, while offering an engaging and enjoyable mix of toe-tappable favourites.

The syllabus starts by developing technique in the classical style - a tried and true method to help achieve basically any performance goals - but the music (the main component of the exam) is where it really branches into all sorts of different territory.

What kind of music is in the syllabus?

The syllabus is designed for all ages to explore popular repertoire that includes:

• musical theatre tunes
• pop songs
• jazz standards
• movie themes
• as well as well-loved standards from the classics.

How does the Piano for Leisure syllabus differ from the other Piano syllabuses?

The key difference is the repertoire. The Piano (or 'classical') Syllabus provides a platform for the development of the classical musician. The for Leisure syllabus explores more contemporary genres to expand beyond the traditional baroque-to-20th-century range of repertoire. There are also the Rockschool Piano and Keyboard syllabuses, which is focussed purely on contemporary technique and repertoire. Consider Piano for Leisure as a combination of these two specialties, built on the foundations of classical technique.

Piano for Leisure is most closely aligned to the Piano syllabus, sharing Technical work and many exam aspects. Apart from the breadth of repertoire and genres available for performance, here are a few other key differences between the two:

• When doing a Comprehensive exam, the Technical Work for both syllabuses comes from the same place. For Leisure is aligned to the Piano syllabus (ie they both use the same set of scales etc), but only a subset of them are required in that exam.
• An Own Choice Work can be part of the program of any for Leisure exam. The Piano syllabus also permits Own Choice works but only in the Repertoire exam format. This is in recognition of the breadth of genres available under the for Leisure umbrella.
• In a for Leisure exam, you can even perform your own composition as your Own Choice work (Certificate of Performance excepted).
• For Leisure (Comprehensive) exams offer the choice of either Aural or Sight-reading tests, whereas both are included in the Singing (Comprehensive) exam.
• The Piano syllabus goes all the way up to Level 3 - Diploma exams - whereas Piano for Leisure rounds off at the Certificate of Performance.
• For Grades 6+, for Leisure syllabuses do not have the co-requisite theory requirement: your practical exam alone will earn you your qualification.

The number of works and their sources vary slightly between each syllabus and grade. We always recommend referring to a current syllabus to ensure you're prepared for all exam requirements.

Can I do exams in Piano for Leisure as well another syllabus?

Yes, you absolutely can! You don't actually have to choose. And why not? If you're keen to explore multiple genres, go for it! You can even chop and change to suit your passions and learning goals as there are no prerequisites (until Diplomas - check the relevant syllabus for more details). The grades are benchmarked to be of very similar standard so the skills you're developing will support you in either. Of course, there are some specific techniques that you'll be expected to know (if you swap over down the track) but that's nothing you can't handle!

Where can I find some ideas for Own Choice pieces?

The AMEB Grade books have a selection of fun and challenging pieces and you can perform extra tunes from this as your Own Choice Pieces. Another super easy resource is any one of the other syllabuses for singers: look at the pieces in both the Grade books and syllabus Lists for your Grade. It's also helpful to know that the grading is approximately consistent across all the syllabuses so that should help you to gauge if a piece is of an appropriate standard for your program. If you're looking for more works, your teacher is going to be the best source to help introduce you to new music and ensure that the syllabus requirements are met. Or why not pick your favourite song or piece and see if there's an appropriate arrangement already available?

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), 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.

What is the Certificate of Performance exam?

It's an exam that's designed to help 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.

Can I get TCE bonus points for my Piano for Leisure 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 my Piano for Leisure exam?

If you'd like to do a face-to-face exam, we offer exams in five sessions each year: Session 1 is generally just before the end of term 1; Session 2 is through June and July; Session 3 is in August (Private venue in Burnie only); Session 4 in September; and Session 5 is across October and November. Alternatively, you can record 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.