If you're looking for a veritable smorgasbord of genres and repertoire to choose from, the Saxophone 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 (and 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:
- jazz standards
- arrangements of movie themes
- pop songs
- musical theatre tunes
- as well as well-loved standards from the classics.
How does the Saxophone for Leisure syllabus differ from the Saxophone syllabus?
The key difference is the repertoire. The Saxophone (or 'classical') syllabus provides a platform for the development of the classical musician. The for Leisure syllabus explore more contemporary genres to expand beyond the traditional baroque-to-20th-century range of repertoire.
Apart from the breadth of repertoire and genres available for performance, there are a few other 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 classical 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 classical syllabuses also permit Own Choice works but only in the Repertoire exam format. This is in recognition of the breadth of music available under the for Leisure umbrella of genres.
- 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 Classical (Comprehensive) exam.
- The Classical syllabus go all the way up to Level 3 - Diploma exams - whereas for Leisure syllabuses round 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 both Classical and for Leisure exams?
Yes, you absolutely can! You don't actually have to choose. And why not? If you're keen to explore both genres, go for it! You can even chop and change to suit your passions and learning goals. The grades are benchmarked to be of very similar standard so your technical playing 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 book has a selection of fun and challenging pieces - you can play extra tunes from this as your Own Choice Pieces. Another super easy spot is the Saxophone syllabus: both Grade books and Lists. It's also helpful to know that the grading is approximately consistent across the two types of 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 contemporary 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?
Can I get TCE bonus points for my Saxophone 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 Saxophone for Leisure exam?
If you'd like to do a face-to-face exam, we offer exams in two sessions each year: Session 2 is through June and July, 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.
