The Saxophone syllabus can help develop quality tone and sound production to support technical fluency and rhythmic awareness.
Based in the classical genre and style, the syllabus seeks to enhance and inspire saxophone teachers and learners' growth and development and is underpinned by a close link between technical work and repertoire.
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 and technique to build and broaden the base knowledge required to demonstrate and achieve musicality. Repertoire Lists include romantic, 20th century, and works by living composers. But there are also fantastic arrangements of works that predate the saxophone by well-loved composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and plenty more. While it's not a requirements, the Saxophone syllabus, does encourage learners to include a work from an Australian composer. As such, there are lots of great pieces on the Lists to help you explore our very own national musical style.
Which saxes are examinable in the Saxophone Syllabus?
The Syllabus is designed to support both specialists and multi instrumentalists. Each Grade includes List works for Eb (Alto/Baritone) and Bb (Soprano/Tenor).
To ensure focused skill development and that all the important foundations are well embedded, exams throughout Level 1 and 2 must be taken on just one instrument: soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, or baritone saxophone. But you can change your instrument for each Grade, or repeat an exam on another horn. When you get to the Level 3 Diplomas, you're welcome to choose any combination of instruments you like, but you can also stick to just your favourite sax.
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!
What resources are available?
Each syllabus outlines the objectives and requirements for each exam so that's always the best place to start. There are also books housing collations of repertoire to provide cheaper access to sets of List pieces (the Grade books). You can use recorded accompaniments (up to Grade 3 in most syllabuses) to practice as well as use in your exam. Our publications also include the 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 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.
Can I get TCE bonus points for a Saxophone 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 Saxophone 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.
