Our Syllabuses are extensive to ensure we're provide support for quality arts education in every way we can. But it can be a lot to digest. Here's a break down of what some of the key words mean to help you ensure you select all the right things for your enrolment
Syllabus
The Syllabus is the formal document that outlines the objectives and requirements for your exam. We have over 60 different Syllabuses so we group them down into Syllabus Categories.
Syllabus Category
To help with navigating so many Syllabuses, your enrolment form will ask you to start by nominating your Syllabus Category. These are the sets of different types (or genres) of performing arts. Some Categories are a little specific because different exams are supported by different teams so this also helps us ensure the right person knows about your enrolment. Categories include the following Syllabus genres:
- Classical and for Leisure: AMEB-produced Syllabuses in classical instrumental (including voice) as well as the for Leisure Syllabuses.
- Rockschool: All the contemporary music Syllabuses (these are produced by our partners in the UK) up to Grade 8.
- Speech and Drama: AMEB-produced Syllabuses supporting speech, drama, and communication.
- Stageschool (formerly PAA): performing arts Syllabuses produced by the same team who produce Rockschool.
- Teaching: Syllabuses to support teachers of classical instrumental music (including singing).
- Paper-based Theory: Selected exams from our three classical music theory syllabuses for which paper-based exams are available.
- RSL Awards Diplomas and Certificates: The UK team who produce Rockschool and Stageschool have separate syllabuses that support higher learning across a variety of specialties such as performance and teaching.
If you're looking for Online Theory Courses and Exams, you'll just need to select the relevant option from the Enrol now page.
Instrument family
If you're enrolling in a Classical or For Leisure Syllabus, you'll then be asked for your Instrument Family. This is basically just a group of Syllabuses of similar instruments. The Families are:
- Keyboard: Piano, P Plate Piano, Piano for Leisure, Organ, Accordion.
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Classical Guitar.
- Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Saxophone for Leisure, Recorder.
- Brass: French horn, Trumpet, Euphonium, Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Band.
- Percussion: Percussion.
- Ensemble: Brass, Woodwind, String, Percussion, and Mixed Ensembles.
- Voice: Singing, Singing for Leisure, Musical Theatre.
Exam type
Our music syllabuses - both classical and contemporary - are available as two exam types. The traditional exam format includes separate tests for technical exercises, aural, sight-reading, and general knowledge. This continues to be a popular exam option and is known as either Comprehensive (classical) or Grade Exam (Rockschool). We also have an alternative exam format which assesses all the same criteria through only pieces. That's known as Repertoire (classical) or Performance Certificate (Rockschool). To find out more about Repertoire Exams, have a read of this Spotlight article.
Exam location
Finally, you can choose to do your exam face-to-face or via Video. If you're wanting to do a Video Exam, make sure you select Online Exam as your location. Depending on your Syllabus and Grade, the requirements may vary slightly if you're doing your exam via video so make sure you select the correct location and consult the relevant Syllabus.
I have more questions.
That's great! As you develop a deeper understanding of your Syllabus, there are no silly questions and we are very happy to spend some time with you explaining how it all works. We're here to help. Have a browse of the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
