The viola syllabus was fully overhauled in 2023 to reflect current international best practices in viola pedagogy. The launch of the new syllabus also included the addition of a Certificate of Performance exam and aligned the viola with other AMEB Syllabuses.
The syllabus seeks to enhance and inspire viola teachers' and learners' growth and development and features repertoire designed to introduce learners to a diversity of composers, styles, musical eras, techniques, and skills.
What sort of pieces are in the Syllabus?
The repertoire has had a complete refresh but don't worry - your favourites are still there. A broad range of genres, styles, and periods have been included and there's a diversity of composers where musical merit allowed. There are lots of gems from across Australia, and the world, including many original compositions and arrangements by our very own local Aussie composers. The pieces align to the technical work, both of which align with the Violin Syllabus for Level 1, before diverging into more viola-specific techniques. At Level 2, there's a greater diversity of repertoire to support the interests of established learners. With that, the piano accompaniments are high quality but a note that this will require quality accompanists. Two new publications are now available with Grade books being released for Grades 5 and 6 for the first time. There have also been a few discrepancies removed where the same work was in the Violin Syllabus but at a different Grade.
Who was the brains behind the Viola Syllabus?
The amazing Helen Tuckey was the Principal Consultant for the syllabus review and she was joined by some of Australia's finest violists and pedagogues for the compilation of music: Janet Fernandes (Level 1), Raquel Bastos (Level 2), and Roger Benedict (Level 3). Aside from the best practices in pedagogy, the Syllabus review aimed to:
- Include more works by women, Australian, and a general diversity of composers.
- Create consistency with the other AMEB Syllabuses, for example Lists are based on periods and historical style of the work (rather than aligning with the Violin Syllabus).
- Ensure a broad range of experience is cultivated from the very beginning.
- Align with the Violin Syllabus of Technical work and repertoire in Level 1.
- Address historical inconsistencies with the Violin Syllabus.
How does the Viola Syllabus differ from the Violin Syllabus?
Building the basics through Level 1, both Syllabuses work in broad parallels, such as range and technical work. At Level 2, they deviate, with the Viola Syllabus focussing more on the skills and techniques that are more relevant to the instrument and how the viola player works. At this point, the technical work moves away from scales and introduces more studies and exercises that are designed to support orchestral excerpt development, such as the introduction of non-scalic intervals (diatonic playing) and an emphasis on rhythmic recognition. The Lists include repertoire unique to each instrument as well as some crossover pieces. These have been specially selected to support teachers of group lessons. If they're not in the exact same key, they're often a 5th apart, where the teacher can simply shift by a string to play in unison with their student. The Sight-reading book includes the same material as violin in recognition of the matching standards and requirements.
What is the Certificate of Performance exam?
It's an exam that's designed 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 a Viola 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 Viola 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.
