The Violin Syllabus was fully overhauled in 2021 to incorporate current international best practices in violin pedagogy.
The syllabus seeks to enhance and inspire violin 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 to provide opportunities to try out and perfect new skills. At Level 2, there's a greater diversity of repertoire to support the interests of established learners.
Who was the brains behind the Violin Syllabus?
Our AMEB Publications team was delighted to work with an expert panel of instrumental specialists:
- Philippa Paige - Principal Consultant
- Julie Hewison - Level 1 Consultant
- Caron Chan - Level 2 Consultant
- Fintan Murphy - Level 3 Consultant
How does a syllabus review come together?
Together, the consultants review the complete syllabus to adopt the very latest in best practise pedagogies. In consultation with teachers across the country, the technical work has been streamlined and improved to best support a gradual and staged development pathway for learners. They also look at thousands of pieces to update the Manual Lists to incorporate new publications and works of the last decade, as well as removing any publications that have gone out of print. And they collate a selection of graded repertoire for the Series 10 Grade books. This selection has aimed to:
- Align music with the technical work to support staged development and provide a platform to develop new techniques.
- Include more pieces written by women, Australian, and a general diversity of composers.
- Ensure a broad range of experience is cultivated from the very beginning.
- Provide pieces sure to inspire and engage any learner.
What other resources are available?
The Violin Syllabus outlines the objectives and requirements for each exam so that's always the best place to start. It's supported by publications and resources that will help teachers and learners alike. They include:
- Series 10 Grade books (Preliminary to Grade 7) - the most recent release*
- Technical Work book
- Recorded accompaniments (Preliminary to Grade 3)
- Handbooks (Preliminary to Grade 7)
- Sight-reading book
- Recordings of all the pieces in the Series 10 Grade books.
- Series 9: Grade books, Handbooks, Recorded accompaniments.
- Aural practice books
- Practice diaries
*Grade books are available from Preliminary to Grade 7 and each include at least one piece from each of the Syllabus Lists - you could select your whole exam program from one Grade book! This isn't just convenient but much cheaper than shopping around for lots of single pieces. To level up your playing beyond the Handbooks, you can learn about music theory. We have a range of options to help you learn and gain accreditation for your theory skills - have a read of our Spotlight article here.
Head to your favourite local music retailer or the AMEB Online Shop for these resources and more.
Can I get TCE bonus points for a Violin 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 Violin 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.
