Can I still do a Recorded Exam when face-to-face exams are available?
Yes. We recognise that there are lots of factors as to why this may be what you need right now. For 2021, Recorded Exams will be available for all sessions - both face-to-face and recorded only. You may also enrol in a Recorded Exam in any session (depending on instruments advertisted).
Can I change to a recorded Exam if I'm enrolled in a face-to-face exam?
Yes but please note that, if your exam is already scheduled, we will require a minimum of two weeks' notice so that we can provide you with the details you need. Additionally, there is a transfer fee associated with this change (please check our Policies page for more details).
If I am preparing a selection of orchestral excerpts for my Recorded Exam, do I need to perform them all in the recording?
No, you won't need to perform all of the excerpts. Please have a look at the Recorded Exam Guidelines, where we have included a section of instructions for this unique component.
What happens if the technology fails for me and I am unable to complete my exam?
You may restart the recording once you have solved your technology issues. Please note that the entire exam performance must be recorded in one take.
How good does the recording quality need to be?
Good enough to convey the abilities, tone, and stylistic nuances performed by the candidate. While we're not expecting recording studio-level quality, AMEB does reserve the right to request the Candidate to repeat the exam if the quality is insufficient for the purposes of assessing their capabilities.
Can I provide a separate audio recording?
Yes. If your recording equipment does not record your audio with your visual, you may provide a better quality version of the audio separately. In this case, you MUST provide the full video (with original audio) so that we can match up the two recordings.
What happens next? How do I know when to do my recording? What's the timeline?
After enrolments close, we'll start scheduling exams just like the face-to-face timetables. Candidates will be notified at least two weeks prior to an exam due date. Candidates may undertake their exam recording, any time from enrolment up until the exam is due. The exam recording and all accompanying documentation must be submitted on or before the due date. Candidates who do not meet this deadline will be recorded as non attendance for their exam. Following the due date, we'll take one week to process and check exams, preparing everything for the Examiners - we'll email you to confirm we have everything as quickly as we can. The Examiners will then assess the exam recordings in bulk, much like they would attend an exam day. Candidates should have their report within three weeks of their exam due date.
Can I supervise my child/student's exam?
Yes. We require that all Supervisors are over 18. Where the supervisor is not the parent/guardian of the candidate, we expect that they will hold a valid Working With Vulnerable People Check.
I'm over 18 - do I need a Supervisor?
Yes. The role of the Supervisor is to maintain the integrity of the exam, not just to ensure the safety of children.
As a Supervisor, can I read the exam instructions to the Candidate?
Yes. Absolutely no problem with this, particularly for the younger Candidates who may not have advanced levels of reading. There are a few requirements for this: the person stating the Candidate's name and exam key MUST be recorded speaking to the camera; and you are ONLY permitted to read the instructions provided, and these must be in English.
Can I use a page turner?
Yes. Physical distancing and isolation practices may make this a challenge so we do recommend setting yourself up to minimise or negate the need for a page turner as the first preference. Your Supervisor is permitted to be your page turner.
Who has access to my recording?
The AMEB Tasmania team will be checking all recordings and documents to ensure everything is ready for our Examiners. AMEB Examiners will be provided access to the recordings and repertoire form, plus any further detail that will assist them in their assessment. No personal contact information is shared with Examiners and your recording will not be shared with anyone else without your explicit consent. All AMEB team members hold and maintain valid Working With Vulnerable People Checks. Exam recordings will be deleted from any device or storage following the report being issued. We may contact you to request sharing of some exams for the purposes of training Examiners - this will not be done without your consent and the recording will be edited to be provided anonymously.
Do I need to scan my music/texts for the Examiner?
Only the items outlined in your syllabus - please check your syllabus to ensure you're providing all that you need to, as well as the relevant Guidelines for any other accompanying documents required for your Recorded Exam. Classical Certificate of Performance and Diploma Candidates please note: the Recorded Exam Guidelines do require a scan of ALL of your works performed.
Will my certificate still be as valid as my other exams?
Yes. This process is stringently managed to ensure your exam result and accreditation will have exactly the same validity as a face-to-face exam. It's for this reason that it's super-important you read all of the guidelines and adhere to them.
Will I still be able to get extra TCE points for my Recorded Exam?
Yes. Recorded exams are just as valid in their accreditation as a face-to-face exam so you'll still be eligible for points. Check out TASC recognition to find out more about what's available.
Can I do a group exam via Recording?
Yes. Obviously, this depends on what syllabus you're enrolling in but we're happy to accept group exams via recording. It is your responsibility to ensure that any physical distancing requirements are met and that the recording has sufficient scope and quality to effectively portray the performance standards of all Candidates.
Are the new Repertoire syllabuses still available after 2020?
Yes. The recently developed For Leisure Repertoire syllabuses have been incorporated into our full suite of exam options. We recommend getting yourself a copy of this year's Manual of Syllabuses to make sure you know all about what's available.
Are the fees the same for Recorded Exams as normal, face-to-face exams?
Yes. While some costs are reduced through recorded exams (such as staffing on the day and piano tuning), these are offset by the technology required to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the exam process, as well as increased administrative load. Fun fact: The main expense for exams is actually the Examiners' time - and this remains a fixed cost.
COVID-19 Statement
We are offering the Recorded Exam format as an alternative to face-to-face exams to support students’ learning and ongoing development during the pandemic. Our first and biggest priority is to maintain the health and safety of all AMEB team members and exam day attendees, and we are taking various measures to support that. However, physical distancing regulations, restrictions on public gatherings, and proximity to high-risk individuals are recognised as highly variable and personal situations, and we invite anyone who does not feel comfortable attending an exam venue to enrol in a Recorded Exam.
During 2021, in light of these extraordinary conditions, Recorded Exams will be afforded a degree of leniency with regard to sound quality and type of keyboard. We understand that, during times of lockdown, candidates undertaking a piano exam may not have access to a quality, tuned instrument. In this case, no candidate will be disadvantaged in their assessment.
It is acknowledged that working with an accompaniment is an essential skill to the developing musician. During times of lockdown, the ability to meet with an accompanist for either rehearsal or exam recording is difficult, if not prohibitive. If doing so is not achievable, candidates have some alternatives available throughout 2021 (Diploma Candidates must work with a live accompanist).
AMEB has produced a selection of recorded accompaniments available for purchase from the AMEB Online Shop. If no AMEB recorded accompaniment is available for your instrument and Grade, we are permitting an alternative for this period ONLY. Candidates may use a recording provided by their accompanist. All candidates are recommended to speak with their accompanist about this in advance and discuss Intellectual Property, copyright, and appropriate remuneration. Please note that these are expected to be disposed of immediately after the exam and will not be permitted to be used as an ongoing resource. Pro tip: Ask your accompanist to include a couple of tuning notes at the beginning of their recording.
I still need help!
Please get in touch. While the world may be shutting down, we have diverted phones and set up shop in our homes. Susannah and Michelle are here to help - please contact us.
