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Thursday, 11 December 2014

Withdrawal from Examination

From the beginning of 2015, the following syllabus is no longer available for examination: Flute (last printed in 2012 Manual of syllabuses ). From the beginning of 2016, the following syllabuses will no longer be available for examination: Percussion (last printed in 2013 Manual of syllabuses ) and Double Bass (last printed in 2013 Manual of syllabuses ). Once these syllabuses are withdrawn, only the form of these syllabuses printed in the most current Manual of Syllabuses will be able to be presented for examination.

Syllabus Reviews

The Trumpet, Trombone and Euphonium syllabuses will undergo review in 2015. The Oboe syllabus review will continue in 2015. If you wish to participate in the syllabus review process, please visit the Federal Office website, www.ameb.edu.au .

Piano Series 17

AMEB is proud to announce the launch of Series 17 - a full suite of grade books and recording & handbooks (Preliminary to Grade 8) available as an additional resource for users of the current Piano syllabus. Series 17 includes exciting and challenging repertoire in a range of styles, representing a wealth of new options for candidates and their teachers.

This is not a new syllabus. The works featured in Piano Series 17 will be added to the Piano syllabus in the 2015 Manual of Syllabuses and 2015 downloadable digital syllabuses. Beyond this, there will be no alteration to the Manual Lists in the current syllabus and no grade book series will be withdrawn as a result of Series 17 being added. This means Series 15 and Series 16 books can still be used.

The following publications, available from November 2014, may be used with the existing syllabus:

Piano Series 17 Recording and handbooks (2014)

Piano Series 17 Preliminary - Grade 8 (2014)

There will be no alteration to the technical work in the current syllabus, which is set out in the Piano Technical Work book (2008).

AMEB Manuscript and Manglescript Pads

During 2014 AMEB released two manuscript pads for the use of students and teachers. The Manuscript Pad has 75 pages of standard manuscript paper for practising theory, sketching musical chords and ideas, and even composing music. The Manglescript Pad is fun manuscript paper for colouring-in and creativity for young music students. Manglescript combines 10 unique, engaging and mangled manuscript scenes placed between standard manuscript pages.

Sample Answers: Theory of Music and Musicianship

Past written papers for Musicianship and Theory of Music from Grades 1 to 4 now come with sample answers. Sample papers and answers can be purchased and downloaded from the AMEB Online Shop (www.ameb.edu.au/shop). More sessions will become available throughout the year.

Recorded Accompaniments

Beginning in 2015, AMEB will start releasing recorded accompaniments for use in study and examinations. Where AMEB recorded accompaniments are available, candidates may perform with those recordings in examinations. Recording will be available as CDs from AMEB's Online Shop, from AMEB Preferred Retailers and as downloads from iTunes and other digital music outlets. For more information refer to AMEB's website ( www.ameb.edu.au ).

Revised Syllabus - Theory of Music

A revised version of the Theory of Music Syllabus appears for the first time in the 2015 Manual of Syllabuses .  There have been no changes to Grades 1-6, these grades remain the same as previously published. Grade 7 has been removed so candidates now progress from Grade 6 to Diploma level. Three new diplomas have been added at Associate and Licentiate level: Musicology, Harmony & Counterpoint and Orchestration & Arrangement. This will allow candidates to complete a Diploma in their own area of interest or skill.

Candidates who began Grade 7 or a Diploma in 2014 or earlier will be able to complete their qualification within the timelines previously published and are advised to contact their State Office for further information.

The marking for the Diplomas in the Theory of Music as published in Regulation 29 in the 2015 Manual of Syllabuses allows for a pass mark at 65% and an Award with Distinction at 85%.

The marking scheme for Diplomas begun in 2014 or earlier has not changed. Candidates should refer to Regulation 29 in the 2014 Manual of Syllabuses or their State Office for more information regarding this.

AMEB Online Music Shop

All AMEB publications, past exam papers and study resources are now available for purchase from the AMEB Online Music Shop at www.ameb.edu.au. Express and Regular Post shipping options are available as well as a guide for finding your local AMEB Preferred Retailer.

In addition, all AMEB syllabuses are available for purchase as digital downloads from www.ameb.edu.au .

MyTempo App

AMEB is proud to announce the launch of its very first practice app, MyTempo. MyTempo allows students to speed up, slow down and loop any recording through their smartphone or tablet. MyTempo corresponds to the release of AMEB's recorded accompaniments, allowing users to practise with the accompaniment at any speed they choose. MyTempo is available for both Apple and Android devices and can be purchased from the relevant app stores.

Online Examinations

AMEB continues to expand its offering of online examinations in theory syllabuses.

At the time of printing, online examinations were available for Theory of Music Grades 1 to 6, Musicianship Grades 1 to 6, and Music Craft Preliminary to Grade 4.

Online examinations are available from amebexams.edu.au.

Online Theory courses

AMEB now offers interactive online courses in Grade 1 & 2 Theory and Grade 3 Theory of Music will be released in the near future. AMEB Online Theory courses allow students to learn music theory at their own pace, independently or by supporting what is taught in the classroom or private music studio.

Online theory courses are available from amebtheory.edu.au

Email Newsletter

AMEB's bimonthly newsletter contains a feature article on a topic of interest to teachers, students and parents, a focus on a particular syllabus, a chance for Theory questions to be answered, an interview with a prominent musician, celebrations of the achievements of AMEB students, promotional offers and more.

Register to receive the newsletter at www.ameb.edu.au.

Media references

Lindsay Roberts (Australian Music Examinations Board)  (+61 8) 6488 3059

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Australian Music Examinations Board (WA)