What are Exams and the Different Examination Boards

What are exams and the different examinationspeech and drama, by offering high quality syllabuses,
boards?educative services to our teachers, examiners and
Music examinations are a method of formallycandidates, and quality publications to the highest
assessing the accomplishments of pupils learningeditorial standard.
musical instruments. Although there are musicThe AMEB has a long record of providing quality
examinations available to school and universitymusic examinations for students, with over 100,000
students alongside other regular qualifications andstudents nationally taking its examinations each year.
assessments, there are also a number of independent,AMEB standards are well respected internationally, and
examination bodies who solely provide assessment init is the only examining body with formal links to the
musical ability which are open to all.major Australian universities and Ministers of Education.
Music exams are set in both theory and practical*AGMS: Australian Guild of Music Education
aspects. The theory examinations are taken by pupilsThe AGMS was founded in 1969 as a continuation of
of all instruments and typically cover areas such asthe London Guild of Music and Speech (Australia). It is
musical notation, construction of scales andnon-profit, Public Education Institution, constituted to
composition. The practical exams concentrate on theprovide professional and private Teachers and
particular instrument favoured by the pupil, for exampleStudents of Music and Speech (including Drama) with
piano, guitar or flute. They cover elements such asa responsive organization through a comprehensive
playing set pieces; scales; sight reading and aural.set of syllabi throughout Australia, New Zealand,
Most students who enter these exams have taken aMalaysia and Singapore with examinations which
course of music lessons with a private teacher. Oftenrecognize excellence in the selected study, as well as
this is a way for children to receive music training overproviding supportive encouragement for teachers and
and above what is provided at their usual place ofall music and speech students and candidates.
learning.The Guild education system provides an avenue for
Examination Boards:music & speech teachers to offer a methodical
* ABRSM: Associated Board of the Royal Schools ofteaching and assessment system for their students via
Musicthe Guild's public examinations and opens the way for
The Associated Board is the world's leadingfurther education at Tertiary level, for both themselves
examination body for music, with a system ofand their students, by distance education in the
examinations and assessments in over 80 countriesCreative Skills program from Certificate to Advanced
around the world. The Associated Board is linked toDiploma and the Higher Education program with the
some of Europe's leading Conservatoires - the RoyalBachelor of Music degree.
College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in*ANZCA: Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts
London; the Royal Northern College of Music inAustralian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Limited
Manchester and the Royal Scottish Academy of(ANZCA) offer syllabuses and both practical and
Music & Drama.written examinations in modern and classical streams,
Established in 1889, the Associated Board provideswhich stimulate students of all ages. For over
schools, private teachers of music and the generaltwenty-three years, examinations have been
public with a scheme of music examinations ofconducted throughout Australia, New Zealand, Thailand,
recognised authority. Examinations are offered in 35Malaysia and Indonesia.
instruments, singing, theory and practical musicianship*Trinity Guildhall Examinations (Australia)
and are open to students of all ages. The AssociatedTrinity College London, the international examinations
Board examines over half a million candidates eachboard incorporating Trinity Guildhall, offers accredited
year making it the largest examining body for music inqualifications in English language and the performing
the world.arts. Trinity has been assessing students since 1872
In 1991, the Associated Board was delighted to beand is considered a leader in performance
asked to return to examine in Australia after anassessment.
absence of more than 30 years. Associated BoardTrinity is supported by the leading performing arts
examinations are conducted at St.Andrew's Cathedralorganizations, teacher associations, colleges and
School, with the Board's examiners making regularuniversities in Australia and worldwide.
visits to Sydney.500,000 assessments are conducted each year
*AMEB: Australian Music Examinations Boardworldwide, from graded examinations and certificates
The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB)to diplomas and higher level vocational qualifications.
provides a full range of music and speech and dramaTrinity offers a flexible range of syllabuses, across a
education, from the first steps through to Diploma levelvariety of teaching and learning styles, to encourage
performance and scholarship. The AMEB exists toand motivate students to achieve their personal,
provide a graded system of examinations in music,vocational and professional goals.