Ascham School runs a day of Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) practical examinations on the School premises towards the end of Term 3. These examinations are offered to students at an appropriate pedagogical level, providing an opportunity for students to measure themselves against performance goals in a formal setting, and to attain a widely recognised qualification. It is important to note that while we offer these examinations to a broad spectrum of ages and abilities, these examinations are not always suitable for all students.
These examinations are generally scheduled on the Friday, the day after Term 3 ends. In 2021 this will be Friday, 10 September. However, this needs to be confirmed with the AMEB closer to the time. Please note also some students will be scheduled on other days as it is subject to the availability of examiners and entrant numbers. Please factor this tentative date into any holiday plans you may be considering, or have already booked, around this time. It is important to note that the AMEB is an external, national examining body and that, once scheduled, the examination date cannot be changed and entry fees are non-refundable.
During the period leading up to the examinations, students will be required to do intensive practice at home in order to be fully prepared. Students will be required to prepare appropriate technical work and scales, have a proficient level of aural perception and show evidence of general knowledge of their examination repertoire. The decision to undertake an AMEB examination should be carefully considered as the preparation required is more than that of a regular weekly instrumental lesson. Please note that a student may be withdrawn from the examination by her teacher if, two weeks prior to the scheduled examination, her instrumental teacher believes that her preparation is insufficient. Should this occur, AMEB entry fees, rehearsals and lessons that have already taken place are non-refundable.
For those students requiring an accompanist this will be an additional cost, and rehearsals will be organised to take place at School on the two weekends prior to the examination. Students are welcome to organise their own accompanist or to accept an accompanist organised by the School. Should a student organise their own accompanist, all rehearsals for the examination take place off-site. If the student uses an accompanist organised by Ascham, the instrumental/vocal teacher will attend the rehearsals with the accompanist.
Therefore, there are up to three costs involved for entering a student in an AMEB examination at Ascham School:
These costs will be provided just prior to entering a student in an AMEB examination.