When you think of singing exams, you might picture a formal setting, daunting judges, and a lot of pressure. But singing exams offer so much more than a stressful experience. For singing students, these exams can be incredibly rewarding, providing clear goals, structured learning, and invaluable feedback.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, AMEB has something to offer singers of all levels through their three main syllabuses: Classical, Singing for Leisure, and Musical Theatre. Each pathway offers a unique approach to vocal training, and choosing one (or even a combination) can bring out the best in you as a singer.
Why Choose AMEB Singing Exams?
Before diving into the details of each syllabus, let’s explore why AMEB exams, in general, are beneficial for singing students.
Goal Setting and Structure: One of the biggest challenges singers face is knowing what to focus on and how to measure their progress. Without specific goals, it's easy to get lost in the sea of possibilities. AMEB exams provide a structured roadmap, breaking down your singing journey into manageable steps. With clear objectives at each grade level, you know exactly what you need to work on and how to prepare for the next stage. This keeps motivation high and makes progress measurable.
Personal Growth and Confidence Building: Going through the process of preparing for an exam can be an excellent confidence booster. You’ll learn not only to master your voice but also to handle nerves, perform under pressure, and receive constructive feedback. These are essential skills for any singer, whether you want to perform professionally or just enjoy singing as a hobby. Facing an examiner might feel intimidating at first, but after the experience, many singers report a huge boost in self-esteem and a clearer understanding of their vocal strengths and weaknesses.
Invaluable Feedback from Experts: Examiners provide more than just a score; they give detailed feedback on your performance, highlighting areas where you excel and where you could improve. This external, professional perspective is invaluable, as it provides an objective view of your singing that you might not get from teachers, friends, or family. And because AMEB examiners are trained professionals, you can trust that their critique is rooted in years of experience and expertise.
A Diverse Range of Repertoire: AMEB syllabuses encourage students to explore a wide variety of musical styles and genres. Whether you're interested in classical opera, contemporary pop, or the theatrics of musical theatre, there's something for everyone. This diversity helps students become more versatile singers and exposes them to music they may never have discovered otherwise.
The Three AMEB Singing Syllabuses
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of AMEB’s three main singing syllabuses: Classical, Singing for Leisure, and Musical Theatre. Each offers a different focus and caters to different types of singers, so let’s break down what each one involves and why it might be right for you.
1. Classical Singing Syllabus
The Classical Singing syllabus is the most traditional of the three and focuses on developing a singer’s technical skills, musicality, and understanding of classical vocal techniques. If you love operatic arias, lieder, oratorios, or even early music, this is the syllabus for you.
Benefits of the Classical Syllabus:
Technical Mastery: Classical singing requires excellent control over your voice, breath support, and articulation. These skills are foundational for all styles of singing, making classical training beneficial even if you plan to sing other genres later.
Understanding of Vocal Health: This syllabus emphasizes proper vocal technique, helping you develop healthy habits that will protect your voice in the long term.
Exposure to Classical Repertoire: Classical music provides a rich repertoire of songs that help singers develop range, dynamics, and emotional expression.
Classical training isn’t just for those who want to sing opera—many contemporary artists have benefited from a foundation in classical technique, and it can provide a solid grounding for any singer looking to develop their voice.
2. Singing for Leisure Syllabus
The Singing for Leisure syllabus is perfect for students who want to focus on contemporary styles of singing, such as pop, jazz, folk, and rock. It’s a more relaxed alternative to the Classical syllabus, focusing on performance and enjoyment rather than technical complexity.
Benefits of the Singing for Leisure Syllabus:
Repertoire Flexibility: You’ll have the freedom to choose songs from a variety of popular genres, which makes it a great fit for singers who enjoy exploring modern music.
Emphasis on Expression: While still maintaining a focus on vocal technique, the Singing for Leisure syllabus prioritizes communication and expression. You’ll learn how to convey emotion and connect with an audience.
Accessibility: If you're a singer who wants to explore music for fun without the rigorous technical demands of classical training, this syllabus is an excellent option. It's approachable and still provides all the benefits of exam-based learning.
This syllabus allows you to bring your favorite songs into your lessons, making the learning process more enjoyable and relatable to your personal musical interests.
3. Musical Theatre Syllabus
If you love the combination of acting, singing, and storytelling, then the Musical Theatre syllabus might be your calling. This syllabus focuses not only on vocal technique but also on performance, character interpretation, and stage presence.
Benefits of the Musical Theatre Syllabus:
Combines Singing with Acting: Musical theatre requires the ability to act while singing, making this syllabus ideal for those who want to develop their performance skills. You'll learn how to convey emotion through both voice and movement.
Diverse Repertoire: From Broadway classics to contemporary hits, this syllabus offers a diverse range of songs that challenge you to inhabit different characters and stories.
Focus on Presentation: Stage presence and communication are key in musical theatre. You'll learn how to engage an audience and make your performance more dynamic.
Musical theatre is an excellent choice for anyone who loves the drama and excitement of live performance, and this syllabus will equip you with the skills to succeed on stage.
Understanding AMEB Singing Grade Levels and Diplomas
AMEB singing exams are structured in a way that allows students to progress through a series of graded levels, from beginner to advanced. There are eight grade levels for each of the three syllabuses—Classical, Singing for Leisure, and Musical Theatre.
These grades serve as stepping stones, each building on the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous level. As students progress, the repertoire becomes more challenging, and the technical demands increase.
Here's a quick breakdown of the grade levels:
Preliminary to Grade 4: These levels focus on foundational skills like basic vocal techniques, breath control, pitch accuracy, and developing a sense of musical expression. The repertoire is approachable, and students gain experience performing in front of an examiner.
Grades 5 to 8: These are the more advanced levels, where singers tackle more complex pieces and work on refining their technical abilities, stage presence, and emotional delivery. Students are expected to show greater command of their voice and an understanding of more nuanced musical elements.
After completing the eighth grade, many students may choose to continue their vocal studies by pursuing AMEB diplomas: the Associate in Music (AMusA) and the Licentiate in Music (LMusA). These diplomas represent significant milestones in a singer's training and are recognized as high-level achievements in the music world.
AMusA: Associate in Music Diploma
The AMusA is an advanced qualification for singers who have completed Grade 8 and want to continue challenging themselves. To obtain this diploma, students must demonstrate a high degree of technical proficiency and musical interpretation. The exam requires the performance of a recital-length program, often including several different styles of music, showcasing the singer's versatility and skill.
Why Pursue AMusA?
Recognition of Advanced Skills: Achieving AMusA demonstrates that a singer has reached a professional level of vocal ability. It’s a mark of distinction for those who are serious about their musical studies.
Preparation for Professional Careers: For singers aiming to work in professional music environments, this diploma offers a solid credential to include on their resume.
Challenge and Achievement: The AMusA exam is challenging, but the process can be deeply rewarding, both in terms of personal growth and musical development.
Opens Doors for Teaching and Performing: Many professional singing teachers hold an AMusA, and it’s a qualification that can boost your credibility in the industry. It’s also highly regarded by academic institutions, making it a stepping stone for further study, such as a music degree.
LMusA: Licentiate in Music Diploma
The LMusA is the highest performance qualification offered by AMEB. This diploma is only awarded to singers who have already earned their AMusA and are looking to take their skills to the pinnacle of their ability. To achieve LMusA, a singer must give a recital-level performance that displays not only technical brilliance but also an exceptional level of artistry, interpretation, and professionalism.
Why Pursue LMusA?
Elite Level of Achievement: LMusA is a prestigious award, indicating that the singer has mastered their craft. It is often pursued by those looking to establish a career in performance, teaching, or further academic studies in music
If you are interested in pursuing singing exams or would like to chat more to a coach about whether it is the right path for you, why not book in a free 15min consult with Hannah to chat about your goals:
