Australian Music Examinations Board

Who takes these exams

Australian students of instruments and singing take the practical grades. Many also take Theory of Music, which builds the written skills the higher practical certificates need.

What the grades cover

• Theory of Music Grades 1 to 6. The grades are online written exams. Diploma-level theory sits above them.
• Practical grades lead to the diplomas AMusA (Associate) and LMusA (Licentiate).

What the grades lead to

Each higher certificate or diploma is awarded only after you pass the theory grade listed here:

• Grade 6 practical needs Theory Grade 2.
• Grade 7 practical needs Theory Grade 3.
• Grade 8 practical needs Theory Grade 4.
• AMusA needs Theory Grade 5.
• LMusA needs Theory Grade 6.

Musicianship or Music Craft at the same grade also counts. The written exam can come after the practical exam.

How it compares with other boards

AMEB links theory to each higher practical grade. The RCM in Canada does much the same. ABRSM asks for one theory pass at Grade 5. Trinity asks for none.

Practice on The Music Stem

• AMEB Theory of Music practice runs from Grade 1 to Grade 6.
• Grade 5 and Grade 6 prepare for the theory that AMusA and LMusA need.