The following information was provided by the AMEB in their June 2010 Newsletter. It is interesting reading for all practical examination students:
Helpful Hints From Examiners
Plan your trip to the examination venue well in advance and allow plenty of time
8th April 2010 I have received further clarification from Dr Rita Crews, the AMEB Written Advisor on exactly how you will be asked your folk tune question.....and her response was as follows:
Have all your music (originals, not photocopies) ready before your name is called
Any pencil marks providing information relating to general knowledge questions must be carefully erased before your examination time
Place markers on the correct pages to help you find your pieces quickly
In addition, examiners had some good advice about how exams (and examiners) should be perceived by candidates.
Don't Assume
Examiners are invaribly also teachers themselves so they appreciate your efforts in preparing for your exam and they do want to see you do well.
If your examiner asks you to cut a piece short or tells you that your second extra list pieces need not be presented, don't assume that this is due to a poor performance on your part. It is far more likely that they have made this request due to time constraints or because your examiner has already heard enough of your program to form their examination assessment.
After the exam - don't take a 'bad' result personally
Examiners can only assess your performance and fulfilment of the syllabus requirements on that particular day, not on your general standard as a musician or your musical potential. Your performance on the day may not accurately reflect your overall musical ability, so don't obsess about or place too much importance on a single exam result.
Focus on the comments given rather thant he grade given. Work with your teacher to be better prepared for your next exam or learn to manage your nerves more effectively in your next assessment. Many talented performers (and perhaps even some teachers and examiners in their youth) have stumbled in exams or performances on their path to greatness. Nevertheless, those who respond with a positive attitude, dedication, strength of character and a love of their craft will take the necessary steps to address their problem areas and ensure future success.
Exams needn't be scary
Parents and guardians should ensure that they don't transmit their own anxiety about examinations to their child. Be sure to provide unconditional support before the examination and encourage your child in a positive way, regardless of the outcome.
8th April 2010: Theory Syllabus Changes
I have received further clarification from Dr Rita Crews, the AMEB Written Advisor on exactly how you will be asked your folk tune question.....and her response was as follows:
Students will be asked to recognise four bars of a given excerpt (which will come from one of the Folk Songs set for that particular grade). They will NOT be required to stipulate the bar numbers of the excerpt presented. The item in question be presented as a four bar excerpt or as a part of the Folk Tune with certain bars missing. Candidates could also be asked to insert the time and/or key signature of these excerpts.
The item in question be presented as a four bar excerpt or as a part of the Folk Tune with certain bars missing. Candidates could also be asked to insert the time and/or key signature of these excerpts.
19th March 2010: Use of Own Choice in PFL Exams
There have been lots of questions lately by students wanting to know if they can use 'own choice' pop songs in their Piano For Leisure examinations. The word direct from the AMEB is:
"Due to the volume of grade exams administered by our office, we are unable to assist every teacher regarding the standard of each piece they may be considering. For all instruments in grade exams, candidates and their teachers are expected to exercise their own judgement in choosing Extra List or Own Choice pieces.
Please note that any piece at all can be chosen for an Extra List or Own Choice component in a practical examination, on the proviso that the chosen piece represents equivalent (or if anything of a slightly more challenging) standard of musical difficulty to the List pieces being prepared for the examination. This piece can be from any source - whether it be listed in the AMEB Manual of Syllabuses or otherwise, provided that an original copy of the music is taken into the examination room.
The main consideration in making this decision is to avoid choosing a piece that is markedly less challenging than the List piece options for that particular grade. This decision is to be made at the discretion of the teacher. If you are in any doubt as to the standard of the piece, to avoid choosing something that would be considered too easy for that grade standard, please select from the 2010 AMEB Manual of Music Syllabus listings for all Piano and Piano for Leisure pieces of the same grade level. This is the easiest and least contentious method for Extra List selection.
Please note that general knowledge questions could be asked from the Own Choice piece in Piano for Leisure examinations.
I hope this assists you in making your decision as to the suitability of the piece/s you wish to play."
2nd February 2010: Placing Accents in a Couplet
There is always contention in regards to the theory paper questions which involve placing accents in a couplet. Here is a direct quote from the AMEB!!!
"Please note that the marks alloted to a question is unrelated to the number of accents expected - in other words, there is not only one correct answer.Please ensure students instead saying the prose slowly using speechcadences (in other words ensuring that they are not placing accents aheadof syllables that are not strongly stressed in a speech context). Forinstance, it would be odd to place an accent ahead of the first or lastsyllable of September, when the strongest syllable in this word when spokenis the middle syllable.
There would be two acceptable answers for the phrase "My home is underwateretc.", one that shows 7 accents and one that shows 4 accents:
My |home is |under |water,
|As pec|uliar |as it |seems.
OR
My |home is under |water,
As pec|uliar as it |seems.
