What does the exam involve?
Hey
The AMEB exam for Classical Singing is really similar to how piano exams work. This is basically the structure of the exam;
- A rehearsed vocalise involving scales but written in song form. They’re sung on a neutral vowel (I usually choose “ah” or “ooh” because they’re easier than “ee” which can sound really American and slightly nasty).
- Three set works contrasting in nature. AMEB selects them and organises a range of works into Unaccompanied, Music prior to the 20th century and Music of the 20th and 21st centuries. The works I’ll be preparing are Scarborough Fair (Traditional), Caro Mio Ben (Giuseppe) and Glowworms (Richard Rodney Bennett).
- Two extra lists. My extra repertoire will be Come Again (Dowland) and Auf Flugeln des Gesanges (Mendelssohn). They may ask me to perform one or both depending on their mood. I only had to sing one for my Third Grade.
- Aural perception. This is the listening skills section. I’m generally quite comfortable with Aural and I’ve done crazier stuff in uni already as a first year so I’m not too concerned
- General knowledge. The examiner will ask a few questions on our set works to see how well we know them
Although I know my works well, I think the end of this year will be the best time to do the exam. It’ll let me focus on uni as well as refining all these areas