Video Exams

Video Comprehensive exams are available from Preliminary to Grade 8 and Certificate of Performance, across all AMEB syllabuses, including For Leisure (with the exception of Band).

A Video Comprehensive exam takes place in 2 parts

AMEB’s Comprehensive exam format includes sections such as technical work, aural tests, sight-reading and general knowledge, and these require communication between the candidate and examiner. Offering this exam by Video necessitates a hybrid exam format with a combination of pre-recorded (video) and live sections. 

Part 1 - Video of Technical Work and Pieces - Sections I and II

A Video of the candidate performing Technical Work and Pieces forms Part 1 of this exam format. 

• Section I Technical Work - all technical work applicable to the syllabus and grade must be recorded on video.
• Section II Pieces - Pieces are to be performed after Technical Work, in the same continuous take. For subjects where the syllabus requires 2 Extra List Pieces, only 1 will be required for performance in the video. 

Candidates are required to video the entire performance of all works and technical work in a single recording.

Note about Orchestral Works:
For Harp and Double Bass exams that require the performance of Orchestral Excerpts, please regard all orchestral excerpts as pieces, and perform and video them accordingly, as part of Section II Pieces outlined above.

For other syllabuses that require preparation of a selection of excerpts, candidates are not required to perform all excerpts, but must demonstrate random selection of the prepared excerpts as outlined here (to simulate an examiner requesting a selection).

Part 2 - Aural | Sight-Reading | General Knowledge - Section III

A Live Zoom exam (approximately 5-10 minutes) is scheduled between the candidate and a 'Section III examiner'

Otherwise known as a 'mini exam' or 'section III exam', this part takes place at a later date than the recorded pieces and technical work (video). A 'Section III examiner' examines a candidate via Zoom, at a prescheduled time for approximately 5 - 10 minutes, according to the requirements of the syllabus and grade the candidate is enrolled in. This 'mini exam' is recorded and passed for assessment to an Examiner who will also assess both parts of the exam.

Grades 5 to 8 Comprehensive (and For Leisure Comprehensive) exams are recognised by SACE and can be counted towards community learning at Stage 1 and/or Stage 2.

Enrolling in a Video Comprehensive exam is much the same process as enrolling in an in-person exam. However, the following options must be selected when using SCORE:

Location: Online
Session: Video Comprehensive

When determining whether video is a suitable format for the candidate, please consider the eligibility restrictions on this exam format, as well as the process of recording (outlined below) and the role of the supervisor.

Important information

• it is important to test the recording process prior to recording.
• audio must not be edited or altered in any way, except to raise or lower volume as may be necessary. Candidates must not add artificial reverb.
• the recording must be done in one continuous take, including performance of all technical work and pieces. For subjects where the syllabus requires 2 Extra List Pieces, only 1 will be required for performance in the video. The number of works and the duration of the recording must fit within the specified performance times listed for the particular instrument and grade.
• Not all technical work will be assessed, but the examiner will listen to and assess a sample. Where more than one hand co-ordination/articulation/bowing pattern is specified, the candidate should alternate between them, e.g. 1st scale with first articulation specified, 2nd scale with 2nd articulation specified, etc.
• Where a candidate has to prepare a sustained note, please pick and play one note in the specified range. 

• Note about Orchestral Works:
  For Harp and Double Bass exams that require the performance of Orchestral Excerpts, please regard all orchestral excerpts as pieces, and perform and video them accordingly, as part of Section II Pieces outlined above. For other syllabuses that require preparation of a selection of excerpts, candidates are not required to perform all excerpts, but must demonstrate random selection of the prepared excerpts as outlined here (to simulate an examiner requesting a selection).

Camera and microphone
A high-quality recording device should be used, such as:

• A recent-model smart phone or tablet might be suitable (test both audio and vision). For most recent devices, the built-in microphone and camera will be sufficiently high quality. If your smartphone phone handset is compatible, audio may be further improved by the use of a plug-in microphone, such as a: Zoom iQ7; Shure MV88; RØDE iXY; or RØDE VideoMic. You may also find that recording on a mobile phone is made easier by using an app that allows manual control of audio, such as FV-5 (supported Android devices) or Filmic Pro (IOS devices and some supported Android devices).
• A recent-model laptop or desktop computer with a reasonable front-facing camera built in (if your computer does not have this, a good quality webcam may be suitable).
• A portable audio recorder capable of capturing video (such as a Zoom Q4 or Q2n).

Minimum recommended recorded resolution is 720i or 720P, with a maximum of 1080i or 1080P (Full HD). This will ensure that file sizes are manageable and the quality is suitable for examination.

It is important to do a test recording to check how the microphone (in the device) is responding and ensure that the instrument is placed an appropriate distance from the recording device (or that the microphone level is set appropriately) so that sound recorded isn't clipping/distorting (this sounds like static and can occur with higher volumes at particular frequencies). If the sound recorded is frequently distorting you may need to experiment in a larger room. If you are using a microphone or recording device, you might need to lower the ‘gain’ on the input signal.

If the recording device receives notifications of any sort, it would be useful to put the device in 'Airplane/Flight mode' or 'Do not disturb' before recording. It is also important to check the device has enough battery power or is plugged in.

Positioning
We also recommend a horizontal/landscape-orientation of the device used for video.

The camera must be positioned:

• to capture the performer’s face, both hands and the instrument. If feet are used to perform (e.g. piano pedalling), then feet should also be visible.
• in a quiet location with good lighting and minimal ambient noise. Please avoid recording in very reverberant places such as a bathroom or stairwell, as they can interfere with recorded sound and make it difficult for an examiner to assess the performance.
• to capture both candidate and accompanist (or recorded accompaniment). Both should be clearly audible and the recorded sound should be balanced. If using a recorded accompaniment, spend some time getting a good balance between the recording and the live performance. The candidate should be clearly heard, while feeling connected to the accompaniment part. It is worth experimenting and producing some test recordings to ensure the balance is good.

Supervisor's role
An adult must supervise the recording and certify that the performance was supervised by them, and recorded in one take without teaching/coaching assistance. The supervisor must:

• Stand in front of the camera and introduce themselves as supervisor and say their full name, the date and time and read the Enrolment key (a 10-digit, alphanumeric key unique to the enrolment, e.g. SANT345678).
• If a candidate is over 18 and lives alone, they are permitted to act as their own Supervisor.
• Provide a copy of their photo identification (current drivers' licence or passport) via the submission form.
• Submit the recording on behalf of the candidate.

The supervisor can be a parent, accompanist, friend (over 18), relative or teacher.

Candidate's role
After the supervisor has commenced recording and stated the date, time and exam key, the candidate must introduce him/herself e.g. "My name is Jane Smith", and state the name of the exam they are enrolled in, e.g. "I'm doing Piano for Leisure Repertoire, Grade 4."

The candidate should then present their all technical work* (alternating through the range of articulations/bowing patterns specified) by announcing what they will play, and then playing it. After technical work, pieces (including any orchestral excerpts) should be announced, stating the name and composer, before performing. Each piece should be introduced similarly. Gaps between pieces should be minimal.

*Not all technical work will be assessed, but the examiner will listen to and assess a sample. 

The recording should cease immediately after the last work has finished.

This script is a useful guide during the recording. 

There are three parts to this process:

• Uploading the video to YouTube,
• Adding the Video and submitting repertoire via SCORE, and
• Completing the online Video exam submission form.

Once AMEB SA & NT have received the recording, the 'mini exam'/'section III exam' will be scheduled. These exams are scheduled on weekends, generally between 8am and 1pm. Scheduling Requests must be updated in SCORE prior to submitting the video, if there are any limitations on a candidates' availability during these timeframes, for the 3 proceeding weekends after submission.

Uploading a video to YouTube

Use this guide to upload the video to YouTube.

Please note, due to Copyright restrictions, recordings cannot be posted online except as unlisted YouTube videos, and these videos cannot be shared or used for any purpose other than AMEB examination. Videos uploaded to YouTube should remain on the platform for the duration of the examining year, after which it is the responsibility of the YouTube account owner to remove it.

Attaching the Video and submitting repertoire via SCORE

1. Log into Score as an Enroller.
2. Go to My enrolments.
3. Find the enrolment for which you submitting a recording, and click on the red bubble 'Repertoire required' which appears directly below.
4. Add information for each piece in, as required and then click 'Submit Repertoire'
5. Click on the Options button beside the enrolment in the My enrolments view.
6. Select Attachments -> Add attachment. A pop-up window will appear.
7. For the Name of attachment box, please enter the description: "Video exam submission"
8. Select URL from the drop-down menu beside Attachment type. 
9. Copy and paste the YouTube link into the URL field.
10. Click Submit.
11. Complete the Submission form below.

Submitting the video to AMEB SA & NT

To submit a video recording, please use our online form.

Supervisors must submit the recording, as their signature is required as part of the submission process. When submitting the video, the Supervisor will be asked to provide an email address to which the notification of Section III exam time and information is sent. This is often a parent's email address. Parents are required to acknowledge receipt of the notification. 

Please prepare a digital scan of the sheet music (full score) to upload when submitting, where the video:

• relates to a Grade 8 or above exam/Performance Evaluation, or
• includes Own Choice/Extra List pieces selected from sources other than the manual lists.
• Digital copies of sheet music must be accompanied by a completed APRA Copyright Declaration Form.

For Comprehensive and Certificate of Performance exams, any scheduling requests for the Section III “mini exam” must be updated on the candidate’s enrolment in SCORE. Mini exams are scheduled on weekends between 8:30am to 12:30pm, usually within one fortnight of submission.

1. Videos are checked by administrative staff to ensure the audiovisual quality is sufficient, and that the supervisor and candidate have commenced the recording as per requirements.
2. If all is in order, Section III exams are scheduled according to the Scheduling Requests in SCORE pertaining to the enrolment. In SCORE, Scheduling Requests can be added/edited by (account holders):

• Navigating to My enrolments,
• Clicking the Action icon and selecting 'Edit candidate details' from the drop-down menu,
• Selecting 'Exam request' in the top field, and 'Other' as the category of Scheduling Request
• Typing your request in the given text field. Click 'Update' when finished and this information will be communicated to schedulers.

These exams are generally scheduled between 8am and 1pm on weekends, and those who submit their videos can expect to have their Section III exam scheduled on one of the proceeding 3 weekends. 

Requests to change a scheduled Section III exam time (due to clashes or a missed exam) incur a $25 administration fee.

3. The Section III exam notification is sent to the email address nominated in the video submission form (e.g. the parent). Acknowledgement of receipt of this notification is required.

4. The candidate must join the exam at the appointed time, and they will be admitted to a Zoom waiting room, where a Section III examiner will speak to them once ready.

Setup requirements for a Section III exam

The candidate will be required to have:

• Reasonable internet connection,
• Access to a suitable portable device (for joining the 'Section III exam' via Zoom, viewing Sight-reading, hearing Aural tests and answering General Knowledge questions. A mobile phone is considered too small for these purposes. An iPad, tablet or laptop should be of sufficient size, as long as the device has a camera, microphone and the ability to play audio),
• A quiet space to undergo their exam without interruption, but with visibility via an open door or window to a parent/guardian.
• The music for their pieces, with all markings relating to General Knowledge removed, and
• Their instrument.
• Piano candidates tested in sight-reading will need to be able to position their portable device in a way that sight-reading tests are visible and playable on the piano. With a laptop, this can be done on a grand piano and digital pianos, but is more difficult on an upright piano. Positioning a laptop on top of an upright piano may disadvantage a candidate’s ability to read the sight-reading. An iPad or tablet would be more suitable in this instance.
• Other instrumental and vocal candidates will need to position the portable device on a sturdy stand or on a piece of furniture at the appropriate height.
• A person may be needed on hand to support the candidate with any IT issues. However, once any issues have been resolved, only the candidate is to be present in the room. 

Please test Zoom, including microphone and speaker settings, before joining the Section III exam.

How will the different tests be run?

All Section III exams are recorded by the Section III examiner and passed on to the examiner who is assessing the whole exam.

• Aural tests (if applicable) are shared directly to the candidate's device via recorded audio. The examiner will perform a number of tests to ensure the candidate can hear the examples adequately and that they are within frame and audible for any tests requiring clapping/singing/humming.
• Sight-reading tests will be shared to the candidate via a screen share.
• General Knowledge questions are tailored to the requirements of the syllabus, but are more generalised. Candidates will still need to ensure that all pencil markings on their scores relating to General Knowledge are removed prior to their Section III exam, as they will be required to hold up parts of their scores at the request of the Section III examiner.

1. Once the Section III exam is completed, both the video and Section III exam will be scheduled for assessment with a specialist examiner*. 

2. The result and report will be released and notification will be emailed to the account holder. The time between completing a Section III exam and receiving the result and report may take up to 3 weeks.

4. If successful, the candidate's certificate will be printed and the account holder will be notified.

*On rare occasions, there may be instances where generalist (non-specialist) examiners are called upon to assess exams. These examiners (specialists in their own fields) are trained and have extensive experience examining across all practical music syllabuses in regional areas and interstate.

AMEB can accept and mark two types of Rockschool graded music exams via video submission: Performance Certificates and Graded Certificates.

Read up on the information below to find out how to enrol, prepare a video exam, submit it and what next.

Enrolling in a Rockschool Video exam is much the same process as enrolling in an in-person Rockschool exam. However, the following options must be selected when using SCORE:

Location: Online
Session: Video Rockschool

Please refer to the Rockschool Video Exam Guide

There are three parts to this process:

• Uploading the video to YouTube,
• Attaching the Video and submitting repertoire via SCORE, and
• Completing the online Video exam submission form.

Uploading a video to YouTube

Use this guide to upload the video to YouTube.

Please note, due to Copyright restrictions, recordings cannot be posted online except as unlisted YouTube videos, and these videos cannot be shared or used for any purpose other than AMEB examination. Videos uploaded to YouTube should remain on the platform for the duration of the examining year, after which it is the responsibility of the YouTube account owner to remove it.

Attaching the Video and submitting repertoire via SCORE

1. Log into Score as an Account Holder
2. Go to My Practical Exams.
3. Find the enrolment for which you submitting a recording, and click on the orange bubble 'Repertoire Information Required' which appears directly below.
4. Add information for each piece in, as required and then click 'Confirm Candidate Repertoire'
5. Click on the Options button (blue cog) beside the enrolment in the My Practical Exams view.
6. Select Add Attachment to open the file attachment pop-up.
7. Select Link from the drop-down menu beside Type. 
8. Copy and paste the YouTube link into the Link field.
9. For the Description box, please enter the description: "Video exam submission"
10. For Available to examiner*, select Yes.
11. Click Upload.
12. Complete the Submission form below.

Submitting the video to AMEB SA & NT

To submit a video recording, please use our online form.

Please note, the online form requires details of a Supervisor (a requirement for other video exams). As Rockschool Video exams do not require a Supervisor, in this section please include the details of the person submitting the video.

Examination time-frame
Rockschool Video exams are scheduled to be examined in the next (upcoming) Rockschool in-person session, provided they are submitted no less than one month prior to the commencement date of the session.*

E.g. Submissions sent prior to the 11 June will be examined in the Rockschool July session.

*Exams may be assessed sooner than the above time-frame, if sufficient volume of exams are submitted.

Account holders can expect to receive their candidates' results and certificates 5-7 weeks after the date scheduled for examination, but we will always endeavour to give them to you as soon as possible.

Reports
Once a video exam has been assessed, the examiner will provide a PDF of the report as well as some feedback verbally given by video. This will be uploaded to SCORE and become accessible to the account holder once they receive a notification advising it is available.

Certificates
Rockschool certificates are released in the UK, printed in Victoria and posted to the SA & NT office. As a guide, certificates are usually available for successful candidates 6-8 weeks after the exam has taken place.

More information coming soon

More information coming soon

More information coming soon

More information coming soon