What do I need for an AMEB Piano for Leisure exam?

If you are preparing for the Comprehensive examination, your preparation will normally cover four areas:

Comprehensive or Repertoire: which exam are you taking?

Before buying your books, this is the first thing to check. AMEB offers both Comprehensive and Repertoire Piano for Leisure examinations.

Repertoire examinations are available from Preliminary through Grade 8 and focus on the performance program. They do not have separately examined Technical Work, Aural, Sight Reading or General Knowledge components.

How many pieces do I prepare?

For the Piano for Leisure Comprehensive examination from Preliminary to Grade 8, candidates prepare three works.

These can be selected from eligible Piano for Leisure grade books and the Manual List. Candidates may also choose a program containing two listed works plus one Own Choice work, provided it meets the syllabus requirements.

This gives students and teachers considerable freedom to choose music that suits the student's interests and strengths.

Do I need an AMEB Technical Work book?

If you are taking the Comprehensive examination, Technical Work forms Section I of Piano for Leisure.

There isn't a separate Piano for Leisure Technical Work publication. Instead, AMEB uses the standard Piano Technical Work books.

Aural or Sight Reading: you can choose

One of the useful features of Piano for Leisure is that Comprehensive candidates from Preliminary through Grade 8 choose to undertake either Aural Tests or Sight Reading in addition to General Knowledge.

That means you do not necessarily need to purchase preparation material for both. Discuss the best option with your teacher.

What is General Knowledge?

General Knowledge is designed to make sure students understand the music they are performing — not simply the notes.

At the early grades, candidates may be asked about elements such as notes, rests, musical signs and terms, titles, keys and tonality. As students progress through the grades, the expected knowledge becomes more sophisticated and may include form, style, historical period and composers.

Do I need to pass AMEB Theory as well?

For Piano for Leisure, there is no additional Theory of Music, Musicianship or Music Craft examination required to pass a grade or the Certificate of Performance.

This makes Piano for Leisure an attractive option for students who want to work through a structured AMEB examination pathway while concentrating primarily on practical piano performance.

Your AMEB Piano for Leisure shopping checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Piano for Leisure Series 4?

The syllabus supports repertoire from multiple Piano for Leisure series as well as the Manual List. Series 4 is a convenient current-series starting point for students purchasing new material.

Can I choose my own piece?

Yes. For the Comprehensive examination from Preliminary to Grade 8, candidates can prepare two eligible syllabus works together with one suitable Own Choice work, subject to the syllabus requirements.

Do I need both an Aural book and a Sight Reading book?

Not necessarily. Piano for Leisure Comprehensive candidates choose Aural Tests or Sight Reading.

Do Repertoire candidates need the Technical Work book?

Repertoire examinations do not have a separately examined Technical Work section.

Are Extra List pieces required for Piano for Leisure?

No. Piano for Leisure does not have the Extra List requirement that applies to Comprehensive examinations in a number of other AMEB instrumental subjects.