I primarily prepare students for AMEB, Rockschool and Con Brio exams in Piano / Keys and Theory of Music, and Australian Guild of Music & Speech (AGMS) performance exams for Electronic Organ.
I am also open to other exam options, and keep abreast of what is out there. These days most students opt for Video exams, which can be recorded during the lesson, removing the need to take time out of school / work to attend an in-person exam.

Practical in-person exams typically incorporate technical work, repertoire (at least 3 songs) and general knowledge, and depending on the syllabus choice may also include aural work, sight reading and/or improvisation.
Video exams can vary between only requiring repertoire, or may also incorporate technical work and/or a demonstration of general knowledge.
Exam fees vary according to the grade; the higher level examinations take longer and thus have a higher cost associated with them.
- AMEB Piano Practical Exams (classical / “for leisure”)
- Rockschool Piano / Keys Practical Exams (contemporary)
Theory of Music
All students undertaking practical exams in piano or organ are encouraged to also complete theory of music exams. This gives the most thorough grounding required for the general knowledge component of the practical exams.
AMEB theory exams are completed online. Students need to complete a theory workbook for their relevant grade (either an AMEB workbook, Dulcie Holland’s “Master Your Theory” or Samantha Coates’ “How to Blitz Theory” books).
For Rockschool students, there is a Guidebook for Popular Music Theory for Debut to Grade 5 (and a 2nd, more advanced Guidebook for Grades 6 – 8), plus a workbook for each Grade. The Rockschool theory exams are still conducted in person, once a year.
Exam Score Comparison
I’ve created the following table to compare the grading of the main exam bodies that I use.
