The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BassClarinetBaby
Date: 2011-05-24 13:39
A workshop I am applying for asks for approximate AMEB practical and theory levels. However I've never done exams before. The only system of exams that I am even remotely familiar with is Trinity. How would I be able to estimate what grade AMEB I'd be. I've been playing clarinet for 8 years and am pretty proficient at it.
Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-05-24 14:08
AMEB gives a thorough description of their exams on their site http://www.ameb.edu.au/site/index.cfm?display=121530. They give a pretty clear description of what's expected. An email to the AMEB office can get you further information and probably a reference to someone who can help.
If you're taking lessons, ask your teacher. If not, and you're in school, ask someone on the faculty. Or simply get the name of a leading player and call him/her up. The worst answer you can get is "I don't know," almost certainly followed with the name of someone with more expertise.
The Australian Clarinet and Saxophone Society http://clarinet-saxophone.asn.au/ undoubtedly has people who know about the AMEB exams. From what I see on their site, it's definitely worth joining.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Alexis
Date: 2011-05-24 22:03
I would judge it on how well you read and how fast your fingers move, as that (unfortunately) is most of what AMEB exams measure.
So if you can read and (or at least) play the complete range up to high F or G (4 leger lines), and are able to move your fingers moderately quickly (4 notes per beat at 100+), then somewhere around grade 5-6. A bit higher, a bit faster, maybe 7-8
But as you can see its a fairly lousy system for rating yourself.
Generally speaking though, if you feel fairly confident, grade 5 upward - the idea of these grades are that you can play most of the notes, and are now can focus more on style and musical ideas.
Also try some of the grade 5-8 pieces, and see what is plausible.
Or guess...grade 6/7 would mean you mean you won't be bored at the workshop
out of interest, what is the workshop
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Author: greenslater
Date: 2011-05-25 02:52
If you're happy to post the titles of some of the pieces you are currently working on - from the standard clarinet repertoire - I'm happy to tell you what grade of the AMEB syllabus they are listed at.
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Author: BassClarinetBaby
Date: 2011-05-26 03:56
Thank you very much for all your help.
At the moment I'm working on Mozart's Clarinet Concerto (the 2nd movement, but my teacher says I'd be able to play the 1st), Canzonetta by Pierne, The Finzi Bagatelles and Fantasy Piece #1 by Shumann (technically this was an easy piece and I sightread it, but I'm working on it to improve my musicality and expressiveness).
Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪
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Author: greenslater
Date: 2011-05-27 22:45
Hello again
According to the AMEB syllabus the pieces are listed at the following grades;
Finzi: Prelude gr 5, Fughetta gr 6
Schumann Fantasy Piece 1: gr 5
Pierne Canzonetta: gr 6
Mozart: mov 2 alone appears at first at gr 5, when presented together with mov 1 it appears at gr 8.
Of course there are many factors involved when your teacher chooses repertoire for you and if you're not preparing to present at an exam the AMEB listing could be quite irrelevant in their choice. Hope the list above helps in some way.
Brad
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Author: BassClarinetBaby
Date: 2011-05-28 05:12
Thank you, Brad! Your answer was much appreciated and a great help.
Never Bb, sometimes B#, and always B natural! ♫♪
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