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Associate in Music, Australia facts for kids

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This page is about the Australian music diploma. For the Italian river, see Amusa (river).

The Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) is a special music diploma given to talented musicians and music theory students in Australia. It's awarded by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) after they pass a tough exam.

What is the AMusA Diploma?

The AMEB runs music exams all over Australia. The AMusA diploma is a very respected award. It's like getting a first degree in music from a university. Most students who try for the AMusA have already passed AMEB Grade 8. This is a high level of music study.

To take the AMusA practical exam, you need to have passed a Grade 5 music theory exam. If you want to take the AMusA theory exam, you need to have passed a Grade 5 practical music exam. After the AMusA, there are even higher diplomas. These are the Licentiate in Music, Australia (LMusA) and the very rare Fellowship in Music, Australia (FMusA).

When you take a practical AMusA exam, two examiners listen to you. You need to play music for 25 to 40 minutes. This music comes from special lists. After playing, you will answer questions about the music you performed. This part takes about ten minutes.

You can get one of three results for the AMusA diploma. These are "no award," "award," or the excellent "award with distinction." The AMEB is known as the main music exam board in Australia. So, earning an AMusA means you have reached a very high level in music.

What Can You Study?

The AMusA diploma can be awarded in many different areas of music. Here are some of the main categories:

Theory:

  • Theory of Music (like how music is put together)
  • Musicianship (understanding music by ear and sight)

Keyboard:

  • Piano
  • Organ
  • Accordion
  • Electronic Organ
  • Percussion (drums and other instruments)

Strings:

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass
  • Classical Guitar
  • Harp

Woodwind:

  • Recorder
  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Bassoon
  • Saxophone

Orchestral Brass:

  • Horn
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Euphonium

Brass Band:

  • Instruments in B flat, E flat and C (specific types of brass instruments)

Singing:

  • Singing (classical style)
  • Musical Theatre (singing from musicals)

Ensemble Performance (playing in a group):

  • Woodwind Ensemble
  • Brass Ensemble
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Strings Ensemble
  • Mixed Ensemble (different types of instruments together)
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Associate in Music, Australia Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.