IMPORTANT TO NOTE: AMTA courses are revised regularly, to keep you fully up to date with all the latest AMEB Syllabus changes, as well as any noticeable change in trends regarding melody writing, four-part harmonisation and two-part writing (G6).
For any students returning to study after a lengthy break, who may not be aware of some of the big changes over recent years, here is some great news for all those music theory students:
(a) From 2014, theory examinations up to Grade 5 are going to be 'online' in the May period and students results will be known much quicker than in previous years. August exams stay as normal.
(b) Note also that we see a gradual change happening for the four-part harmony question in Grade 6 theory. The AMEB are gradually beginning to give a bass line to harmonise instead of the melody line. To bring our Grade 6 students 'up to speed' with this pending change, we have introduced two extra lessons in Grade 6 for our students, so as they can deal with any awkward issues that could arise.
(c) As you may already know, Folk Songs for Grades 1-4 have been deleted from 2011 onwards.
(d) In 2009 the 'Set Works' set for study in Grade 6 and 7 were changed over to new works (refer to AMEB Syllabus, or visit AMEB website in your state).
(e) Yet another interesting point to make is that the AMEB Federal Board authorised the deletion of pianoforte-style harmonisation from Third and Fourth Grade Harmony, effective from 2009. Candidates in Third Grade and Fourth Grade are now only required to harmonise in four-part vocal style. In fifth grade onwards, students are required to harmonise in Piano Style as well as in Vocal Style.
Congratulations to all those who have worked hard this year. We would like to make special mention of Yen-Lin Toh (Victoria) who earned an excellent 90% mark for Grade 6 Theory in May 2013, and Felicity Breen (W.A.) who also earned an excellent result for Grade 5 Theory in August 2013. (Yen-Lin achieved a high mark of 95% for Grade 5 Theory in May 2012.)
Congratulations to Henry of Glen Waverley, Victoria, on being awarded high 'Honours' (93%) for AMEB Fourth Grade Theory of Music, sat in the August 2011 exam session. Congratulations also to Mary of Mawson Lakes in S.A. for her achievement of high 'Honours (91%) for Fourth Grade Theory; and another congratulations goes to Aaron of Geelong in Victoria, for being awarded high 'Honours' (90%) for Fourth Grade Theory. And that's not all (as the well-known saying goes): Congratulations to Melissa from Wantirna South, Victoria, for her achievement of high 'Honours' (92%) for Third Grade Theory, and also to Jordan from Mount Waverley, Victoria, for his achievement of high 'Honours' (93%) for Third Grade Theory.
Jane, an Australian citizen from New Caledonia, commenced study with AMTA late 2010, beginning with Grade One Theory. Jane has since returned to live in Australia, and is currently studying Grade 4 Theory. Well done Jane; you have come a long way in the last 18 months or so (geographically as well!).
We are very happy that you all enjoy studying with AMTA, as our aim is to help you achieve your musical goals in a supportive and flexibile environment. We are mindful of the fact that everyone has individual needs, and with AMTA, you will always be treated and respected as an individual.
The internet sure is a wonderful tool, and one which enables us to provide opportunities to many people who have had limited opportunities in the past.
"Set goals, challenge yourself, and achieve them. Live a healthy life and make every moment count. Rise above the obstacles, and focus on the positive." (Robert H. Goddard)
There are so many aspects to learning music as a language: including things such as technique, sight-reading, theory, and ear-training. One of the very important qualities a musician needs to have is patience. With this in mind, we would like to say that it is great to see so many of you studying the language and notation of music, discovering how the music is put together: things such as rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form and texture. The study of music theory is essential to make the most of acquiring the skills, understanding and disposition to be able to enjoy music through playing and listening. Music is a precious gift for a life time, and we are thrilled to be enjoying the musical journey with you.
Congratulations to Julie from Upper Ferntee Gully, and also to Rachel Lau for achieving 'Honours' results for Grade 5 Theory. Congratulations to David Laus who achieved a Victorian High Distinction result for Grade 5 after just 7 months with AMTA.
Congratulations to Marcus in the N.T. on receiving a high 'Honours' (exam sat at Charles Darwin University). This result was achieved in less than 4 months study.
Congratulations to Liz from Murray Bridge, S.A., on her great achievement in completing Grades One and Two in just a few months. Liz has since successfully completed Grade Three, and is currently studying Grade Four Theory with AMTA.
David from Warrnambool (Vic) achieved an 'A' result for both Grades 5 and 6 within a 14 month period (unable to find a local teacher).
Anne-Marie, a young Yr 9 student currently studying for A.Mus.A. (violin) came to AMTA with Grade 3 level Theory. We Topped her up with the minimum G4 lessons. After just 8 months with AMTA she sat for G5 Theory and achieved a 'High distinction' with the AMEB (93 marks). Anne-Marie will continue on with G6 as soon as she is able to do so.
Josh, a Yr 11 VCE student, passed L.Mus.A. practical, but for the standard AMEB pre-requisites, Josh needed to pass G6 Theory within 12 months. He came to AMTA, and we topped him up with several key G5 lessons beginning G6. Josh went on to pass Grade 6 Theory and with pride, accepted his Graduation Certificate for L.Mus.A.
Congratulations to Anita Hoekstra from Warrnambool who passed her Grade 6 examination with an Honours result. Congatulations also to Noriko Arisawa from Frankston for her 'Honours' result for Grade 6.
We are very happy for Vivien achieving a great result for Grade 6 Theory, and also for passing her A.Mus.A. practical examination. This 'highly gifted' young student won a scholarship to Methodist Ladies College. Our exciting challenge is to ensure that our G6 course is clearly readable for one who is so young.
"Every journey begins with the first step."
"Try to learn something about everything, and everything about something." (Thomas Huxley).
"Don't count the days; make every day count."
"Aim at nothing, and you will hit it every time!"
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." (Aristotle)
"It's not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving." (Goethe)
G.O.A.L.S. - "Godly Objectives Assure Lifelong Success".