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Recorder Exams

Thinking of taking a recorder exam? Or not sure which one to teach? 

Below we have listed the three main recorder syllabuses, grades, diplomas they offer, rules & regulations and any other extra requirements, so that you can quickly decide which syllabus suits your students’ or your teaching style. 

In Australia there are three main recorder examination boards that you can enter or teach their syllabuses. Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London (TCL) are international, and Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) which is Australian based but is starting to branch out to other countries. Less well-known are Australia and New Zealand Cultural Arts (ANZCA) and Music Teachers Board (MTB) which also offer recorder syllabuses. 

*Due to Covid-19, all institutions are currently postponing face to face examinations and are finding ways for exam candidates to submit video recordings. It is best to stay up to date with the examination board’s official websites. 

All three syllabuses offer grades one to eight, incrementally getting harder. Some syllabuses offer prep or initial exams for very young children who might not be ready to start taking exams. 

After you've completed the grades in one of the recorder Syllabuses you can take diplomas. Anyone undertaking a Diploma is expected to deliver a professional level recital on the recorder. These Diplomas are offered by ABRSM, AMEB and TRINITY. These high quality certificates are called Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship.

Note: Orpheus Music takes no responsibility for any out of date information, or any information that may have changed since writing this webpage. Exam candidates must do their own research in order to have the most up to date details for each of the syllabuses rules and regulations. 

This is designed as a resource for recorder players around Australia and may be useful to recorder players around the world. All prices linked are in AUD unless stated otherwise. 

This was last updated in Jan 2021. 

Click here to view all the sheet music that Orpheus music stocks, catalogued per grade or diploma. 

Recorder Exams