Yamaha Grade Examination System

The Yamaha Grade Examination System was started in 1967 for the purpose of enabling everyone who is learning music to improve their musical skills in a well-planned manner while verifying their overall ability.

Yamaha Grade Examinations help teachers and music learners to confirm their musical abilities and encourage them to acquire all-around musical abilities so that they can enjoy creating and performing music.

Are the exams recognised and well regarded?

The exams are currently conducted in over 40 countries/regions worldwide and more than 10 million people have taken part in the examination system.

Who are the Examiners?

There are two examiners for each grade level and all examiners have been trained and certified by the Yamaha Music Foundation in Japan. Having two examiners ensures consistency in marking for all candidates.

What feedback is received?

At the conclusion of the examination, the examiners will give some immediate verbal feedback to each candidate. A written Report Form will then be made available within 2 weeks which will include a letter assessment (A-E) for each individual subject as well as overall comments. Successful candidates will also receive a certificate. Having an assessment for each subject ensures that students, teachers and parents can clearly see the achievement reached in all areas of their music studies.

When are exams held?

Exams are generally held twice a year towards the end of each school semester.

Difference between AMEB and Yamaha Grade Exams?

Exams offered by the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) are available in a wide variety of instruments but are only conducted in Australia. Unlike Yamaha exams, they are not part of a total music education system and thus are not directly connected to a particular teaching curriculum or pedagogy.

Yamaha Grade Exams are closely connected to, and integrated with all the Yamaha Music Courses and so they assess the necessary and important skills which the students are naturally developing through their Yamaha lessons. There is no need for students to spend unnecessary time learning skills just required to pass an exam.