Why should I do an exam?

Exams provide a great framework and goal as well as giving individual feedback on all areas of learning. The UME syllabus gives teachers a comprehensive structure that can be tailored to suit each and every student. Exam success is a great way for students to track their progress and a wonderful way to celebrate milestones in their music journey.

Why do students and parents love us?

1 Diversity: All styles are respected and welcomed! Creativity is encouraged!

2 Practical: No more scales from a random list. Understand key structures and explore new and exciting technical elements in lessons.

3 Real World Skills: With sight reading, transposition, improvisation and composition, we’re all about extending skills so that students can shine in any situation.

4 Flexible: You can CHOOSE your own exam date and time and we have realistic policies for changes and challenges.

Why do teachers love us?

1 UME helps teachers grow diverse musicians who read, understand, create and perform music. The Free Choice element of our syllabus means teachers can tailor a program for each individual student. Our ‘Essential Skills’ are not only real life necessities, they’re also fun to teach and fun to learn.

2 Our syllabus is easy to understand - and free.

3 ‘Set pieces’ streamline the entire process in the early levels. Teachers have easy (and free!) access to a fantastic range of repertoire - there’s something to suit everyone.

4 We’re efficient. The booking process is easy and clear. UME results and certificates are returned in record time! It’s usually less than 10 days from the exam to the result, which is emailed to student and teacher.

5 We’re friendly. We’re here to give honest feedback and constructive comments to students to help them improve - but we also pride ourselves on giving students a positive exam experience. From booking in right up to the in person exam - every step is carefully constructed to support teachers and students.

Who can do an exam with UME?

Anyone! There’s no upper or lower age limit. UME caters to students and teachers from all over the world, from beginners through to grade 6 who want to develop their skills.

What do the levels mean?

Preliminary through to grade 6 represent a standardised level of achievement. Pieces listed with any examination board are welcome for our exams as the grade levels progress through a widely established standard across countries and systems.

When and where are the exams?

Video Submission is open all year round.

In person exams are available throughout the year at select venues in Sydney Australia, with sessions in other cities coming soon. To browse exam dates and locations, click here.

What do I do if I need to change something - or even cancel, after I’ve booked?

You can reschedule your exam up to 200 days into the future for FREE. You can cancel if you need to - either for free or for a small fee, depending on the timing. Your email confirmation at the time of booking has all the details. We’ve made it as easy as possible for you to be in control of when, where and how you do your exam.

Who are the examiners?

UME examiners are professionals with many years experience in teaching, performing and examining. We only employ examiners with great people skills and exceptional understanding of teacher and student needs. Our examiners are specialists on their instrument and experts in a broad range of genres and techniques, familiar with classical and contemporary repertoire. Click here to read more.