Recently released pre-recorded accompaniments for use in AMEB exams continue to divide opinion.

The President of the NSW Guild of Accompanists has rejected claims by the Australian Music Examinations Board, that a lack of accessibility or affordability justifies the recent introduction of pre-recorded accompaniments for use in AMEB grade assessments. David Miller, who is also Senior Lecturer in Accompaniment Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium, claims the reasons behind the decision, as stated by the General Manager of the AMEB, Bernard Depasquale, are inadequate to defend the public outcry from the Australian musical community that has erupted following the release of recorded accompaniments two weeks ago. “Mr Depasquale has offered reasons and justifications for this radical action, succeeding only in raising more questions than he answered,” Miller said.

Miller believes that this action by the AMEB could cause serious damage the status of accompanists within Australia. “The standard of any musical performance depends on the quality of the partnership between the two performers involved,” he said. “The action being taken by the AMEB totally contradicts this and sends the worst possible message to its candidates, their parents and the world at large.”

Although the AMEB claims that the decision to release...