Blog – Page 12 – SE22 Piano School ~ East Dulwich

Music Aptitude Test Tip of the Day: Texture Section

The SE22 Piano School is running a competition on Instagram. Win a 1-to-1 Music Aptitude Test scholarship preparation lesson in September 2023. All the info is here: https://musicaptitudetest.wordpress.com/2023/06/27/win-a-1-to-1-music-aptitude-test-scholarship-preparation-lesson-in-september-2023/

The start of the new school year means it’s time for the Music Aptitude Tests and Scholarship auditions. This year my daughter and several of her school friends will be sitting the test for our local schools such as Kingsdale, Prendergast and Habs.

We’ve been spending the Summer working on the MAT training materials as well as a little bit of practice on the pieces they’ll perform at the audition. There’s still plenty of time to get started if you haven’t already given the tests a go. So far, everyone has found the Texture section the most tricky, so here’s a helpful video with tips for this section. Nb. Kingsdale don’t use the MAT, just standard aural tests and optional sight-reading plus brief interview questions.

We offer 1-to-1 lessons on Zoom to help students prepare for the Music Scholarship & Aptitude Test. These sessions are open to all musicians from any area. Book online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/se22-piano-school-16475016451

11+ tutoring Music Aptitude Test — 1-to-1 Music Aptitude Test tutoring

Keep an eye out for our new article in the Scholarships supplement publication from Music Teacher Magazine all about the Music Aptitude Test and State School Scholarships. Released on 1st September.

Ashmole Academy Music Aptitude Test

About the Aptitude Places:
The 20 places of the 261 available places in Year 7 will be allocated to children who show an aptitude for music, namely those who have demonstrated potential to develop musical skill and who will benefit from the music related facilities of the Academy. No previous knowledge or experience of musical practice or theory is necessary.

Children for whom an aptitude place is sought will be invited to attend a written musical aptitude test at the Academy. The test will take approximately forty minutes to complete, and will consist of approximately sixty questions relating to music, including pitch, shape, volume, lengths of sound, texture and speed of sound.

For help with training test materials to familiarise you with the MAT, visit this site: https://musicaptitudetest.wordpress.com. We can also offer you 1-to-1 lessons to help you feel well-prepared and confident on the day of the test.

Preparing for the Kingsdale Foundation School Music Aptitude Test

Full Music Scholarship Kingsdale Foundation School

Preparing for the Kingsdale Foundation School Music Aptitude Test can be an exciting opportunity for Year 5 students who are passionate about music. Here are some steps they can take to prepare for the test:

Familiarise yourself with the test format: Research and understand the structure and components of the Music Aptitude Test. This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you focus your preparation.
Develop your musical ear: The test primarily assesses your musical aptitude, so it’s important to train your ear. Listen to a wide variety of music, paying attention to different instruments, melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Try to identify and differentiate between different musical elements.
Practice sight-reading: Sight-reading is an essential skill for musicians. Work on reading and playing music notation fluently. Start with simple pieces and gradually increase the difficulty level. You can find sight-reading exercises and resources online or through music books. This section of the test is optional but to make your audition stand out, we advise opting for this test if you have had the time to prepare for it. Please note not everybody is offered the option to do the sight-reading test. This may be due to time constraints or other factors on the day of the test.
Learn basic music theory: Familiarise yourself with fundamental music theory concepts such as notes, scales, intervals, and key signatures. Understanding these concepts will help you analyse and interpret music accurately during the test.
Play an instrument: If you don’t already play an instrument, consider learning one. Playing an instrument will enhance your musical skills, improve your ability to understand and perform music, and increase your overall music aptitude.
Sing and develop your voice: Vocal ability is often a component of music aptitude tests. Practice singing different melodies, scales, and exercises to develop your voice and improve your pitch accuracy.
Seek guidance from a music teacher: If possible, consult a music teacher or tutor who can provide personalised guidance and help you prepare for the specific requirements of the Kingsdale Foundation School Music Aptitude Test. They can identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide targeted practice exercises. We offer 1-to-1 Music Aptitude tutoring on Zoom. Book online here.
Mock tests and sample questions: Practice with mock tests and sample questions similar to those used in the Kingsdale Foundation School Music Aptitude Test. This will help you familiarise yourself with the types of questions and tasks you may encounter and improve your test-taking skills.
Stay consistent and practice regularly: Consistency is key when preparing for any test. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice music, whether it’s ear training, sight-reading, or playing your instrument. Regular practice will help you build confidence and improve your skills over time.

Remember that the purpose of the test is to assess your musical aptitude, so enjoy the process and have fun with music along the way. Good luck!

Book a 1-to-1 Zoom Lesson: