Many of our students at the SE22 Piano School will be seeking scholarship entry to Kingsdale Foundation School, Hatcham College (Habs) and Prendergast. We tutor several young musicians each year to help them prepare for these popular South London secondary schools. These sessions are open to all children whether or not you learn music with us.
Here is one of our students Arthur giving his tips on the Music Aptitude Test that he sat in 2023 for Kingsdale Foundation School. Follow our Instagram page for more tips that we will be filming over the next few months as we quiz students that sat the test last year!
Here is some information about the format of the audition for Kingsdale. We have limited dates available for 1-to-1 tutoring that you can book on Zoom with Mirna or Lorraine.
The Music Scholarship test is One Round including Aural Tests, Written Aptitude Tests, Interview Questions & Audition. The last two years the tests have included some additional aural test variations that we include in our 1-to-1 lessons. There are also optional sight-reading tests for your instrument(s).
- We offer 1-to-1 lessons at on Zoom.
- https://www.eventbrite.com/o/se22-piano-school-16475016451
The school offers a unique and well established scholarship provision in the areas of Art, Mathematics, Music and Sports for students who are assessed as having aptitude in these areas. Each scholarship award is worth approximately £1,000 pa in additional resources, including tuition and associated resources.
We recommend having two contrasting pieces that you are thoroughly familiar with, have performed under pressure and love playing. Try to pick pieces that are not in a graded exam syllabus. This will help you stand out on audition day. Ideally you’d offer two different instruments, one of which can be voice. If you need any help with preparing for the performance and interview, book a lesson on Eventbrite.
The audition for Music scholarship is intended to discover musical aptitude and potential. When you visit the school open day, have a look at the music ensembles on offer and see what you can get involved in. If you are a pianist, how can you contribute to the group music-making at the school? Your melodic skills can transfer well to steel pans and your rhythmic knowledge would be a good foundation for djembe drumming. Perhaps you like singing in a group but you don’t have the confidence to sing a solo piece quite yet. Would the choir appeal? If so, mention this at interview as long as you are prepared to get involved in the choir if you get the scholarship!
Speak to music scholars and ask them lots of questions about what instrument they learned before they came to the school and what new opportunities being a music scholar has given them.
Best of luck to everyone aiming for Music Scholarship entry. Be well prepared and don’t forget to smile!
Click on the links below to read our articles to help you succeed with the Music Aptitude Test & Scholarship:
Should I Prepare for the Music Aptitude Test?
How To Succeed at the Music Aptitude Test
Download Training Test Materials
- We also offer 1-to-1 lessons at our studio in East Dulwich.
- https://www.eventbrite.com/o/se22-piano-school-16475016451
Helping you prepare for the 2025 Music Aptitude Tests 