The music aptitude test for the SW Herts Consortium takes place on Monday 9th September 2024. The South West Hertfordshire School Admissions Consortium consists of the following schools:
- Bushey Meads
- Rickmansworth
- St Clement Danes
- Parmiter’s
- Queens’
- Watford Grammar School for Boys
- Watford Grammar School for Girls
- Croxley Danes
I’ve had a few emails from parents of children that will soon be sitting the Music Aptitude Test for one or more of the SW Herts Consortium schools. This test uses the standard 60-question MAT test that we offer in our download package. We have 4 full training tests available for purchase and instant download to use with your music teachers: https://musicaptitudetest.wordpress.com/
| Music Aptitude Test | Monday 9th September 2024 |
| First Round Music Scores Notified to Parents | Thursday 19th September (around noon) |
| Start of Second Round Music Tests | Monday 23rd September to Friday 27th September |
| Scores Notified to Parents | Wednesday 16th October (around noon – it will not be at 9.00am) |
We are offering packages for Music Aptitude Test tutoring including a 10 minute Zoom Consultation Call prior to the lessons. See here for more information: https://musicaptitudetest.wordpress.com/2024/02/08/music-aptitude-test-tutoring-package-for-2025-secondary-school-admissions
The test consists of 60 questions of four types: Pitch, Melody, Texture and Rhythm.
Here is a video showing samples of each section of our 4-part test:
Pitch: for these questions, candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or whether it is higher or lower. There are twenty of these questions and some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart.
Melody: for these questions, candidates listen to two tunes consisting of five notes. Candidates have to decide whether the second tune is the same as the first or if one of the notes has been altered. If there is a change, candidates will be expected to identify which note has been altered, by giving the number of the note. There are ten questions in this section.
Texture: for these questions, candidates listen to a number of notes played together at the same time; this is called a chord. Candidates need to decide whether or not each chord has two, three or four notes. There are twenty questions in this section.
Rhythm: for these questions, candidates listen to two patterns of notes and have to decide whether the second pattern is the same as, or different from, the first, and where any difference occurs. Each rhythm will be four beats (or pulses) in length. There are ten questions in this section.
To find out more about the tests, visit our Music Aptitude web site.
Here’s a short video with some tips for preparing for the Texture section of the Music Aptitude (MAT) Test. Most of my students find this section particularly challenging and I receive a lot of emails about the best way to prepare for this part of the test. I recorded a short video on my harpsichord at home with some ideas and tips for preparing for the Texture section. I hope you find it helpful.
Buy The Tests
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
For assistance with the Music Aptitude Test, have a look at our upcoming 1-to-1 lessons or download our training materials.
1-to-1 Music Aptitude Test and Scholarship training is available with Mirna ad Lorraine at the SE22 Piano School in London. Visit our booking page to select an appointment:
www.eventbrite.com/o/se22-piano-school-16475016451
Helping you prepare for the 2025 Music Aptitude Tests 