Parmiter’s School Music Aptitude Test

Music Aptitude Test 1: This is a multiple choice written test taken with other children and is approximately 30 minutes in duration.based entirely on listening responses. There are 60 questions of four types: Pitch, Melody, Rhythm and Texture.

Pitch: for these questions, candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or if it is higher or lower. Some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart ie. very close together. 20 questions.

Melody: for these questions, candidates listen to two sounds consisting of 5 notes and 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. 10 questions.

Texture: for these questions, candidates listen to a number of notes played together at the same time (a chord). Candidates need to decide whether or not each chord has two, three or four notes. 20 questions.

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. 10 questions.

Recommended resource: For the stage 1 listening test, students would benefit from using our audio download Standard MAT Practice Tests comprising  Introductory, Intermediate and Higher Level MAT Practice Tests for regular practice and Targeted MAT Practice Tests for further consolidation.

Music Aptitude Test 2: Children achieving the pass mark or above will be invited to attend the second stage performance assessment. Each child is allocated a 3 minutes slot to perform on their preferred instrument (voice included).  There is a totally free choice of piece and children can perform on one instrument only.  It is not possible for candidates to bring their own accompanist, however an accompanist can be provided if required.    

Allocation Day Information

Thank you for visiting our Parmiter’s School Music Aptitude Test page. The information below is the lowest mark required to achieve a music place in the school over the last three years. This information provides a benchmark only to inform your decision about an application to a school within the SW Herts Schools Consortium.

We are now preparing students for the 2025 Music Aptitude Test.

Musical aptitude places available: 21

Entry in year	2025	2024	2023
Music Aptitude Test second round pass mark	44	44	44
Priority postcodes to receive an offer	45	42	40
Outside priority area to receive an offer	45	45	45

Parmiter’s School, High Elms Lane, Garston, North Watford, Herts WD25 0UU
www.parmiters.herts.sch.uk

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