Dame Alice Owen Music Aptitude Test

Children who wish to sit the Musical Aptitude Test must live within one of the Local Priority Areas. Registration takes place when children are in Year 5 and is open between mid-May and mid-June. The Musical Aptitude Tests do not require a child to have any knowledge of music theory, have received formal music training or have accomplished a certain grade level.

Music Aptitude Test 1: This is a multiple choice written test taken with other children and is approximately 30 minutes in duration. the test is based entirely on aural/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.

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.

Music Aptitude Test 2: Children achieving 50 marks or above will be invited to attend Musical Aptitude Test 2 which is an individual test.  Each child is allocated a 5 minute slot to perform on their preferred instrument/s (voice included).  There is a totally free choice of piece(s) and children can perform on more than one instrument if they prefer within their 5 minute slot.  It is not possible for candidates to bring their own accompanist, however an accompanist can be provided if required.  There is also provision to play a cd backing track.  

“We did it!!! Thank you so much for all your help over the summer. 100% wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.” Parent.

E. ranked position in the Music Aptitude Test is 10

Governors’ Admissions September 20023 Music Aptitude Test Results

Dame Alice Owen’s School
Dugdale Hill Lane, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 2DU
www.damealiceowens.herts.sch.uk

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Please click here for schools listed by regional area in London and throughout the UK that use the Music Aptitude Test as part of their secondary transfer process.