What is the Music Aptitude Test?
We’ve compiled a music test frequently asked questions (FAQs) page based on questions that students, parents and carers have asked. We hope this will help your understanding of aspects of the Music Aptitude Test.
The Music Aptitude Test is a multiple choice listening test comprising 60 questions divided into four test sections: PITCH, MELODY, RHYTHM & TEXTURE.
Is the Music Aptitude Test a test of musical ability?
The Music Aptitude Test is not a test of musical ability and is designed to test a child’s natural propensity for aptitude in music.
For Test 1. PITCH what does U, D & S mean?
In this test a student will hear two sounds played. If the second sound is higher than the first sound they circle U for up. If the second sound is lower, they circle D for down and S for same if the second sound is the same as the first.
In Test 3. RHYTHM, the instruction refers to a 4 beat pattern, but the test beats includes a range from 6 to 9 beats/notes?
For this test the student identifies which beat or pulse has changed and not the single notes within the beat or pulse. Within a beat/pulse there will be different rhythmic values sounded for example:
Beat one = 1 crotchet
Beat two = 2 quavers
Beat three = 4 semiquavers
Beat four = 1 crotchet
The second rhythmic pattern played will either be the same, or one beat/pulse may have changed. For example, beat 3 may have changed from 4 semiquavers to 2 quavers and so a student would circle 3 as the beat or pulse that has changed.
How do the examiners mark/assess musical aptitude in the second round?
Musical aptitude is assessed by determining accuracy (15 marks), musicality (15 marks) and musical communication (15 marks).
You can also find out information about the South West Hertfordshire School Admissions Consortium on our sister website 11 Plus Music Tests.