Children applying under the Music Criterion will first complete a 60-question written test, divided into four sections. This test, lasting about 45 minutes, is typically held in the main hall using the school’s Audio/Visual equipment, which is also used for other aural exams throughout the year.
The questions are in relation to Pitch, Melody, Rhythm and Texture as follows:
Pitch: Candidates listen to two sounds and indicate whether the second sound is the same, higher, or lower than the first. There are 20 questions, with some pitches less than a semitone apart.
Melody: Candidates listen to two five-note tunes and decide if the second is the same or if one note has been altered. If altered, they must identify which note changed by its number. There are 10 questions in this section.
Rhythm: Candidates listen to two four-beat note patterns and determine if the second is the same or different from the first, identifying where any difference occurs. There are 10 questions in this section.
Texture: Candidates listen to chords (notes played together) and decide if each chord contains two, three, or four notes. There are 20 questions in this section.
The music test is held after school.
First stage music test results will be published on Wednesday, 18th September, around midday. All applicants can log in to the parent portal to view their scores and check whether they have been successful in progressing to stage 2, before the second stage of the Music Aptitude Test begins.
The second stage involves assessments by experienced, impartial examiners, with each applicant’s set piece reviewed by a panel, including current and former Directors of Music from Consortium Schools. Multiple panels operate simultaneously, moderated for consistency by the Director of Music at Watford Grammar School for Boys. Panels have no knowledge of the applicant’s preferred school.
The examiners establish musical aptitude by determining accuracy (maximum 15 marks), musicality (maximum 15 marks) and musical communication (maximum 15 marks), awarding a total score out of 45. The proficiency level of the piece is irrelevant, and no prior music theory knowledge is required. These are the only criteria for assessment and no other factors are considered when reaching a decision with regard to the overall score.
The applicant’s set piece should be a self-chosen composition, either instrumental or vocal, lasting no more than three minutes. This allows candidates of all abilities and cultures to have an equal opportunity to succeed. Applicants invited to the second stage will be given an individual appointment during the school day.Please see the Calendar for further details.
Music Aptitude Test Second Stage:
- Arrive 10 minutes early for your performance to warm up in the designated area. Piano and keyboard candidates will have access to a Clavinova for warming up.
- Your performance must not exceed 3 minutes, and only one piece may be played. Examiners may stop the performance if it exceeds this time.
- You cannot bring your own accompanist. If you wish for a member of our staff to accompany you, you must bring music sheets for them.
- If your child’s instrument has changed since registration, inform the steward.
- For piano/keyboard candidates there will be both an acoustic piano and a keyboard in the test room and the candidate can choose which one he/she prefers.
- Although pianos and generic Casio keyboards (as found in many schools) are available, we recommend that you bring your own portable keyboard from home if you are more familiar with this instrument or if you require any other type than Casio.
- Please ensure that your instruments are tuned before the test appointment. We do not have the facility to offer spare strings nor reeds.
- Music stands can be provided.
- Backing tracks can be brought in by a device compatible with Bluetooth. (e.g. phone, ipad etc). CDs can be brought but please bring your own CD player. If a CD is being used please ensure that the track is clearly specified and is preferably the only track on the CD.
- For base and electric guitars – please bring your own amp and amp lead.
- We can provide an acoustic drum kit but not an electronic one. Please bring your own drumsticks. You must inform the Clerks upon registration when you arrive that you require use of the drum kit.
- Examiners will only interact with your child to ensure proper warm-up and performance setup. No candidate will be asked about their music experience nor their qualifications as they are not relevant to the test.
Information regarding the dates upon which all final test results will be published can be found on the Calendar. After registering for the tests with a secure, memorable password, you must log into the parent portal regularly to check the initial registration, test centre allocation, selected tests, and, if successful in the first stage, the Music Second Stage Test times.
Results of all tests will be available on the Parent Portal.
Please see the Calendar for information on timescales and deadlines. Please remember that it is your responsibility, as a parent, to log on to the Parent Portal to view the information at the appropriate times throughout the testing process.
Marking Review Requests
Requesting a marking review of your child’s Round 1 music test
Please contact the test centre at which your child took their Round 1 music test and request a marking review of the paper. This request should be made immediately following release of the Round 1 test scores.
Requesting a marking review of your child’s Round 2 music test
We do not offer marking reviews of Round 2 music tests and we do not provide parents with a breakdown of the marks awarded. If you believe that your child has extenuating circumstances which may have affected the outcome of the Round 2 music test, you will have the opportunity to cite these as part of an appeal during the Secondary Transfer Appeals Process.
Standardisation
Are the scores age-standardised?
The Music Aptitude test scores are not age-standardised.
Test Results
Please refer to the Calendar for information regarding the publishing of final test results.