Moulsham School – Music Aptitude Test Explained

8 Sept

Moulsham High School allocates 10% of its Year 7 intake to students with a natural aptitude for music. Each year, up to 27 places are offered through the school’s Music Aptitude route.

The test is designed to measure musical aptitude only — not your child’s current playing or singing ability. This means children who don’t yet play an instrument have just as much chance as those who do.

Here’s what parents need to know:

What the Test Involves

Based on our students’ feedback from last year’s exams, here’s what we believe the structure of the Moulsham test looks like. Please note: the school may change the format slightly each year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Format: Multiple-choice questions only
Duration: 40–60 minutes
Structure: An audio test with four sections:

Pitch (high vs low sounds)
Rhythm (beats and patterns)
Melody (tunes and changes)
Harmony (similar to “texture” in other schools’ tests — how notes sound together)

Students are given a pencil and an answer sheet. There is no singing, and no instrument performance.

This stage lasts up to an hour and is marked out of 60. Students don’t need any preparation materials on the day, but regular practice at home makes a real difference.

Question Types:

• Pitch

Children hear two sounds and indicate whether the second is the same, higher, or lower. Some sounds differ by less than a semitone, making them very close in pitch.

• Melody

Children listen to two short tunes of five notes each. They must decide if the second tune is identical or if one note has changed—and, if so, which note.

• Harmony

Children hear chords (groups of notes played together) and identify whether they contain two, three, or four notes.

• Rhythm

Children compare two short rhythmic patterns (each four beats long) to decide if they are the same or different. If different, they must pinpoint where the change occurs.

When It Takes Place

Applications to take the test open after the Open Evening on 18th September 2025.
All assessments take place in October 2025 (date to be confirmed).
Results are sent out before the 31st October application deadline to Essex County Council.

How Places Are Allocated

Students must achieve a benchmark pass mark in the test.
The top 27 scorers above the benchmark will be offered music places.
If fewer than 27 students reach the benchmark, the school may allocate fewer music places.
A ranked list is provided to the Local Authority, with the highest scorer first.
A waiting list is kept if more than 27 students pass, with places offered in rank order.

⚠️ Note: For twins, triplets or multiple-birth applicants, places are not guaranteed for all siblings — admission is based strictly on the ranked scores.

Who Runs the Test

The process is run by the Head of Music, staff from the Performing Arts department, and members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Why Preparation Helps

The test changes slightly each year, but the skills remain the same: careful listening, memory, and attention to detail. While the test is aptitude-based, practice helps children feel confident with the style of questions and reduces nerves on the day.

Final Thoughts

The Moulsham Music Aptitude Test is a fantastic way for students with a strong musical ear to gain a specialist place — whether or not they already play an instrument. With the right preparation, children can approach the test with confidence and maximise their chances of success.