The Hertfordshire & Essex High School – Music Aptitude Test Explained

8 Sept

The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College (often known as “Herts & Essex”) offers 5% of its Year 7 places to students with a proven aptitude for music. This is part of the school’s long tradition of excellence in both music and sport.

For families applying for September 2026 entry, the Music Aptitude Test (MAT) will take place on:

📅 Saturday 4th October 2025 (morning session) (Exact times will be confirmed by 2nd October 2025.)

Who Can Apply?

Any applicant to the school can sit the Music Aptitude Test. Importantly, the test measures musical aptitude — not current ability or grade level.

This means children don’t need to play an instrument or have had formal lessons. The test is designed to be accessible to all, while identifying those with a natural musical ear.

What the Test Involves

Format: Multiple-choice questions
Duration: 35 minutes (allow about an hour in total for the session)
Structure: 60 questions in total, divided into four sections:

Pitch – identifying higher vs lower sounds
Rhythm – recognising beats and patterns
Melody – spotting changes in short tunes
Texture – hearing how many notes are played together

Students listen to all questions via CD/audio recording and mark their answers on a sheet.

💡 Good to know: This is a listening-only test. There’s no singing, no performance, and no instruments required.

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.

How Places Are Allocated

Up to 5% of Year 7 places are reserved for music aptitude.
If fewer than 5% qualify in music, the school may increase the allocation for sport (and vice versa).
Successful applicants under the music route are expected to play a full part in the school’s vibrant music community.

Why Preparation Helps

While the Herts & Essex MAT is purely aptitude-based, practice builds confidence and familiarity. Children who’ve had a chance to try similar listening exercises at home often feel less nervous on the day.

Final Thoughts

The Herts & Essex Music Aptitude Test is a fantastic opportunity for students with a natural musical ear — whether or not they’ve had formal lessons. With gentle preparation and an interest in music, children can approach the test calmly and enjoy the chance to show their musical potential.