Texture Questions in the 11+ Music Aptitude Test: Can You Hear 2, 3, or 4 Notes?

One of the trickiest parts of the 11+ Music Aptitude Test is the Texture section. Children are asked to listen to a chord (short sound consisting of multiple notes) and decide whether they hear two, three, or four notes played at once. For many parents, this sounds daunting, but with the right strategies, it becomes a fun listening game.

In this guide, we’ll break down how texture questions work and share practical ear-training tips.

What Are Texture Questions?

1. A chord (stack of notes) is played.

2. The child identifies how many notes sound together.

3. Typically: 2-note interval, 3-note chord, 4-note chord.

Why Are They Challenging?

1. Notes overlap → harder to “count” than pitch or rhythm.

2. If children only sing/play one note at a time, chords may feel unfamiliar.

3. Stress under exam conditions can make sounds blur together.

Quick Listening Tricks

• 1. Think “layers” instead of numbers: Imagine each note as a voice singing at once. Is it a duet (2), trio (3), or quartet (4)?

• 2. Hear the edges: The highest and lowest notes stand out first. Fill in the middle (is there 1 or 2 extra notes?).

• 3. Describe the “vibe” of the chord: 2-note chord = clear and easy to spot, 3-note chord=full and rich, 4-note chord=heavy, fuzzy and tricky to identify

• Practice at Home

• Play two keys at once on the piano → increase to three, then four.

• Describe how each chord feels and remember the feeling!

• Listen to TV jingles or pop songs — how many instruments play at once?

• Use our Youtube tutorials and videos with plenty of ear training exercises. Check out our newest Texture video below ⬇️

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Guessing without listening carefully.

• Always assuming “more is safer.”

• Forgetting to sign our loud the lowest and highest notes first

  Take it Further

  If your child finds texture questions especially tricky, structured practice makes all the difference.

  👉 In my Texture Masterclass, we:

• Break down chords visually and aurally.

• Train children to hear 2 vs 3 vs 4 with step-by-step drills.

• Use graphic scores and audio examples to make ear-training engaging.

  Texture questions may seem mysterious at first, but with simple practice, children quickly learn to “stack” sounds in their head. The skill not only helps them pass the 11+ Music Aptitude Test, but also builds confidence for music lessons and playing by ear.

  Start today: even 5 minutes of listening practice a day can transform your child’s ear!

Love ❤️

Bea, Ashbea Music 🎵