South West Herts Schools Consortium – Music Aptitude Test Overview
For many families, securing a place at the right secondary school is a top priority. The 11+ Music Aptitude Test can be an excellent pathway into selective schools. We help students prepare for this test as part of their applications to schools within the South West Herts Consortium, including:
• Watford Grammar School for Boys
• Watford Grammar School for Girls
If you’re applying for a place under the Music Criterion, your child will complete the Music Aptitude Test, which happens in two stages:
Stage 1: Written Listening Test
• Date:
The first round test will take place on Monday, 8 September.
• Timings Confirmation:
You will receive details about your child’s test time on Wednesday, 10 September, sent directly by Queens’ School. If you have any questions about timings, please contact admissions@queens.herts.sch.uk.
• Format & Timing:
This is a 60-question listening assessment lasting about 45 minutes. It is usually held after
school in the main hall using professional audio equipment.
• Test Sections:
The test covers four musical skill areas:
◦ Pitch (20 questions): Your child listens to two sounds and decides whether the second is the same, higher, or lower. Some pairs differ by less than a semitone.
◦ Melody (10 questions): They hear two short five-note tunes and identify whether one note has been changed, and if so, which one.
◦ Rhythm (10 questions): They compare two four-beat patterns and note any differences.
◦ Texture (20 questions): They listen to chords and indicate whether they hear two, three, or four notes.
• Results:
First-round music test scores will be released on Thursday, 18 September (around midday). Families can log into the Parent Portal to see scores and check if their child has been invited to Stage 2.
Stage 2: Performance Assessment
• Dates:
The second round performance assessments will take place from Monday, 22 September to Friday, 26 September.
• Format:
Each student performs a short piece in front of a panel of experienced examiners, which includes current and former Directors of Music from Consortium schools. Panels are moderated to ensure consistent standards.
• Scoring:
Performances are marked out of 45 points:
◦ Accuracy (up to 15)
◦ Musicality (up to 15)
◦ Musical communication (up to 15)
The difficulty of the piece and any previous music qualifications are not considered in the score.
• Results:
Second-round scores will be available on Thursday, 16 October (around midday—note that results will not be published at 9:00am).
• Performance Details:
◦ Each candidate performs one piece, up to 3 minutes long, either sung or played on an instrument.
◦ Examiners may stop performances exceeding 3 minutes.
◦ Personal accompanists are not allowed. If accompaniment is required, bring sheet music so a staff member can play.
◦ Arrive 10 minutes early to warm up.
◦ Piano and keyboard players may choose between an acoustic piano or keyboard in the room.
◦ Candidates can bring their own portable keyboard if preferred.
◦ Instruments must be tuned beforehand; spare strings or reeds are not provided.
◦ Music stands are available.
◦ Backing tracks can be played from a Bluetooth device or CD. (If using a CD, bring your own player and clearly mark the track.)
◦ Bass/electric guitar players must bring their own amp and lead.
◦ A standard acoustic drum kit is available (no electronic kit). Notify staff on arrival if you wish to use it, and bring your own drumsticks.
◦ Examiners will only assist with setup and warm-up. They will not ask about your child’s music background, grades, or experience.
Review and Appeals Process
• Stage 1 Marking Reviews:
If you wish to request a marking review for the first-round listening test, contact the test centre immediately after results are published.
• Stage 2 Marking Reviews:
Reviews and mark breakdowns are not offered for the performance assessment. If exceptional circumstances affected your child’s performance, you can raise these during the official Secondary Transfer Appeals Process after allocation day.
• Standardisation:
Music Aptitude Test scores are not age-standardised.
Staying Updated:
All registration details, test dates, results, and appointments are provided via the Parent Portal. It is your responsibility to log in regularly to track your child’s application progress.
For the full schedule, deadlines, and key dates, please refer to the Consortium Calendar.
Want to Help Your Child Prepare?
If you would like to train and practise with our 11+ Music App.
Buy our Bundle and get instant access to the Music Aptitude Maestros App, a perfect companion for independent practice between sessions.
♫ Join our 8-Module Live Online Course
If you’d like to book our 8-Module Music Aptitude Mastery Course, which gives your child expert support and structured preparation, visit:
