The MAT is an assessment used by many state secondary schools to identify students with strong natural musical potential. It is usually part of the Music Scholarship or Music Place selection process.

Rather than testing instrumental skill or music theory knowledge, the MAT focuses on a child’s innate musical abilities such as:

• Aural awareness

• Sense of pitch

• Rhythm recognition

• Ability to hear multiple notes at once (texture)

There's no strict requirement, but some schools recommend starting preparation in Year 5. Ultimately, it depends on your child's musical experience and comfort level.

The MAT is very different from traditional graded music exams. It does not assess how well a child plays an instrument or how much theory they know. Instead, it measures natural musical aptitude through listening and perception-based tasks.

The Music Aptitude Test usually has two stages:

• Stage 1: A written listening test

• Stage 2: A performance and/or additional aural tests (for students who pass Stage 1)

Some schools only require Stage 1, while others include both stages.

Most of the Stage 1 tests for the Music Aptitude Test include four main sections:

• Pitch – identifying whether notes are higher or lower

• Melody – recognising changes in short tunes

• Rhythm – spotting differences in rhythmic patterns

• Texture – hearing how many notes are played at the same time

Some schools may also include extra sections using graphic scores to assess:

• Volume changes

• Tempo (speed) changes

• Style or mood of music

Not always. While most schools follow a similar format, some may include additional sections or slightly different question types. If you are unsure about a specific school’s requirements, it’s important to check their admissions information.

Stage 1 is a listening-based multiple-choice test. Students listen to short musical examples and answer questions about what they hear.

• The test usually contains 60 questions

• It lasts around 45 minutes

• It is normally completed in a school hall under exam conditions

Students who achieve a high enough score in Stage 1 are invited to progress to Stage 2 of the assessment – unless the school only requires Stage 1.

Some schools (for example Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School, West London Free School, Willson’s, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School, Moulsham High School, and Hayesfield Girls’ School in Bath) do not require a second stage.

Stage 2 usually includes a performance element and sometimes additional aural tests, which include elements like: singing, clapping, pulse recognition and improvisation.

If your chosen school requires your child to perform, most candidates will be asked to:

• Perform one piece on their chosen instrument (this can include singing)

• The performance usually lasts up to 3 minutes

• Some schools may ask for more than one piece

A great first step is to understand what the Music Aptitude Test involves and how it differs from traditional music learning. We recommend reading these Frequently Asked Questions to help you navigate the process and learn what to expect.

Students might hear musical excerpts, rhythmic patterns, isolated notes or multiple notes played at the same time (which is called “Texture” in this exam).

Registration: This usually opens in Spring (April/May). Parents can register their children for the test through the specific school or consortium conducting it.

Testing: The first round of tests happens either in late Spring/early Summer (May/June) and most schools will conduct their first stage in the first week of September.

Results: Parents are notified of the first-round scores either in Summer (June/July) or September, depending on which month they sat their exams.

Second Round (if applicable): Some schools may have a second round of assessments in Autumn (September/October). This might involve a practical performance or a deeper dive into aural skills.

Note: These are general timelines, and the exact dates can vary depending on the school or consortium. It's important to check the admissions website of the schools you're interested in for specific deadlines and testing schedules.

While it can be helpful, music reading is not essential for the 11+ Music Aptitude Test. Entry to the test does not require any instrumental or music theory grades. Requirements may differ based on area and type of grammar school.

Marking criteria for the Performance stage of the 11+ Music Aptitude Test can vary, but generally, examiners will assess accuracy, musicality, and the ability to communicate musical ideas.

You will be informed via email about the total mark for both stages. You will be advised whether the mark was sufficient enough for the chosen grammar schools.

Each school might have slightly different Music Aptitude Test formats or expectations. It's best to check their admissions website or contact them directly for specific details.