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Music Aptitude Test Preparation

Each year, we prepare and coach many students in the United Kingdom through the State Secondary Music Scholarship process. Many clients and students come to us with a lot of questions and uncertainties regarding the process as most of them are unfamiliar with this type of training. It is a very different style of training compared to traditional music training as it uses a test called the Music Aptitude Test (MAT).

This test usually consists of 2 stages. Both stages of this test assess the innate musicality, general music awareness and perception of rhythm. So let’s talk about all the essential details that you should consider when applying for this type of music scholarship.

What is a Music Aptitude Test and how does it work?

The MAT test is part of the selection criteria for most UK schools and students applying under the Music Criterion will complete 2 stages - provided that they were successful in the first one.

Music Aptitude Test Stage 1:

Stage one is a type of hearing or listening test where students are required to write down their answers. This test contains 60 multiple choice questions and is often split into four different sections. However, some schools may include a couple of extra sections where graphic scores are being used to determine volume and tempo changes as well style of music.

Each student will need to use their ears to discern small changes in pitch, rhythm and texture (the ability to hear multiple notes at the same time). This test is usually in the main hall of the test centre and takes around 45 minutes.

Here is a brief description of the 4 main sections that are frequently used across State Grammar schools :

  • In this part, two notes will be played, one after the other. The student must determine whether the notes were the same both times, or if the second note was higher or lower than the first. There are twenty of these questions and some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart (which are called microtones) - tiny steps which can be difficult to identify as the change in pitch is very subtle.

  • In this section, 2, 3 or 4 notes will be played at the same time; this is called a chord. The student must be able to recognise how many notes were played. There are twenty questions in this section.

  • In this part, a melodic sequence of 5 notes will be played. Then the 5 notes are played a second time, either exactly the same as before or with a change to one of the notes. The student has to determine whether the melody was the same both times, or if it changed, which one of the 5 notes changed the second time. There are ten questions in this section.

  • A short rhythm of 4 beats (pulses) will be played. Then the rhythm is played again, either exactly the same or with a change in one of the beats. The student has to determine whether the rhythm was the same both times, or if it changed, which one of the 4 beats was different. There are ten questions in this section.

As mentioned before, some state schools may include a couple of additional sections in the Stage 1 test, which will not be listed here. The Stage 1 music test is usually held after school.

All successful and unsuccessful applicants who attend Stage 1 of the music test will know their results within a week and if successful, they will be invited to Stage 2 of the Music Aptitude Test.

Music Aptitude Test Stage 2:

(also called the “Performance Stage”)

The Second Stage of the assessment process is conducted by experienced examiners who will assess each student’s musical aptitude. Most examiners will be assessing accuracy (maximum 15 marks), musicality (maximum 15 marks) and musical communication (maximum 15 marks), awarding a total score out of 45.  Most schools with the second stage process do not require any familiarity with music theory or other previous musical knowledge. 

Each student will be asked to prepare one piece of their own choice on a chosen instrument, which includes singing. The piece usually should last no longer than three minutes. Some schools may ask you to prepare a couple of songs, which would increase the total performance time.  The Stage 2 performance is usually conducted during the school day.

Please note that this test structure does NOT apply to Private School Scholarship. You will need to check their terms and requirements, as they may be very different to this Music Aptitude Test.

Feel free to reach out to us by email or request a call and we will be able to help you answer any additional questions you may have. Don’t forget to watch our videos on the Music Aptitude Test on YouTube, including our FREE MAT TESTS (listed bellow), and please subscribe to our channel should you wish to receive notifications about our newly-released tutorials and tests.

All the best in your preparation!

Download Our Free Musical Aptitude Test Answer Sheet

Use our YouTube video link below to practice for the test and download the answer sheet for guide.

What is the UK 11+ Music Aptitude Test (MAT)? A step-by-step guide to what to expect in the exam

Recognise individual notes in chords! Music Aptitude Test (11+ MAT test) Texture tutorial and tips

UK 11+ Music Aptitude Test (MAT) - Free Test 1- Ashbea music online training

UK 11+ Music Aptitude Test (MAT) - Free Test 5- Ashbea music online training

Spot changes in melodies! Music Aptitude Test (11+ MAT test) Melody tutorial and tips

UK 11+ Music Aptitude Test (MAT) - Free Test 2- Ashbea music online training

Recognise high and low notes! Music Aptitude Test (11+ MAT test) Pitch tutorial and tips

UK 11+ Music Aptitude Test (MAT) - Free Test 3- Ashbea music online training

UK 11+ Music Aptitude Test (MAT) - Free Test 4- Ashbea music online training

Recognise changes in rhythm! Music Aptitude Test (11+ MAT test) Rhythm tutorial and tips