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MAT – Specimen paper answer sheet
We have created a target set of training materials for the Music Aptitude Test in conjunction with music technology experts. These sample tests are created in line with the MAT syllabus and will help you prepare for the test. Our test materials Blank test sheets and answers are available to download on our dedicated Music Aptitude Test web site.
For those applying for secondary school Music Scholarships, I thought it would be useful to list the scholarship details for the two main schools that my students apply to, Haberdashers’ Aske and Kingsdale Foundation School.
Firstly, Haberdashers’ Aske Hatcham College. The main thing to note about the Music Scholarship is that distance is not considered which is what makes this school appealing as it does not offer a lottery system as Kingsdale does. The MAT Test for Aske’s takes place on Tuesday 9 October, 2013.
MUSICAL APTITUDE CRITERION
- 10% of the places available will be offered to applicants showing ‘Musical Aptitude’ for entry to year 7 in September 2013.
- In order to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants the College is unable to take into consideration music certificates achieved or references.
- All applicants applying under the music criterion will sit a multiple choice aural test in music. No previous knowledge of music or music theory is required by the applicant as the test is based entirely on response to an aural test. Click here for sample tests.
- The College educational information booklet will advise you of what would be expected of your child if he/she were offered a music place at the College.
- The College is unable to consider an applicant under the music criterion unless a Supplementary Form (SF) is completed and received by the College by September 2012. The College must also be named on the LA CAF.
PLEASE NOTE that music is one of Aske’s great strengths and its specialism. The College is committed to the principles of inclusion in order to ensure that all students benefit from our music specialism, not only students offered a place under this criterion.
If your daughter is applying under the music aptitude criterion at both HAHC and Prendergast Hilly Fields (PHF), she will take the music aptitude test at PHF and the result achieved will be passed on to the College. However, the music auditions will be held separately by both schools. The Hilly Fields MAT also takes place on 09/10/12.
- Distance is not taken into consideration for the music aptitude criterion.
Assessment Procedure for Music Scholarship (Kingsdale).
Download the Supplementary Form here.
Assessments are held in the Autumn term during Year 6 .
Assessment activities are organised by the Director of Performing Arts with
appropriate staff. Entry date to return the Supplementary Form is 15 october 2012.
Audition: 30 Minutes
1 . Two performances on their chosen instrument(s) and/or vocal pieces.
2 . Musical aptitude tests.
3 . Sight Reading on their chosen instrument(s).
What next?
Use the Summer break to get practising – both for the Music Aptitude Test and also for the audition if you are lucky enough to be selected. Hundreds of students apply for these scholarships, so you really need to make your audition pieces stand out. You also will be tested on sight-reading and asked about your musical interests. Think about the answers you will give and do some practice interviews with your teacher and your parents so that you are not coming up with answers on the spot. This is your opportunity to shine and tell the interviewer how you will be a valuable contributor to the musical scene. This may also be your first proper interview, so those of you with experience of performing on stage should use the same techniques of being well-prepared in advance, deep breathing and staying focussed!
Read more online:
Practice Online for the Music Aptitude Test (MAT)
As well as using the online Music Aptitude Training Tests, there are some great CDs and DVDs available to help you practice your ear training. Here’s a selection of useful resources:
An excellent workshop from the assistant chair of the Ear Training Department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this DVD is a vital intro to the topic for songwriters and performers looking to improve their listening skills and become better musicians.
You’ll learn to:
*Recognise chord progressions quickly and confidently.
*Incorporate them into your writing and performing.
*Listen to music more analytically.
*Apply this knowledge to all of your projects.
Musician’s Institute Essential Concepts – Ear Training
The Complete Guide for All Musicians. This book and double CD pack takes you step by step through MI’s well-known Ear Training course. Complete lessons and analysis include: basic pitch matching · singing major and minor scales · identifying intervals · transcribing melodies and rhythm · identifying chords and progressions · seventh chords and the blues · modal interchange, chromaticism, modulation · and more! Learn to hear and to visualize on your instrument. Take your playing from good to great! Over 2 hours of practice exercises – with complete answers in the back.
400 Aural Training Exercises From The Masters
400 Aural Training Exercises From The Masters
This is a great resource for students that pass the MAT and are selected for the second stage as very often you will be asked aural tests that are singing and clapping-based.
SE22 Piano School 