What are Musical Aptitude Tests?
MAT stands for Musical Aptitude Test - sometimes referred to as 11+ music scholarship. It is a test that some selective state schools use to determine some of their intake - namely those pupils which demonstrate the greatest aptitude for music. The standard test covers Pitch, Texture, Rhythm and Melody and is designed to test the applicant’s natural aptitude for music and lasts for about 30 minutes.
Some schools specify that applicants are not required to have learnt an instrument in order to sit the test and others require you to play an instrument at some point in the selection process. Please check your chosen school(s) admissions criteria to determine whether your son/daughter will be required to play a musical instrument as part of this process and therefore if this is a viable option to gaining a place at the desired school for your son/daughter.
The tests vary from school to school and year to year. Schools tend to change their MAT tests annually so it’s important to be prepared for a change in the test or an unexpected element when you sit the test, no matter how much preparation you’ve done.
Why Take The 11 Plus Musical Aptitude Tests?
Competition to obtain a place at a high performing state school can be challenging. With house prices elevated in catchment areas for top performing schools, it makes moving into those areas for many out of the question. Even for children situated in the catchment areas for sought after schools the competition is so high with places often oversubscribed. If your child is musical, it is another way try to secure a place at your desired school - and in most cases, even if you live outside the catchment area.
How many places are available?
At the majority of schools offering the MAT, around 10% of places are offered to those pupils who score most highly in the musical aptitude test.
So, for example, if the intake for the school and school year you are considering is 300 pupils, there will be around 30 places awarded to those pupils who score most highly in the majority of schools
However each school’s intake criteria is slightly different, please check out my page ‘Which Schools Use the Mat’ to find links to the schools, their admissions policy and prospectuses (where available online) to check how many places are awarded for musical aptitude at the school(s) which you are most interested in.
What are schools looking for?
What is required? How do I pass?
The pass mark to go through to the next round will depend on the performance of the other candidates sitting the test. Candidates should be looking to achieve 50 out of 60 in a standard Musical Aptitude Test as the standard is usually high and competitive as places at OFSTED schools rated outstanding are sought after.
Schools are looking for musical potential which they aim to select through their aural awareness test in which candidates will be asked to differentiate differences in pitch, rhythm and melody.
Should I prepare?
Although the test is primarily used to determine innate musicality in candidates - it helps to know what to expect so YES. With practise materials available it doesn’t make sense not to take advantage of them. If everyone else is preparing and your child isn’t then that gives those other candidates an advantage over your child so make sure you jump on board.
💡Tips💡
A few helpful hints
📌 Preparation
First and foremost do your homework! Ensure you know what the MAT requirements are for your desired school(s) as each school is different and tailor your prep accordingly. Secondly, allow enough time for your child prepare. What is right amount of time? This varies from child to child, but around 6 months should suffice. I would advise against leaving this until the last minute and starting your prep a few days before the exam as this can cause panic and angst.
🎼 Performance
If your son/daughter has to give a performance as part of the musical aptitude selection process, select a piece which they have already mastered and play with ease and musicality.
To gain more practise and understanding of the question types so you’ll feel more confident on the day
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