Bristol Cathedral Choir School Music Aptitude Test

Stage 1: The assessment test is played on a CD and will last about 45 minutes. The questions are of varying difficulty based on pitch, melody, texture and rhythm and applicants put their answers on a multiple choice answer paper. No previous knowledge of music or music theory is required by the applicant as the test is based entirely on response to an aural/listening test (applicants are not required to play a musical instrument or sing). The highest scoring applicants will be invited to attend the second music aptitude assessment test. 

Recommended resource: 

For the stage 1 assessment, students would benefit from using our audio download Standard MAT Practice Tests comprising Introductory, Intermediate and Higher Level MAT Practice Tests for regular practice and Targeted MAT Practice Tests for further consolidation.

Stage 2: The second assessment test will be on a 1-1 basis with the Director of Music or trained music professional and will last approximately 10-15 minutes. It provides a further opportunity for students to demonstrate aptitude in music by responding to various aural tests including clapping back a rhythm and repetition of a melody including singing back played notes on the piano.

Applicants will not be required to play a musical instrument or sing a piece of their choice.

Recommended resource:

For the second stage assessment, students would benefit from regular home practice with our Enhanced Aural MAT Practice Tests, recommended for those students applying to schools that use aural perception including melodic melody, pitch, rhythm and musical awareness tests as part of their music aptitude testing process

Bristol Cathedral Choir School
College Square, Bristol BS1 5TS
bccs.bristol.sch.uk

Bristol Cathedral School’s Music Specialism website page

---

---

---