The Aural test is included in all practical music examinations.

Developing students’ listening skills through aural training is an essential part of learning music. This is because musical, intelligent and informed listening lies at the heart of all good music making, whether it is listening to yourself playing or listening to the music making of others. The aural tests are the focal point when it comes to assessing the candidate’s ‘musical ear’. By integrating practical aural activities in imaginative ways throughout every lesson, preparation for the exam can be a natural extension of what is already an essential part of the student's musical experience.

Many teachers often leave the aural practice till a couple of weeks before the exam. To prepare a student fully for an exam, preparation should begin well in advance of exam entry as this section of the exam carries as many marks as the Scales section. Lorraine, Rachel and Gabrielle teach aural training from Grade 1 to 8 for ABRSM and Trinity exam boards.

We regularly enter students for Practical Musicianship examinations and also encourage all students to use the excellent aural resources available online - Hofnote and Auralia.