Music Scholarship Preparation at the SE22 Piano School
Whilst browsing the Admissions Criteria for several popular UK state secondary schools each year, I see time after time the statement that children do not need any prior musical experience to sit the Music Scholarship entrance test.
Here is the criteria that one school uses for their Music Aptitude Test which presumes that you have passed the Round 1 Multiple Choice listening test.
The highest scoring students will be invited to come into school for Round 2 assessment. They will be given a series of aural tests during which time they will be required to clap or play back various rhythms and pitches using classroom instruments. They will also listen to some recordings and identify the instruments being used. This will take approximately 20 minutes.
This sounds very much like a test that would require some prior musical preparation in order to succeed with a bias for students that already understand pitch-based instruments.
Many parents are booking 1-to-1 lessons for students with little to no experience of any instrument and whilst certain schools do not ask you to perform at Round 2, the vast majority will expect you to play two pieces for the audition.
If you have time to prepare then we do recommend booking one or two sessions in Year 4 or 5 so that you know what to expect from the test. Then keep working towards these goals with your teacher in your music lessons. By the end of Year 5 you will be in a good position to sit the test and hopefully at a level on your instrument that will enable you to succeed at Round 2.
For assistance with any aspect of the Music Aptitude Test please book a 1-to-1 lesson where we will answer all of your questions:
Last-minute availability for 1-to-1 Music Aptitude Test preparation lessons.
We have just a handful of spaces left to offer online Zoom lessons to help you prepare for the upcoming Music Scholarship entrance tests to UK secondary schools. Follow our Organiser Profile to see new dates as they are added but bear in mind that now we are back to teaching full-time, we will only have a limited amount of time to offer tuition. If you see a space that is suitable do book it as we cannot guarantee we will be adding many more spaces.
Download our Music Aptitude Test training materials to use with your teacher in your music lessons. Also known at the MAT, the Music Aptitude Test is used by state secondary schools in the UK to select a percentage of their intake on a full or half Music Scholarship system. The tests are quite unusual in that some schools use tests with electronically generated beeps, graphic scores and other unfamiliar topics to students that are already learning a musical instrument. We have designed materials that will give you a flavour of the kinds of tests you will hear on the day. These training materials can be used with your teacher to help you prepare for entry to any UK secondary school. We do not sell the exact same test you will hear on the day, of course.
It’s never too early to start thinking about how you will prepare for Music Scholarship entry to local private schools. The competition is very tough and a high standard is expected. If you would like to know if you are on target for selection and how you can best prepare, do consider booking a consultation lesson where I will talk through the various options for schools you are considering, plus the standard required. I will also sketch a plan of how to best prepare for the audition including recommended guidelines on exam entry, festivals and other competitions. I can also prep students for the interview with mock questions that you can expect to be asked. I also discuss suitable repertoire. Please book a session online.
Consultation lessons are recommended 1 or 2 years in advance of the audition date. Mock interview/auditions can be scheduled nearer the time, usually the term before the audition is advisable.
Candidates should show evidence of real musical ability and offer at least two instruments, or voice and one instrument. It is not essential for candidates to have taken music examinations but, as a guide, the standard expected on the principal instrument corresponds with Grade V at 11+, and with Grade VI at 13+. Not all candidates who apply will be called for audition.
Tips for the Interview:
Prepare a portfolio of your musical achievements (exam results, festival certificates etc)
List all the venues where you have performed
Think about how you will fit into the current musical ensembles that the school offers. Would you like to learn a new instrument so you can take part in the wind band? Or how about learning percussion to play in the orchestra if you are a pianist?
Choose an audition piece that is memorable – a catchy title, a living composer or something you composed yourself all make for a stand-out performance.
Find listed details of the scholarship levels for Private Schools in South London. I prepare students for Music Scholarship to schools throughout the UK but with a focus on South London. Figures may vary from year to year so please check the current prospectus for your year of entry.
Alleyn’s School Townley Rd, London SE22 8SU Tel: 020 8557 1500 Fax: 020 8557 1462 www.alleyns.org.uk
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Age 11+, 13+, 16+ entry. Various music scholarships at 11+/13+, worth up to 33% of fees (approx £3000). A number of Exhibitions for free instrumental tuition will also be awarded.
11+ entry: Grade 5–6 min on principal instrument, with 2nd instrument normally expected at Grade 3-4; Orchestral instruments preferred. 6th Form music scholarship and bursaries: Grade 7–8 minimum on principal instrument.
Music Scholarships are worth up to £3000 per year, plus free tuition on the scholar’s principal instrument (set at the current rate of termly music lessons at Alleyn’s, although lessons may be taken outside school). Candidates attend a 30-minute audition to play two instruments (usually to at least Grade V standard on their principal instrument).
Music Exhibitions are awarded to those who have exceptional musical ability but do not qualify for a Music Scholarship. A Music Exhibition funds tuition in one instrument throughout a pupil’s time at the School (set at the current rate of termly music lessons at Alleyn’s, although lessons may be taken outside school).
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Music scholarships are based on a pupil reaching at least grade 3 and passing an audition held by the Head of Music; most are worth up to 25% of fees. Age range: 3–18.
Type: Girls. Music awards: Scholarships for music are awarded at 11+; bursaries are available to top up the value.
Bromley High School (GDST) Blackbrook Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2TW Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net
Type: Christian Girls only independent (junior and senior) Music Scholarship Information: At 11+ and 16+ a music scholarship may be awarded plus Harvey Awards which pay for instrumental tuition. All Music Scholars must pass the school entrance examination and take a scholarship audition. Entry procedure: Application forms are available from the Admissions Secretary (admissions@bro.gdst.net) and auditions are held approximately two weeks following the respective entrance examinations.
Colfe’s School Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW Tel: 020 8852 2283 Fax: 020 8297 1216 Email: www.colfes.com
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Music scholarships, exhibitions and bursaries are awarded based on potential as well as ability. Value up to 50% fees and free inst tuition for entry at age 11 and 6th form.
Croydon High School Old Farleigh Rd, Selsdon, South Croydon CR2 8YB Tel: 020 8651 5020 Fax: 020 8657 5413 Email: info2@cry.gdst.net Web: www.croydonhigh.gdst.net
Type: Girls. Music awards: Up to 2 music scholarships at entry to year 7. Jacqueline du Pré music award (6th form).
Dulwich College Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD Tel: 020 8693 3601/8299 9256/8 also fax Email: music@dulwich.org.uk Web: www.dulwich.org.uk
Type: Boys. Music awards: Up to 5 inst scholarships of up to 30% fees with free inst tuition. Age under 14 on 1 Sep; Grade 5 (age 11), Grades 6–7 (age 12–14) required. Orchestral instruments preferred.
Type: Boys. Music awards: Up to 3 scholarships plus exhibitions offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry (up to 50% fees).
Emanuel School Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HS Tel: 020 8870 4171 www.emanuel.org.uk
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Up to 6 music scholarships of up to 25% fees at ages 11+, 13+ and 16+, together with free music tuition on 2 insts.
Farrington’s School Perry St, Chislehurst BR7 6LR Tel: 020 8467 0256 www.farringtons.org.uk
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Music Scholarships awarded at 11+. Candidates are expected to perform on at least 1 inst and should be approaching grade 5 standard. An audition will usually consist of a prepared piece, sight reading and aural tests.
Francis Holland School 39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF Tel: 020 7730 2971 www.fhs-sw1.org.uk
Type: Girls. Music awards: One 11+ and on 16+ music scholarship is available each year, up to a value of 25% fees. Age range: 4–18.
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Music scholarships and exhibitions for ages 11–18.
James Allen’s Girls’ School 144 East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8TE Tel: 020 8693 1181; 020 8613 6436 (mus dept) www.jags.org.uk
Type: Girls. Music awards: Music awards for intake at Yr 7 and 12. Major scholarships are worth £1,000 pa, minor scholarships are for £500 pa. 2012 – 2013 Scholarship details are here. There is just ONE major music scholarship awarded per year at 11+ and one at 16+.
King’s College School Wimbledon London SW19 4TT Tel: 020 8255 5386 www.kcs.org.uk
Type: Boys. Music awards: 2 or more music scholarships value up to £1500 plus 6th form org scholarship. Orch insts preferred.
Putney High School GDST 35 Putney Hill, London SW15 6BH Tel: 020 8788 4886 www.putneyhigh.co.uk
Denise Lodge, head. Type: Girls. Music awards: Music scholarships available at 11+ and 16+.
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Scholarships offered at entry to Year 7, Year 10, and Year 12. Full details available from the PA to the dir of mus.
St Dunstan’s College Stanstead Rd, London SE6 4TY Tel: 020 8516 7200 www.stdunstans.org.uk
Type: Co-ed. Music awards: Specialist scholarships in music (also drama, art, sport), only awarded if outstanding candidates identified. Scholarship worth up to 25% of fees, plus cost of tuition on 1 inst.
Type: Boys. Music awards: Free tuition in 1 or 2 insts. Age under 14 on 1 Sep; min grade 6 on 1st instrument with 2nd instrument or voice. 1 or more 6th form awards available pa including biennial org scholarship.
Streatham & Clapham High School 42 Abbotswood Rd, London SW16 1AW Tel: 020 8677 8400 www.schs.gdst.net
Type: Girls. Music awards: Specialist scholarships, inc music, and bursaries available.
Type: Boys. Music awards: Numerous awards made to boys age 10–13 (1 Sep) on admission or subsequently, and at 6th form. Choral experience considered. Up to 50% fees (augmented in cases of need). Free inst tuition, private or school.
Whitgift School Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT Tel: 020 8688 9222 www.whitgift.co.uk
Type: Boys. Music awards: Generous scholarships and awards made pa on admission or subsequently to musically-talented pupils for instrumental tuition, selection by audition.
