11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi all
I need help with the music exam. I understand that 2 set of notes are played on piano and children have to determine if 1st set is lower/higher or if notes are missing etc.
So does this mean its a multiple choice answer sheet?
Second wuestion - I understand that you dont have to have formal grading to enter this music exam?
Third - do they have to write actual notes of music in the paper?
I ask as my DS has learnt Indian instrument from family and plays very well, but had had no formal grading. He is understands music very well - but understand Indian notes!
Help!

I have copied this from Parmiters website.Up to 10% of places to be allocated on the basis of proven aptitude in Music to be determined by prescribed tests. All applicants for places under criterion 6 must sit a written test of musical aptitude. The test is of approximately 40 minutes' duration and does not require any previous knowledge of music or music theory. There will be 60 questions in total in four sections: pitch, rhythm, texture and melody. Further details are to be found at the end of these notes.

There will be one test session in November 2009. Applicants will be notified in advance of the test venue. Those unable to attend on this date due to compelling religious, medical or other reasons will be offered one alternative date.

Applicants who achieve the qualifying mark in the test will be invited to an audition to perform a single piece on their chosen instrument or vocally. This will be a free choice of piece, which should last no longer than three minutes. As there is a free choice of instrument and piece, candidates of all abilities and all cultures will have equal opportunity to succeed.

Those applicants invited to audition will be given an individual appointment during the school day towards the end of November

Further Information about the Test of Musical Aptitude: The test consists of 60 questions of four types: Pitch, Melody, Texture and Rhythm.

Pitch: for these questions, candidates listen to two sounds and have to indicate whether the second sound is the same as the first, or whether it is higher or lower. There are twenty of these questions and some of the pitches are less than a semitone apart.

Melody: for these questions, candidates listen to two tunes consisting of five notes. Candidates have to decide whether the second tune is the same as the first or if one of the notes has been altered. If there is a change, candidates will be expected to identify which note has been altered, by giving the number of the note. There are ten questions in this section.

Texture: for these questions, candidates listen to a number of notes played together at the same time; this is called a chord. Candidates need to decide whether or not each chord has two, three or four notes. There are twenty questions in this section.

Rhythm: for these questions, candidates listen to two patterns of notes and have to decide whether the second pattern is the same as, or different from, the first, and where any difference occurs. Each rhythm will be four beats (or pulses) in length. There are ten questions in this section

Thank you, I have read the details on the application criteria too, but I need to know what type of questions ..... are they just multiple choice or are they expected to read music notes .... I want to know the actual content of what goes on in that exam room.
Also if they dont get through, I hope its not counted against them?
Please help.

It's an aural exam , they do not need to read music or be expected to write any music.
If they do not score highly enough to be offered an audition this is not held against them .