Music aptitude test at Ashmole

[Lovingred]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows a bit more about the music aptitude test at Ashmole. How hard is the audition?
Does anyone have any recommendations for singing lessons, please?

Thank you.

My DD tried for the musical aptitude this year. The first part is a listening test and she did some practice with her piano teacher. She sailed through this with a really good score but then was unsuccessful at audition stage. We did piano which is tough as there are so many pianists out there and we learned too late that it's best not to do an examination piece as so many kids do the same.

So my advice is to practice a really strong audition piece which is unique and therefore will be remembered. With Ashmole, personality is important too as the panel will have a chat with your child and gauge their enthusiasm for music. IMO they are more likely to take a child who wows them on a lower grade than a grade 8 genius who cannot answer any of the questions (which are straightforward, around what type of music they like, their favourite singer, if they're in any orchestras / choirs etc). I know of several children who were successful and none of them were on a high grade.

Thank you. That's very helpful. My daughter does piano, but she is not at a level where it is likely to pass the audition. We think she might have a better chance if she sings, but she will need singing lessons. Even the piano teacher said she has a lovely voice and recommended her to have singing lessons or join the choir from BeaTrust, but she is quite shy sometimes and feels nervous if she needs to sing in front of other people. We are still looking for a singing teacher around Southgate.

I don't know any singing teachers I'm afraid but if you're on Facebook and local to Southgate, I'd have a look on the Palmers Green Parents / Winchmore Hill Families groups as they will probably have recommendations. You can do two instruments so there is no harm in her doing both piano and singing at the audition. Good luck.

Thank you DawsonsGeek. I will have a look at the Facebook groups.