MUSICALTALENTATTRANBY

This January, some Year 6 pupils auditioned for a music scholarship for Senior School. The auditions were held by Mrs Cook, the new Head of Music at Tranby. The test included; a sight-reading test, a simple aural test, a theory test and a Q&A. The audition also required you to play a Grade 3 piece of music. But what are all these music tests? And what is a scholarship?

A Scholarship

A music scholarship is awarded to pupils in a school that can play a musical instrument at a high level, it supports their musical education and encourages them to represent the school in concerts and festivals both within school and outside of school. Scholarships at Tranby are offered to students entering Year 7. They are reviewed annually and are dependent upon maintaining both academic and musical excellence throughout their school life at Tranby.

Aural Test

Aural is singing back a phrase your examiner has played for you You also need to clap in time to the music demonstrating your skills tone, pitch and rhythm.

SIGHT-READING

Sight-reading is playing an unseen melody by using only your recognition of music notes This is quite a difficult skill as you need to try to keep up with the rhythm!

Theory

Music theory is understanding music note values and knowing what music terms mean Reading music is also an important part of music theory.

Written by Jack Year 6

The Real Experience

To find a deeper explanation about the audition I spoke to Bethan, who auditioned for the scholarship, to see how her audition went and what her thoughtswere on the audition process. Bethan is a pianist and a singer.

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?

My experience was fun and enjoyable, but it was a little bit scary because I did not really know what to expect.

WHAT DID YOU DO?

I had a quick 15-minute warm up then Mrs. Cook did a Q&A on me After that I played my piece on the piano and also sang my song. Next, I did a sight-reading test. I also did an aural test which I found challenging as I have never done it before?

HOW DID YOU THINK YOU DID?

I thought I did well and am proud of myself for taking it on.