In advance of commencing studies, undergraduate students are required to take short tests, the purpose of which is to help us allocate students to the most appropriate classes for the Musicianship and Aural modules.
Students commencing the BMus in year 1 or Year 2 are required to take placement tests.
Students arrive at the RCM with a variety of qualifications and experience gained around the world. Our aim is to place everyone in a group where all members can work to a reasonably similar level.
It is possible to take Aural and Musicianship at higher levels in your first year. We will be explaining exactly how this works in your induction week presentation.
Your timetable for the year will be prepared once you have completed the placement tests. Your timetable will be available via the Asimut scheduling system by the afternoon of Friday 19 September.
Aural placement test
- We will ask you complete a short online aural placement test and questionnaire. This should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
- You should have already received an electronic link via email to the test and questionnaire. If you have not received this, please contact ellie.staples@rcm.ac.uk.
- You will be asked to listen and respond to several musical examples and answer some questions about your aural skill level.
- Full instructions are included in the form, and you will be able to submit all of your answers digitally.
- You must submit your response no later than 5pm on Friday 29 August.
You will asked to do the following:
- Identify two rhythms
- Notate three short musical phrases, two tonal phrases and one atonal phrase
- Identify four chords and their inversions (eg minor chord, second inversion)
Musicianship placement test
- We will also ask you complete a short musicianship placement test and questionnaire. This should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
- You should have already received an electronic link via email to the test and questionnaire. If you have not received this, please contact ellie.staples@rcm.ac.uk.
- Full instructions are included in the form, and you will be able to submit all of your answers digitally.
- You must submit your response no later than 5pm on Friday 29 August.
