Musical Aptitude Indicator (MAI)

Administration Instructions

This page is an online copy of the document mai_inst.pdf.

Please note that this activity is not a standardised test and does not equate to tests such as the Bentley and Gordon Standardised Tests. It is for use as a ranking exercise for aural acuity/response only and there is no grade allocation. Results should be used as one of a number of criteria for selecting students to be offered instrumental class places.

The contents of this kit are listed on the plastic envelope. Masters of the student worksheet, results record sheet and shortlisted student sheet are also available from the 'Downloads' section of the SIM website (www.sim.iinet.net.au). The kit should be kept in the school Resource Centre, and cataloguing information is also noted on the plastic envelope.

You will need:

  • Good quality CD playing equipment. If your CD player has graphic equalisers, please set them all at 0. The correct sound balance for the activity is inbuilt.
  • Enough student worksheets for all the students.
  • A quiet classroom for the activity to take place.

Before using in class:

  • If you are administering the activity for the first time, listen to the activity on the equipment you will be using with the students. You might like to attempt it yourself!

Administering MAI in class:

  • The activity itself will take up to 30 minutes. The CD runs for 17 minutes.
  • Use pencil and rubber (if needed).
  • If possible, do the activity in the morning when the students are fresh.
  • Get students to fill in the top of the sheet first. Age is in years only. Students should list any instrument they are learning, whether at school or privately.
  • You may need to explain the choice of instruments available in your school.

Marking and recording student results:

  • The enclosed transparency overlays the student worksheet, making marking rapid. List the results on each part, and the total out of 40 in the shaded box at the bottom. Write the student's name in the box for later convenience and for other teachers who may not know the student as well as you!
  • Sort results from the highest to lowest mark, and enter details on the master result sheet.
  • The original result sheet should be kept confidentially in the school records and a copy faxed to the School of Instrumental Music (9272 7877). No fax cover sheet is needed.
  • The scores on each of the parts (Pitch, Rhythm, Tunes) could be important. They may help explain an otherwise surprising total score.
  • The shortlisted student sheet is provided for your convenience in combining the MAI results with other criteria when choosing classes.