Play two notes and ask whether the second note sounds higher or lower. Keep the range small at first.
AMEB Piano Grade 1 · Aural practice
Grade 1 aural test practice at home
A practical parent-and-teacher guide for short aural work between piano lessons: listening for higher/lower pitch, keeping a steady beat, and building a simple weekly routine.
Independent resource: Music Maestro is not affiliated with or endorsed by AMEB. This page gives original practice routines, not official examination questions. Confirm current requirements with the student’s teacher and current syllabus.
What to practise first
At Grade 1, aural preparation should be short and regular. The aim is not to cram a list of answers, but to make listening feel normal before the lesson or exam room.
Clap, tap or walk the beat while a short piece plays. The goal is an even pulse, not speed.
Use plain language: higher, lower, same, faster, slower, louder, softer, smooth, detached.
A five-day home routine
Use one task each day. Stop while the student is still accurate rather than turning listening into a long test.
- Day 1 Play two notes on the piano. Student says higher or lower. Do six examples.
- Day 2 Put on one current piece. Student taps the beat for 20 seconds.
- Day 3 Sing or play a tiny two-note pattern. Student copies the direction with their voice or finger.
- Day 4 Ask whether a short phrase sounds smooth or detached, loud or soft.
- Day 5 Try the interactive aural drill, then write one listening question to ask the teacher.
Three original practice prompts
Prompt 1 — higher or lower
Play middle C, then the G above it. Ask: “Did the second note move higher or lower?” Then reverse the order.
Prompt 2 — steady beat
Choose a slow piece the student already knows. Count four beats in, then tap the beat together for four bars.
Prompt 3 — describe the sound
Play the same two-bar phrase once smoothly and once detached. Ask the student to describe the difference in everyday words.
Official syllabus and examination requirements can change. Check the current official AMEB syllabus and the AMEB NSW Grade 1 Piano Comprehensive overview, which lists aural tests and general knowledge alongside the practical work.
Continue with interactive practice
Grade 1 aural practice is free in Music Maestro. Grade 2–3 content is available as a one-time unlock if the student needs higher-grade practice later.
Start the free aural drill Open the parent guide