The Keira High School student sat for the Music 1 aural skills examination yesterday.

The test required students to listen to four musical excerpts and use their acquired knowledge to comment on what they had heard - all within an hour.

Contrary to past papers, the exam lacked a much-expected classical piece, an element which may have confused students.

Drew, a talented drummer, said he had prepared for the exam by analysing every musical piece he heard.

"Everything you listen to, you listen to with intent," he said.

Music teacher Trish O'Leary said her students had been well prepared.

She said the inclusion of a 12th-century piece was an interesting challenge.

"The exam gave students scope to write about what they knew and what they learned," Mrs O'Leary said.

Drew said the theoretical components of the course made him more aware of different techniques, improving his performance skills. "When you are forced into the theoretical knowledge it gives you more of a holistic approach," he said.

"I learnt subtleties that I can apply to the drums."

For the practical component, Drew presented an interesting twist to a standard musical performance by blending aural and visual components together.

As he played the drums, a painter created an artwork in reaction to the music, bringing smiles to examiners' faces.

Music is one of Drew's many interests. Next year he hopes to take a double degree majoring in commerce and English literature.