Practice Listening English Exercises for A2 – Music and musical instruments

1   1 Mia   2 Jason   3 Jason   4 Mia

2    1 ✓

      2 ✗ (Jason doesn’t like listening to opera.)

      3 ✓

      4 ✗ (Jason tried to play the violin but it was difficult.)

      5 ✗ (She hates listening to the drums. They’re too loud.)

Audioscript

Mia:   That was fantastic. I really loved it. It’s her new album, right?

Jason:   Yes, it is. And I think it’s her best album. What other types of music do you like?

Mia:   Well, I love listening to rap and jazz. We often listen to jazz at home. My parents and my older brother like it.

Jason:   Really? Jazz is ok, but it’s not favourite type of music. I like rock and hip-hop best. I don’t like listening to opera. But my parents love it! They listen to it all the time.

Mia:   Well, I think a lot of older people like classical music, but it’s not so popular with young people.

Jason:   Some like it. My sister plays the violin in an orchestra and in a band. So she likes playing classical music and rock.

Mia:   Oh, I’d love to see her play. Tell me when she’s got her next concert.

Jason:   Ok. We can go together.

Mia:   Great! Can you play the violin?

Jason:   No, I hate playing the violin. I tried but it’s so difficult!

Mia:   So what’s your favourite instrument then?

Jason:   Well, I really love playing the electric guitar. It’s a great instrument. I like playing the keyboard as well. What about you?

Mia:   My favourite instrument is the saxophone … I love playing the saxophone. I quite like playing the piano, too.

Jason:   What about the drums?

Mia:   No way. I hate listening to the drums – they’re too loud – and I certainly don’t want to learn to play them!

Jason:   I agree! So it’s your turn to choose an album. Which one do you want to play?

Mia:   How about this?

1 morning   2 afternoon   3 The Clarke School (C-L-A-R-K-E)

4 01572 39968   5 Phillips   6 infor@clarke4music.com

Audioscript

Emma:   Hi Shona. Great to hear from you.

Shona:   Hi Emma, so tell me about your first week at the music school. Do you like it?

Emma:   Yes, it’s fantastic. It’s so different from our old school. We have lessons in the mornings, but they’re all about music. And then in the afternoon we have school lessons like maths.

Shona:   What do you do in the morning lessons? Do you learn to play different instruments?

Emma:   Yes. You can choose two instruments, and then you learn them for the first year. I’m not sure what to choose. I love playing the electric guitar, so maybe the guitar and … the keyboard.

Shona:   Yes, and then you can play your songs – and sing them too.

Emma:   And record an album!

Shona:   Do you only do music in the mornings?

Emma:   No, we learn about the history of music too, but that starts next week. I can tell you about that next Friday.

Shona:   Lucky you! I want to be at music school, but my mum and dad can’t pay for me.

Emma:   This music school is free!

Shona:   Really? What’s the name of the school?

Emma:   It’s called The Clarke School. That’s C-L-A-R-K-E.

Shona:   Right … C-L-A-R-K-E.

Emma:   You play in a band, Shona. You can come here too! Ask your parents to phone the school.

Shona:   Wow! Ok. What’s the phone number?

Emma:   0-1-5-7-2 3-double 9-6-8-7.

Shona:   0-1-5-7-2 3-double 9-6-8-7. Ok. Got that. And what’s the name of the head of the school?

Emma:   The head’s name is Ms Phillips. That’s P-H-I-double L-I-P-S.

Shona:   P-H-I-double L-I-P-S. Ok great. My parents can phone tomorrow.

Emma:   Oh, and here’s the email. They can email as well. It’s info-at-clarke 4, as the number, music-dot-com.

Shona:   info-at-clarke4music-dot-com. Ok. Thanks, Emma.

Emma:   Good luck!

1   the violin

2   1 Tuesdays   2 25   3 park   4 Driscoll   5 643599

Audioscript

Sam:   Oh, hello. Is that the Park Music School?

Mrs Driscoll:   Yes. How can I help you?

Sam:   I’m phoning to ask about violin lessons. Are you the violin teacher?

Mrs Driscoll:   Yes, I am. My name’s Mrs Driscoll. What do you want to know?

Sam:   Can I have lessons after school? We finish at half past three.

Mrs Driscoll:   Yes, you can come here at four o’clock.

Sam:   And how long are the lessons?

Mrs Driscoll:   An hour. How many lessons do you want?

Sam:   Er, maybe two a week. Can I come on Wednesdays and Fridays?

Mrs Driscoll:   Er, let’s see. Erm, I teach another student on Wednesdays, but you can come on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Sam:   Yes, that’s great. How much is each lesson?

Mrs Driscoll:   Well, it’s usually £30. But because you’re having two lessons a week, it’s £25 an hour.

Sam:   That sounds good. Where are the lessons?

Mrs Driscoll:   At the music school. It’s 18 East Road. Catch the number eight bus from the theatre and get off at the park. The music school is near there.

Sam:   OK, thanks. Er, can you say your name again, please?

Mrs Driscoll:   Of course! It’s Mrs Driscoll. That’s D-R-I-S-C-O-double L. Let me give you my mobile phone number. Have you got a pen?

Sam:   Er, yes.

Mrs Driscoll:   OK. It’s 643 5 double 9.

Sam:   Uh huh. Thanks. See you next week then.

Mrs Driscoll:   Oh, wait, what’s your name?

Sam:   Oh, it’s Sam.

Mrs Driscoll:   See you next week, Sam.

Sam:   Yes, thanks. Bye

Mrs Driscoll:   Bye