Is there a music theory placement examination?
Yes, all incoming students are required to take a music theory placement exam. The test covers written and aural identification of fundamental music elements including: meters and time signatures, rhythmic values, clefs, note names, key signatures, and scales. Students who pass the music theory placement test are permitted to register for MUS 1610 Music Theory and Ear Training I. Those who do not pass the test must register for MUS 2200 Music Theory for the Non-Major. Students with limited or no background in music theory are encouraged to consult an introductory music theory text such as the following: “Music First!” by Gary C. White, “Mastering the Fundamentals of Music” by Rebecca M. Herrold, or “Fundamentals of Music” by Earl Henry. Students who receive a score of 4 or higher on the Music Theory Advanced Placement are not required to take a music theory placement test.
