If you are interested in taking music theory or composition courses, you should take the Music Theory Placement Exam. You can take this exam at any time, but if you would like to enroll for fall term, you should take the exam before the beginning of classes in the fall.

For further questions please contact Justin London.

Connecting to and using the Music Theory Diagnostics (Google Forms)

Our online music theory diagnostic tests consist of three google forms:

Basic Music Reading Skills

  • This part of the exam covers:
    • Note identification in treble and bass clef;
    • Major and minor key signatures;
    • Meter Identification in short melodic excerpts.

This diagnostic is wholly score-based and does not involve any audio files.

This diagnostic determines placement in MUSC.101 and MUSC.110, as well as most composition courses.

Aural Skills I

  • This part of the exam covers:
    • Aural Identification of triad quality (maj, min, aug, dim)
    • Key (maj vs. min) and Meter identification of melodic excerpts

Links to the sound files are included with each question; students click on the link, and a pop-up window appears which allows them to play/hear the relevant audio file. 

This diagnostic exam determines placement in MUSC.103 and MUSC.104.

Basic Music Analysis Skills

  • This part of the exam covers:
    • Interval identification (simple and compound, in treble and bass clef);
    • Triad and seventh chord identification;
    • Key identification of melodic excerpts;
    • Cadence identification;
    • Part-writing error detection. 

The diagnostic is wholly score-based and does not involve any audio files.

This diagnostic determines placement in MUSC.110 and MUSC.204, as well as most composition courses.

Music theory classes are open to all students regardless of your intended major, but students who are interested in the music major are strongly encouraged to begin the theory sequence as soon as possible. The core courses in Music Theory are offered throughout the year: 101 and 110 in the fall, 103 and 204 in the winter, and 104 in the spring.  

Music Theory I: The Materials of Music (110) covers the elements of tonal melody, harmony, counterpoint, and musical form.

Music Theory II: Musical Structures (204) examines the nature of musical sounds and how they are combined;

Musicianship Skills Lab I (103) is a course that covers solfege, aural skills, and score reading.

Music 104 is the continuation of music 103, with more advanced study of aural skills and score reading.

Students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Music Theory exam are granted 6 general education credits but still must take the music theory placement exams to determine if they need to take Music 110 and/or Music 103. Additionally, students who have a strong background in music theory, solfege and/or music dictation may be able to test out of Music 110 and/or Music 103.