Music Theory Placement Exam

Students following a music major, music minor, or music concentration curriculum must demonstrate fundamental music theory proficiency prior to enrollment in MUS 101 (Harmony & Analysis I) & MUS 103 (Aural Skills I). This may be accomplished through completing MUS 090 - Fundamentals of Music or through a placement exam. This exam is administered during the first week of fall semester classes or by appointment.

The proficiency exam consists of terminology, clefs, major and minor scales, including the harmonic minor and melodic minor forms, key signatures, rhythm, and triads. You may download a study guide (316 KB pdf) to help you decide whether you wish to take the placement exam. Terminology and general format for the exam are consistent with the material presented in the MUS 090 text as listed below.

Ottman, Robert W. and Mainous, Frank. Rudiments of Music Theory, Pearson--Prentice Hall, Copyright © 2004. ISBN 0-13-182655-7

Also included as part of the fundamentals course is a demonstrated ability to tap rhythms at sight, which is facilitated through computer testing. With the guidance of the instructor, students may work at their convenience and at their own pace to complete the necessary computer rhythm modules.