Musicianship Placement Exam

In order to place all incoming students into the appropriate section of Musicianship I for their first semester of study, we require an online diagnostic exam in music theory. All applicants must complete the placement exam. The exam will assess your existing knowledge of written music theory and aural skills, but does not determine admission. As such, it is imperative that you take this online exam without any form of assistance (online or otherwise).
Download the Musicianship Placement Exam Resource Guide

How do I take the placement exam?

Applicants will receive an invitation to take the placement exam in advance of their scheduled audition.

What material is covered in the placement exam?

Part I of the exam focuses on written music theory, and Part II focuses on aural skills. You will have one hour to complete each part. You will be asked to do the following:

Part I: Written Music Theory

* Identify notated pitches on a staff
* Identify key signatures
* Identify key relationships (relative, parallel)
* Write specific musical intervals (e.g. major 3rd, minor 2nd, diminished 5th, perfect octave) in musical notation
* Identify notated musical intervals
* Identify the root of a notated scale
* Identify scale types (major, natural minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor)
* Recognize accurate rhythmic notation
* Spell triads (major, minor, diminished, augmented) in musical notation
* Identify the root and quality of notated triads

Part II: Aural Skills

* Hear two pitches and recognize which one is higher or lower
* Hear a scale and identify its type (major, natural minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor)
* Hear a musical interval and identify it (e.g. major 3rd, minor 2nd, diminished 5th, perfect octave)
* Hear a triad (major, minor, diminished, augmented) and identify it
* Hear a rhythm and identify its correct notation
* Hear a melody and identify its correct notation