Who should take the exam?
All incoming freshmen who are music majors or minors must take the Music Theory Placement Exam. Transfer students who have not completed any college-level music theory classes must also take the Music Theory Placement Exam.
The Music Theory Placement Exam helps determine the student’s placement into the appropriate music theory course sequence. This will ensure the student is registered for the appropriate courses and sections.
Students who received a score of 4 or higher on the Music Theory AP Test are not required to take the Music Theory Placement Exam. See Appalachian State's instructions on transferring AP credit for details regarding acceptance of AP credit.
Transfer students who have taken college-level music theory classes are placed individually after the Theory Coordinator evaluates any music theory transfer credits. The student’s Academic Advisor will instruct the student on which music theory classes to enroll in when they meet to plan their course schedule.
When should the exam be taken?
Students must take the Music Theory Placement Exam during their audition date. Rooms and computers will be provided for students to take the exam. Students are encouraged to bring their own computer for the exam. Students can also take the Music Theory Placement Exam before their audition date if they prefer to complete it in advance.
Music majors who either do not take or do not pass the placement exam will be enrolled in Elements of Music Theory (MUS 1000). MUS 1000 must be successfully completed before enrollment in Music Theory 1 (MUS 1001) and Aural Skills 1 (MUS 1005) or Contemporary Musicianship (MUS 1003) during a subsequent semester.
About the exam
We believe that it is important to know music fundamentals with accuracy and fluency. For this reason, sections of the Music Theory Placement Exam have time limits. The exam will progress if you do not complete the questions within the time limit.
The exam consists of 5 sections of questions regarding written elements of music theory:
- Pitch Identification - Identify 10 in 2 minutes
- Interval Identification - Identify 5 in 1 minute 45 seconds
- Scale Identification - Identify 5 in 1 minute 45 seconds
- Major Key Signature Identification - Identify 5 in 1 minute 15 seconds
- Minor Key Signature Identification - Identify 5 in 1 minute 30 seconds
How to prepare for the exam?
If you have little or no music theory background, we recommend that you consult an introductory music text or online resources before taking the test. Appalachian State University currently uses the following textbooks:
For Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Therapy majors:
- Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis, 5th edition, by Jane Piper Clendinning and Elizabeth West Marvin
For the Music Industry Studies majors:
- The Craft of Contemporary Commercial Music by Greg McCandless and Daniel McIntyre
- Contemporary Musicianship by Jennifer Snodgrass
The following links may be helpful in reviewing theory fundamentals and practicing for the exam:
- Open Music Theory Textbook
- Pitch Identification
- Interval Identification
- Scale Identification
- Major Key Signature Identification
- Minor Key Signature Identification
Additional Information
Please contact the Theory Coordinator, Dr. Nicholas Cline, if you have any questions, would like additional information, or would like to discuss testing accommodations before taking the exam.