Music Theory Placement Exam
Prior to taking Music Theory I or Aural Skills I, all students must first take a Music Theory Placement Exam. The exam is administered at 91ÁÔÆæ audition dates and again during the first day of fall classes: 9 a.m. in the Music Theory I classroom, Nix 204 in Dahlonega or Music 121 in Gainesville.
- Students who pass the exam may enroll in MUSC 1001: Music Theory I and MUSC 1011: Aural Skills I. Students who pass the exam but would like more confidence with basic principles before taking Music Theory I or Aural Skills I may elect to take MUSC 1000: Music Fundamentals.
- Students who do not take or pass the exam must first enroll in MUSC 1000: Music Fundamentals. Students who take but do not pass the exam prior to the first week of classes may retake the exam during the first week of classes.
*Students are encouraged to study online resources listed in the “Preparation” section of this page.
What the Exam Covers
Topics in theory and aural skills include:
- Meter and Rhythm Notation
- Scales
- Intervals
- Triads
- Key Signatures
Preparation
We recommended these online resources to help prepare before taking the exam.
- Lessons and exercises at
- Lessons and exercises at
- Lectures by
- Collegeboard AP's advanced placement
AP Credit and Transfer Students
As set by the general University System of Georgia, students who receive a score of 3 or higher on the AP Test may be exempt from taking both Music Theory I and Aural Skills I. For details, refer to the AP Credit at 91ÁÔÆæ webpage.
Transfer students are placed on an individual basis, according to proficiency with music theory and aural skills.
Our Music Theory I course covers many topics in considerable depth. Those include voice leading and analysis of diatonic harmony with embellishing tones and suspensions. So, even students entering with strong theory backgrounds may want to take Theory I.