ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
PLACEMENT EXAMINATIONS IN MUSIC THEORY AND MUSIC HISTORY
All degree candidates (students accepted into the degree program) are given placement examinations in music history and music theory. Entrance exams are scheduled each summer for candidates entering the degree program. The entrance exams are given in the first two days of each quarter and on the Saturday before the summer Distance Learnin summer sessions, which are always scheduled during the last two weeks of June.
The placement exam in music history consists of six parts: Ancient and Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. The expected level of achievement in the six areas is equal to that of the undergraduate course sequence, Music 321-322-323.
The placement exam in music theory consists of two parts: Common-Practice Harmony, Voice-Leading, and Forms and 20th Century Techniques.
REMOVAL OF DEFICIENCIES
A. MUSIC HISTORY
Deficiencies in music history may be fulfilled in one or a combination of the following ways. The student may:
- Elect to be re-tested one time in the area or areas of deficiency. Successful completion of the test will eliminate the deficiency or deficiencies. The examinations are given during the first weeks of fall, winter, and spring quarters.
- Complete a research project in the specific area of the deficiency. Project topics are assigned by the Chair of Music History and Literature. No more than two deficiencies may be completed in this manner.
- Take MUS 521 and 522 through independent study before taking MUS 523 which is scheduled into the Distance Learning Program.
B. MUSIC THEORY
Deficiencies in music theory may be fulfilled by successfully retaking the theory placement examination in the area or areas of deficiency, or by taking one or two of the specified graduate theory electives based upon the results of the examination. Graduate electives that may be specified to erase deficiencies in Part I (Common-Practice Harmony, Voice-Leading, and Forms) may be selected from the following: MUS 502B Styles II, MUS 507B counterpoint (18th century) or MUS 504A, Analytical Techniques of Tonal Music I. Graduate electives that may be specified to erase deficiencies in Part II (20th Century Techniques) may be selected from: MUS 507C Styles III. MUS 536 (History of 20th Century Music), or MUS 504C (Analysis of Atonal Music.) The completion of the specified theory electives with a grade of C or better will eliminate deficiencies and the credit value of the courses taken may be used to fulfill music theory requirements of all master of music degree programs.
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