Music Dept. Placement Exams

The Music Theory Placement Exam is for students who have taken formal music theory training either through college-level classes (including AP Music Theory) or private instruction, and wish to place into Music Theory I or higher. Students who do not test into Music Theory I or higher will be required to take MUS 1010 Essential Music Theory Skills.

There are three steps to registering for the Music Theory Placement Exam:

• Step One: Meet with a Music Department Advisor
• Step Two: Determine the appropriate level of theory placement for you
• Step Three: Register for the exam

Placement Exam Requirements

• All students entering MSU Denver’s music theory sequence must take a Music Theory Placement Exam, or take MUS 1010 Essential Music Theory Skills, or submit an AP Music Theory score of 3 or higher.
• Music Theory Lab I and Class Piano I are co-requisites for Music Theory I. For advanced theory levels, check specific degree programs for co-requisite requirements.
• Students who have completed MUS 1010 Essential Music Theory Skills with a grade of D or lower must retake Essential Music Theory Skills or take the Music Theory Placement Exam.

Advanced Placement Exam and Transfer Students

Students who wish to place into advanced levels (Music Theory II, III, IV, or out of the sequence) must determine the appropriate level with their Music Department Advisor. Transfer students with prior music theory credits are required to take the Music Theory Placement Exam before those credits can be applied to their degree.

Exam Scheduling

Students are required to meet with a Music Department Advisor prior to registering for the exam, which is offered in January, February, and August. Students may only take the exam once per semester. The exam consists of three timed assessments: written, aural skills, and sight-singing.

Music Theory Placement Exam: All Levels
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Registration Deadline: Noon, Aug. 4, 2025

 If you have questions about music theory courses or need assistance in registration, please reach out to the Music Theory Coordinator, Cherise Leiter at [email protected].

Exam Results

Exam results will be emailed the week following the exam. Exam results are valid for one calendar year.

Students are expected to bring a pencil and eraser and arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time of the exam to check-in with Music Department Staff. The exam takes between 1.5 – 3 hours depending on the level of theory being tested into.

Students with prior piano instruction or students testing into advanced levels of Music Theory may take the Class Piano Placement Exam to place into advanced levels of Class Piano. Students have the option of testing into Class Piano II, Class Piano III, or out of the Class Piano requirement entirely by taking the Piano Proficiency Exam. View Class Piano Exam Requirements by Level for exam repertoire requirements.

The Class Piano Exam is held annually on the August Audition Day and requires an email consultation with the Piano Area Coordinator prior to August 1. Interested students are encouraged to reach out well in advance of the exam date to receive exam materials.

Email the Piano Area Coordinator directly for consultation:
Jooeun Pak, [email protected].