Practice Written Assessment
Answer key is provided. Answers are not recorded. Take as often as you like!
MSU Denver
Online Music Theory Placement Exam:
Friday, January 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM
In-Person Music Theory Placement Exam:
Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 12:00 PM
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. 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. Students who do not test into Music Theory I or higher will be required to take MUS 1010 Essential Music Theory Skills.
To help determine which level of theory placement is best for you, refer to the Theory Placement Exam Guidelines (PDF).
Students who have never studied music theory before are recommended to take MUS 1010 Essential Music Theory Skills rather than the Music Theory Placement Exam.
The Music Theory Placement Exam is offered both online and in-person during the dates/times listed above. Students may only take the exam once per semester, either online or in-person. The exam consists of three timed assessments: written, aural skills, and sight-singing.
The in-person Music Theory Placement Exam is offered during the January and August Audition Days. 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 testing out of the music theory sequence must take the in-person exam.
Students testing into levels I – IV have the option of taking their Music Theory Placement Exam online. Students testing out of the music theory sequence must take an in-person exam.
At the start of the online exam, students will be emailed a link to the first assessment by the proctor, who will be available via email throughout the duration of the exam to answer any questions or concerns.
Items to have ready before beginning your online Music Theory Placement Exam:
Entry into Music Theory I: 20 minutes
Entry into Music Theory II: 25 minutes
Entry into Music Theory III: 30 minutes
Entry into Music Theory IV: 40 minutes
Entry into Music Theory I: 30 minutes
Entry into Music Theory II: 35 minutes
Entry into Music Theory III: 40 minutes
Entry into Music Theory IV: 45 minutes
For testing into Music Theory I. The practice exam shows you how questions appear on the Online Music Theory Placement Exam.
Answer key is provided. Answers are not recorded. Take as often as you like!
Answer key is provided. Answers are not recorded. Take as often as you like!
Take the practice exam to troubleshoot any tech issues prior to the actual exam.
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.
The requirements for each level of Class Piano Placement vary; please refer to the packets below for preparation information.
Class Piano Placement Exams are held by appointment.