Music Placement Test

Fundamentals Screen Test

All incoming freshman who intend to major, minor or take a concentration in music are required to take this test at the time of their audition. This placement tool assesses rudimentary music theory concepts and skills such as reading pitches in treble and bass clefs, basic rhythmic patterns, understanding basic concepts in rhythm and meter, the major scales, and major key signatures. Any student with a score under the requirement for MUS 1080 placement will be required to take MUS 1060 and/or MUS 1065 Fundamentals of Music Theory, which is a pre-requisite to MUS 1080 Introduction to Musicianship.

Music Theory and Aural Skills Proficiency Test

All transfer students (and any first year students who wish to test out of MUS 1080 Introduction to Musicianship) who intend to major, minor or take a concentration in music are required to take this test for theory placement and aural skills placement. This test will be offered once during VIP (Vikings in Progress Summer Orientation Day) and once during Threshold (fall orientation). This test and a music transcript evaluation is required before you can register for theory and/or aural skills classes.

Keyboard Placement Test

All first year and transfer students who intend to major, minor or take a concentration in music are required to take a keyboard placement test. This test will be offered once during VIP (Vikings in Progress Summer Orientation Day) and once during Threshold (fall orientation). The keyboard placement will consist of a short consultation to evaluate correct placement in Keyboard Skills. Students will be asked to play scales, chords and perform sight-reading, levels of which will be based on conversations with the evaluator. For registration purposes, students will be temporarily be placed in Keyboard Skills level I/II until a music transcript evaluation and a placement test has been completed.

Ensemble Auditions

Any student interested in auditioning for an ensemble should sign up for an audition during Threshold (fall orientation) in Hanson Hall. Auditions will be held during the first week of class.

• Orchestra: Auditions required. Auditions are 5-7 minutes in length. Students should prepare one short piece or movement of their choice. Auditions may include some sight-singing/playing.
• University Choir, Women’s Choir and Chamber Singers: Auditions required. Auditions are 5-7 minutes in length. Students will be asked to sing without accompaniment "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" in an appropriate key for their voice, and vocalize to determine their range and voice part. Students auditioning for Chamber Singers will also be asked to sight-singing and ear training exercises may be included.
• Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Combo: Auditions required. Attend the first rehearsal. Auditions will follow the rehearsal.
• Concert Band: No audition is required. To be in the ensemble, simply attend the first rehearsal and sign the instructor’s registration sheet.
• Gospel Choir: No audition is required. To be in the ensemble, simply attend the first rehearsal and sign the instructor’s registration sheet.
• Chamber Ensembles & Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Contact Dr. Joe Lill 
• Worship Teams: Contact Stephen Kelly
• Opera Workshop: Contact Dr. Terree Shofner-Emrich

 
Questions about the Music Placement Test should be directed to the School of Music.

Guidelines and policies are subject to change without notification.