Music Placement Test
Fundamentals Screen Test
All incoming freshman who intend to major, minor, or take a concentration in music, or non-majors who are interested in taking music theory, are required to take this test. 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 prerequisite to MUS 1080 Introduction to Musicianship. The test is offered twice in February in conjunction with our entrance auditions, VIP, Threshold and by appointment. To schedule a time to take this test, please contact Dr. Rebecca (Olthafer) Ryan at 773-244-5623.
Transfer 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 and aural skills placement. The test is comprised of three sections:
- Written Aural Skills Exam (1.5 hrs) — Content covered will include material from MUS 1080 through Aural Skills IV (intervals, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, triad and 7th qualities, 4-part dictation, etc.)
- Individual Aural Skills Test (20–30 min individual time slots) — Content covered will include material from MUS 1080 through Aural Skills IV (matching pitch, interval singing, sight singing melodies, reading rhythms, scale singing, scale degree identification, harmonic progressions, etc.)
- Written Theory Test (2 hrs) —Content covered will include theory material from MUS 1080 through Theory IV (scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, sevenths, V7 and viio7 resolutions, chord qualities, inversions, figured bass, lead chart symbols, non-chord tones, roman numeral analysis, cadences, modes, transposition, four part harmonic analysis, secondary functions, chorale analysis, etc.)
This test and a music transcript evaluation is required before you can register for theory and/or aural skills classes. For registration purposes, students may be temporarily placed until a music transcript evaluation and a placement test has been completed. This test is offered once during VIP and once during Threshold. Those who need this test must take it during one of these two scheduled times. It is not possible to schedule an individual appointment for this test. To sign up for this test, please contact Dr. Rebecca (Olthafer) Ryan at 773-244-5623.
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. Placements are offered twice in February in conjunction with our entrance auditions, VIP, Threshold and by appointment. The keyboard placement will consist of a short 5–10 minute 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 may be temporarily placed in Keyboard Skills level I or II until a music transcript evaluation and a placement test has been completed. To schedule a time to complete your keyobard placement, please contact Dr. Terree Shofner-Emrich at 773-244-5632. Non-majors interested in piano lessons and keyboard skills courses should contact Dr. Terree Shofner-Emrich.
Voice Placement
All students registered for voice lessons or interested in taking lessons, are required to meet with Dr. Karen Bauer, for teacher placement. Placements are offered during Threshold and can be scheduled by contacting Dr. Bauer at 773-244-5626. Placements must be completed before the end of the first week of class.
Ensemble Auditions
Any student interested in auditioning for an ensemble should sign up for an audition during Threshold in Hanson Hall. Auditions will be held during the first week of class. Learn more here.
Questions about the Music Placement Test should be directed to the School of Music.
Guidelines and policies are subject to change without notification.