Theory Placement Exam Information
First of all, let me personally welcome you to the Hayes School of Music. We are delighted that you will be joining us in the fall.
All incoming freshmen that are music majors are required to take the Music Theory Placement Exam. Only students who pass the test (with a score of 70% or higher) may take MUS1001: Music Theory I, MUS1007: Aural Skills I or MUS1003: Basic Musicianship (which are offered every semester). Those who do not pass the Placement Exam must first complete MUS1000: Elements of Music Theory.
The exam consists of 50 questions focusing on the following aural and written elements of music theory:
* Note naming
* Scale writing and identification
* Interval writing and identification
* Rhythm
* Key Signature writing and identification
* Chord analysis (triads and seventh chords)
* Cadences
* Roman Numeral Analysis
To access the exam:
• Go to http://asu.expositionmusic.com/
• Enter in your ASU assigned E-mail address. You will not need a password at this time.
• Fill out the Student Information Sheet. Be sure to create your own password. Click Create Account.
• Login to Exposition using your e-mail address and your newly created password.
• Click Begin to start exam.
If you have problems with this page, or with logging in, please contact technical support at 828-262-6626, Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. If you have problems accessing or completing the test, please contact Doug Brantz (828-262-7357) or Jennifer Snodgrass (828-262-7231) in the Hayes School of Music.
If you have little or no music theory background, we recommend that you consult an introductory music text, such as the ones listed below, before taking the test.
TEXTBOOKS:
* Stefan Kostka and Dorothy Payne, Tonal Harmony
* Robert Ottman, Elementary Harmony
* William Duckworth, A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals
* Peter Spencer, The Practice of Harmony
The following websites may be useful for reviewing theory fundamentals and practicing aural skills:
AURAL SKILLS
http://www.musictheory.net/
http://www.good-ear.com/
http://www.ossmann.com/bigears/
http://www.emusictheory.com/
THEORY
http://www.teoria.com/
http://www.tonalityguide.com/
http://www.musictheory.halifax.ns.ca/lessons.html
Students who have received a score of 4 or higher on the Music Theory Advanced Placement Test are not required to take the theory placement test. See ASU Admissions for details regarding acceptance of AP credit. Transfer students are placed on an individual basis, according to proficiency with music theory and aural skills.