First-Year Music Majors

All first-semester music majors (with no credits for college-level theory and aural skills) take an online placement test before the semester begins.

The results of this Theory Placement Exam determine whether you start with MU 1113 Aural Skills I & MU 1315 Music Theory I, or MU 1112 Basic Musicianship (fall semesters) or MU 1312 Essential Musicianship (spring semesters).

Test topics include:

Rhythm: completing measures with the correct rest
Time Signatures: determining the appropriate time signature for a given measure
Staff: notating pitches on the treble and bass clefs
Scales: notating major and minor scales
Key Signatures: notating and identifying key signatures
Intervals: identifying and notating intervals above and below a given pitch
Triads: identifying and notating triads

Prior to taking the online test, prepare for the Theory Placement Exam.

Students who prepare are more likely to pass than those who do not prepare. In fact, there is a strong correlation between those who do not pass the Theory Placement Exam and those who never complete a music degree.

Practice Exam A

Practice Exam A Answer Key

Practice Exam B

Practice Exam B Answer Key

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Transfer Students

Transferring four semesters of Music Theory & Aural Skills from another institution:
1. Your transcript will be evaluated by an advisor
2. You will not be asked to re-take courses for which you already have credit
3. Complete the Theory Proficiency Exam as soon as possible after arriving at TXST
Transferring fewer than four semesters of Music Theory & Aural Skills from another institution:
1. Your transcript will be evaluated by an advisor
2. You will not be asked to re-take courses for which you already have credit
3. Enroll in the “next” course: if you already have credit for two semesters of Music Theory & Aural Skills, for example, then register for third-semester courses
Transferring no college-level credits in Music Theory & Aural Skills:
1. Follow the instructions for First-Semester Music Majors

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AP Test Scores

If you took the AP Music Theory Exam, verify that your scores were sent to TXST.

Students who earn a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Exam receive credit for MU 1112, MU 1115, and MU 1315. You have the option to enroll in Aural & Theory II, MU 1116 and MU 1316. If your scores arrive after you enroll for classes at Orientation, change classes before the beginning of the semester.

Students who score a 3 on the AP Exam receive credit for MU 1112, as well as enroll in Aural & Theory I, MU 1115 and MU 1315.

For more information, visit the Testing Evaluation and Measurement Center.

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