The Graduate Entrance Examination in Music Theory is a standardized multiple-choice exam, which determines what theory courses a graduate student in music must take. The exam has two components, aural and written, and takes approximately 2 hours.
Proficiency with the following topics is also expected from graduating seniors. Therefore, transfer students may use this page as a guide before taking their placement exams.
I. The aural skills portion tests recognition and identification of heard musical examples. The following items may be tested:
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Intervals Triads Seventh-chords Keys and modes |
Chord function Chromatic harmony Rhythmic patterns Motivic development |
Scale degrees Non-chord tones Modulation Cadences |
Phrases Periods Error detection (pitch) Error detection (rhythm) |
II. The written portion tests knowledge of basic musical elements and procedures. The following concepts may be tested:
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Clefs Intervals Keys and modes Triads Chord function Seventh-chords |
Meter Rhythmic Values Texture Figured bass Motivic development Harmonization |
Progression Non-chord tones Voice leading Modulation Cadences Harmonic Rhythm |
Chromatic harmony Extended harmony Key relations Phrase amd Period Structure Fugue and Contrapuntal Techniques Form |
In addition, the following twentieth-century concepts may be tested:
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Atonality Serialism PC set analysis |
Modes Alternate scales Polytonality/polychords |
Chord clusters Quartal/quintal harmony |
For more information, contact:
Dr. Gabe Fankhauser, fankhauserg@appstate.edu