Basic competence in music history and theory is a prerequisite for all graduate degree programs in music. Entering graduate students are required to take advisory exams in both areas prior to arrival; placements will be determined by interpreting the exam results in light of a student's educational background and the degree program for which she or he is enrolled. Remedial courses cannot be used to meet degree requirements within any of the graduate programs. It is the responsibility of the student to see that deficiencies are remedied swiftly so as not to impede their progress toward the degree.
About the Advisory Exams:
Advisory exams are required of all entering graduate students in music, including those enrolling directly in Ph.D or Advanced Certificate programs with the following exceptions:
- Students who have completed a previous music degree (undergraduate or graduate) within our department in the last five years are exempt from both exams.
- Students enrolling in the MA program in Music Therapy are exempt from the music history exam.
- Music Business students are exempt from both exams
When are they given?
Students are generally required to take both exams prior to their first
semester of study. Postponement of the history exam by one semester
will be granted and is recommended for all international students who
have not yet passed their English Proficiency Test. Other postponements
may be granted in extraordinary circumstances by the Theory Director
upon the recommendation of a student's Program Director. The theory and
history exams are given throughout each summer and in the week prior to the beginning of the second semester
(usually the second week of January). Information about the exact
dates,
times, and locations for each year may be found at the Graduate Theory and History Placement Exams upcoming test dates page.
What is the format and content of the exams?
In music theory and aural skills, students must demonstrate mastery of
fundamentals as well as proficiency in part writing, directed analysis
of tonal music, and various kinds of dictation (melodic, rhythmic,
harmonic). The exam lasts approximately two and a half hours. In music
history, students must demonstrate knowledge of the major historical
periods, styles, composers and genres throughout the history of Western
art music as well as a familiarity with the broad spectrum of music in
the twentieth (and twenty-first) century. It consists of a written part
and a listening part, each lasting approximately two hours. The written
part involves matching, multiple choice, short answer, and essays. The
listening part involves simple identification (multiple choice) of the
periods and composers of prominent works, as well as short directed
essays on other excerpts. The essay questions will also be used to
evaluate English proficiency within the Department.
How can students prepare for them?
Students can review successfully in a variety of ways. Students with
good preparation in their undergraduate programs might review materials
and texts from their undergraduate courses. Also recommended are any of
the major comprehensive texts in either area. In particular, we
recommend the sources below. For theory, either of the following:
- Laitz, Steven. The Complete Musician. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003).
- Aldwell, Edward and Carl Schachter. Harmony and Voice Leading, 2nd ed. (San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1989
For music history, both of the following:
- Grout, Donald J. and Claude Palisca. A History of Western Music, 6th ed. (New York: W. W. Norton, 2001).
- Palisca, Claude. Norton Anthology of Western Music, 4th ed. (New York: W. W. Norton, 2001)
- Poultney, David. Studying Music History: Learning, Reasoning, and Writing about Music History and Literature, 2nd ed. (Prentice Hall, 1995)
Do students need to sign up for the exams in advance?
No.
May students take the exam more than once?
No.
May students take remedial courses instead of the exam, or in preparation for them?
No.
About the Remediation:
How is remediation handled?
On the basis of the exam results, some students are exempted from all
remedial requirements. Many students, however, may be required to take
one or more courses in music theory, aural comprehension, and/or music
history. The Directory of Music Theory will assign specific course
requirements for those students in need of remediation. These
requirements must be satisfied prior to graduation.
May students write papers or do other independent projects instead of taking the required remedial courses?
No.
Who might I speak with for further information?
Dr. Panayotis Mavromatis, Director of Music Theory
Dr. Anton Vishio
Dr. Thom MacFarlane
Phone: (212) 992-8642
Email: smusic.theory@nyu.edu