Placement examinations in music theory and piano, and applied music auditions on the principal instrument or voice are given during registration week of the fall and spring semesters to all entering students intending to declare a major in Music.  The Music Theory Placement Examination is administered to determine the student’s level of entry in the music theory sequence (MUS 099 or MUS 101).  The Piano Placement Examination is administered to determine the student’s level of entry in piano studies (MUC 110, 111, 210 or 211; MUA 121, 122, 221, or 222, Minor Applied Piano; or MUE 310 as applicable).  Applied music auditions are heard by the music faculty to determine the student’s level of entry into the major or minor  sequence of applied studies.

Sophomore Applied Music Proficiency Examination

The Sophomore Applied Music Proficiency Examination is the MUA 262 jury heard by a quorum of applied music faculty to determine the student’s mastery of performance skills that are prerequisite to matriculation through 300- and 400-level applied music courses.  Based on the outcome of the jury examination (pass/fail) the Music Faculty will advise the student to continue in the Bachelor of Music degree program or elect another degree program in the University.

Piano Proficiency Examination

The Piano Proficiency Examination is administered to determine achievement of required keyboard skills competencies.  For Music Education majors, a passing score on the examination must be achieved to successfully complete MUE 311; for Music Performance majors, a passing score on the examination must be achieved to successfully complete MUA 222 (piano).