Department of Music

Graduate Placement Exams in Music Theory

The following outline lists representative source material for prospective graduate students in music preparing for the Graduate Placement Examination in Music Theory. The examination has been structured from similar material of comparable difficulty and the level of difficulty does not exceed sophomore theory.

A. Aural Materials

1. Rhythmic Dictation
   Ottman, Music for Sight Singing. 3rd ed., Chapters 8-14.
2. Melodic Dictation
   Ottman, Music for Sight Singing. 3rd ed., Chapters 4-9.
3. Harmonic Dictation
   Shumway, Harmony and Ear Training at the Keyboard. 4th ed., Units I-III.

B. Written Materials

1. Part Writing
   Shumway, Harmony and Ear Training at the Keyboard. 4th ed., Units I-III.

2. Analysis
   1. Diatonic and Chromatic Chords
      1. Bach, Chorale No. 261, Christ lag in Todesbanden.
      2. Mozart, Piano Sonata in F major. K. 280 [ I ].
   2. Modulation
      1. Bach, Chorale No. 21, Herzlich tut mich Verlangen.
      2. Mozart, Piano Sonata in C Major. K. 279 [ I ].
   3. Nonchord Tones
      1. Bach, Chorale No. 244, Jesu, Jesu du bist mein.
      2. Mozart, Piano Sonata in E-flat Major, K. 282 [ I ].

C. Sightsinging

Ottman, Music for Sight Singing. 3rd ed., Chapters 4-9.

The purpose of the Graduate Placement Examination in Music Theory is to evaluate the competency of each student in music theory so that the Graduate Advisor can more intelligently guide the student in planning a graduate program at Indiana State University. The examination is divided into three sections: aural materials (rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation), written materials (part writing and analysis) and sightsinging. To pass without qualification, a student must score 70 % or higher on the complete examination. Students scoring below 70 % must enroll in and successfully complete Music 601, Review of Music Theory (2 hours), prior to enrolling in the first graduate course in music theory. Music 601 does not count toward a degree.

All of the above materials are on reserve in the Music Department Listening Library (Fine Arts Building, Room 305).