The Theory Evaluation Test (TET) is a one-hour online examination which all entering freshmen must take prior to their first semester as a Music major. Students pursuing a Music minor or Dance minor will also take this test prior to enrolling in music classes (see info on AP Theory credit below: those with AP Theory in their background, or other university-level music theory courses, do not need to take the TET and should contact Department Chair Dr. Andrew Simpson directly: simpson@cua.edu).
The purpose of the TET is to assess the level of incoming students' theory knowledge in order to place them in Fundamentals of Music Theory (MUS 101, offered in the spring term), or Music Theory I (MUS 123), offered in the fall. The TET tests proficiency in several areas, including:
- Pitch names in bass and treble clefs
- Key signatures
- Major and minor scales
- Intervals
- Triads in root position and inversion
- 7th chords
- Rhythm and meter
The TET has 30 questions and a range of response formats: multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching.
The TET may be taken only once and may not be repeated. Students who do not take the TET are automatically placed in MUS 101, Fundamentals of Music Theory.
The TET is offered over the summer (instructions for taking the online test are sent to incoming students in late spring).
For undergraduate transfer students: We now offer a case-by-case basis in evaluating previous coursework for placement into our sequence. If you have taken the AP Music Theory test, you will automatically be placed into Music Theory I (MUS 123). If you have no prior university level coursework in theory or AP Music Theory from high school, please take the TET with incoming first-year students.
Advanced Placement: The Department of Music uses the following policy for considering AP Music Theory credits. If you have taken AP Music Theory, please contact Department of Music Chair Dr. Andrew Simpson (simpson@cua.edu).
- Any student that has taken AP Music Theory does not take the Theory Evaluation Test. They are automatically placed in Music Theory I (MUS 123).
- AP Music Theory scores will be considered as follows:
- Score = 5. Automatic placement in Music Theory III (MUS 223). Credit awarded for Music Theory I and II.
- Score = 4. Automatic placement in Music Theory II (MUS 124). Credit awarded for Music Theory I. Interview with theory/composition faculty member during week 1 of the fall term to possibly place into Music Theory III.
- Score = 3. Automatic placement in Music Theory II (MUS 124). Credit awarded for Music Theory I.
- Score = 1 or 2: automatic placement in Music Theory I (MUS 123).
Please note that students who are placed in Fundamentals of Music Theory as a result of their performance on the TET, or by their choice, will begin the four-semester music theory sequence in the second year of study (or, if available, in the summer following the first year). This delayed start may, in some cases, result in additional semester(s) being necessary to complete the bachelor's degree.