The Theory Evaluation Test (TET) is a one-hour online examination which all entering freshmen must take prior to their first semester as a major in the School of Music; students pursuing both the Dance minor, and the Music 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 test and should contact Dr. Gorbos directly). 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 Harmony I (MUS 123)/Ear Training Sight Singing I (MUS 121), offered in the fall or summer.  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 Fundamentals of Music Theory.

The Theory Entrance Test is offered online over the summer (instructions for taking the online test are sent to incoming students in the late-spring).

Advanced Placement: The department of music theory, history, and composition uses the following policy for considering AP Music Theory credits. If you have taken AP Music Theory, please contact the music department's administrative assistant to let them know. 

  1. Any student that has taken AP Music Theory does not take the Theory Entrance Test. They are automatically placed in MUS 121/123, Ear Training I and Harmony I. 
  2. AP music theory scores will be considered as follows: AP Music Theory scores will be considered as follows:
    1. Score = 5. Automatic placement in Ear Training III (MUS 221-01) and Harmony III (MUS 223-01). Credit for Ear Training and Harmony I and II awarded.
    2. Score = 4. Automatic placement in Ear Training II (MUS 122-01) and Harmony II (MUS 124); Credit awarded for Ear Training and Harmony I.  Interview with theory faculty member during week 1 of the fall term to possibly place into Ear Training III and Harmony III.
    3. Score = 3. Automatic placement in Ear Training II (MUS 122-01) and Harmony II (MUS 124-01). Credit awarded for Ear Training and Harmony I.
    4. Score = 1 or 2: automatic placement in Ear Training I (MUS 121-01) and Harmony I (MUS 123-01)

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 harmony and ear training sequence in the second year (or 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.