The Theory Placement Exam (TPE) is a two-hour exam that all entering graduate students in Music must take prior to their first semester of study. (It is also used for placement by more advanced undergraduate transfer students.) Instructions are sent before students enter.
What is the test like?
The TPE tests proficiency in several areas, including:
Written theory
- Identification of diatonic triads and seventh chords in root position and inversions, using Roman numeral/figured bass symbols: knowledge of popular (commercial) chord symbols may also be included
- Identification of cadences, phrases, and periods
- Identification of non-harmonic tones
- Part-writing example in SATB chorale style (either given a soprano and bass line and figure, or a progression with only a bass line) and providing a Roman numeral analysis
- Figured bass realization
- Harmonic analysis of a composition for piano. The example may contain modulations, secondary dominants, altered chords, and/or nonfunctional harmony or extended tertian chords
- Analysis of form (usually an excerpt from a work for piano): periods, phrases, types of cadences, form diagrams (including thematic and key structure)
- Form diagrams: classical rondo form, classical sonata form
Aural theory
- Pitch pattern, interval, triad, and seventh chord identification
- Rhythmic dictation
- Melodic dictation
- Harmonic dictation, including soprano, bass, and Roman numerals
The TPE may be taken only once, and may not be repeated.
What are the possible placement results of the TPE?
Possible TPE placements are:
- MUS 488, Graduate Theory Review (note: this is a remedial course that does not count towards degree progress)
- Permission to register for graduate-level theory courses
I did my undergraduate degree in Music at Catholic University. Do I need to take the TPE?
Yes. Only master's degree students continuing on to doctorates omit the TPE.