Placement Examination
The Placement Examination is required of all students who wish to take music major courses. The examination includes a written test in rudiments, melodic dictation, general knowledge of music and individual examinations in sight-singing and keyboard skills, and a brief test in voice or an instrument. There is a more advanced test in music theory for students with previous training or schooling. The more advanced test includes figured bass realization, melody harmonization, species counterpoint, and keyboard harmony.
These tests are given solely to determine the student's level of preparation. The results are not recorded in the permanent record but are used to determine the proper course and section assignments in theory, ear training, music history, and major ensemble. The examination is scheduled in March and August for Fall registration and in January for Spring registration. For current examination dates, please see Applying to the Aaron Copland School of Music.