Music Theory Placement
What music theory class should I take ?
Diagnostic exam: In order to place students into the appropriate level of pre-theory or required theory course, the department will administer a theory diagnostic exam during the first class session of MU 141 and MU 241.
Pre-registration: During pre-registration, students should use the following guidelines to predict which course level will probably be appropriate for their skill level.
MU 101: You will probably be placed into MU 101 if:
- you do not read musical notation fluently, and
- you have little or no formal background in rudimentary music theory (notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, etc.)
MU 141: You will probably be placed into MU 141 if:
- you are an experienced performer who reads notated music fluently in one clef only (bass or treble) and not the other, and
- you have reasonable working knowledge of some but not all of rudimentary theory (notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, etc.).
MU 241: You will probably be placed into MU 241 if:
- you read notated music fluently in both bass and treble clefs (although one may be stronger), and
- you have basic mastery of most of rudimentary theory (notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, etc.)
Questions: Please contact the following faculty with questions about these courses: