GRADUATE ASSESSMENT TEST

REGISTER FOR THE ASSESSMENT TEST

The Wells School of Music Graduate Assessment Tests in Music Theory and/or History are administered online and require the Google Chrome web browser.

To register for the exam, contact the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Jonathan Fowler.

PART I - MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE

The first portion of the examination will assess student competencies in music history and literature. History/literature-styles, forms and genres of all major periods of music history, representative composers and their works, philosophical and societal issues relating to music history. This knowledge will be assessed through a combination of written questions and aural listening exam.

To prepare for this exam, students may find the following materials helpful:

  • The most recent edition of A History of Western Music By Grout & Palisca, published by W. W. Norton
  • The study guide for A History of Western Music, also published by W.W. Norton

You can also view the study guide for the Music History and Literature portion of the examination.

PART 2 - MUSIC THEORY

The Graduate Assessment Test (GPT) is a ninety-minute exam that will ascertain your readiness to pursue the required graduate credits in music theory and composition. Graduate students in music education, music theory/composition, or applied music must achieve a score of at least 70 percent on the exam. If these qualifications are not met, the student must register for a remedial intensive review course, MTC 591: Music Theory Review and obtain a passing grade before enrolling in higher-level music theory courses. Remember that remedial course credits do not count toward the total for graduation.

Review information about the GPT Assessment Test, technical needs, and a series of sample questions.

Assessment test results

Based upon the results of the examination and other admissions criteria (including, but not limited to, auditions, samples of written work, interviews), the Wells School of Music will recommend one of the following actions:

  • Admission: Full Matriculation
  • Admission: Provisional Status - remedial courses required (MHL 501*, MTC 591**)
  • Admission: Provisional Status - music history remedial required (MHL 501)
  • Admission: Provisional Status - music theory remedial required (MTC 591)
  • Admission: Denied

*MHL 501 - Style, Form, Genre as remedial history course
**MTC 591 - Advanced Chromatic Harmony

SATISFYING REMEDIAL REQUIREMENTS

Each applicant will be notified as to need for remedial courses as identified through this exam.

Students identified as needing remedial coursework must register for and successfully complete such course(s) during the first semester in which the course(s) is/are offered following the examination.

Students identified as needing remedial coursework and attending summer sessions only must register for and successfully complete such course(s) during the first summer session in which the course(s) is/are offered following the examination.

Students identified as needing remedial coursework must register for and complete the required course(s) prior to registering for any other course in the department in which remediation is required.

Remedial course credits will not be counted toward the total number of credit hours required by the student's degree curriculum. Remedial courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

Students identified as needing remedial coursework who do not register for and successfully complete the required course(s) within the time frame detailed above will not be allowed to register for further graduate study in music until remedial courses are taken.

Students who otherwise meet admission criteria for a degree curriculum (e.g. degree requirement, grade point average in field, departmental assessment through audition, assessment of writing samples, etc.) may be admitted to graduate study in music as "Provisionally Matriculated."